statue of liberty cruise tripadvisor

60-Minute Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise

• WiFi on board
• Pier 36 NYC, 299 South St, New York, NY 10002, USA
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• Covid-19 Restriction: Face Coverings are required
• Covid-19 Restriction: Travelers must social distance and stay 6 feet away from other passengers
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Pier 36 NYC 299 South St, New York, NY 10002, USA See address & details
• Pass by Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Manhattan Skyline South Street Seaport Historic District Brooklyn Bridge
• You'll return to the starting point

• Glover Y 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Rip off! Don’t book! That is a rip off! Tourists trap. Excursions4u is honestly a scam. First of all the ticket at the booth costs $18 per person, they charged $49. And for what? The tour guide gave us brochures to read while we waited for others. Then on the way to ferry he talked a bit about of history but it was 5 min walk. All he did is walked us through the checkpoint and left us to go through security. I could’ve done it all by myself at $18 cost! Ridiculous!! Read more Written 15 April 2024
• vijessal 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 1 of the Best Our tour guide Nia was awesome. She was very knowledgeable & made the experience very interesting. Would definitely recommend Read more Written 7 April 2024
• LoveVirginiaBeach 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Security at ferry entrance Plan time to go through “airport-like” security before boarding the ferry. Reservations to walk up the interior of the Statue of Liberty can be filled five months in advance, so plan ahead. Take a quarter if you plan to use the lockers at the statue to store your belongings. The machine to make change was broken today. Read more Written 3 April 2024
• miandrac 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour guide, knowledgeable and a Time saver The tour guide Fabrice was very knowledgeable and friendly. Also had connections to cut the long lines which saved a lot of time. Would book again through TripAdvisor. Also very timely. Read more Written 29 March 2024
• J6710ZWsusanl 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles BUYER BEWARE.....If you think you're dealing with Tripadvisor think again!!!! Our experience with Captain Pips was beyond exceptional. Our experience with Attractions4us was awful. We received a confirmation email from Attractions4us at 1:00pm the day before our excursion but when we showed up the day of our snorkeling trip Attractions4us had cancelled our reservation without our knowledge or permission. If it weren't for the outstanding efforts of the Captain Pips staff to get us on a boat we would of missed out on this experience. Buyer be ware when you're using Tripadvisor, your're not dealing with who you think. BTW I would have given zero stars but the site wouldn't let me. Read more Written 24 March 2024
• Curious58921243696 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must if never been or first trip to New york It's hard to put into word how moving, sad,emotional but also story's of people helping other people in their hour of need was just as emotional. The staff there where so friendly and really good especially the retired fireman who was near firetruck talking about the day and the lady walking around making sure people knew there was a film on about the boat rescue. So much to see that I was having to rush towards the end so give yourself plenty of time Read more Written 21 March 2024
• ge0rgiaaa 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Scam Scam!i booked for 90 min skyline cruise in miami i paid and i when i went to the bayside market the kiosk didn't have my name however after a long conversation they let me in and instead of boat was taxi boat totally diffident than the pictures and instead of 90 min it was 60 max.The only good thing was that the tour was funny. Read more Written 20 March 2024
• vivianepI3065JV 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Choose another cruise operator or another attraction We took the BiscayneBay cruise in Miami and after paying 15 usd for being late I was disrespected in front of many people just because I’ve asked for some help from the staff regarding seats availability! I’ve never experienced such a thing in my life! Ricky is his name and he is the tour guide. I do not recommend the company located at the Bayside marketplace. Most unpleasant attraction I’ve ever attended. Read more Written 5 March 2024
• mariamY963FH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour with Alex in MET Really recommend to have Alex as a tour guide as he so passionate about museum- he lives and breathes MET so knows so much about art, history and museum it self! Left museum with excellent amount of knowledge! Thank you. Read more Written 25 February 2024
• Jadenthayer 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Calm Tour Went on the Miami Skyline 90 min Cruise of South Beach Millionaire Homes & Venetian Islands on Wednesday 21. February 2024. Starting off: - they made clear instructions on where to find the docks but it was confusing on where you need to go to check in and to which line you need to get in for your specific tour. - boat was a nice size. Limited seating but to really enjoy the views its better to stand anyways. They have a front viewing area and a whole upper deck. You are also able to stand on the sides and back of the boat for seeing. - they had a bar on the boat. Pretty standard price for Miami. - it was a nice tour. I went for more of the island watching and enjoying the evening with a nice boat ride. It was interesting to hear about a couple of famous people that live around there. - the tour person was very friendly and lively. She spoke in english and then in spanish when giving the tour. She cracked some jokes and played music that complimented specific houses nicely. - really wished they offered the picture they take of you for cheaper but not a huge loss if you just dont buy it. (They try to sell it to you for $20) - bring cash for tips for the tour guide after the tour! *will you have the best time of your life? No. Should you still do it? Go for it. Its not that expensive and even if you arent curious about the homes, its a nice little tour of the area. We were able to see the sunset. Was a nice calming activity to do before dinner. Read more Written 22 February 2024
• anatU7608PB 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recomemded! Vivian was our tour guide she was amazing 😊, she knows alot! Answer many questions! My family and I did 3 different tours in our stay in NYC and this one was our absolute favorite! Thank you Vivian! Read more Written 21 February 2024
• luxuryinfacts 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must see Christmas event for family ! They are adorable, amazing, awesome. I'm sure they do so much training and rehearsals to be so organized and precise in their choreographies. Not one moment it gets boring. I was looking forward to see them for many years, and i would definitely watch it again! Loved them all! Read more Written 16 February 2024
• dardh2024 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Potential Scam I booked “Islamorada: Whale Harbor Sandbar Trip w/ Swimming” but when I showed up to the meeting point we were told that the trip was never scheduled and would not be happening. I have requested a refund through GetYourGuide. It seems that this company is a third party that charters through another company. Better to book through the actual boat charter here “Clearly Unique Charters”. Read more Written 14 February 2024
• 781martinm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Night time tour take own food. Great tour and good value for money. Don't waste your $ on dinning cruise it is far too over priced and you waste time away from the dinning table in order to capture your photographs. Get there early to secure an indoor seat in the winter months. Take your own drinks and snacks as they are expensive. Read more Written 10 February 2024
• bubblesdevere2022 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip out Excellent experience. Great & easy booking. Trip itself was perfectly timed - not too long but enough to get the whole feel on NYC & Lady Liberty! Highly recommended. Read more Written 22 January 2024

More to explore in New York City

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

60-Minute Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise provided by Attractions4Us New York City

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The 6 best statue of liberty cruises + tips from a local.

Complete your New York City experience with an exhilarating boat trip.

The Best Statue of Liberty Cruises

Courtesy of Statue City Cruises

Enjoy the sea air while you take in stunning New York City views.

The best view of New York might not be in the city itself, but from the harbor looking back at the skyline. Sightseeing cruises are a wonderful reminder that Manhattan is, in fact, an island, and getting out on the water offers a breezy cruise in addition to a fresh vantage point.

With a cold drink in hand, you'll see not just the Statue of Liberty , but also other top city landmarks from the Brooklyn Bridge to One World Trade Center. These boat tours allow visitors to zoom out and get a new perspective, then return to Manhattan refreshed by the wind, water, light and sheer size of the skyline.

There are different boat experiences to match every type of traveler, and here are some of the best.

Best Overall: Statue City Cruises

Price: From $24.50

Duration: At your own pace, with ferries departing every 25 to 30 minutes

Standout perk: Admission to the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island are included in this sightseeing cruise and ferry service to Lady Liberty.

The best overall value and experience belongs to Statue City Cruises, which combines the scenery of a sightseeing cruise with the in-depth experience of an attraction tour. Priority entry included with the ticket saves time at the departure point at The Battery . On board the round-trip ferry service, visitors will experience all the sweeping views of a New York Harbor cruise, including skyscrapers of the Financial District and beyond.

The first stop is Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty. Audio tours in a dozen languages are available so you can go at your own pace. Those interested can continue via boat service to Ellis Island, home to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which contains several fascinating exhibits and the chance to look up your ancestors. Explore at your leisure, then utilize the ferry service back to lower Manhattan.

Local tip: Choose a time as early as possible in the morning for this experience. Ferry service and crowds at Lady Liberty grow throughout the day and swell on weekends; a weekday morning is the best choice.

Best for Adults: Manhattan by Sail's Day Sail – Shearwater

Price: From $60 for adults

Duration: 90 minutes

Standout perk: This cruise provides a true sailing experience on a classic schooner.

Don't be surprised to bump into New Yorkers on the Shearwater, a schooner with tall sails that entices even jaded Manhattanites to go for a ride. Climb aboard this "Gatsby"-era boat, with capacity for 48 people, from the dock at North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place and set out on a sail down the Hudson River and into the New York Harbor. Trade city crowds for the open water with this cruise, complete with a cash bar, that offers up-close views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline.

This experience, conveniently available at different times throughout the day, is a match for adults seeking a more sophisticated sail – think: hip vibe, ample bar, music and an emphasis on service. Several upgrades are available, including sails that offer a wine tasting or live jazz on board. Every sailing offers the chance to snap your photograph with Lady Liberty herself, though you won't be disembarking at Liberty Island.

Local tip: Adults seeking a romantic cruise may want to opt for the Sunset Sail on the Shearwater Classic Schooner.

Best for Families: Circle Line's Liberty Super Express Downtown

Courtesy of Circle Line

Price: From $29

Duration: 50 minutes

Standout perk: Maximize time with this express cruise, featuring convenient, regular departures.

Families with limited time (or kids with limited attention spans) may appreciate a quick express cruise option. This fast and friendly tour, at just 50 minutes, is a speedy way to get the experience of a boat cruise without it taking a bite out of your day. Hop aboard a boat with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises – the sister company to New York Water Taxi – and choose between either the open air of the top deck or the temperature-controlled cabin. On a sunny day, the outdoor deck with its sea breeze is the place to be as the boat sails past the Statue of Liberty.

Get unobstructed views of Lady Liberty and snap some family photographs before returning to Pier 16 in the South Street Seaport. Quick, efficient and featuring live narration from a guide, this sightseeing ride is excellent value packed into a short time span.

Local tip: Kids interested in ships may want to visit the South Street Seaport Museum, near the cruise departure point, to see model ships and more.

Read: The Top NYC Dinner Cruises

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Best Budget: Staten Island Ferry

Courtesy of SIFerry.com

Price: Free

Duration: 25 minutes each way

Standout perk: Get out on the water to see the Statue of Liberty without paying a cent.

The best budget sightseeing cruise isn't a cruise at all, but rather a free mode of local transportation: the Staten Island Ferry. While many of even the most basic harbor cruises start at about $20, this ferry offers a completely free, ticketless cruise in the New York Harbor, bypassing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island along the way. With service every 30 minutes and no reservations or tickets required, the ferry is not only a steal price-wise, but also a convenient option for travelers who don't want to be tied down to a ticketed departure time.

Stand out on deck and admire views of Lady Liberty during this journey that crosses about 5 miles from Whitehall Street at the tip of lower Manhattan to St. George on Staten Island. The only drawback is that you must depart the ferry in Staten Island and reboard for the trip back to Manhattan – a small "price" to pay for a free boat ride in NYC.

Local tip: Visitors will want to avoid rush hour; these commuter boats can be crowded. Choose a time outside commuting rush hour to maximize the peaceful experience.

Best Luxury: Classic Harbor Line's Statue and Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

Courtesy of Classic Harbor Line

Price: From $64 for adults

Duration: 1.5 hours

Standout perk: This intimate cruise on a 1920s-inspired yacht comes with one complimentary drink included.

Board a yacht at Pier 62 in Chelsea for a polished cruise including views of the New York Harbor's top landmark: the Statue of Liberty. Set sail in style aboard a yacht inspired by the roaring '20s, complete with a solarium and open-air decks as well as a climate-controlled cabin. Cruise down the west side of Manhattan and check out views of The Battery, the Financial District, Governor's Island and more.

Of all the available New York City harbor cruises, guests often praise this one for the quality of the staff running the Classic Harbor Line cruises. With an emphasis on service, an intimate group with a maximum of 80 passengers and an onboard stocked bar, this cruise offers a sophisticated option for seeing Lady Liberty.

Local tip: This cruise departs from Pier 62, which is home to a riverfront carousel for kids and a pretty stretch of Hudson River Park. Stop into Chelsea Market for some picnic supplies and relax in the park before your cruise.

Best Sunset Cruise: Circle Line's Harbor Lights

Price: From $45

Duration: 2 hours

Standout perk: Watch the skyscrapers of the Manhattan skyline flicker to life.

Circle Line offers a variety of cruises with different itineraries. One of the most popular is the Harbor Lights tour, a cruise departing from Midtown Manhattan that includes golden sunset views and a photo stop at the Statue of Liberty. See NYC landmarks like Hudson Yards, Chelsea Piers and One World Trade Center before cruising out into the New York Harbor. You'll get to learn about New York from onboard narration as the itinerary continues past Liberty Island and beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.

While the sun sets and the Manhattan skyscrapers flash to life, relax on the outdoor deck space and visit the onboard bar to purchase beer, wine, cocktails and light snacks. A temperature-controlled cabin is available for hot days. Wi-Fi is free on board and allows for easy posting of sunset photos.

Local tip: This cruise departs from Pier 83 in Midtown Manhattan. Arrive early to visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at neighboring Pier 86.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Jessica Colley Clarke is a New York-based freelance writer. She loves to take visiting family and friends out on the water in the New York Harbor for a fresh perspective on the Manhattan skyline and beyond. Colley Clarke used her expertise to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Statue of Liberty Tours
• The Top Observation Decks in New York City
• The Top New York City Tours
• The Top Boston Harbor Cruises
• The Top River Cruise Lines

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• Bestseller!

Day Sail – Clipper City

Quick Details

• Map Marker Location: Clipper City
• User Ages: All ages
• Clock Duration: 1 hour & 30 minutes
• Users Capacity: 134 Passengers

Experience the Statue of Liberty on a Cruise!

Take a step back in time on New York’s only passenger tall ship. From her spacious main deck or raised quarter deck, you get to enjoy the sailing experience of a lifetime aboard this majestic topsail schooner as we unfurl her canvas and set sail through the harbor. Clipper City sails through the NYC Harbor, closely passing The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, the NJ and NY skyline, and bridges.

This is an ideal experience for a romantic date, a family outing, or to show an out-of-town visitor the best views of the city. Taking in the Statue of Liberty from a historic sailing vessel makes for a unique and unforgettable tour. For the ultimate bucket list experience, book the afternoon sail and see the Statue of Liberty at sunset.

Our friendly crew make sure you enjoy your sail, and they can even get you involved in raising the sails if you’d like! A full bar and snacks are available for purchase on board. Enjoy a drink while you take in the views!

• Chevron down What to Bring

Please bring a photo ID.

• Chevron down FAQs

Check out our FAQs  here.

Related Tours

• Users 134 Passengers
• Clock 1 hour & 45 minutes
• User All ages

Sunset Jazz Sail – Clipper City

Watch night fall on the city as the sun sets behind the Statue of Liberty. Live jazz played by our skilled musicians will put you in the mood as we leave Manhattan behind.

• Most Popular
• User Ages 21+

Sunset Wine & Jazz Cruise – Clipper City

Step aboard the Clipper City for an open wine bar and jazz concert featuring some of NYC’s most renowned musicians while cruising around the city. Sail smoothly out into the starry evening, lit from behind with the backdrop of the NYC skyline.