With spring officially here and summer looming soon, it’s almost time to get out on NYC waters and explore the city! New York’s two main rivers, the Hudson River and East River are chalk full of incredible boat tours that are simply amazing. The cruises allow you to check out the skyline from every angle, and some even have live entertainment, special meals, and one-of-a-kind events.
If you’re looking for your next adventure to explore NYC the best way—via boat—here’s the best NYC boat tours to book right now.
1. Circle Line’s “Best of NYC” Cruise
This Circle Line boat tour separates itself in a class of it’s own…and there’s a reason it’s number 1 on our list! The 2 hour and 30 minute cruise goes completely around the island of Manhattan, offering unobstructed views of over 130 of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Manhattan skyline, Little Island, Hudson Yards, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, and more! Their boats are state-of-the-art and climate controlled, and they have some of the most knowledgable tour guides in the whole city!
🛥️ Book your tickets to this boat tour here!
2. City Cruises’ Bateaux New York Premier Brunch Cruise
How about a cruise of NYC and a delicious brunch?! This 2.5 hour cruise (brought to you by City Cruises) includes a chef-prepared 3-course plated brunch on the water with bottomless mimosas, panoramic views of the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, a live DJ, and so much more! It’s truly an experience that will impress a date, your family, or even your work crew!
🛥️ Book your tickets to this boat tour here!
3. Liberty Cruise’s Statue of Liberty Tour
The Statue of Liberty is undoubtedly one of our favorite attractions in NYC, and this boat tour will bring you up close and personal with Lady Liberty! With both standard and premium tour options, the 75 minute adventure departs from Pier 36 multiple times per day. If you’re looking for a boat tour with the best view of the Statue of Liberty, go for this option.
🛥️ Book your tickets to this boat tour here!
4. Manhattan by Sail’s Clipper City Ride
Fancy riding on a boat cruise around NYC in…a sailboat?! The Clipper City is the largest tall ship in New York City at 158 feet long and has the capacity to bring 134 passengers on a ride! The nostalgic-feeling ride departs from Pier 17 downtown, and takes passengers all around the New York Harbor. They also have special cruises too like sunset jazz cruises, golden hour cocktail sails, wine tasting cruises, and more.
🛥️ Book your tickets to this boat tour here!
5. Circle Line’s The Beast Speedboat Ride
This Circle Line cruise is for the adrenaline junkies…and it’s a 30 minute speedboat ride through NYC waters like never before. Starting at Pier 83 on the Upper West Side, “The Beast” rips through NYC waters with all kinds of twists, turns, and splashes along the way. The jet-powered thrill ride can get up to 45 mph, and will take you on a whipping and winding tour all the way out to the Statue of Liberty! “The Beast” opens for the 2024 season on May 4th!
🛥️ Book your tickets to this boat tour here!
6. Circle Line’s Landmarks Cruise
Check off all the landmarks from your bucketlist with this no frills boat tour that starts and ends at Pier 83 in midtown Manhattan. The 90 minute cruise will bring you down the west side, with peeks of Hudson Yards and Little Island before wrapping around downtown and heading up the East River. Amenities include an incredible outdoor viewing deck, an onboard café, free Wifi, and more!
🛥️ Book your tickets to this boat tour here!
7. New York Media Boat’s Private Boat Tour
Live out your luxury dreams with a private boat tour of NYC with New York Media Boat! Their private boat charters come at a steep price, but there’s nothing quite like taking in the 360° NYC views with a hand-selected crew. Rides are typically 60 minutes long and group sizes can range upwards to 12 passengers. Prices for private boat tours range from $550-$1100/ hour based on group size.
🛥️ Book your tickets to this boat tour here!
8. New York Water Taxi Cruises
New York Water Taxi provides a “hop on, hop off”-type of service that makes it easy for you to sightsee all different parts of NYC as efficiently as possible! Their daily ferry service connects Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Jersey City all together, making it the perfect way to explore the city…and also catch some waterfront views too!
🛥️ Book your tickets to this boat tour here!
9. Staten Island Ferry
We’re going to let you on our secret little FREE boat tour of NYC…the Staten Island Ferry! The fare-less journey is operated by the New York City Department of Transportation, and runs a 5.2 mile route through the New York Harbor between Manhattan and Staten Island in about 25 minutes. Whether you’re looking to explore a different borough for a day, or want to ride for free on the water, it’s our favorite hidden gem!
10. NYC Ferry
Similarly to the Staten Island Ferry, the NYC Ferry acts almost as subway system via the water! There are 6 routes, as well as one seasonal route, connecting 25 ferry piers across all five boroughs. The fare is $4 per ride and it’s the perfect way to have a do-your-own-boat-tour, especially during the summer! They have an open air deck, a bar on deck, and ports all over the city!