The best boat tours in NYC in 2026 are the free Staten Island Ferry for Statue of Liberty views, Circle Line for a narrated harbor or full-island cruise, Classic Harbor Line for sunset sails on a vintage-style yacht, and NYC Ferry for a cheap DIY harbor tour. Statue City Cruises is the only way to land on Liberty and Ellis Islands.
A free 25-minute ride past the Statue of Liberty.
The Staten Island Ferry runs between Lower Manhattan and St. George around the clock, free, with excellent views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline.
Good to know: You must exit at St. George and re-board; it's a quick turnaround.
4 South St, New York, NY 10004
Narrated harbor and full-island cruises since 1945.
Circle Line's classic cruises circle Manhattan or loop the harbor with live narration, passing the Statue of Liberty, bridges and skyline; its speedboat, The Beast, runs in summer.
Good to know: The Best of NYC cruise circles the whole island in about 2.5 hours.
Pier 83, W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
Sunset sails and themed cruises on elegant schooners and yachts.
Classic Harbor Line sails 1920s-style yachts and schooners around the harbor, with sunset sails, architecture tours and wine and whiskey tastings.
Good to know: Book the sunset sail on the schooner for the best photos.
Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, New York, NY 10011
A commuter ferry that doubles as a cheap harbor tour.
NYC Ferry links Manhattan with Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and the Rockaways for the price of a subway-style fare, with fine skyline views from the top deck.
Good to know: Ride the East River route from Wall Street to Dumbo and Williamsburg.
Pier 11, South St, New York, NY 10004
The official ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Statue City Cruises is the only service authorized to take visitors to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, with tickets that can include pedestal or crown access.
Good to know: Book the first morning departure to beat the security lines.
Battery Park, New York, NY 10004
A glass-enclosed dinner cruise with live music.
Bateaux New York's glass-topped boat glides past the skyline and Statue of Liberty during a multi-course dinner with live music — a classic special-occasion cruise.
Good to know: Good for anniversaries and proposals; dress up.
Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, New York, NY 10011
Free walk-up kayaking on the Hudson in summer.
The volunteer-run Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking in a protected area of the Hudson River on summer weekends — no experience needed.
Good to know: Bring a change of clothes; you may get splashed.
Pier 26, Hudson River Park, New York, NY 10013
The Staten Island Ferry is free, runs 24/7 from Whitehall Terminal and passes close to the statue. Stand on the right side going to Staten Island.
Only Statue City Cruises, the official National Park Service concessioner, lands on Liberty and Ellis Islands. Buy from its official site to avoid resellers, and book pedestal or crown access well ahead.