Attraction Types: On the Water

Staten Island Ferry

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry provides free transportation between Staten Island and Manhattan. During the workweek, the ferry transports 60,000 passengers per day and 20 million per year.

The free five-mile trip on the Staten Island Ferry last 25 minutes, but it affords passengers some spectacular views of Manhattan as well as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Because of this, many visitors to New York take a round trip on the ferry. There are over about 55 trips daily from Manhattan to Staten Island and 55 more back to Manhattan.

 

staten island ferry

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New York Harbor Parks

New York Harbor Parks has a wide range of opportunities to offer. Throughout the year, visitors can take any and all of the self-guided walking tours: The New Amsterdam Trail explores the city’s Dutch roots; This Hallowed Ground teaches about slavery in Old New York; the New York Freedom Trail or George Washington’s New York delve into the Revolutionary War years. During the warmer months, one can opt for ranger-led walking tours of the following: The New Amsterdam Trail, This Hallowed Ground, the New York Freedom Trail. Self-guided tours can be downloaded from the website.

Seasonal water tours have a different perspective to offer. Gateway to America Official Tours, in partnership with the National Park Service, presents a comprehensive history of the harbor. America: Who We Are addresses the evolving immigrant experience. America’s Frontline focuses on harbor defenses, while Naturally, New York teaches about harbor wildlife and ecology.

Special programs and events are held throughout the year. Be sure to check the website for the latest listings, dates and times.

ny harbor park

Governors Island

NEW YORK CITY - JUN 9: Tourists enjoy Governors Island, June 9,

Although small in size, the location of this island has assigned it a prominent place in the area’s history. In turn, it was occupied by Native American tribes, the Dutch, the British, and the Americans. The name Governors Island evolved from the British declaration that the island would be for the “benefit of His Majesty’s Governors.” However, it wasn’t until 1784 that the island officially was so named. The island was to serve as the site of military functions until 1966 when the Coast Guard assumed control until 1996.

Today, Governors Island is a national historic landmark district open to the public for several months during the summer and early fall. Located about one half mile from the southern tip of Manhattan, access to the island from Manhattan and Brooklyn is by both free and paid ferry rides. Activities on the island include free National Park Service walking tours, bicycle riding, picnicking,

governors island

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Brooklyn Navy Yard

brooklyn navy yard 01brooklyn navy yard 02 Building 92 houses the exhibition The Brooklyn Navy Yard: Past, Present, and Future. The 300-square acre Brooklyn Navy Yard is the third-oldest dry dock in the US and still is being actively used. Founded in 1801, the Yard was once America’s premier ship building facility. Today, while it is in the ship repair business, it also hosts a wide range of businesses. Over the years, the Yard has reinvented itself to meet the changes brought about by technology, innovation, and manufacturing. Learn how issues of labor, politics, and urban and environmental planning influenced the Yard’s role in our nation’s history. Brooklyn Navy Yard Tours by Bus/Walking or Bicycle: On this tour you’ll investigate a dry dock that predates the Civil War, a 24-acre former Navy Hospital and the first multistory LEED-certified industrial building in the US. Run by guides who are passionate about their subject matter, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Tours are exceptional.

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Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tours

Walking Brooklyn BridgeDepositphotos_3247407_xs

You may have crossed it or someone may have tried to sell it to you, but have you ever taken a tour of the Brooklyn Bridge? This fascinating piece of architecture, which inspired the renowned Ken Burns’ documentary film, is accessible through Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tours. Two different tours are available both guided by licensed tour guide Alfred Pommer, who has 20 years of experience researching and talking about the sites of the City.

The Brooklyn Bridge–Fulton Ferry Historic District Walking Tour lasts about two hours, while the Brooklyn Bridge–Ground Zero Walking Tour takes approximately three hours. Both delve into the past and present of this inspiring structure and New York’s rich history.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

The Brooklyn Bridge as seen from Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York

When completed, Brooklyn Bridge Park will stretch 1.3 miles along the East River. Parts of the waterfront park already are open to the public, offering visitors a myriad of experiences. For those in need of a time out from a busy touring schedule, the Pier 1 section offers expansive lawns for picnicking, a playground, a waterfront promenade, and lush landscaping. Pier 6 adds seven more acres to the park and offers a playground and three regulation-size sand volleyball courts. From Pier 6 there is free weekend ferry service during the summer to Governor’s Island.

Recently renovated, the Empire-Fulton Ferry area of Brooklyn Bridge Park is home to the historic and beautifully restored Jane’s Carousel that will operate year-round. Just north of the Brooklyn Bridge is the Tobacco Warehouse. Built as a tobacco customs inspection center in the 1870s, it is a reminder of shipping activity that once dominated the waterfront.

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Battery Park

Children playing in battery parkBattery Park,New YorkUS Navy Memorial Eagle in Battery Park - New York Citybattery park

Located on the southern tip of Manhattan, historic Battery Park, with its lovely flower gardens and  waterfront, is a wonderful area to visit. Originally, it was the world’s first official immigration center, welcoming millions of people from Europe and other continents who had come to this land to start a new life.

Today, Battery Park hosts summertime concerts and serves as the dock for ferries going to historic Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Rich in history and a favorite of New Yorkers since the late 18th century, Battery Park is an interesting and beautiful place to visit.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of LibertyThe Statue of Liberty, designed by the French artist Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States. Finished in 1884 and dedicated in 1886, Lady Liberty was designated as a National Monument in 1924.  Those traveling on the waterways that surround the city can see the Statue of Liberty from various  vantage points. Visitors who prefer to visit Liberty Island can take the ferry from either New Jersey or New York.

 

libertyLiberty Island
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Spirit of New York Cruises

 

Spirit of New York CruisesTHE MOST ENTERTAINING WAY TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE NEW YORK.
The Spirit of New York on New York Harbor delivers the most entertaining and unique combination of dining, dancing, entertainment and spectacular views. Cruising year-round from Chelsea Piers, the Spirit of New York offers Lunch, Brunch, Dinner, Cocktail, Moonlight Cruises and much more!
LET THE SPIRIT MOVE YOU.
Grand buffets. Breathtaking views of New York from the Hudson River. DJs playing Top 40 hits. And an amazing wait staff singing show-stopping favorites. All included for one price. For your next special occasion or just a unique way to get out on the water in New York, come aboard today!
THE BEST SIGHTS OF NEW YORK ARE FROM THE WATER.
The Spirit of New York will deliver all of New York Harbor to your tableside. Get up-close to the Statue of Liberty. Cruise under the breath-taking Brooklyn Bridge. Admire the South Street Seaport and the Financial District. No other place in New York will show you the city like this.
spirit cruises deck spirit cruises

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South Street Seaport

south street seaport logoLocated along the Lower Manhattan waterfront, the South Street Seaport is a dynamic, thriving community that’s composed of diverse shops, restaurants and attractions. Outdoor concerts, various recreation activities along the beach and waterways, a farmer’s market and street performers are all a part of the South Street Seaport experience. Enjoy a day of shopping, dining and entertainment, ride a bike or take a boat ride. This is a quaint community that welcomes visitors.

south street seaport

 

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New York Water Taxi

New York Water TaxiSeeing New York from the deck of one of New York Water Taxis offers visitors a unique experience that one will not forget. Dazzling vistas of the iconic New York City and New Jersey skylines and intimate views of celebrated infrastructure and monuments unfold as the taxis ply the waters of the Hudson, the East River, and the bay.

New York Water Taxi offers sightseeing tours, private charter events, and water borne transportation for the tourist and resident alike. Take a guided tour or go at your own pace.A Hop-On/Hop-Off tour allows you to hop on and off as many times as you like at any one of four convenient piers. Have a blast exploring! Just a few of the many sites to visit are the Financial District/Wall Street, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Times Square/Broadway, the Museum of the American Indian, and the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum.

Your Hop-On/Hop-Off Harbor Cruise can be coordinated with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial. In addition, the cruise offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Governors Island and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Whether tourist or resident, New York Taxi offers new vistas and new insights to complete your total New York experience.

 

water taxi

 

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Manhattan by Sail

Manhattan by SailThe folks at Manhattan by Sail know that there is nothing else in the world like sailing. Manhattan by Sail offers its customers a unique experience when they board one of their schooners. Take the Shearwater, an 80-foot, 48-passenger that is New York’s only designated floating landmark, and you’ll feel as if you’re transported back to the era of the Great Gatsby. Or sail on the Clipper City, a 144-foot steel replica of the 19th century schooners that helped make America run effectively and efficiently. You’ll sail the harbor, enjoying wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and the majestic Manhattan skyline. Special charters and catering options are available. Tours start in April and run through the fall.

 manhattan by sail

Full Screen Google Map

 

 

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Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

 

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex offers visitors exciting experiences in science, technology and history. With the aircraft carrier Intrepid as its primary base, the museum utilizes all levels of this great, restored vessel. Commissioned in 1943, the Intrepid helped defeat Japan in World War II and was later involved in picking up astronauts after they splashed down. Today you can walk its decks, view its extensive display of aircraft and get a feeling for what life was like on this floating city. In addition to the Intrepid, the museum features the Growler, a “top-secret” Navy submarine, and the Concorde, the fastest passenger jet in the world. This is a full sea, air and space experience.

NASA’s space shuttle prototype
Enterprise arrived in the summer of 2012

On December 11, 2011, a ceremony onboard the Intrepid marked the shuttle’s transfer of ownership to the aircraft museum. While the Enterprise was not launched into space, it was used for 16 approach and landing tests in the 1970s, eight of which were manned by teams of NASA astronauts.

On April 23, 2012, the Enterprise was flown atop NASA’s shuttle carrier aircraft to New York’s JFK International Airport. During that summer, the shuttle was transported by barge to the Intrepid museum complex. At present, the Enterprise is displayed on the deck of the aircraft carrier.  Eventually, however, it will become part of a new museum facility to be built across the street from the pier.

New York buildings

Full Screen Google Map

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Ellis Island

More than 12 million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island, the nation’s chief gateway during the years 1892 to 1924. Today, over 100 million Americans can trace their ancestry to the immigrants who crossed this island before dispersing to points all over the country.

Following restoration in the 1980s, this building reopened as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, a symbol of this nation’s immigrant heritage. The museum exhibits and chronicles Ellis Island’s role in immigration history and view it in the context of its time and the still broader context of four centuries of immigration to America. Today, its official name is the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

The exhibits also portray and give voice to the immigrants themselves. Each of their stories is unique and bears witness to the courage and determination that enables men and women to leave their homes and seek new opportunities in an unknown land.

There are a number of options available to help you get the most out of your visit

Liberty and Ellis Islands are accessible only by Statue Cruises ferry. Docking private vessels are prohibited.

 

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Circle Line Sightseeing 42

circle line sightseeing 42Sightseeing cruises, Beast Rides and special adventures are all offered by Circle Line Sightseeing.  Spend three hours circumnavigating the Island of Manhattan, relishing the sites and sounds of the waterway and the city. Or take a 75-minute cruise to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the World Financial Center.  If you’d rather a thrill ride, during the summer you can climb aboard the Circle Line Sightseeing Beast Ride. You’ll whip through the waters that encircle the island.  A variety of special cruises are offered throughout the year, such as the annual Oktoberfest, New Year’s Eve Fireworks, and the Phantom’s Halloween Masquerade Cruise. Be sure to check Circle Line Sightseeing often—there’s a lot to do and see on Circle Line Sightseeing.

circle line
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Circle Line Downtown

Circle Line DowntownCircle Line Downtown offers thrilling, romantic and peaceful cruises of New York Harbor. Looking for something to get your pulse going, then get on the Shark Speedboat Thrill Ride. Or take the ZEPHYR Liberty Seaport Cruise, a one-of-a-kind yacht that exudes elegance and power. You’ll see some of the Big Apple’s most renowned sites, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Chrysler
Building and Brooklyn Bridge.

Be sure to check with Circle Line Downtown periodically for the special cruises available throughout the year. A Fall Foliage Cruise, the Statue of Liberty 125th Anniversary, Breakfast with Santa, Seaport Music Cruise—these are just some of the special events that are available.

circle line downtown

 

 

Beast Speedboat Ride

beastHold onto your hats because for 30 fun-filled minutes! The Beast leaves all others in its wake as the Captain takes this custom-built 70-foot offshore racing powerboat up to 45 mph on a ride down to the Statue of Liberty. (Children must be 40”/100cm.)

from http://www.circleline42.com/new-york-cruises/cruise-details.aspx?id=5

 

Sightseeing cruises, Beast Rides and special adventures are all offered by Circle Line Sightseeing.
Spend three hours circumnavigating the Island of Manhattan, relishing the sites and sounds of the
waterway and the city. Or take a 75-minute cruise to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the World
Financial Center.
If you’d rather a thrill ride, during the summer you can climb aboard the Circle Line Sightseeing Beast
Ride. You’ll whip through the waters that encircle the island.
A variety of special cruises are offered throughout the year, such as the annual Oktoberfest, New
Year’s Eve Fireworks, and the Phantom’s Halloween Masquerade Cruise. Be sure to check Circle Line
Sightseeing often—there’s a lot to do and see on Circle Line Sightseeing.

circle line