NYC Speedboat Tour: Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island & Skyline

Summary

Fast-paced harbor ride with stops at Lady Liberty and city icons

You’ll zip across New York Harbor on a 30-minute speedboat tour with stops for photos at the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and Ellis Island. Feel the wind, hear local stories from your captain, and see Manhattan’s skyline from a fresh angle—there’s something quietly moving about drifting so close to these landmarks.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a boat tour in New York Harbor, but there we were—clutching the rails as spray hit our faces, zipping out from Chelsea Piers toward the Statue of Liberty. The captain (I think his name was Mike? He joked about his “sea legs” anyway) slowed down just as we got close to her. It’s weird—seeing her from the water makes her look both bigger and somehow lonelier than I’d imagined. The air smelled like river and diesel, not in a bad way. A couple next to us kept taking selfies and I tried not to photobomb them but probably failed.

We stopped for a good five minutes right in front of Lady Liberty so everyone could get their shots. Mike pointed out little details—like the broken chains at her feet—I’d honestly never noticed that before. Then he spun us around for skyline views: One World Trade Center looks massive from down here, like it’s leaning over you. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the distant horns and the slap of water against the hull. I still think about that view sometimes, how Manhattan looks all glassy and sharp from the harbor.

On the way back, we paused by Ellis Island. It’s less flashy than Liberty but you can almost feel its weight, you know? People on board got quieter here—maybe thinking about family stories or just catching their breath after all that speed. The whole thing took about half an hour but felt longer in a good way. If you want something quick but real—a different angle on New York—this speedboat tour is worth it. Just don’t wear your best hat unless you want to see it fly into the Hudson.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Speedboat tour of New York Harbor

• Depart from North Cove Marina
• Stop for photos at Statue of Liberty
• View One World Trade Center skyline
• Stop briefly at Ellis Island for photos
• Return to Manhattan

Top questions

How long is the NYC speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about 30 minutes from departure to return.

Where does the speedboat depart from?

The boat departs daily from North Cove Marina downtown, near Chelsea Piers.

Do we stop at the Statue of Liberty?

The boat stops right in front of the Statue of Liberty for about five minutes so you can take photos.

Is this tour suitable for kids or families?

Yes, families are welcome and infants or small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Are service animals allowed on this boat tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed onboard during the speedboat tour.

Can I use public transportation to get to the dock?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby North Cove Marina.

Does this include any landing or facility fees?

Yes, landing and facility fees are included in your ticket price.

What’s included

Your day includes a 30-minute speedboat ride through New York Harbor with several photo stops at landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; all landing and facility fees are covered so you just show up ready for some wind-in-your-face sightseeing before heading back downtown.