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Boat tours of New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

Last updated: 07 April, 2024

In case you didn’t know, the city of New York has five boroughs. The smallest, Manhattan, where all the fun stuff is, is actually a small (and very crowded) island, bordered by the Hudson River to the west, and the East River to the east.

So seeing New York by boat is not as daft as it might seem – it’s a great way to appreciate New York’s spectacular skyscraper-infused skyline without the crowds and traffic, and comes with commentary explaining the history of the skyline, the famous bridges and the Statue of Liberty – useful without being too obtrusive.

Options range from a 3-hour round trip to a 30-minute thrill ride.

Logistics

Price from: £25

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 4+

When: All year around

Duration: 1-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

Tours depart from Pier 83 in Midtown.

The ‘Semi-Circle’, a 2-hour trip round the bottom of Manhattan and back, is a safe (and cheap) bet, with views of the Empire State, Statue of Liberty, Financial District skyscrapers and Brooklyn Bridge. There’s also a 3-hour option that circumnavigates the whole island, or a cruise to the Statue of Liberty and back in 75 minutes.

For the thrill seeker, there’s an adrenaline-pumping 30-minute jetboat ride down the Hudson to the Statue of Liberty and back.

The City Pass

The mobile-delivered City Pass gives you entry to 6 top New York attractions at a 40% discount: the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

When to do it

Cruises run all year round, seven days a week, rain or shine.

The ‘Harbour Lights Cruise’ runs at sunset, so you can appreciate the New York skyline lit up by a galaxy of office lights.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

New York City

Viator

The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest boats. Comfortable seating with lots of legroom and outdoor and indoor space for the best views of the New York skyline. Sit back and unwind on a relaxing two and a half hour cruise around Manhattan Island. You'll see all the sights on the only New York cruise to circumnavigate Manhattan in its entirety. Choose between two ticket types: Cruise with Standard Seating which includes general admission boarding and seating available on the outdoor deck or inside the temperature-controlled cabin. Cruise with Premium Seating which includes advanced boarding and exclusive indoor seating area in the temperature-controlled cabin with premium-cushioned seating.

Price $52

Min age 3

Rating 4.42 / 5 [3249 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

New York City

Viator

The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest boats. Comfortable seating with lots of legroom and outdoor and indoor space for the best views of the New York skyline. Take an evening New York City Harbor Lights cruise and, when seasons allow, bask in the glow of the setting sun and glistening harbor lights. While listening to an entertaining and informative tour commentary, sip your favorite drink and watch the City of New York light up for the night.

Price $54

Min age 3

Rating 4.39 / 5 [2565 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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New York Buffet Dinner Cruise

New York City

Viator

Grab your friends or that special someone and get ready for two-and-a-half hours of real New York fun departing from Chelsea Piers! This New York dinner cruise includes an attended chef-prepared buffet, fun DJ music with dancing and breathtaking views of the New York skyline from the interior dining decks and outside rooftop lounge. Creative cocktails, wine and beer available from the well-stocked cash bar. Enjoy iconic skyline views of Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and more! You will get a great view of Lady Liberty from the boat and get to take amazing photos. Don't wait - add this dinner cruise to your New York itinerary today!

Price $133

Min age 0

Rating 4.17 / 5 [1324 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise

New York City

Viator

Come aboard for NYC's most elegant dinner on the water! Enjoy a chef-prepared, 3-course plated dinner while you take in unforgettable views of the skyline from the East and Hudson Rivers, with the live band performing. Cruise past the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center and more. From the climate controlled interior dining deck or exterior open-air deck enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic city sights. Creative cocktails, wine and beer are available for purchase from the well-stocked cash bar. Semi-formal attire required.

Price $175

Min age 6

Rating 4.40 / 5 [1292 ratings]

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