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The 12 best boat tours in NYC in 2024

All aboard! Book these NYC boat tours for incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and other iconic landmarks

In all of planet Earth, there is no other skyline quite like that of New York City. Whether by air or by land , the Big Apple’s skyscrapers and landmarks are iconic. But there’s one way of touring NYC that beats out the rest, hands down—by boat.  Whether from the upper deck of a yacht or hunkered down on a speedboat, views from the harbor show NYC at its absolute finest. From the Statue of Liberty to the One World Trade Center, you can take in all the biggest sights without dealing with packed subway cars and endless traffic jams. Below are some of the Big Apple’s biggest and best boat tours.

Want more nautical things to do? These are NYC's best boat bars for sips and snacks . 

How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favorites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links – these have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best NYC boat tours

1.  luxury brunch, lunch or dinner harbor cruise.

So this is how to really do an NYC boat tour. Choose which fine dining food option you fancy and then settle into a blissful tour around New York Harbor, with a live pianist your exceptional aural entertainment. And sure, the luxury dining and the music might be pretty good but you wait until you gaze out across the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center from your private table with 360-degree panoramic views. 

Don't miss: The sultry sounds of the onboard jazz pianist who's on a mission to get people dancing.  

2.  Statue of Liberty Express Cruise

Perfect for the sightseer who knows exactly what he or she wants, this Circle Line express tour goes right to the Statue of Liberty – no pit stops this time. Listen to an expert guide point out some lower Manhattan landmarks before pausing for photos right next to Lady Liberty. And since this cruise only takes an hour, it’s easy to fit into even the busiest itinerary.

Don't miss: The perfect photo opp of the famous sculpture and other harbor landmarks. 

3.  NYC: Evening Jazz Cruise on the Yacht Manhattan

Here’s one for the schmoozy, romantic vacationers who are seeking a maximum NYC experience. This sunset sailing cruise with a live jazz band will have you gazing (and jiving) out as the sun drops below Manhattan. Sitting on a 1920s sailing boat, you’ll sail past NYC’s biggest landmarks (including the Statue of Liberty) while a live band plays a mix of beloved classics to contemporary R&B renditions. With an alcoholic drink in hand, live jazz in your ears, and the city lights sparkling in your eyes across the water, you’re in for a swingingly good time.

Don't miss:  Asking the band to play your favorite tune.

4.  Manhattan: Private Sailing Yacht Cruise

Don’t want to share your views of the city skyline? You don’t have to on this private tour of the Hudson River at sunset. It’s your party, so you can bring any food or drinks you like on board. You’ll feel like a high roller as you kick back on your private yacht for the evening.

Don't miss: Chill with your crew on any of the three lounge areas, including the outdoor deck and sun pad. 

5.  Circle Line: Best of NYC Cruise

How better to get your bearing in a city as enormous as NYC than by circumnavigation? The Circle Line’s two-and-a-half-hour tour does a full loop of Manhattan Island, taking passengers past plenty of the city’s most popular sights in the process. Spanning three rivers and all five boroughs, you’ll even pass within touching distance of Lady Liberty herself. In other words, get your camera ready!

Don't miss: Non-English speakers can download the Circle Line app for a translated commentary. 

6.  New York City: Alive After Five Cocktail Cruise

Get a taste of the Big Apple’s nightlife scene with this happy hour boat tour on the Hudson River. The Alive After Five cocktail cruise has everything you need: a fully stocked bar, a dance floor, and a killer DJ. Did someone say tequila? 

Don't miss:  Views of the Manhattan skyline as the sun goes down and the lights turn on. 

7.  New York Water Taxi Cruises

You can't miss the water taxis, they look just like the car versions: big, bright and yellow. These little beauties cruise round New York Harbor daily, passing major sites like the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. You can stay on and complete the entire loop in 70 minutes, or hop on and off as you please, exploring the greats eats, shops and attractions in NYC's waterside neighborhoods.

Don't miss: They have a team that can help you create a custom route for your journey. 

8.  AIANY: Manhattan Architecture Tour Cruise

The area south of 59th Street is packed with architecturally significant buildings: the Chrysler Building, the Woolworth Building, the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center just to name a few. This 90-minute boat tour on a 1920s yacht is led by a member of the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects, meaning architecturally speaking, you’re in good hands. With their guidance, you’ll cover all of Manhattan’s most significant structures, plus the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty.

Don't miss: Sip complimentary beer, wine or Champagne from the bar while you learn about infrastructure, parks and architecture.

9.  Staten Island Ferry

Put your purse away, because the Staten Island Ferry is totally free. That's right, in one of the most expensive cities in the world, you can find a free ride. This old chugger has been going since before any bridges were built, transporting folks from the 'burbs to Manhattan in 25 minutes. Boats leave South Ferry at Battery Park and run 24 hours a day.

Don't miss: The stunning panoramas of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

10.  New York City: Sunset Sail Aboard a Schooner

Fresh air, ocean waves, a free drink and front row (floating) seats to one of the most famous sunsets in the world. It’s fair to say that this leisurely cruise on the Schooner America 2.0 really does have it all. Sit back and relax as the crew guides this 1800s style sailboat out into the harbor while deep gold light wraps up the city. You’ll glide peacefully past landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as the sun dips behind the Manhattan skyline. What better way to say “goodbye” to a perfect NYC day?

Don't miss : Your complimentary drink that you get to sip on board.

11.  Circle Line: Beast Speedboat Ride

Adrenaline junkies will want to book tickets for this supercharged half-hour ride through New York Harbor. The 70-foot speedboat known as the  Beast  zooms toward the Statue of Liberty at 45 miles per hour, kicking up plenty of waves. In fact, the ride can get so intense that guides recommend wearing wetsuits.

Don't miss : The ride is accompanied by a thumping soundtrack to really kick things into high gear.

12.  NYC: Statue of Liberty Day Sail with Onboard Bar

This historic experience will have you feeling like you've just stepped into the heart of  The Great Gatsby— or really any other seafaring period drama. Sail Manhattan has two vessels for this experience—the 1920s restored Shearwater sailing boat, and The Clipper, a majestic tall ship with billowing sails. You’ll sail down the Hudson River on one of these spectacular ships, with the aim of the 1.5-hour sail to give you an awe-inspiring (and crowd-free) view of NYC’s biggest landmark hits. 

Don't miss : The open bar that's slinging drinks all hour long.

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Debating between a two-hour hire or a full-day trip along the Hudson? Choose a boat to start your adventures around NYC

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Sailing Returns Spring 2024! Click Here and Give the Gift of a Cruise with MBS.

MANHATTAN BY SAIL

Gift a nyc sailing experience, sail nyc and see new perspectives, daily sailboat tours around ny harbor, jazz at sunset on the harbor, most popular excursions.

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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.

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Day Sail – Clipper City

Take a step back in time on New York’s only passenger tall ship. Enjoy the sailing experience of a lifetime while taking in the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and more!

Afternoon Golden Hour Cocktail Sail – Clipper City

An intimate and thrilling way to visit New York’s magnificent harbor. Sit back and relax while you enjoy close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline. Welcome cocktail from our skilled bartenders will put you in a sailing state of mind.”

CLIPPER CITY

The original Clipper City was built as a cargo schooner in 1854, just prior to the Civil War. Rebuilt and refurbished from the original plans which were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution, at 158 feet, the Clipper City is an epic venue to host up to 149 guests on a sailing adventure around New York Harbor. Parties and events on our historic tall ships are absolutely breathtaking.

at North Cove Marina

The Shearwater is a graceful Newport-style schooner built in 1929, perfect for groups up to 49 passengers . Have your wedding, birthday, or corporate event on board this classic, Gatsby-era sailing ship as she makes her way to the Statue of Liberty and around Manhattan, taking in the sights and sounds of the harbor. If your party is larger than 49, consider our larger boat, the tall ship Clipper City.

Your Manhattan By Sail Experience Includes

Sailing is about prevailing..

At Manhattan By Sail, we’re your venue… and so much more. Today, aboard the Shearwater  and  Clipper City , we share the joy of sailing our beautiful harbor with visitors and New Yorkers alike. Offering an incomparable setting for your outing, we’ve developed into a world-class venue. On board during our specialty sails, you can enjoy the sweetness of live jazz music , local craft beers , spicy performances from some of NYC’s premier burlesque performers, and much more. But some things have remained the same since the beginning: our passion, commitment, and our caring, enthusiastic crew who sail each day with their whole hearts.

At Manhattan By Sail, we welcome you aboard to share in our joyful culture and to join us in falling in love with NYC, over and over again.

This is an experience I highly recommend and I'll definitely do again with friends. I booked this for a corporate group outing. It was a great summer Friday excursion with the best view of the city and statue of liberty you won't get on land. Drinks, lite bites, and the Hudson. If you're visiting NYC - Add this to your Things to Do list. If you live in the city, do yourself a favor and experience it in a new way. You'll leave feeling happy to live in such a majestic city.

Absolutely brilliant. Booked the shearwater lady liberty cruise through my New York Explorer pass so wasn't sure what to expect. When we got there was greeted by informative staff and the boat is truly beautiful a restored 1920s schooner. When on board the staff are lovely, gave us blankets and ponchos as it was slightly chilly and the odd spot of rain. Pointed things of interest out to us while on board and kept the great selection of drinks flowing. Brilliant, would recommend.

If you’re going to do a boat trip to see the Statue of Liberty why wouldn’t you choose a historic sailing vessel rather than one of the uninspiring motor boats? Being on a sailing ship with the sails up really adds to the experience. The crew are friendly and engaging and will encourage you to get involved in raising the sails, if you want to.

What a perfect way to enjoy the Upper New York Bay. Great company and both my girlfriend and myself were amazed that all the other boats were so over crowded and ours was perfect. Best way to see the bay and Statue of Liberty. No horrid motor sounds nice music played and drinks on hand friendly staff. Trust us go with this company and you won’t regret it. All the other boats had a frantic experience but ours was heavenly.

Both the ship and the crew were awesome! We especially liked the freedom to move around the entire ship from start to finish. Also not having it narrated turned out to be a plus - it was much nicer to just have informal talks with any of the crew members - they were all very nice and very knowledgeable. They engage volunteers to help and my son really had a great time helping to hoist the sail!

This boat was recommended by some friends & they were spot-on. Loved every aspect of the cruise & enjoyed having a chat with one of the crew members. Had a few cold beers on board too. By far the best value of anything we did in New York, which we found a very expensive city.

Despite being in the nearby area for the past three years this was my first time doing a sail around NYC. I bought tickets on a whim to surprise my boyfriend on a romantic excursion and it was honestly so much fun. The day was really cloudy and cold, but they provide blankets, which is convenient for those who didn’t come prepared. We purchased tickets for the cider tasting/sail, the drinks were good and we were also provided food. The staff were friendly and accommodating and we got really amazing views of the city, I was very happy with our experience.

This has to be the best way to have an enjoyable sail past Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You can take the incredibly cost-effective Staten Island ferry which zooms past or the organized and rammed tourist boats from Battery Park, which aren’t much slower. Only the clipper yacht passes closely in a duration which gives everyone plenty of time to stare in amazement and get all the photos you need. Our next visit will be with these guys on another one of their sailing tours. A must-do.

Excellent, relaxing cruise around the harbor including a great view of the Statue of Liberty! The weather was perfect and it was a fantastic way to end a hectic day of traveling. My daughter and I enjoyed wine as we sat on the deck and let the gentle breeze overtake us!

We've been on the Shearwater Brunch Cruise 3 times, & once on the Clipper City Beer/Lobster Roll Cruise. Excellent quality food & beverages, friendly & professional staff. I prefer sailing on the Shearwater since it's smaller & I like the more "intimate" experience. Can't say enough good things about Manhattan by Sail & I can't wait to go on another sail!

The Clipper City schooner cruise should be on every NYC visitor's list! We four travelers took a leisurely, exciting, and informative sail around the Statue of Liberty and can't wait to do it again. The captain and crew were personable, professional, and took excellent care of their passengers. It's also really easy to find. What a great experience and it was my 16 year old grandson's very favorite activity during our July trip! It's tops in customer service, communication, and it's TOPS on my to-do list for our next NYC trip!

A friend of ours suggested we try this and it did not disappoint! We had taken a ferry trip last time we were in New York and I have to say the sail boat is definitely the way to go! The staff were all so friendly and work SO hard. Views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan were incredible! A really super experience!

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North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place New York, NY 10280

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Discover the essence of New York City with the Circle Line Best of NY Cruise! Set sail on a 2.5-hour journey along the city's iconic waterways, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the Big Apple.

You’ll cruise along all three NYC rivers, pass under 20 bridges and see over 130 of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the full Manhattan skyline, the impressive One World Trade Center, the growing Brooklyn waterfront, the legendary Yankee Stadium, beautiful Gracie Mansion, the stately George Washington Bridge and, of course, an up close look at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island!

All from the comfort of our state-of-the-art boats.

Our world-famous tour guides tell the story of New York City as you journey around the full island and enjoy the best sightseeing experience NYC has to offer!

Book your Circle Line Best of NY Cruise today and see why it's one of the most popular attractions in New York City!

Cruise along all three NYC rivers, pass under 20 bridges and see over 130 of the city’s most iconic landmarks including One World Trade Center, Yankee Stadium, and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island!

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The 9 new york city boat tours with the best views.

Escape the crowded city streets and admire the iconic skyline from the water.

The 9 New York City Boat Tours

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Taking a boat tour is a must-do when visiting New York City , as it gives you a full view of the mighty Manhattan skyline and many of its famous bridges and buildings. Whether you're looking for a leisurely kayak trip along the Hudson River or a romantic sunset sail, you'll find a cruise to suit your interests. Consulting both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News gathered nine of the best New York City boat tours.

Classic Harbor Line – AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Tour

Price: Adults from $116; students from $86 Duration: 2.75 hours

Admire some of the city's most significant architecture on this cruise from Classic Harbor Line. With a member of the American Institute of Architects as your guide, you'll spot towering residential buildings, Little Island at Pier 55 and more. Guides will also discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting impacts on cities. Reviewers who enjoy the cruise's quiet, intimate atmosphere describe it as the highlight of their trip and say it offers a unique perspective compared to other boat cruises in the city.

Tours depart once or twice daily; between January and March, tours only operate Thursday through Sunday. The company also offers sunset, brunch and jazz cruises.

Check prices & availability on:

Circle Line Sightseeing – Best of NYC Cruise

Price: Adults from $47; kids from $38 Duration: 2.5 hours

See all of the Big Apple's top landmarks with this cruise from Circle Line Sightseeing. The tour, which departs from Pier 83, completely circles Manhattan. During the trip, you'll see the Empire State Building , the Statue of Liberty , the Brooklyn Bridge , Yankee Stadium and more. Reviewers say the tour provides a great overview of the city and describe onboard guides as engaging storytellers. Others note that if there's a high tide you will not be able to do a full circle of Manhattan.

Tours typically depart multiple times daily, though specific times vary depending on the season. Boats are equipped with free Wi-Fi and an onboard cafe. The company also offers an express cruise to the Statue of Liberty and an evening Harbor Lights cruise, among others.

The BEAST Speedboat Ride

Price: Adults from $32; kids from $25 Duration: 30 minutes

Those who love a good thrill may want to check out The BEAST Speedboat Ride. The boat reaches speeds of about 45 mph as it makes its way from Pier 83 to the Statue of Liberty. Reviewers say the ride is fast and fun and warn you'll likely get wet if you sit in the back.

Tours, which last about 30 minutes, run from early May through the end of September and depart hourly from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

New York Media Boat – Adventure Sightseeing Tour

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $75 Duration: 1 hour

Designed for photographers, the Adventure Sightseeing Tour takes riders on a U.S. Navy-designed boat past key city sights like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and Chelsea Piers, among others. The captain stops the boat multiple times throughout the narrated cruise for photo opportunities. Participants praise the informative guides and say the tour is a great option for kids, who are sure to enjoy the thrilling boat speeds. Others say the cruise delivers on its promise of yielding great photos.

Tours run multiple times daily. The company also offers private charters.

Manhattan Kayak Company – Skyline Kayak Tour

Price: From $65 Duration: 90 minutes

For a unique perspective of the New York skyline, consider this tour from Manhattan Kayak Company. The Skyline Kayak Tour, designed for kayakers with little to no experience, spends some time teaching you how to kayak followed by a paddle on the Hudson River. The tour includes a few stops so that guides can share information about the city's history. Reviewers say it is a great value and a fun way to see the city.

Participants must be 12 or older, and kids 12 to 14 must be in a tandem kayak with an adult. Tourgoers must also weigh less than 225 pounds. Tours depart at varying times Thursday through Tuesday. There is an occasional Wednesday tour during the fall months. Manhattan Kayak Company also offers intermediate and advanced kayak tours, as well as stand-up paddleboard tours.

City Experiences – New York Signature Brunch Cruise

Price: Adults from $74; kids from $63 Duration: 2 hours

This tour glides by sites like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center while you enjoy a buffet brunch complete with unlimited mimosas, music, games and open-air decks. Reviewers say the staff is welcoming and they had a great experience.

The tour departs from Pier 61 on Sundays at noon. City Experiences also offers a traditional sightseeing cruise of the city.

Manhattan By Sail – Clipper City Day Sail

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $35 Duration: 90 minutes

This cruise takes you around the city on the largest tall ship in New York City. The boat offers large decks perfect for enjoying skyline views – as well as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – as you cruise around the New York harbor. Plus, you can purchase snacks and drinks on board. Reviewers describe the tour as interesting, relaxing and informative and say the crew is personal and professional.

Tours operate weekly, though specific days and times vary. Manhattan By Sail also operates a Wine & Jazz cruise, a sunset cruise and more.

City Experiences – New York Bateaux Premier Lunch Cruise

Price: Adults from $72; kids from $53 Duration: 2 hours

Enjoy an elegant cruise on a European-style, glass-enclosed boat with Bateaux New York (operated by City Experiences). The cruise, which takes passengers past top New York City landmarks, also includes a buffet lunch, a pianist and narration about the city. Alcohol is available for an additional cost, and casual attire is recommended. Reviewers say the service is excellent, though the food receives mixed reviews.

Cruises depart weekly, though specific times and days vary. Bateaux New York also operates brunch and dinner cruises.

Brooklyn Sail – Group Sail

Price: From $80 Duration: 2.5 hours

Climb aboard the Enchantress with just five other passengers for a cruise with Brooklyn Sail. During your outing, you'll see Governors Island, Tribeca, the Statue of Liberty and more. Plus, you're welcome to bring your own food and drink (though the company asks you to avoid red wine and messy foods). Tour-takers say it's an amazing experience, with many noting it makes a great gift.

Tours depart several times daily, but sailings are limited in the colder months. The ship departs from Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park . Brooklyn Sail also runs private charters and offers sailing lessons.

Interested in more New York City tours? Check out the:

• Best New York City Tours
• Best New York City Food Tours
• Best New York City Bus Tours
• Best Statue of Liberty Tours
• Best New York City Walking Tours

Tags: New York City , Travel , Tours , Vacations , New York Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations , US Vacations

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• NYC Holiday Cruises – Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving – check out all our special holiday cruises.

More NYC Brunch & Lunch Cruises

• Bateaux New York Lunch Cruise – for daytime sightseeing, this all year round 2-hour popular lunch cruise includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and DJ’ed music, with views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building.
• Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise (Sat/Sun @ 10:00am, March to Oct)
• Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise (Sundays @ 12:00 pm)

New York City Night Cruises

Sunset sail aboard the schooner adirondack, nyc premiere dinner & skyline cruise, champagne city lights cruise on yacht manhattan, circle line harbor lights cruise, new york city lights dinner cruise, around manhattan architecture, nyc boat tours cruises – beast speedboat ride, circle line cruises around manhattan, holiday nyc boat tours cruises.

• Valentine’s Day Cruises
• Mother's Day Dining Cruise
• July 4th Fireworks Cruises
• Thanksgiving Dinner Cruises
• NYC Holiday Dining Cruise
• Christmas Eve Dinner Cruises
• New Years Eve Cruises

Classic Harbor Line Boat Cruises

Nyc discount boat tours cruises.

• Hop-on/off Sightseeing Ferry
• Beast Speedboat Cruise
• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry
• Clipper City Tall Ship Sail
• Shearwater Schooner Sails
• Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Ferry
• New York Water Taxi
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

More New York City Cruises

How are you going to tour new york city.

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Best NYC Attractions Pass for Tours

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Welcome to the NYC Insider Guide . Please enjoy our Insider tips, free maps, where to spend and save your money, secret ways of getting discounts and most importantly, what to book NOW so you don’t miss out! - All the Best, Melissa

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The Best Way to See New York City Architecture

Aiany new york around manhattan architecture boat tour.

During this architecture boat tour of NYC, you will explore new and enduring architecture, engineering marvels, and the revitalized waterfront from the teak decks of Classic Harbor Line’s elegant motor yachts. This fully narrated NYC architecture boat tour is in collaboration with the AIANY (American Institute of Architects New York). The story of NYC’s development is described as a broad overview for visitors but includes deeper insights to satisfy demanding locals. During this New York architecture tour you’ll catch new and alluring sites including Little Island at Pier 55, the Hudson Yards “mega-project”, the continuing ascent of “supertall” luxury residential towers, and join a discussion of how cities might adapt in the post-Covid era.

Continuing education credits available »

Our AIANY Architecture Boat Tour makes a great gift! Purchase a CHL gift card at the link below

BUY GIFT CERTIFICATE

AIANY Climate Change and Architecture Tour

Aiany industrial waterway tour into freshkills park, nyc architecture tours.

Join us for the best way to see NYC architecture as we cruise around the island of Manhattan with the American Institute of Architects (AIANY) as your guide. This is the most comprehensive and elegant sightseeing tour of the New York City skyline available.

Classic Harbor Line New York is proud to offer various architecture boat tours that are the best way to see New York City’s iconic buildings and classic architecture along the Hudson River, East River, Harlem River and NY Harbor. Tours include: AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Tour, AIANY Climate Change Tour: Resiliency, Sustainable Architecture and the Future of NYC, the AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture tour in Spanish and AIANY Industrial Waterfront Tour to Freshkills Park.

Our meticulously designed 1920s-style yachts offer comfortable, teak-detailed, climate-controlled cabins with excellent sight lines to see all of NYC’s top landmarks. Guests are free to wander the decks for even greater New York skyline views!

What do the

Nyc architecture tours cover.

The best way to see the Manhattan skyline, are provided by AIANY guides and are scheduled almost daily. They offer visitors, locals, architecture tourists, and students insightful narration covering New York’s iconic landmarks, historic sights, modern architecture, and engineering feats including Art Deco spires, harbor monuments and infrastructure. See the Chrysler Building, World One Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge, plus recent buildings by Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano and Bjarke Ingles, as well as other world-renowned architects. This NYC architecture tour is packed with the modern high-rise residential buildings, Super-talls, awe-inspiring structures that coat the NYC skyline!

The official NYC Architecture Cruise features are thematically linked to illustrate the transformation of NYC’s waterfront industry to booming residential development, ecologically-driven park design and resilient urban planning to accommodate storm surge and rising sea levels. The tour also covers themes related to housing and NYC infrastructure.

AIA CES 1.5 to 2.5 LU HSW Continuing Education Credits offered.

“A fabulous trip. There are many buildings in NY that are best seen from the water, and of course, the boat takes you close to the bridges. The docent was excellent – well informed, and his remarks were very well paced, giving us time to both listen and to look at the buildings (and landscape). The crew members were friendly and attentive, though never obtrusive. The boat feels quite luxurious, and there is a chance to walk around, go outside, or stay inside (the views from inside are very good. My friends and I had a wonderful time and learned a lot, and we plan to ask others to join us when we are all in NY. Very happy passengers, we were.”

– A Chicago Architecture Tour Guide

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BOAT TOURS ON NEW YORK STATE'S WATERWAYS

Plan a cruise, on one of new york state's magnificent waterways.

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FEATURED BOAT TOURS

The best boat cruises in the state of new york.

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours
• Anchor Daytime , Sightseeing

Sightseeing Cruise

Erie canal cruises.

On this incredibly fun, narrated, 1.5-hour cruise, join a licensed captain aboard one of our Lil’ Diamond vessels and enjoy a few entertaining tales of the canal.

• Anchor Daytime , Dining

Bubbly Brunch Cruise

Grand lady cruises.

Jump on the boat for some bloodies, bubbles, and brunch! Kick off your Sunday Funday taking in the sights of Buffalo’s waterfront from the Buffalo River and Lake Erie. Cheers!

• Hour Glass 2 hours

Cruise through Locks 34 and 35 and the Erie Canal

Lockport locks and erie canal cruises.

Experience “Life in the Past Lane” when you board your cruise on the historic Erie Canal! This fun and informative cruise will take you past five of the original 1800s locks.

• Hour Glass 2.75 hours
• Anchor History , Sightseeing

Manhattan Architecture Tour

Classic harbor line.

Step aboard the teak decks of our elegant 1920s-style yachts! Circumnavigate the island of Manhattan while taking in monuments, architecture, parks, and infrastructure.

WELCOME ABOARD!

From Niagara Falls to the Statue of Liberty, New York State is waiting to provide you with every imaginable boating activity. Whether your interest is oceans, rivers, lakes, canals, or even waterfalls, New York State Tour Boat Association will provide a safe, enjoyable way to discover the waterways of New York State.

BECOME A MEMBER

The New York State Tour Boat Association was formed in 1984. The purpose of the organization is to help members succeed in their business by sharing ideas and knowledge on government regulations, public demands, and trends. We also provide marketing opportunities through which our members will see a growth in revenues. Our ultimate goal is to advance the industry by providing safe, enjoyable experiences to guests visiting the waterways of New York State.

Night Cruises on Circle Line

Guided Tours Cruising Nightly

See Iconic New York Landmarks In A Whole New Light

You haven’t seen Lady Liberty until you’ve seen her at night! Cruise with Circle Line for a nighttime boat tour of downtown New York. Our award-winning tour guides will narrate the story of New York while you enjoy refreshments and bask in the evening glow of New York harbor. The city’s legendary landmarks truly come to life at night; you don’t want to miss the boat on this unforgettable New York experience.

Circle Line offers two New York night cruise options to fit your schedule.

If you want to see New York at night, both the Statue By Night Cruise and Harbor Lights Cruise are sure to dazzle and delight! Our iconic NYC night cruises offer unparalleled views of the skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. Our evening cruises depart from both midtown and downtown Manhattan, making it convenient for you to decide where you'd like to depart from. Whether you’re looking for a quick family photo op with the Statue of Liberty or romantic views of illuminated New York landmarks, use the list below as your guide and get ready for an unforgettable evening.

If you need help selecting the best nighttime NYC boat cruise experience for you, feel free to contact us for more information. Not sold on touring the city at night? Check out all of our world-famous Circle Line cruises!