New York · NYC HARBOR CRUISES

The 15 Best NYC Harbor Cruises

118 tours  ·  from $16 a head

Manhattan makes most sense from the water. These 15 cruises range from a one-hour Statue run to a full loop of the island, priced and clear about where each boat goes and how close it gets to Liberty.

New York City: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry - Security comes before the islands
New York City Tours, NYC Harbor Cruises, Statue of Liberty Tours, Tour Reviews

New York City: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry

1.Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 18,683 reviews · 5 hours · from $19Our pick

Board a round-trip ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, then explore both at your own pace with multilingual audio guides. Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, home to Lady Liberty’s original torch, and the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum. Allow four to six hours, and check your departure option carefully: not every sailing includes Liberty Island.

“Enjoyed the trip, views were amazing and staff very friendly!”

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NYC: Circle Line 2h Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office - From the High Line to One World Trade Center
2-Hour Experiences, New York City Tours, NYC Harbor Cruises, Tour Reviews

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

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

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

Circle Line’s two-hour Harbor Lights cruise pairs close views of the Statue of Liberty and a pass beneath three bridges with live English commentary. You can move between the open deck and panoramic-window cabins, and buy drinks and snacks at the onboard bar. Guides vary by sailing; past tours have featured David, Alexis, George, and Andy.

“From our point of view, it was just the right thing to see N.Y. from the other side. The duration was perfect.”

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NYC: Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise - The Statue of Liberty, close enough for photos
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NYC: Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise

3.Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise

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

From Pier 83, Circle Line’s 2.5-hour cruise takes you around Manhattan past major bridges, the Statue of Liberty and more than 100 city sights. Expect live English commentary, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and a route that can change at high tide. Guides such as Alexis and Maliki have brought the city’s stories to life on recent sailings.

“Well worth it! I’d recommend doing as a first tour upon arrival to NYC as it gives you some perspective of the scale of the city”

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NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise - The Statue of Liberty photo stop
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NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise

4.Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise

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

Sail from Pier 16 for a 50-minute round trip past the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, and Governor’s Island, with a close photo stop by the Statue of Liberty. An English-speaking guide provides live commentary; Debbie, Nathan, George, and other guides have been praised for their humor and engaging style. You can sit in a climate-controlled cabin or head out to the open deck.

“Debbie was a great guide keeping us entertained while providing us with all the information about the various locations we visited”

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NYC: Circle Line 1.5-Hr Landmarks Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise - Lady Liberty and Ellis Island, without leaving the boat
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NYC: Circle Line 1.5-Hr Landmarks Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise

5.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 narrated cruise down the Hudson and up the East River. You’ll pass the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and three bridges, with skyline views from the outdoor deck or climate-controlled cabin. Guides such as David, Alexis and Malachy Murray have led memorable trips, though your guide will depend on your departure.

“Great trip . The weather was great, the guide was so knowledgeable”

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NYC: Circle Line "The Beast" Midtown/Downtown Speedboat Ride - From One World Trade Center to the harbor
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NYC: Circle Line “The Beast” Midtown/Downtown Speedboat Ride

6.Circle Line “The Beast” Midtown/Downtown Speedboat Ride

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

The Beast is a 70-foot jet-powered speedboat that reaches up to 45 mph on a 30-minute run through New York Harbor. Choose a Midtown or Downtown departure, pass One World Trade Center and Ellis Island, and pause near the Statue of Liberty for photos. Expect live narration, music, and a good chance of getting wet.

“Great experience for adults and kids. Prepare to get a little wet”

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NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise - Boarding at Pier 78
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NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

7.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

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

Sail from Pier 78 past Hudson Yards, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. A live English-speaking guide adds stories and humor, while an onboard photographer helps with pictures. You get indoor and open-air decks, restrooms and a snack bar; one complimentary digital photo is included, excluding the Statue of Liberty.

“Very friendly guide and has everything nice explained 😊 Thanks Molly 🙏”

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Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise - The Statue of Liberty and the harbor views
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Circle Line: 2.5hr – Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

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

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

Circle Line’s 2.5-hour cruise circles Manhattan from Pier 83, with live English commentary, close views of the Statue of Liberty, and river perspectives on the city’s bridges and skyline. Choose standard or premium seating, or follow the free app in another language with your own headphones.

“Great views and tour guide! He was funny and informative. we had a windy but sunny day, lucky for us This trip is a very good value and interesting way to view the glorious city- from the water!”

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NYC: Circle Line 1-Hr Statue of Liberty Skip-The-Line Cruise - Boarding at Pier 83
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NYC: Circle Line 1-Hr Statue of Liberty Skip-The-Line Cruise

9.Circle Line 1-Hr Statue of Liberty Skip-The-Line Cruise

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

From Pier 83, Circle Line’s one-hour cruise passes Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, and Manhattan’s skyline before bringing you close to the Statue of Liberty for photos. An English-speaking guide shares stories along the way; a free app offers commentary in eight other languages. You get indoor and outdoor viewing, but stay aboard throughout.

“Brilliant only complaint no one could hear the guide over the noise of the boat and people talking other than that well worth the money”

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Circle Line: 2hr - New York City Harbor Lights Cruise - Choose your seat, then choose your view
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Circle Line: 2hr – New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

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

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

Sail from Midtown’s Pier 83 for two hours of night views along the Hudson River and New York Harbor. Circle Line’s live guide shares stories in English as you pass Manhattan’s lit skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Choose indoor or outdoor seating; food and drinks are sold onboard.

“It was FUN!!! Lots of room to move around to take photos!!! Great concession. Very informative tour guide!!! He had a great sense of humor too!!! Awesome experience to get up close to the Statue of Liberty and ride under the famous Brooklyn Bridge!!! Awesome 2-hour tour for the ENTIRE Family!! :)”

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Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise - What the 50-minute format gives you, and what it doesn’t
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Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

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

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

Sail from Pier 16 on a 50-minute harbor cruise past Lower Manhattan, historic bridges, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. An English-speaking guide shares stories along the way, with guides such as Debbie, Tim, Danielle and Ian on some departures. You can take photos from the outdoor deck or stay warm inside, but the boat does not stop at Liberty or Ellis Island.

“It was a great tour! my son and I loved it we just went Christmas Eve 12-24-25 First time in NYC My son said this was on his bucket list! And I surprised him with it. I already had it planned. Wonderful time memories made😍🗽”

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Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry - The ferry turns the skyline into a view
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Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry

12.Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,189 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $59

Meet your English-speaking guide at 1 Bowling Green and cross New York Harbor by ferry for a guided visit to Liberty Island. Choose a 2-hour Statue of Liberty express tour or a 4-hour option that includes Ellis Island and its immigration museum. The guide and ferry tickets simplify the visit, but crown and pedestal access are not included.

“We had a great time with Mindy C as our tour guide. She made it fun for all including the kids. Would definitely recommend using her again.”

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Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise - Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and South Street Seaport
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Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

13.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

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

Cruise the Hudson for about 90 minutes past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan’s skyline. A live guide narrates the route, with guides such as Darius and Molly praised for lively delivery. You can choose a daytime or city-lights departure; seating is first come, and some seating and photo options may cost extra.

“Lovely experience,staff so friendly and helpful. Lucky for us the weather was kind and we had a beautiful sunset with liberty proudly in the background.”

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Statue of Liberty & NYC Skyline Cruise - Freedom Liberty Tour - Hudson Yards, Chelsea, and the west side
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Statue of Liberty & NYC Skyline Cruise – Freedom Liberty Tour

14.Statue of Liberty & NYC Skyline Cruise – Freedom Liberty Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,499 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $34

Sail from 455 12th Ave for a 75-minute English-language sightseeing cruise past the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, and more. A guide may add city stories, though narration can vary. WiFi, a restroom, and a snack bar are on board; a free shuttle serves several Manhattan attractions after the cruise.

“If you are looking for an experience where you can touch on everything to be seen from the Manhattan water front, this is the Cruise for you. It does not go into great detail, but it is just enough. I am a local and took my boyfriend. Price point was awesome, the guide did any AMAZING job and drinks were perfect.”

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NYC: Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise Skip-the-Line Ticket - Close views of Lady Liberty from the water
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NYC: Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise Skip-the-Line Ticket

15.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 New York Harbor cruise. You’ll pass the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan, with pop music, an outdoor deck, and heated or cooled indoor seating. Drinks are available to buy. The ticket skips the box office, not the boarding line, and does not include a visit to Liberty Island.

“It was a great experience! We had a beautiful view of New York and the Statue of Liberty. The sunset was amazing! The boat ride was fun and they played really good music!”

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New in NYC Harbor Cruises

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★ 5.0Private Sail New York with Brooklyn Sail (Reserve the entire boat)125 reviews
★ 4.9Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island by Ferry with Private GuideFrom $2756 reviews
★ 3.8Sunset Jazz Sail aboard the ‘Clipper City’From $14634 reviews
★ 4.8Statue of Liberty Private Yacht Tour19 reviews
★ 4.2Sightseeing Harbor Cruise on the Grande MarinerFrom $2323 reviews
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