NYC Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise: 90 Min from Pier 16

Sunset on the Water: The Statue of Liberty at Golden Hour

You board at Pier 16 in South Street Seaport and spend 90 minutes on the water with unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and Ellis Island as the sun sets. The boat has both indoor seating and an outdoor deck, craft drinks are available, and there's no scripted narration. Just music and the skyline. Book ahead because this cruise fills up fast, and arrive 30 minutes early for boarding.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise with city views

• Board at Pier 16 South Street Seaport
• Enjoy craft drinks and music onboard
• View Roosevelt Island from the boat
• Pass by South Street Seaport historic area
• See Brooklyn Bridge crossing East River
• Admire New York Harbor scenery
• View One World Trade Center Freedom Tower
• See Statue of Liberty at sunset
• Pass Ellis Island immigrant port

The experience

"When does the boat actually leave?" The guy next to us at Pier 16 was checking his phone, and honestly, that's the first thing everyone wants to know. The Circle Line Statue of Liberty sunset cruise departs on a fixed schedule, so you show up 30 minutes early, find your spot on the outdoor deck or grab a seat inside if the wind picks up, and then you're on the water for 90 minutes watching the light change over Lower Manhattan. No guided narration, no forced commentary. Just the skyline doing what it does best as the sun drops behind New Jersey.

The boat itself is smaller and more intimate than the massive Circle Line ferries you might've heard about. You get both indoor and outdoor space, which matters because the sunset cruise in New York City can get crowded, and having room to move around means you're not stuck in one spot for an hour and a half. The outdoor deck is where the light is best, especially as you pass under the Brooklyn Bridge and head toward the Statue of Liberty. The water's calm most evenings, and the boat's steady enough that you can hold a drink without spilling it, which is good, because Cobble Fish craft drinks are available on board. Free Wi-Fi works if you want to post something, but most people just watch.

You'll see Roosevelt Island slide past, then the Brooklyn Bridge: opened in 1883, still the first thing that makes you realize how old this city actually is. One World Trade Center rises up at 1,776 feet, and from the water it looks different than it does from the street, less like a building and more like a marker. Then comes the harbor itself, wide and open, and then Lady Liberty at the moment the sun hits her from the side. Ellis Island sits just beyond, and if you know that over 12 million immigrants passed through there between 1892 and 1954, the whole scene shifts a little. It's not just a view. It's a place where something happened.

The cruise sells out regularly, so if you're thinking about it, book ahead. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Boarding is first come, first serve, and latecomers might miss the boat entirely and have to catch the next one. Bring a light jacket if you're planning to stay outside the whole time: the water cools things down fast once you're moving. Kids under a certain age sit on a lap, service animals are welcome, and the boat is wheelchair accessible if you need that. The app has headphones-required audio in nine languages if you want some context, but the real experience is just being there as the sky changes color and the city lights start coming on.

What’s included

• 90-minute Statue of Liberty sunset cruise departing from Pier 16 South Street Seaport.
• air-conditioned indoor seating and spacious outdoor deck.
• free Wi-Fi on board.
• restrooms.
• craft drinks available for purchase.
• views of the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, Roosevelt Island, New York Harbor, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty at sunset.
• pop music throughout the cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 16:00, 17:00 and 17:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 149

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by New York Water Taxi

Is this one for you?Book this if you're in New York for an evening and want the main harbor landmarks without arranging separate tickets or transport: the fixed departure time and all-inclusive boarding means you just show up and the sunset does the rest.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the cruise?

90 minutes from departure to return at Pier 16.

Where do I board?

Pier 16 at South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan.

Is food or drink included?

Craft drinks from Cobble Fish are available for purchase on board. No food is included.

What if I arrive late?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Latecomers may miss the boat and have to wait for the next available cruise.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are also allowed on board.

Do I need headphones?

Headphones are required only if you want to use the Circle Line App, which offers audio in nine languages. They're not required to enjoy the cruise.

Does the cruise sell out?

Yes, this cruise frequently sells out. Book in advance to secure your spot.

What's included on the boat?

Air-conditioned indoor space, outdoor deck, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and pop music. Craft drinks are available for purchase.

Can I see the Statue of Liberty up close?

You get an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty at sunset from the boat, though you don't land on Liberty Island. The cruise also passes Ellis Island.