NYC Ferries
This City is coastal and all its boroughs are on islands except the Bronx, so why not travel the waters surrounding it? Many daily commuters do. Which would you rather do, get in your car and sit in endless traffic or hop on a ferry and drink in the views? Chances are you're just along for a joy ride so sit back and enjoy!
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Round trip rides with some of the best water borne views are absolutely free. Depart from the new launch in Whitehall at the foot of Manhattan every 20 or 30 minutes. Beginning regular service in 1884, a fleet of eight orange ferries now ply the white capped waters separating Manhattan and Staten Island. The Guy Molinari, the most luxurious vessel, is 310 feet long capable of carrying 4,400 passengers and 42 vehicles. Rushing across the wide expanse of Upper Bay at more than 16 knots (18 miles per hour); it takes just under 25 minutes to reach St. George. The boat has four decks, including a small hurricane deck up top, the best observation point from which to view the journey as it unfolds. First come the empty barracks and forts of Governor’s Island to the left, next Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty brush by on the right, then Bay Ridge and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge loom nearby on the left. Upon arrival, walk to Bay Ave. and take 3 blocks left to Victory Blvd., Staten
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Take your pick between a fully-guided circumnavigation of Manhattan with scholarly anecdotes along the way or a full-throttle 30 minute thrill ride from Pier 83 at 42nd Street on the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and back.
The New York Circle’s Line 3-Hour Cruise digs deep into the City’s past and present. See all 3 rivers, 7 major bridges, and 5 boroughs where guides point out over 25 world renowned landmarks including a close-up of the Statue of Liberty as well as some historic disaster sites along the way.
“The Beast”, a monstrous speed boat piloted by Captains with names like "Mad Dog", "Wild Thing," and "Hurricane Heidi", whisks past the skyscraper-walled waterfront at a heart-pounding 45 miles-per-hour. With a toothy sneer painted on the side, and the hull continually pounding the turbulent waters throughout most of the journey, make sure that your last meal is well in advance of boarding.
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Operates a flotilla of ferries between Manhattan and many Jersey points within view across the Hudson River. Boats on these routes tend to be smaller and prone rocking and rolling with the waves and stiff currents making the ride adventuresome. One excursion begins at the Battery Park City pier arriving at Jersey City’s Paulus Hook historic district populated with brick row houses, Victory Hall, and The Sugar House. Grove St., just a few blocks to the west and north of the pier, hosts Jersey City’s ornate rococo City Hall. Also great views of Manhattan from the far left bank!
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