One of New York’s most iconic tourist attractions, the Statue of Liberty can be seen on a number of boat tours.
(Photo: Statue Walks LLC / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Gifted from France in 1884, the colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor can be visited up close, with it even possible to climb to the top of the crown. But another popular way to see the landmark is from the surrounding waters, with a wide choice of boat tours on offer that circle the statue while running commentary tells you all about its fascinating back-story. We’ve picked out 5 of the best boat tours around the Statue of Liberty currently available.
1-Hour Cruise Around Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
This 60-minute boat ride takes you to within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty. After boarding at Pier 36, you’ll cruise right under the Brooklyn Bridge as you look back at the New York skyline. As you journey along the river, your live English guide will point out sites of interest including the Empire State Building, the new Freedom Tower, the Manhattan Bridge, Governor’s Island, and more. Along the way, you can make use of both the indoor and outdoor seating. After getting within touching distance of “Lady Liberty”, you’ll then move on to Ellis Island to take photos of the famous entry point to NYC. There’ll also time to purchase food and drinks from the concession stand aboard the boat. From $33 per person.
Skyline and Statue of Liberty Night Cruise
(Photo: Attractions4Us Guided Tours & Activities / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
The Statue of Liberty is a sight to behold at all times of day, but perhaps never more impressive than after dark. This 1.5-hour night cruise around lower Manhattan complete with outdoor dance floor offers the chance to see the statue up close while enjoying evening onboard entertainment. During the tour, you’ll cruise down the East River, under the Brooklyn Bridge and past South Street Seaport as you head out to the Statue of Liberty for sunset photos. As you go, light commentary will help you identify the many famous buildings and neighbourhoods on the banks of the Hudson River and the East River, on both sides of Manhattan. Enjoy the fun music as you dance and mingle on the covered outdoor deck before returning to dry land. From $40 per person.
Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge Boat Tour
Perfect for travellers who are short on time, this 30-minute tour sees you zip across the water aboard a speedboat with unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Ellis Island. Departing from the North Cove Harbor in downtown Manhattan, you’ll head off out onto the water with your boat helmed by coastguard-licensed captains. Over the ensuing minutes on the water, you’ll stop right in front of the Statue of Liberty so you can get the best views of her, with ample opportunity to take photos. On the return leg to Manhattan, you’ll also stop briefly next to Ellis Island for more snaps before your tour comes to a close. From $51 per person.
Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music
(Photo: Louisa Of The Seas / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
If there’s one thing that might detract from the spectacle of seeing the Statue of Liberty up close it’s doing so on an empty stomach. This 3-hour cruise aboard the Louisa of the Seas ensures there’s no danger of hunger as you’re treated to a gourmet dinner together with premium beverages, all set against a backdrop of live jazz-style music and spectacular views of the NYC skyline, including Lady Liberty herself. As well as the regular dinner and dance option, there’s also a VIP package which grants you special access to the VIP zone on the boat. From $75 per person.
Private tour LI Sound to East River to the Statue of Liberty
For a more exclusive and intimate experience, this private tour offers you and a select group of up to six family or friends a once-in-a-lifetime adventure aboard a small sailing boat. After pick-up at a location of your choice in Manhattan, you’ll board your yacht before heading off onto the water, savouring the views as you come down from Long Island Sound. You’ll then head past the bridges and La Guardia Airport, down through the East River passing the UN headquarters, to Battery Park, Governor’s Island, and the Statue of Liberty, finishing with a drop-off near Chelsea Pier. Bottled water and Manhattan pick-up are both included.
. From $1,025 per group (max 6 people)
By Paul Joseph