Plan your next family outing with a New York City cruise on a private yacht with the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan Skyline as your backdrop. 

All tours have our on-board cooler at their disposal. Bring all your favorite snacks and drinks aboard. Read on to explore our selection of engaging tours–each are designed to transform any day or night in NYC into an adventure of a lifetime.

Event Ideas on the Water

Our private charters provide a customizable setting perfect for any family event or special occasion. From joyous birthday parties and milestone graduation ceremonies to heartfelt proposals and unforgettable wedding vows, each event features breathtaking elements that make New York City special. Experience the wonder through your children's eyes as they behold the Statue of Liberty–creating cherished memories that will last forever.

Charter Boat for Family Events

Discover the perfect setting for any family gathering with New York Harbor Tours, where we offer intimate and customizable boat tours. Our fleet–designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind–includes two exceptional vessels that cater to a variety of group sizes and event types.

Meet Our Boats:

• RELIANCE: Our newest addition, Reliance, is a 16-passenger beauty, bringing a touch of Maine’s shipbuilding heritage to NY Harbor. Fully refurbished to enhance your experience–she offers a spacious deck, comfortable cabin, and modern amenities, making her perfect for small weddings, company outings, or any special occasion. Experience NYC’s landmarks like never before aboard this classic yacht.

• TIRELESS: Ideal for smaller groups, Tireless accommodates up to 6 passengers, offering a cozy yet open setting for taking in the skyline. With ample seating, a protected cabin, and a BYOB policy, it’s the perfect choice for a more intimate sightseeing or celebratory event. From casual gatherings to memorable celebrations, Tireless ensures a personal touch to your NYC exploration.

Birthday Parties

Our birthday venues on the water offer a range of durations to fit your celebration needs. Whether seeking a brief hour-long escape–or a more comprehensive exploration–our Birthday Party Tours adapt to your requirements and the splendors of the changing seasons. Here are some more NYC birthday ideas.

For your birthday event, you can celebrate the occasion on either the 6-passenger Tireless or the larger 16-passenger Yacht, Reliance. The tour sees you cruising past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and under the city's iconic bridges. The skyline–featuring landmarks like the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings–serves as a breathtaking backdrop to your special day.

Graduation Parties

Mark your academic achievements with a unique graduation party aboard our vessels. Drift by the Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building, and the Statue of Liberty in a celebration that offers a serene escape from the typical hustle and bustle.

Our cruises combine relaxation and adventure, creating memorable moments against NYC's stunning skyline. Celebrate hard work, achievement, and the excitement of what's to come as you sail past iconic landmarks–reflecting on the vast possibilities ahead.

Wedding Cruises, Bachelor PArties & Proposal Boat Tours

Set a uniquely romantic backdrop for life's most cherished moments with New York Harbor Tours. Our private motorboat, Tireless, and the exclusive yacht, Reliance, provide the perfect stage for unforgettable proposals, engagements, bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, and wedding celebrations.

From intimate moments to grand celebrations with family and friends, our tours offer breathtaking views and personalized planning, ensuring your big day or proposal is everything you've dreamed of.

4th of July Cruise

Enjoy the best view of the New York Harbor fireworks from the deck of your own private boat. Our Fourth of July Cruises for up to 6 people offer an exclusive experience, allowing you to celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular front-row seat to the Macy's fireworks show.

You know what else is nice about enjoying a spectacular fireworks display on a New York Harbor Tour 4th of July Cruise? You have front-row seats but don’t have to slog through bumper-to-bumper traffic or crowds when you leave like you do at other venues.

Retirement Tours for Family and Friends

Celebrate the transition to retirement with a unique charter boat for family and friends aboard either Tireless or Reliance. Our boats offer intimate settings that foster a sense of closeness and celebration. These settings are perfect for marking such a significant milestone. New York Harbor Tours ensures your retirement party is elevated above ordinary venues, with the stunning NYC skyline as your backdrop.

Both Tireless–ideal for smaller family gatherings, and Reliance–suited for larger groups, provide a relaxed atmosphere that promotes memorable moments and heartfelt speeches. This environment transforms your retirement party into a joyful commencement of the next chapter of life, surrounded by a 360-degree view of the gorgeous New York Harbor.

Sightseeing Tours

New York Harbor Tours offers a wide selection of family-friendly and intimate seasonal and special tours. Every one of them is designed to showcase the city's charm in varying lights. Our professional, Coast Guard-licensed crews ensure a unique, intimate family boat tour through New York City's waterways, providing magnificent, selfie-ready perspectives that crowded tour boats can't match.

Daytime Downtown Loop

Discover New York City's majestic sights with our Daytime Downtown Loop Tour, experienced in a private, intimate setting. Marvel at the Statue of Liberty and glide under the Brooklyn Bridge–capturing those perfect family moments with the city's iconic skyline as your backdrop.

Tailored for those valuing privacy and safety, this 90-minute tour offers exclusive views away from the hustle and bustle. Guided by our Coast Guard-licensed captains–skilled in navigating NYC's waterways–expect a smooth and enriching journey.

Manhattan Circumnavigation

For a comprehensive view of the city, this 3-hour tour is perfect. It immerses participants in Manhattan's beauty, size, and diversity, showcasing panoramic views of landmarks. You’ll see everything from Yankee Stadium to the Cloisters and all the city's famed bridges, making it our most sought-after journey.

Our excursions are intimate–ensuring every moment aboard our USCG-certified vessel is unforgettable. With daily departures, we personalize the experience for those special occasions, whether it’s a family-centered special event or a unique celebration.

Sunset Cruise

The family-friendly Sunset Boat Cruise is a 2-hour journey perfect for those special, private moments. Imagine this: As the sun sets behind the Statue of Liberty, the sky turns into a canvas painted with vibrant hues–creating the ultimate backdrop. This route, like our daytime downtown loop, brings the city's landmarks to life in the soft golden light, making it an ideal setting for memorable photos and intimate celebrations.

Our cruise offers a unique view of New York's "Golden Hour," making it an unforgettable experience for proposals, anniversaries, or simply a peaceful evening with loved ones. With the flexibility to bring your own dinner and drinks, it’s like having a private floating dining room with the city as your guest.

New York City Lights

Join us for a magical night on the water, where the city’s lights tell a story of their own. Every family loves trips that involve a beautiful light show, and this experience doesn't disappoint. The New York City Lights Tour transforms New York’s iconic skyline into a twinkling kaleidoscope of sights, ideal for an intimate family adventure or a romantic outing.

The boat sets sail every evening and journeys through New York’s glittering waters. You’ll see landmarks like the Freedom Tower and Ellis Island under the night sky from a unique vantage point on the water. Our private charters–tailored for small groups–provide a cozy, safe environment for your special occasion or a unique sightseeing experience, ensuring night for the books.

What to Expect on the Tours

When you embark on a New York Harbor Tour, you’re not just taking a boat ride–you’re stepping into a world of breathtaking sights and fascinating history. Each tour is crafted to ensure you see the best of New York City from the unique perspective of its waterways. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Iconic Landmarks: Prepare to be blown away by close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy. Marvel at the majestic Ellis Island, the historic gateway for millions of immigrants. The tours also offer unparalleled views of the Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center), standing as a beacon of resilience and hope.

• Architectural Wonders: The skyline of New York City is unlike any other, featuring the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building–each telling its own story of the city’s architectural evolution. The Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge frame the East River, serving as historic connectors of the city’s boroughs.

Route Details

New York Harbor Tours offers private boat charters, which are different from traditional “cruises” which tend to go in the ocean. Our Daytime Downtown Loop tour departs from Pier 25, taking you around the southern tip of Manhattan and along the scenic paths of both the East and Hudson Rivers. This journey ensures a comprehensive view of the magnificent sights along New York Harbor. For a more extensive exploration, the Manhattan Circumnavigation tour offers a complete wrap-around of the entire island.

Please Note for Pickup Locations: Depending on the boat you book, your departure point will vary. New York Harbor Tours operates from two docks in Manhattan, as well as from Jersey City, NJ, and Brooklyn. Your confirmation email will specify your exact departure dock.

As a guideline, guests booked on Tireless, our 6-passenger boat, will depart from Pier 25. Those on Reliance, our 16-passenger boat, will embark from North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place. Please verify your departure location to kickstart your private boat tour without any issues.

About the Captain

At the helm of every New York Harbor Tour is a Coast Guard-licensed captain–a seasoned navigator and storyteller ready to unveil the vibrant history and hidden secrets of New York City. With our captains’ help, our family cruises from New York provide an engaging and secure exploration of the city’s sights. They personalize the tour experience, catering to individual interests and ensuring that every journey with New York Harbor Tours is as enriching as it is safe.

Family Friendly Cruises from New York

You’ll find no better intimate family boat ride than with New York Harbor Tours. Our family friendly cruises offer the ideal setting since our vessels are tailored specifically for safety and fun. Our spacious decks and high railings mean children can explore freely and safely, providing peace of mind for parents. Each family cruise in New York City is designed with families in mind–ensuring stunning views of the city's skyline that’s perfect for all ages.

For those considering a grander voyage, Royal Caribbean provides an expansive ocean experience that caters to the whole family. From Broadway-caliber shows and panoramic dining to adventurous shore excursions, a cruise with Royal Caribbean blends excitement with relaxation. Their attention to family-friendly accommodations and activities ensures everyone–from the youngest traveler to the oldest–enjoys their journey to the fullest.

Whether exploring the majestic waters of New York Harbor with a family boat charter hosted by New York Harbor Tours, or embarking on a global adventure with Royal Caribbean, the focus is on creating unique experiences and lasting memories. Each option offers a unique blend of discovery, comfort, and joy that will enrich your family's travel stories with unforgettable experiences.

Book Your Private Family Friendly Boat Tour Today

New York Harbor Tours prides itself on being a family fun boat tour company, presenting a wonderful way to see New York City's iconic sights. Tailored for comfort, safety, and enjoyment, each of our family friendly boat tours presents an opportunity to create lasting memories on the water.

Ready for laughter, learning, and unforgettable family fun? Explore our tour options and secure your spot today for an adventure that’s just a click away. Your New York Harbor Tour adventure awaits, and spots fill up fast!