Although it doesn't have canals like Venice (the Gowanus Canal notwithstanding), New York is still a city on the water. Four of the city's five boroughs are on islands, and the Bronx -- while attached to the mainland -- is bounded, for the most part, by water. Not only that, but the city has several important "minor" islands, including Liberty Island, Ellis Island, Governors Island, Roosevelt Island, Randall’s Island, and City Island.
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, and dinner cruises that can show you the city from the water.
If you would like to see the city from the water like New Yorkers do, see it from New York Water Taxi. Their current tours include the 1-hour Statue of Liberty Express ($25); and the Statue by Night Cruise (daily at 7:30pm), which includes a complimentary champagne toast to go with the nighttime skyline views. On April 30, they restarted their one-day Hop-On/Hop-Off option, which stops at many of the city’s top neighborhoods and attractions including the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, the 9/11 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway, and much more. Plus, they offer free service to the baseball games at Yankee Stadium and CitiField via the Delta Baseball Water Taxi. To find out more about their routes, fares, and schedules, visit nywatertaxi.com or call 212-742-1969.
Another popular way for tourists and New Yorkers alike to take in the breathtaking sights of New York City is to hop on a boat and view the glittering skyline from the water. For the 2011 season, Circle Line Downtown’s harbor cruises include the narrated harbor cruise aboard the luxury yacht Zephyr, featuring climate-controlled interiors, indoor and outdoor decks including a full sun deck, plush seating, and two mahogany snack and beverage bars. Cruises depart from South Street Seaport, Pier 16, at 10am, 11:15, 12:30pm, 2, 3:30 & 5pm. Call 866-9CLINE1 for reservations, or visit circlelinedowntown.com.
If you’re planning on seeing the monuments in New York Harbor, Statue Cruises provides exclusive water tour service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. Their boats depart from Battery Park City and Liberty State Park, providing exciting and memorable tours to these icons of American culture, and stunning vistas of the New York Harbor. First stop is Liberty Island, the 12-acre home of the Statue of Liberty. Next stop is Ellis Island, home to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Each year, more than three million visitors from around the world walk through the Great Hall at Ellis Island. The ferry ride and island grounds are a favorite destination for family vacations and reunions, school and group trips, and Ellis Island also provides a clear view of both the New York City and New Jersey skylines. Visit their website at statuecruises.com or call 877-523-9849 for information.
Whether you are exploring New York for the first time, rediscovering your hometown or seeking a mini-vacation, a Circle Line Sightseeing cruise is a relaxing and fun way to see the world’s most famous skyline. There are numerous cruises to choose from, with beverages, wine, beer, cocktails and food available on board. To see the whole island, take their 3-hour tour and discover the secrets of the city. You’ll circumnavigate Manhattan Island and see it all: the 3 rivers, 7 major bridges, 5 boroughs, over 25 world-famous landmarks and, of course, a magnificent close-up of the Statue of Liberty. If you want to just hit the highlights, jump onboard their 2-hour Harbor Lights Cruise, and bask in the glow of the setting sun and be dazzled by millions of glistening lights. Beverages, food and souvenirs are available on board. During the summer, the BEAST leaves every hour between noon & 7pm to cross the water at a heart-pounding 45 mph, flying under the bridges and past the skyscrapers. Pier 83, 42nd St. and the Hudson River, 212-630-8888; circleline42.com.
