New York · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

15 Cruises & Boat Tours in New York Worth Booking

54 tours  ·  from $16

Good cruises & boat tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

NYC: Circle Line 2h Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office - Finding the Circle Line terminal and choosing your seat
2-Hour Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, Tour Reviews

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

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

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

Cruise New York Harbor for two hours with guides such as Alexis, George, David, or Andy sharing city stories and building facts. You will pass within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty, glide under three bridges, and see Lower Manhattan at night from indoor cabins or the open deck.

“it was amazing my family loved it. truly amazing and unforgettable experience.. tour guide on-board was unbelievable...”

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NYC: Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise - Leaving Pier 83 and finding your place onboard
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NYC: Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise

2.Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise

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

Circle Manhattan from Pier 83 on a 2.5-hour Circle Line cruise. Your English-speaking guide points out bridges, boroughs, Yankee Stadium, the Brooklyn Bridge, and more than 100 sights. You get close to the Statue of Liberty, with outdoor decks, heated or cooled cabins, Wi-Fi, and audio guides in eight additional languages.

“Apart of seeing all the sights I’d love the guide: She had funny stories to tell. And even was singing for us, too.”

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NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise - Starting at Pier 16 in South Street Seaport
Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tours, Tour Reviews

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

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

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

Cruise from South Street Seaport past One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and Governor’s Island before pausing near the Statue of Liberty. You get live English commentary, indoor and outdoor seating, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a nine-language audio guide.

“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 - Pier 83 and the practical start
Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, Tour Reviews

NYC: Circle Line 1.5-Hr Landmarks Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise

4.Circle Line 1.5-Hr Landmarks Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,778 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34

Cruise from Pier 83 around Lower Manhattan and up the East River, with close views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, Midtown, and three major bridges. A live English guide adds stories, while an audio app covers eight other languages.

“We had a great experience. Smooth ride & really enjoyed seeing part of New York City up close!”

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NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise - Starting at Pier 78 in Hudson River Park
Cruises & Boat Tours, Historical Tours, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, Tour Reviews

NYC: Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

5.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

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

Cruise the Hudson and East Rivers from Pier 78, passing Hudson Yards, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Lower Manhattan. Expect lively English commentary from guides such as Molly, Darius, and Al, indoor and outdoor decks, restrooms, snacks, and a complimentary digital photo.

“Great informative tour. We decided to upgrade to VIP. We received a $30 voucher to spend at the bar, including 2 tickets for 2 free snacks, chips, popcorn etc. On top of that. Access to the roof deck, professional pictures & access to the VIP area. The whole thing was really great and good value. Justin & Molly our guides were great!”

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Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise - Choosing your seat before the boat leaves
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Circle Line: 2.5hr – Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

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

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

Take a 2.5-hour Circle Line cruise around Manhattan from Pier 83. Expect Hudson and East River views, close looks at the Statue of Liberty, live English narration, outdoor decks, onboard snacks, and guides such as Alexis or Postcard Tim, depending on the sailing.

“It was a 2.5 hour cruise up and down the Hudson and East River. Postcard Tom was excellent pointing out the points of interest on either side. Great tour!”

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NYC: Circle Line 1-Hr Statue of Liberty Skip-The-Line Cruise - Leaving Pier 83 and finding your place
Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, Skip the Line, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tours, Tour Reviews

NYC: Circle Line 1-Hr Statue of Liberty Skip-The-Line Cruise

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

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

Take Circle Line’s one-hour harbor cruise from Pier 83, with live English commentary and audio in eight additional languages. Sail close to the Statue of Liberty, pass Ellis Island and One World Trade Center, and enjoy indoor cabins or the outdoor deck. Guides such as David, Michael, and Andy are known for lively storytelling.

“Very organized. Our prebooked tix led us straight to the entrance line where they take your pics for purchase. Concession stand was fast with service. Bathrooms clean. We enjoyed the outdoor seating. Guide was informative. We didn’t go under the Brooklyn bridge which was advertised so that was a lil disappointing cuz I was expecting it. Pier 83 was easy to access from our hotel in Chelsea. We walked from there to Times Square no problem . Love the GetYourGuide app. It had all info I needed before the tour”

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Circle Line: 2hr - New York City Harbor Lights Cruise - Manhattan’s illuminated towers
City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, Tour Reviews

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

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

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

Cruise New York Harbor for two hours with a live English guide, indoor and outdoor seating, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and close views of Lady Liberty. Arrive early for the best seats. Guides such as Andy, Alex, George, and Dave have been praised for lively commentary, while food and drinks are sold onboard.

“We took a cruise from pier 83, it was very cold so not ideal to go outside apart from nipping out a couple of times. Lots of indoor seating and windows were clear so you could see everything. Your guide was very informative. Highlight was being so close to the Statue of Liberty at night. Easy walking from Times Square area.”

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Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise - From the bridges into New York Harbor
City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tours, Tour Reviews

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

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

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

Board at Pier 16 in South Street Seaport for a fast 50-minute harbor cruise past the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and Lady Liberty. Guides such as Debbie and Tim bring the ride to life with history and humor. You get close photos, but no island landing.

“Tour guide provided by Viator was excellent. Extremely knowledgeable, very humorous, and very well-spoken!”

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Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise - Lady Liberty and the harbor photo stop
Cruises & Boat Tours, Historical Tours, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, Tour Reviews

Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

10.Starship Landmark 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise

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

Cruise the Hudson from Pier 78 for 90 minutes, passing Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and South Street Seaport. Expect live narration, a snack bar, photo opportunities, and guides such as Darius or Molly on some departures.

“If you don't have VIP you have to go below deck and the windows are filthy. If you go in the winter, or rain, there is no chance of getting photos without braving the elements. This tour is informative, but really just an overpriced Ferry. Might as well get on the free ferry and see all the same buildings, and landmarks. This tour also features a "professional" photographer and says you get a "free" picture. You cannot get a free picture in front of the statue. It's Only free if it's in front of other landmarks. Bad advertising. Not worth the money.”

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Statue of Liberty & NYC Skyline Cruise - Freedom Liberty Tour - Boarding at Pier 78 and finding your place
Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, NYC Skyline and Architecture Tours, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Statue of Liberty & NYC Skyline Cruise – Freedom Liberty Tour

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

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

Take a 75-minute English-language cruise from Pier 78 past Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge, Dumbo, and Hudson Yards. Guides such as Kevin, Michael, Molly, and Fred have earned praise for lively commentary. WiFi, restrooms, snacks, drinks, and a free post-cruise shuttle are included.

“This cruise was a great way to see and hear the highlights of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty up close - all in a little over an hour. Boarding was simple and well organized. Kevin, our emcee, was fabulous! I highly recommend this cruise and Kevin's commentary, emphases, and infectious inclusive patriotism. A fun cruise!”

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NYC: Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise Skip-the-Line Ticket - Leaving Pier 16 and finding the boat
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, Skip the Line, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

NYC: Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise Skip-the-Line Ticket

12.Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise Skip-the-Line Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,397 reviews · from $24

Sail 90 minutes from Pier 16 toward the Statue of Liberty, passing the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan as daylight fades. Choose an open-air deck or climate-controlled cabin, buy drinks from the onboard bar, and use the optional audio guide. Debbie is a particularly engaging host on some departures.

“Good price for what is offered, amazing view, punctual, and staff well-prepared. I recommend and would definitely do it again.”

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Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise - Boarding at Pier 62 and settling into the yacht
Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, NYC Skyline and Architecture Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

13.Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,395 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $113Top rated

Cruise all around Manhattan aboard a classic 1920s-style yacht while an American Institute of Architects guide explains the buildings, bridges, neighborhoods, and waterfront. You will pass the Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building, George Washington Bridge, and all 18 bridges, with indoor seating, open-air views, and one included drink.

“A different look at New York on a very lovely small, enclosed boat. Our guide was very knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor. The crew was very efficient and friendly. Even got a glass of Bubbly.”

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City Cruises New York: Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise - Arriving at Chelsea Piers for the 7 p.m. departure
City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, New York City Tours, NYC Sightseeing Cruises, Tour Reviews

City Cruises New York: Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise

14.City Cruises New York: Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,371 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $180

Spend about three hours aboard Bateaux New York, departing Chelsea Piers at 7 p.m. Enjoy a prepared dinner, live band, and views of One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Vessel. Semi-formal dress is required, and drinks cost extra.

“It was a wonderful experience the food the music the whole experience was great me and my birthday couple having a wonderful time”

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City Cruises New York: Signature Dinner Cruise - Dinner buffet: good variety, with realistic expectations
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City Cruises New York: Signature Dinner Cruise

15.City Cruises New York: Signature Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,362 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard City Cruises’ Spirit of New York from Pier 61. You’ll enjoy a buffet dinner, open harbor views, Statue of Liberty photos, coffee and tea, and live DJ music. Expect assigned seating, a cash bar, indoor dining, and an outdoor deck for skyline viewing.

“What a great ending to our NYC trip. Our deck for dinner was only half full since it was still off-season (March). The boat has three decks. We were on the middle deck and even though the bottom and top deck were full with other events, the noise never spilled over into our deck. The dinner was very good and full of a nice selection of proteins. The highlight is, of course, the views of NYC at sunset and night. Lady Liberty is stunning at dusk plus they play music about NY over the speakers and it adds a nice touch. The service aboard was good too. The manager would…”

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