On the water · NEW YORK CITY BOAT TOURS

New York City Boat Tours: Our 15 Best

22 tours  ·  from $24 a head

Every one of these 15 new york city boat tours has a queue of people who have already been. Below: what each costs, how long it runs and where they differ.

NYC: Circle Line 2h Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office - Starting at Circle Line and choosing your seat
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NYC: Circle Line 2h Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office

1.NYC: Circle Line 2h Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 8,222 reviews · 2 hours · from $45Our pick

Sail from Circle Line’s Manhattan pier past the High Line, One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, the Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and Chrysler Building. English-speaking guides such as Alexis, George, David, and Andy bring the city to life. You get indoor seating, an outdoor deck, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and drinks for purchase.

“Brilliant views of NYC along with the bridges and Statue of Liberty, highlight of our trip”

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NYC: Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise - Boarding at Pier 83
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NYC: Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise

2.NYC: Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7,268 reviews · from $39

Board Circle Line at Pier 83 for a 2.5-hour narrated cruise around Manhattan. You’ll pass three rivers, major bridges, all five boroughs, and more than 100 sights, with a close view of the Statue of Liberty. English guides such as Alexis, Andy, Jordan, and Maliki have made this tour especially entertaining. Indoor cabins, an outdoor deck, Wi-Fi, snacks, and multilingual audio are included.

“This trip was suggested by a New Yorker saying that it was worth your time and the guide was funny and informative, and that you got to see a lot of NYC from the water. Boy Howdy, she was right. It was absolutely up there with visiting the Statue of Liberty. The guide had lived in the area for his whole life, so he knew things that were historical and entertaining. You could hear him over the loud speakers clearly whether you were inside or outside, and he was funny. Personally, I would do the 2.5 hour cruise over the 1.5 hour cruise because you saw way more and it…”

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NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise - Starting at Pier 16 in South Street Seaport
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NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise

3.NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,873 reviews · 50 min · from $24Best value

From Pier 16 at South Street Seaport, you’ll cruise past One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Guides such as Debbie, Nathan, and George are known for lively commentary, while indoor cabins, an outdoor deck, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi keep the short ride comfortable in any season.

“The activity was great, but audio was barely noticeable in the back of the boat so we could not really understand much of what the presenter was saying.”

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NYC: Circle Line 1.5-Hr Landmarks Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise - Pier 83 and the Hudson River opening
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NYC: Circle Line 1.5-Hr Landmarks Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise

4.NYC: Circle Line 1.5-Hr Landmarks Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,778 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34

Board at Pier 83 for a 90-minute Circle Line cruise past Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Midtown, One World Observatory, and three major bridges. An English-speaking guide narrates the ride, while an app offers audio in eight additional languages. Arrive 45 minutes early for boarding and bring headphones.

“We had a great time and learned a lot and saw more things than we expected. It was a very foggy day, so we were not able to see the skyline or the buildings like we hoped for. It was still an amazing tour. I know. Our ride was beyond excellent and obviously so excited to be part of New York City. It was an amazing time, and I would highly recommend this tour.”

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NYC: Circle Line "The Beast" Midtown/Downtown Speedboat Ride - The Midtown and Downtown departure choices
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NYC: Circle Line “The Beast” Midtown/Downtown Speedboat Ride

5.NYC: Circle Line “The Beast” Midtown/Downtown Speedboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,259 reviews · 30 min · from $34

Ride Circle Line’s jet-powered Beast from Midtown or Downtown to the Statue of Liberty at speeds up to 45 mph. Expect lively narration, music, sharp harbor views, and a real chance of getting soaked. The 30-minute trip suits families and thrill-seekers who want a fast, fun alternative to a longer sightseeing cruise.

“I feel like they could of more turns etc but overall was really good value for money!”

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NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise - Starting at Pier 78 in Hudson River Park
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NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

6.NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,666 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34

Board at Pier 78 for a 90-minute cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers. Guides such as Molly, Darius, Al, and Rachel mix city history with humor while you pass Hudson Yards, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, DUMBO, and the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Climate-controlled cabins, open decks, restrooms, snacks, and a complimentary digital photo add practical value.

“Great views of NYC, Statue of Liberty and New Jersey. Al was a great tour guide and very funny”

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Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise - Lady Liberty from the water
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Circle Line: 2.5hr – Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

7.Circle Line: 2.5hr – Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,488 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $34

Spend 2.5 hours circling Manhattan from Pier 83, traveling along the Hudson and East River with live English commentary. Guides such as Alexis, Jerry, David Parker, and Postcard Tim bring the city’s landmarks to life. You’ll pass close to the Statue of Liberty, see northern Manhattan, and choose between standard and premium seating.

“Terrific information and festive atmosphere! Postcard Tim was a wonderful guide along with the crew!”

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NYC: Circle Line 1-Hr Statue of Liberty Skip-The-Line Cruise - From Manhattan’s West Side to the lower skyline
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NYC: Circle Line 1-Hr Statue of Liberty Skip-The-Line Cruise

8.NYC: Circle Line 1-Hr Statue of Liberty Skip-The-Line Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,342 reviews · from $27

Cruise New York Harbor from Pier 83 for 60 minutes, passing the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Your English-speaking guide, such as David, Michael, or Andy, adds lively stories, while indoor cabins and an outdoor deck keep the views comfortable in any season.

“David the tour guide was excellent, he was funny and informative.. he really made the trip better.. while learning along the way he really made it fun and interesting we laughed lots and really appreciated his commentary skills.. thanks”

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Circle Line: 2hr - New York City Harbor Lights Cruise - The first skyline views along the Hudson
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Circle Line: 2hr – New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

9.Circle Line: 2hr – New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,859 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45

Board at Pier 83 for a 2-hour evening cruise past Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. A live English guide provides commentary, while the Circle Line app offers recorded narration in eight additional languages. Arrive early for the best seats, since seating is first come, first served.

“This was my favorite tourist attraction. My first trip to NYC. It was so beautiful. The night lights were so beautiful. The MC gave us a history of what we were viewing. There is food and drink that can be ordered. The upper outside was awesome.”

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Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise - What you see before reaching Lady Liberty
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Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

10.Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,625 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Board at Pier 16 in South Street Seaport for a fast 50-minute Circle Line cruise around New York Harbor. You stay aboard, with no stops at Liberty or Ellis Island. Live English narration, indoor and outdoor seating, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and close photo views make this a smart short tour. Guides such as Debbie, Tim, Ian, and Danielle have been warmly praised.

“Very informative - a lot of history. Amazing views on the water. Debbie was an excellent tour guide!”

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Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise - The Statue of Liberty photo pause
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Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

11.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,073 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $34

Cruise the Hudson from Pier 78 for 90 minutes, passing Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and South Street Seaport. Live guides such as Darius and Molly add history and humor. Choose your departure carefully, arrive early for seating, and expect extra charges for some premium areas or photos.

“Excellent experience, lovable to watch, once in a life time experience and need to see again and again”

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NYC: Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise Skip-the-Line Ticket - Sailing past the Brooklyn Bridge
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NYC: Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise Skip-the-Line Ticket

12.NYC: Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise Skip-the-Line Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,397 reviews · from $24

Sail from South Street Seaport toward the Statue of Liberty on a 90-minute sunset cruise with outdoor decks, indoor cabins, pop music, and a full bar. You will also pass the Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade Center. Staff such as Debbie may help with photos and questions, but live narration is not guaranteed.

“This was an absolute highlight of our trip, amazing sights and very reasonably priced.”

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New York City: Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music - What your $145 covers
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New York City: Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music

13.Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,074 reviews · 3 hours · from $145

Spend three hours aboard the Louisa of the Seas, leaving Pier 36 for a plated dinner, live music, and nighttime views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Choose regular or VIP seating. The VIP option includes access to the upper deck and two drink tickets, while regular seating may offer less room and a view of the music area from below.

“We had a wonderful time! The food was very good and there was plenty of it! The views were great! We would definitely do it again!!”

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NYC: City Cruises Luxury Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise - From Pier 61 to the Hudson River skyline
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NYC: City Cruises Luxury Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise

14.NYC: City Cruises Luxury Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 881 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $112

Board City Cruises at Pier 61 for a 2 to 3 hour brunch, lunch, or semi-formal dinner cruise. You’ll dine at a reserved table while passing the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and more. Expect live music, narration, climate-controlled interiors, and outdoor decks for photos.

“Loved the experience!! Cassandra our host was the best ever!!!”

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Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise - The Statue of Liberty photo stop
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Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

15.Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 699 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $78Top rated

Board Classic Harbor Line’s vintage yacht at Pier 62 for a 90-minute cruise past Lower Manhattan, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. You’ll have an open bow, a climate-controlled glass cabin, assigned table seating, and one included drink. The smaller boat keeps the outing relaxed, though the Brooklyn Bridge is not guaranteed.

“The boat was great. Very comfortable. Perfect for chilly weather. The drinks and snack were also good.”

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