There was a time when New York Harbor was the busiest waterfront area in the world. The Statue of Liberty has watched over New York for more than 200 years, and a harbor tour will give you a chance to see how those centuries have shaped the city. This article will cover the sights and sounds you can look forward to as you experience the city that never sleeps from a new vantage point on a tour of New York Harbor, the Brooklyn waterfront and lower Manhattan.
Safety in a COVID World
If you charter one of our Brooklyn boat tours, you will be taking your tour on our stout Downeaster, The Tireless. She was built to handle anything that Mother Nature can throw at her, and her deck holds 6 people with plenty of room to move about. The Tireless is also thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after every tour. We follow all social distancing guidelines, and the safety of our guests is always our first priority. We also offer private charters.
Landlubbers Welcome
Don’t worry if you can’t swim and have never been on a boat, the waters around Brooklyn and lower Manhattan are quite calm and we have life preservers for everyone. The boat will also be piloted by an experienced Coast Guard captain who knows the local tides well. You can expect your harbor cruise to last about two hours, but the memories you take home with you will last a lifetime.
All Aboard
Your tour of New York Harbor, the Brooklyn waterfront and lower Manhattan will set off from Pier 25. Take a moment to appreciate how many people still earn their living on the waterfront, and then get ready to see some of the most famous structures in the world. Here are just a few of the sights you will see:
The Statue of Liberty: A symbol of hope for millions and New York City’s most enduring landmark, the Statue of Liberty is a must-see for any harbor tour. Your captain will get you close enough to Liberty Island to take some great photographs before its time to see what else the harbor has to offer.
Ellis Island: This was the first port of call for more than 12 million immigrants who packed all they had and set off for the New World. The main facility boasts impressive French Renaissance architecture and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Brooklyn Bridge: Our Brooklyn boat tour sails under the Brooklyn Bridge, of course - and from the water it’s a very different experience compared to driving over it. The granite, limestone and cement span was the world’s longest suspension bridge when it opened in 1883, and you will get to see how nineteenth century engineers managed to build such an impressive structure.
Brooklyn Bridge Park: This park is the place to come for the best skyline views in New York. The city looks even more amazing from a boat.
Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower: This iconic structure was Brooklyn's tallest building for more than 80 years, and it is also a popular film location. The Continental Hotel lobby scenes in the John Wick movie series were shot in the building.
The Barclays Center: When the Barclays Center opened its doors in 2012, Brooklyn became a legitimate first-class entertainment destination. You will be able to see the Barclays Center when your boat passes the Brooklyn waterfront.
South Street Seaport: This area has some of Manhattan’s oldest buildings, and it is now home to the Fulton Market, a museum and dozens of bars and restaurants. There are also several tall ships to look at including two schooners.
The High Line: From the deck of the Tireless, you will be able to see New Yorkers enjoying the High Line. This is a section of abandoned railroad that has been converted into an elevated park.
The Empire State Building: Built on the site of the original Waldorf-Astoria hotel, the Empire State Building is an art deco masterpiece that dominates the New York City skyline. As you explore the waters around Manhattan and Brooklyn, you will see how the city’s architecture has changed over the years.
The Chrysler Building: Often seen as the Empire State Building’s little brother, the Chrysler building is widely viewed as the city’s most iconic skyscraper. It was once the world’s tallest building, and it is still the tallest tower made out of bricks.
The Freedom Tower: This is the building that rose from the wreckage of the original World Trade Center, and it is an inspiring sight. Rising 1,776 feet into the air, One World Trade center is the tallest building in the western hemisphere.
The Best Way to See New York
Whether you decide on a private charter or a group Brooklyn boat tour, the two hours you spend exploring New York Harbor and lower Manhattan will be filled with excitement and wonder. Take in everything the Big Apple has to offer from the comfort of a private deck, and marvel at what has been built by the people who call this area home. New York Harbor Tours has three sailings each day from Pier 25, and our boats always have an experienced captain at the helm. If you are ready to see New York in a completely new way, you can call us at (718) 230-0136 or fill out our online contact form.