Claire's Itchy Feet

Thinking of doing a tour in New York City? Speaking as someone who has done many many tours in NYC I can safely say that one of the best ways you can see the city and really take in it's beauty is from the water. In this adventure, I'm sharing my top experiences to have one the water, from ferries to military speedboats!

The best adventures to have on the water in NYC

Why take the subway to Brooklyn when you could ride the East River ferry for the same price?

If you aren't in a rush then skip the subway and take the East River Ferry over to Brooklyn. The fair will only cost you $2.75 per ride and you get some pretty incredible views across the city.

The East River Ferry runs from East 34th Street in Manhatten to wall street/ Pier 11 making stops at Hunters Point South, Greenpoint, North Williamsburg, South Williamsburg, and Dumbo. Before reaching its final stop.

It is also a great thing to do at night, take a look at this video to see what I mean.

Where else can you get stunning views on the water for just $2.75? 

I like to take the ferry over to South Williamsburg or Dumbo for Brunch on a lazy weekend.

Take a look at the latest information and ferry schedule.

The East River Ferry

The only way to see Elis Island and get really up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty is to do an official tour.

I have done the tour several times and if you are interested in the history of Elis Island then it is 100% worth it. The museum is fascinating and gives you a real sense of what it was like for the early immigrants coming to The USA.

The ticket will allow you to visit both the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum. You may need to pay extra for a self-guided audio tour, so double check this when you book. 

If you want to upgrade you can pay extra for early reserve line access, a guide, and entry to the Pedestal Museum. You can also book tickets to go right up to the crown although you often need to book this 30 months in advance.

The only negative thing about this tour is that you always have to wait for so long if you are coming from the New York side, from the New Jersey side you can normally walk right on to a boat. One way to save time is by making sure you buy your tickets before so you have one less line to stand in.

The Statue of Liberty Tour

Want to get close to the Statue of Liberty without doing the official tour? Then do what the locals do!

If you want to get closer to the Statue of Liberty to take some photos, but you don't want to stand in the long line waiting or pay the hefty fee then hop on the Staten Island ferry. The best part is it is totally FREE and runs regularly so very little waiting time.

My advice is to find your spot right away as soon as you get on, especially if it is busy. But remember you will get two shots at it as you will be getting the ferry back again. 

Unfortunately, it isn't possible to stay on the ferry once you get to Staten Island. You will need to get off and then speed walk around to get back on again. 

No need to book. Just head down to the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The trip takes 25 minutes each way.

Staten Island Ferry

Lobster rolls and cocktails while cruising on the Hudson, yes please!

One of my favorite ways to spend a few hours on a sunny New York City day is cruising down the Hudson whiles filling my belly with Lobster rolls. 

It only costs $10 to get on the boat and then you just pay for your food and drink. I would recommend going with a group and treating yourself to the raw bar (see above). They also have some pretty amazing cocktails, although be careful. They may taste fruity and delicious, but they sure do pack a punch!

The cruise lasts for an hour and a half, but you are welcome to stay on for as long as you want so you can go around more than once. It is New York City's only floating lobster shack and a great way to spend a day on the river.

Take a ride on New York's Only lobster shack with North River Lobster Company

North River Lobster Company

This is hands down the most fun boat tour you can do.

New York Media Boat is a small tour company based close to the World Trade Centre in North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place. 

The tour will take you to over 40 sights and is fully narrated but an expert guide. It's a small tour as the boat only seats a handful of people and one of my favorite things about it is you can take as much time as you need to at each place to get photos. The guides go out of their way to help you get the perfect shots.

If you are a photographer then this is the tour you NEED to do. There is no other place you can get the killer panoramic views of the NYC skyline than on the river. So many tours don't give you the time to photograph properly, not this one. 

Its no surprise really though as the founder is an Emmy-Award-nominated photojournalist!

TOP TIP: go on the 6 pm tour as the light is perfect and the last tour will have left the statue of liberty by the time you get to it so you can get amazing shots with no people in them!

For more information or to book check out their website.

New York Media Boat

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The best adventures to have on the water in NYC

The East River Ferry

The East River Ferry

The Statue of Liberty Tour

The Statue of Liberty Tour

Staten Island Ferry

Staten Island Ferry

North River Lobster Company

North River Lobster Company

New York Media Boat

New York Media Boat

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