Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Private Tour with Ferry

Summary

Walk where millions arrived in New York guided by local stories

You’ll board a ferry from Battery Park with your private guide and watch Manhattan fade behind you as you cross to Liberty Island. See Lady Liberty up close and learn details you’d never spot alone before heading to Ellis Island’s echoing halls—where immigrant stories come alive in every corner. This tour feels personal and lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, I always thought the Statue of Liberty would feel like just another tourist thing,” I said to our guide as we squeezed past the Battery Park pigeons. She grinned — “Wait till you’re on the water.” And she was right. The wind on the ferry was sharp enough to sting my cheeks, but I couldn’t stop watching Manhattan shrink behind us. The skyline looked almost soft in the morning haze. There was a kid next to me eating a bagel that smelled like warm sesame — honestly, it made me hungry even though I’d just had coffee.

On Liberty Island, our guide (I think her name was Maria?) pointed out this little detail on Lady Liberty’s sandals — something about broken chains at her feet. I’d never noticed them before, and apparently most people don’t. The air smelled faintly metallic near the statue, maybe from all the ferry engines or just nerves. Security was tight but quick; everyone joked about what they had to leave in the lockers (someone lost their giant umbrella). Inside the museum, there’s this old torch — it glows weirdly under glass, and for some reason I kept thinking about how many hands must’ve built all this.

I didn’t expect Ellis Island to hit so hard. The main hall echoes — like really echoes — when you walk through it, and our guide told us stories about families waiting hours here, sometimes days. There were names scratched into railings and faded photos everywhere. We tried to pronounce some of them (Li laughed when I tried one in Polish; definitely butchered it). It’s strange how quiet it gets in certain corners, even with groups passing by. We left later than planned because nobody wanted to rush through those stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour

• Meet guide at Battery Park
• Ferry ride to the islands
• Explore Statue of Liberty
• Tour Ellis Island immigration museum

Top questions

Is ferry transportation included in this Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour?

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

Does the private tour include museum access on both islands?

Yes, entry to both the new museum on Liberty Island and the museum on Ellis Island is included.

How long does the day trip from Manhattan take?

The full experience usually takes several hours; plan for half a day including ferry rides and guided tours.

Are there security checks before boarding the ferry?

Yes, airport-style security screenings are required before boarding ferries and entering certain areas.

Is this Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and attractions are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Can infants or small children join this private tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What happens if there is bad weather?

The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions as downtown Manhattan can be windy.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip ferry tickets from Battery Park to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, entrance fees for both museums, plus all guiding by a knowledgeable local who shares personal stories along the way—so you get more than just facts as you explore these iconic sites together.