10 Best Boat Tours In Manhattan, New York - Updated 2024

Melanie
Melanie 
Updated
| 5 min read

Manhattan has always been the heart of the Big Apple and attracts plenty of travellers the world over. Known as one of the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centres, Manhattan boasts many attractions that include the Empire State Building, Times Square and Broadway theatres. Catching on the waves of excitement are the adventurous boat tours available in the city that attract locals and tourists alike. Thanks to the many cruises and sailboat rides in Manhattan, visitors are invited to explore the city along its waterways. Scroll on further to discover the best boat tours in Manhattan, New York.

1. Experience a romantic yacht cruise with stunning views (from USD 94.0)

boat tours in manhattan | experience a romantic yacht cruise with stunning views

Let your dreams set sail on this beautiful champagne sunset yacht cruise of New York City and enjoy the views of Lower Manhattan from the Hudson River. What’s magical about this cruise is the 360-degree views of the island and illuminated skyscrapers as you enjoy the changing colours of the skies at sunset. Better yet, the yacht’s open decks and glassed-in, back-deck observatory provide unobstructed views of Battery Park, South Street Seaport, Financial District, Governor’s Island, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Best of all, it’s the perfect place to romance your loved one with champagne in hand.

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New York City: Sunset Yacht Cruise

Duration: 1.5 hour

248 reviews

2. Explore Manhattan's splendid sights on a tall ship (from USD 98.0)

boat tours in manhattan | explore manhattan's splendid sights on a tall ship

Experience a one-of-a-kind sailing tour of New York City on a Clipper City tall ship, a replica on the lumber-hauling schooners of the past. Built in the 1980s, the Clipper City is fitted with spacious decks, ample seating, a full on-deck bar and raised quarter deck that offers panoramic views of the city and harbour. The picturesque two-hour cruise travels across the waterways past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and Manhattan skyline. Better yet, guests can help the crew raise the sails and take the helm like a captain of the ship during the cruise.

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New York City: Manhattan Sunset Tall Ship Cruise

Duration: 1.5 hour

93 reviews

3. Take a New York city cruise with friendly guides (from USD 44.0)

boat tours in manhattan | take a new york city cruise with friendly guides

Let the guides on this cruise share the thrilling history behind the iconic landmarks and spectacular sights of the Big Apple. The awesome 90-minute cruise offers a scenic, up-close view of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan’s scenic skyline, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge and towering skyscrapers best viewed from the waters. Simply sit back and relax as the boat cruises down Hudson River, around the Battery Park and up again on the East River. After all, life is better on a boat and this cruise promises the best views of the New York City skyline.

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NYC: Circle Line Landmarks Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office

Duration: 1.5 hour

1171 reviews

4. See the harbour lights on a New York night cruise (from USD 54.0)

boat tours in manhattan | see the harbour lights on a new york night cruise

Gaze upon the gorgeous harbour lights on this amazing New York night cruise where starry skies and moonlit nights create the perfect setting for a relaxing time. Bask in the sights and sounds of Manhattan on a two-hour sunset cruise in a climate-controlled boat. Not to be missed are the wonderful photo opportunities as the tour brings guests past legendary sights such as the Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, One World Trade Centre, Empire State Building and Battery Park. Select your fave beverage from the fully stocked bar and enjoy the cruise past Governors Island, the South Street Seaport and Brooklyn Bridge.

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NYC: Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office

Duration: 2.0 hour

2331 reviews

5. Savour a romantic dinner cruise with city sights (from USD 174.0)

Why settle for a traditional dinner in a fancy restaurant when you can enjoy a romantic dinner date on board a luxury all-glass boat around New York City? The New York dinner cruise tour on the New York City Skyline Bateaux offers guests a three-course dinner overlooking splendid views of New York City’s famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, Freedom Tower and more. Upgrades are available to impress your significant other with VIP treatment that includes a private table, roses, and French sparkling wine. Make this occasion one to remember as you soak in the lovely sights of Manhattan and Brooklyn city skylines.

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New York City Skyline Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise Tour

Duration: 3 hours

1203 reviews

6. Dine with style on a buffet lunch cruise (from USD 76.0)

Enjoy a relaxing buffet lunch cruise onboard a delightful boat that brings guests the best sights of New York Harbor and Manhattan. Whist dining on the delicious spread of food, guests also enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and One World Trade Centre. What’s amazing are the climate-controlled interior decks, rooftop lounge dance floor, onboard DJ and bar games. In fact, this near-daily cruise is popular with groups too as upgrades available include platinum open bar, tables to fit party size and a welcome glass of champagne presented in a souvenir glass.

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2-hour New York City Lunch Cruise

Duration: 2 hours

156 reviews

7. Sail away on a New York City luxury cruise (from USD 106.11)

sail away on a new york city luxury cruise

Dining becomes a pleasurable affair on board the Bateaux New York, the European-inspired, all-glass dining vessel that takes guests on a two-to-three-hour luxurious cruise through the New York harbour. Discover a glorious sightseeing experience from the all-glass design that offers 180-degree views of New York’s magnificent cityscapes. Snap gorgeous photos of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and iconic landmarks from up-close. Feast on a delectable spread of food at brunch, lunch or dinner as you soak in the sights and enjoy the onboard entertainment.

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NYC: Luxury Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

Duration: 2.0 to 3.0 hour

616 reviews

8. Indulge in a delightful cruise along Hudson River (from USD 30.0)

indulge in a delightful cruise along hudson river

Let the wind and the waves greet you on this delightful cruise around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island which begins at Pier 15 on the east side of New York City. The 60-minute sightseeing cruise is an ideal way to get up close with Lady Liberty as it sails past popular landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Freedom Tower, Manhattan Bridge, Governor’s Island, One World Trade Centre, and Lower Manhattan. In fact, the beautiful boat has indoor and outdoor seating with large open windows to enjoy the best views. What makes this cruise outstanding is the multilingual audio tour that’s available in English, Italian, German and other multiple languages via a downloaded app.

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60-Minute Cruise Around the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Duration: 1 hour

1320 reviews

9. Enjoy a sunset cruise around famous landmarks (from USD 39.99)

enjoy a sunset cruise around famous landmarks

Happiness is sailing all your troubles away on this sunset cruise that sails past iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Embark on a one-hour cruise that sets sail from Pier 36 under the Brooklyn Bridge and journeys past South Street Seaport and Battery Park. What guests love most are the scenic views of the New York City skyline and the incredible Instagram-worthy shots taken almost 100-feet from the Statue of Liberty. This charming cruise explores Manhattan’s sights featuring delicious snacks and beverages onboard.

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New York: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Sunset Cruise

Duration: 1 hour

50 reviews

10. Cruise to an unforgettable New Year's Eve (from USD 248.0)

Celebrate the New Year with spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty fireworks display on the New Year’s Eve Circle Line Cruise. Sail along the New York Harbor and enjoy the wondrous sights of the magnificent Manhattan skyline and iconic landmarks illuminated by night. Fancy a tipple? The beverages and wide array of delicious snacks plus appetizers will satisfy any cravings. Dance the night away with the best tunes played by the DJ who keeps the entertainment hip and happening. Be ready for the champagne toast as the clock chimes to ring in the New Year.

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New York City New Year's Eve Circle Line Fireworks Cruise

Duration: 3 hours

104 reviews

Have a good time on Manhattan's best boat tours

Love sailing in the harbour with fantastic views to greet you? Look no further than the excellent boat tours in Manhattan to bring what you love to life. With so many choices from mid-day to sunset cruises, guests are spoilt for choice as there’s one to meet every budget and expectation. Be it a romantic sailing getaway or family celebration, cruise to life’s greatest adventures with the best boat tours in Manhattan, New York.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Meet Melanie, a budding wordsmith and a full-time Trip101 writer with a penchant for weaving tales that transport readers to far-off lands. With five years of jet-setting experience as a travel...Read more

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