New York: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour in Spanish

Summary

Experience New York’s iconic sites in Spanish with a local guide

You’ll cross New York Harbor by ferry with a Spanish-speaking guide, explore Liberty Island and its museum, walk through Ellis Island’s historic halls, and visit the 9/11 Memorial pools. Expect personal stories, real history, and moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the sunlight bounced off the copper-green statue as our ferry pulled up to Liberty Island — it almost looked unreal, like something out of an old movie. Our guide, Marta, waved us closer and started telling stories in Spanish about the people who built Lady Liberty. It was windy enough that my hair kept blowing into my mouth (not pictured on Instagram), but I could hear her perfectly. She pointed out Ellis Island across the water and said her own grandparents came through there. That hit me harder than I expected.

Walking around the base of the statue, you can smell salt from the harbor mixed with hot pretzels from a cart nearby. The museum inside is quieter than I thought it’d be — there’s this hush, like everyone’s trying to listen for echoes of old voices. Marta explained how immigrants would see this view after weeks at sea. I tried to imagine it, but honestly, it’s impossible to really get unless you’ve lived it. Still, standing there with our little group felt heavy and hopeful at once.

Ellis Island itself is only a short ferry ride away (the wind gets colder out there — bring a jacket). Inside the Immigration Museum, we wandered past suitcases and faded photos. There’s a wall of names; Marta found one that matched her family and laughed when I tried to read it aloud in Spanish — probably butchered it. We finished at Battery Park and walked over to the 9/11 Memorial pools together. The city noise faded for a second while we stood by the water. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

• Meet tour guide at Battery Park
• Visit Castle Clinton
• Ferry to Liberty Island and visit museum
• Ferry to Ellis Island and visit museum
• Ferry back and visit 9/11 Memorial

Top questions

Is this Statue of Liberty tour available in Spanish?

Yes, you can choose options with a live Spanish-speaking guide or audio tours in Spanish.

Does this tour include entry to Ellis Island?

Yes, all options include entry to Ellis Island and its Immigration Museum.

Are ferry tickets included in the price?

Yes, round-trip ferry tickets between Battery Park, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island are included.

Can I visit the 9/11 Memorial on this tour?

If you choose the full guided option, your guide will take you to the 9/11 Memorial pools after returning from Ellis Island.

Is priority boarding available for the ferry?

Priority boarding is usually included for some options but may be suspended due to construction (check current details).

Are audio tours available in other languages?

Yes, audio tours are also offered in English, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Russian and Arabic.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible including transportation options and attractions.

Do children need their own ticket?

Infants must sit on an adult's lap; children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult aged 25 or older.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip ferry tickets between Battery Park, Liberty Island and Ellis Island; entry to both museums; a live local guide or audio tour in Spanish (depending on your choice); plus access to the 9/11 Memorial if you select that option. All booking fees are covered too — just remember security screening before boarding.