United States
Boat tours in New York
See the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing. New York works best planned by neighbourhood: Lower Manhattan and the ferry to Liberty Island one day, Midtown observation decks and the Met another, Brooklyn and Chinatown for food.
Best boat tours in New York
Free cancellation on most experiences. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What to expect
City cruises take about an hour; coastal trips run half or full day with swim stops. Rough sea can cancel departures, and good operators refund or reschedule.
How to choose
- Small boat vs large ferry-style cruise
- Swim stops and snorkel gear included
- Drinks or lunch on board
- Weather cancellation policy
Local tips
- Sunset departures sell out first. Pick free cancellation in case of bad weather.
- Statue of Liberty crown tickets sell out months ahead and pedestal tickets often weeks ahead, so book on the official ferry operator's site early.
- The Met is closed on Wednesdays, while MoMA and most other big museums stay open seven days with longer hours on selected evenings.
Combine it with: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry, Top of the Rock, Edge or Summit One Vanderbilt and Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Frequently asked questions
How long do boat tours in New York last?
City cruises take about an hour; coastal trips run half or full day with swim stops. Rough sea can cancel departures, and good operators refund or reschedule.
What is the best way to book boat tours in New York?
Sunset departures sell out first. Pick free cancellation in case of bad weather. Statue of Liberty crown tickets sell out months ahead and pedestal tickets often weeks ahead, so book on the official ferry operator's site early.
Can I cancel boat tours in New York?
Most experiences listed here offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Check the conditions on the booking page before paying.
When is the best time to visit New York?
April to June and September to early November bring mild weather and clear skies. July and August are hot and humid, and the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year are the most crowded and expensive.