New York on the Water
The main bodies of water dividing the city, the Hudson and East Rivers, offer a lot of opportunities to see the city and its sights from a beautiful perspective, or to simply get from point A to point B in a relaxing and scenic manner. There are ferries, water taxis, dinner cruises — even sailboats — that can show you the city from the water.
Most famous of all of New York City’s water-borne modes is the Staten Island Ferry, which connects South Ferry in Manhattan to St. George Terminal in Staten Island. While motorized ferries have operated there since 1817, and under city control since 1905, none of the ten ferries in the current city-owned fleet date back later than the early 1960s, and three have even been launched during the 21st century.
The Staten Island Ferry offers the best value of all passenger boats in New York City: it’s free! You can see lower Manhattan, Governors Island, the waterfronts of Brooklyn, Jersey City and Bayonne, and, of course, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. (And what you miss on the trip, you can catch on the return.) Just don’t expect to take your car — since 2001, they’re no longer allowed on the ferries.
The South Street Seaport Museum offers several cruises on historic ships. The 1885 schooner Pioneer sails daily on public harbor tours. The 1893 schooner Lettie G. Howard operates for sea education and sail training. The 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker explores the hidden corners of New York Harbor’s working waterfront on four- and six-hour “Tug Travels” excursions.
New York City has a number of great beaches, including Coney Island and Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, the Rockaways in Queens, Orchard Beach in the Bronx, and several spots along Staten Island, but the most unusual has to be Water Taxi Beach, at Second St. and Borden Ave. in Long Island City. Created by New York Water Taxi at its Hunter’s Point dock, the beach offers sunbathing, beach games, and a snack bar — but not swimming.
New York Water Taxi is one of several companies that operate sightseeing cruises on the water plus commuter service and both scheduled and hop-on/hop-off tours. Circle Line Downtown operates the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry from Battery Park. They also run harbor cruises, plus speedboat thrill rides on The Shark. NY Waterway is another ferry company offering both commuter and sightseeing services. They offer harbor cruises, and Yankee fans can take their “Yankee Clipper” service to games at the Stadium. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises offers cruises around the entirety of Manhattan (including the rarely toured Harlem River), and they also operate The Beast, a speedboat thrill ride.
One of the best ways to see New York from the water is with a lunch or dinner cruise. Spirit Cruises offers several options, including dining, dancing, and live entertainment, and gourmet cuisine paired with live jazz on the all-glass vessel Bateaux New York. World Yacht also offers romantic dining and dancing cruises.
For a dining experience that’s “on the water” without the boat, head over to Queens and Water’s Edge. One of the most romantic ways to get to any restaurant in the city is via their river shuttle, which departs from 34th St. & the East River — just a five-minute boat ride to the Long Island City waterfront location. The floor-to-ceiling views of the Manhattan skyline are breathtaking, and during warmer months there’s dining “al fresco” on the promenade with a sightline unimpeded even by glass. The eclectic American cuisine consistently scores high points.
Staten Island Ferry
www.siferry.com
South Street Seaport Museum
212-748-8600; www.southstseaport.org
NY Water Taxi
212-742-1969; www.nywatertaxi.com
Circle Line Downtown
212-269-5755; www.circlelinedowntown.com
NY Waterway
800-533-3779; www.nywaterway.com
Circle Line Sightseeing
212-563-3200; www.circleline42.com
Spirit Cruises
866-399-8439; www.spiritcitycruises.com
World Yacht
212-630-8100; www.worldyacht.com
Water’s Edge
44th Drive at the East River, Queens, 718-482-0033; www.watersedgenyc.com
New York City Activities
More Articles
Helicopter Ride NYC with Charm Aviation...Is It Worth It?
An NYC helicopter ride is a bucket list experience for sure. Elevate your New York City visit with a breathtaking Charm Aviation ride, offering unparalleled views of iconic landmarks. Discover the city's dynamic history, its architectural marvels, and the vibrancy of its boroughs from a bird's-eye view.
Is It Worth It...To Visit One World Observatory?
Everything you need to know about what it’s like to visit New York City’s highest observation deck.
Is It Worth It...To Visit Immersive Art Center Inter_?
What to do at this one-of-a-kind art center in New York City.
Is it Worth it…to Visit Madame Tussauds New York?
Discover over 200 wax figures at Madame Tussauds New York, featuring celebrities like Rihanna and Brad Pitt, as well as pop-culture themed interactive exhibits.
NYC Latin Vibes™ Saturday Sunset Pier 78 Yacht Party Booze Cruise 2024 at Pier 78 at Hudson River Park on 5/4/24
Sat May 4th, 2024 - NYC Latin Vibes™ Saturday Sunset Yacht Party Booze Cruise 2024 at Pier 78 - Huds
ALS United Greater New York’s Walk ALS New York City at South Street Seaport - Pier 16 on 5/4/24
ALS United Greater New York will hold their annual Walk ALS New York City on Saturday, May 4th at So
Hip Hop vs. Reggae® NY Jewel Yacht Party Cruise Saturday Skyport Marina at Skyport Marina on 10/7/23
Sat Oct 7th, 2023 -The Official NYC Saturday Night Cruise Jewel Yacht Hip Hop vs. Reggae® Skyport Ma
Timba Fest New York 2024 at SOB's on 5/5/24
Experience the best Cuban music at Timba Fest 2024! Hitting the stage will be Lazarito Valdés y