New York / New Jersey, US
Discover 27,000 acres of waterfront parks, islands, and historical monuments. Plan your ferry rides and sightseeing tours.
4.7 from 115 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Find the right boat ride or guided walk for your schedule.
Top ratedStep aboard one of our 1920s-style yachts with teak decks, large observation windows, and aesthetically-pleasing decor for a leisurely weekend brunch cruise. Cruise...
Most bookedExperience America’s most iconic symbols of freedom without the guesswork. This comprehensive guided tour takes you from the bustling shores of Battery Park through the...
Best valueCircle Line Sightseeing Cruises is the original, iconic, and #1 choice for sightseeing in New York City, with over 80 million passengers and counting. Offering the...
Explore
Read about the islands and waterfront parks.
3 spotsHistoric Liberty IslandsThe historic islands representing American freedom and immigration.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsLower Manhattan ViewsExplore historic forts, ferry terminals, and sweeping harbor views.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsParks & Harbor ViewsGreen spaces and recreational hubs with open skyline views.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
Over 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island.
The inspection station operated from 1892 to 1954.
Plan your visit
Reserve 2 to 3 hours for Liberty Island alone. A full harbor day takes 6 to 8 hours.
Visit from May through October. The weather is best for outdoor waterfront activities.
Use Statue City Cruises for the monuments. The NYC Ferry connects waterfront neighborhoods for $4.00.
Viewing the harbor is free. Official monument ferry tickets cost around $25 for adults.
New York Harbor is one of the largest natural harbors globally. It serves as the primary maritime gateway to New York City and New Jersey. Main shipping channels are continually dredged to depths exceeding 50 feet.
The harbor includes 12 national park sites spanning nearly 27,000 acres. These sites hold massive historical significance. Today, they host major attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Over 3.7 million people visited these two monuments in 2023.
You can view the harbor for free from shore. To reach the islands, you need a boat. Learn about Harbor Transit before you go. You can also explore the Lower Manhattan Views for dry-land views.
We list whether a boat actually lands at the islands or just sails past.
We show review scores based on hundreds of recent traveler experiences.
We detail exactly what is included in the price you pay.
From Viator
115 reviews of the harbor brunch cruise on Viator
What a great way to take in some spectacular views while also getting brunch. The food was average, but in an above average setting.
Excellent food, views, staff and tour. Absolutely recommend. I’ve never been all the way around the island before. Stunning
This visit was amazing. Our guide, James was outstanding. Not only an excellent, comprehensive presenter/guide, but very personable, very witty and very humorous. I would definitely look for him to be our guide for any other upcoming visits.
James was awesome! Great information and great use of humor. He made everyone feel important and thankful they were with him for the tour.
This tour was fast, fun informative and entertaining. Definitely worth the cost and time. Great views without taking all your time. Great for kids and adults alike.
Great Cruise with very knowledgeable compare. Got plenty of wonderful pictures of all the sights including brooklyn bridge
Great time- The boat is very small experience. On the water for the perfect amount of time to see a few things close up but without a large crowd.
This is such an amazing way to see the Statue of Liberty. You get super close and it’s a great view of the city as well.
Fantastic experience, would do again seeing the skyline in the evening was spectacular
Travel tips
Official Ticket GuideLearn how to buy official tickets to the Statue of Liberty.Read 
Ferry Sightseeing TipsFind out how to use the free Staten Island Ferry for harbor sightseeing.Read 
Harbor TransitFind the easiest routes and ferries to navigate the harbor waterfront.Read 
Best Time to VisitBeat the crowds and long lines for the Statue of Liberty.Read 
Harbor With KidsFind the best ferries, parks, and monuments for a family trip.Read 
Governors vs LibertyCompare historic Liberty Island with the recreational Governors Island.Read The best way to see the harbor is by boat. You can take the NYC Ferry, a sightseeing cruise, or the Staten Island Ferry. Read Harbor Transit for more options.
Yes, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free. It runs a 5.2-mile route across the harbor. It provides excellent views of the Statue of Liberty.
The main shipping channels exceed 50 feet in depth. Historically, the harbor was only 10 to 20 feet deep. It is continually dredged today to maintain this depth.
No. Swimming is not permitted in the main shipping channels. It is also prohibited off most island park shores.
Key islands include Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and Governors Island. Liberty Island holds the Statue of Liberty. Governors Island offers 172 acres of public park space.
Adult tickets for Statue City Cruises cost around $25. This is the only official ferry service that lands on the island. Read Official Ticket Guide for details.
Secure your tickets early to ensure the best departure times.
