The 10 Best New York City Boat Tours

Taking a boat tour is a must-do when visiting New York City, as it gives you a full view of the mighty Manhattan skyline and many of its famous bridges and buildings. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely kayak trip along the Hudson River or a romantic sunset sail, you’ll find a cruise to suit your interests. Consulting both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News gathered nine of the best New York City boat tours.

Price: Adults from $112; students from $82
Duration: 2.75 hours

Admire some of the city’s most significant architecture on this nearly three-hour cruise from Classic Harbor Line. With a member of the American Institute of Architects as your guide, you’ll spot towering residential buildings, Little Island at Pier 55 and more. Guides will also discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting impacts on cities. Reviewers who enjoy the cruise’s quiet, intimate atmosphere describe it as the highlight of their trip and say it offers a unique perspective compared to other boat cruises in the city.

Tickets cost $112 per person or $82 for students ages 12 and older. If you opt to book a nonwindow seat, you’ll pay $82 per person (for a maximum of two tour-takers). Tours depart once or twice daily; between January and March, tours only operate Friday to Monday. The company also offers sunset, brunch and jazz cruises.

Price: Adults from $49; kids from $40
Duration: 2.5 hours

See all of the Big Apple’s top landmarks with this 2.5-hour cruise from Circle Line Sightseeing. The tour, which departs from Pier 83, completely circles Manhattan. During the trip, you’ll see the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium and more. Reviewers say the tour provides a great overview of the city and describe onboard guides as engaging storytellers. Others note that if there’s a high tide you will not be able to do a full circle of Manhattan.

Tours typically depart multiple times daily, though specific times vary depending on the season. Boats are equipped with free Wi-Fi and an onboard cafe. Tickets start at $49 for adults and $40 for kids ages 3 to 12. The company also offers an express cruise to the Statue of Liberty and an evening Harbor Lights cruise, among others.

Price: Adults from $32; kids from $25
Duration: 30 minutes

Those who love a good thrill may want to check out The BEAST Speedboat Ride. The boat reaches speeds of about 45 mph as it makes its way from Pier 83 to the Statue of Liberty. Reviewers say the ride is fast and fun and warn you’ll likely get wet if you sit in the back.

Tours, which last about 30 minutes, run early May through the end of September and depart hourly from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. You must be at least 40 inches tall to ride, and tickets start at $32 for adults and $25 for children.

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $75
Duration: 1 hour

Designed for photographers, the Adventure Sightseeing Tour takes riders on a U.S. Navy-designed boat past key city sights like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and Chelsea Piers, among others. The captain stops the boat multiple times throughout the 60-minute narrated cruise for photo opportunities. Participants praise the informative guides and say the tour is a great option for kids, who are sure to enjoy the thrilling boat speeds. Others say the cruise delivers on its promise of yielding great photos.

Tickets for the tour, which runs multiple times daily, start at $99 for adults and $75 for children 12 and younger. The company also offers private charters.

Price: From $65
Duration: 90 minutes

For a unique perspective of the New York skyline, consider this tour from Manhattan Kayak Company. The Skyline Kayak Tour, designed for kayakers with little to no experience, spends some time teaching you how to kayak followed by a paddle on the Hudson River. The tour includes a few stops so that guides can share information about the city’s history. Reviewers say it is a great value and a fun way to see the city.

Tickets cost about $65 per person. Participants must be 12 or older, and kids 12 to 14 must be in a tandem kayak with an adult. Tours depart at varying times and days during the week. Manhattan Kayak Company also offers intermediate and advanced kayak tours, as well as stand-up paddleboard tours.

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $90
Duration: 2 hours

This two-hour tour glides by sites like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center while you enjoy a buffet brunch complete with unlimited mimosas, music, games and open-air decks. Reviewers say the staff is welcoming and they had a great experience.

The tour departs from Pier 61 on Sundays at noon. Tickets start at $105 per adult and $89.90 per child ages 3 to 12. City Experiences also offers a traditional sightseeing cruise of the city.

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $25
Duration: 90 minutes

This 90-minute cruise takes you around the city in the largest tall ship in New York City. The boat offers large decks perfect for enjoying skyline views – as well as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – as you cruise around the New York harbor. Plus, you can purchase snacks and drinks on board. Reviewers describe the tour as interesting, relaxing and informative and say the crew is personal and professional.

Tours operate weekly, though specific days and times vary. Tickets cost about $60 for adults and $25 for children 12 and younger. Manhattan By Sail also operates a Wine & Jazz cruise, a sunset cruise and more.

Price: Adults from $63; kids from $51
Duration: 2 hours

Enjoy an elegant cruise on a European-style, glass-enclosed boat with Bateaux New York (operated by City Experiences). The two-hour cruise, which takes passengers past top New York City landmarks, also includes a buffet lunch, a DJ and games. Alcohol is available for an additional cost, and casual attire is recommended. Reviewers say the service is excellent, though the food receives mixed reviews.

Ticket prices vary by the day; expect to pay at least $63 for adults and around $51 for kids children ages 3 to 12. Children 2 and younger ride for free. Cruises depart weekly, though specific times and days vary. Bateaux New York also operates brunch and dinner cruises.

Price: From $80
Duration: 2.5 hours

Climb aboard the Enchantress with just five other passengers for a 2.5 cruise with Brooklyn Sail. During your outing, you’ll see Governors Island, Tribeca, the Statue of Liberty and more. Plus, you’re welcome to bring your own food and drink (though the company asks you avoid red wine and messy foods). Tour-takers say it’s an amazing experience, with many noting it makes a great gift.

Tours depart several times daily, but sailings are limited in the colder months. Ticket prices start at $80 per person. The ship departs from Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Brooklyn Sail also runs private charters and offers sailing lessons.