New York Private Boat Charter: Customized Sightseeing Experience
5.0
43 Ratings
New York
Experience the ultimate customized sightseeing adventure in New York Harbor with our private boat charter. Get up close to iconic attractions and capture stunning photos of the world-famous skyline!
Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • New York Media Boat / Adventure Sightseeing Tours - - Guests shall arrive our dock at North Cove Marina 15 minutes prior to departure.
    - Our captains provide a safety briefing before you board the boat.
  • Each guest is offered our tactical-weather gear for additional warmth before boarding.
    - All tours are narrated in English and must depart right on time.
  • The captain stops the boat along the route to point out sites and gives you the opportunity to take great photos.
  • New York Media Boat reserves the right to cancel a trip due to unsafe weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be issued. There is no refund for customers who do not show up for their scheduled departure.

Our Route

We’ll leave Manhattan and head out on the Hudson River to get spectacular views of downtown and midtown with the Empire State and Chrysler buildings. Going north on the Hudson, you’ll see the FDNY Fireboat Station, Chelsea Piers, the VIP Heliport, Hudson Yards Project, the Highline, and the Jacob Javits Convention Center, before stopping at the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier and Cruise Ship Terminal. 

We then cross over to the New Jersey shoreline and run south for panoramic views of the entire skyline. From Hoboken, we cross back over to Manhattan and stop right in front of the Financial District and Freedom Tower. Rounding Battery Park, we enter the East River where you’ll see the helicopters take-off and land, as we cruise past South Street Seaport, go under the Brooklyn Bridge and to the Manhattan Bridge. After taking in the iconic views, we run along the Brooklyn waterfront, past the Red Hook Container Terminal, and around Governors Island.

Crossing the Upper Bay, you’ll see commercial vessels such as tug boats, oil barges, and the Staten Island Ferry while making our way to the Statue of Liberty. We stop right outside the security zone so you can get an up-close and unobstructed view of Lady Liberty. Returning to Manhattan, we pass Ellis Island, and you’ll have great views of the entire world-famous NYC downtown skyline. We hope to welcome you aboard!

At each of our 12 tour stops, the captain positions the boat so that every guest can get a perfect photo and will help guests with any photo requests.

What's Included
  • TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
  • Local taxes
What's Not Included
  • Tour-guide/captain gratuities are not included
Additional Information

Experience the best of sightseeing in New York Harbor with our exclusive custom excursion! Be dazzled by the city from prime viewpoints, and capture the globally-renowned skyline from our boat, which is regularly chartered by media agencies to report on unfolding events! Our ‘PRIVATE CHARTER’ Adventure Sightseeing Tour whisks your party of up to 6 away on a unforgettable journey through the harbor. The guided tour highlights over 40 attractions on the local waterborne routes. Savour the city from distinct viewpoints specifically selected to cater to photography enthusiasts. We’ll position you mere feet from key attractions and also provide ample room for capturing the sweeping skyline. Our skippers pause the boat at numerous spots en route to let you snap timeless images. It’s the ultimate means of getting to know New York City’s layout during your stay, and a thrilling experience for tourists and natives alike!

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum age is 5 years
  • Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to your late arrival
  • No high heels; flat shoes only
  • Recommended: Bring sunglasses and your camera!
Location
225 Liberty St
Liberty Street
From South End Av and Liberty St, walk past the security barrier towards North Cove Marina. Our boats are at the first floating dock in the South East corner. There is a blue sign that reads 'New York Media Boat'. Please wait at the gate and our captains will greet you there.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(43 Ratings)
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Nedned77
Apr 10, 2024
Brilliant! - Brilliant! This was a really efficient and fun way to see some of the great NYC sights, eg Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn bridge, Ellis Island. And from a different perspective from the boat. Great fun and an excellent, friendly skipper (Eric). Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helenmr6259ds
Dec 3, 2023
A bucket list - An amazing experience in the Defender - such a personal way to see the city sights and enjoy hooning along the Hudson. Eric our captain knowledgeable and flexible. Totally recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ckewashingtonstate
Dec 3, 2023
Best thing to do in NYC - Eric gave us a wonderful tour of New York from the water. He was knowledgeable, competent and kind. This was my second time on this tour and it did not disappoint! My 4 friends (70 something ladies) agreed that this was the best thing we did in NYC. One friend has lived in Manhattan for 50 years and was just thrilled by the experience. The boat feels very secure but FAST. You will not believe how much you get to see and that the entire experience was just 1 hour. I would recommend the tour for all ages. On n our first trip, we had a teenager who was laughing/screaming/having a blast.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cadora
Sep 4, 2023
Must Do! - This is our fourth time taking a tour with Media Boat. It's that good! No tour is the same. Captains always make sure everyone on board has a fantastic experience. They are personable, reliable and will provide you with a New York experience unlike any other.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traveler07215549107
Sep 2, 2023
This was amazing - Sean was amazing. This was literally the best boating tour I have ever had. 100/10! Suggest to EVERYBODY who can do it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikela1387bk
Sep 2, 2023
Best boat tour in nyc (from a New Yorker) - My son and I now have a tradition where the last day of summer we take a tour on the media boat. Yesterday we took the smaller boat for a private cruise and it was awesome. Shawn was a great, personable and knowledgeable captain. My 8 year old loved it and even as a long term New Yorker on my third trip i learned new things about the city. Highly recommend. The boat is fast fun and you get close to the attractions. And it’s dry for those worried about getting wet. Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul9719
Aug 31, 2023
Great way to see NY - A great way to see the sights of New York from the water. Our captain Eric was fantastic - professional, courteous and knowledgeable. Far better than the heli trip and a damn site less expensive!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donnadl5599et
Aug 26, 2023
Amazing - Absolutely exhilarating experience. Loads of photo opportunities. Marc was a great guide, providing lots of interesting and fun facts. Highly recommend, the best experience of our holiday.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marciaknutson
Jun 14, 2023
AMAZING! - We rented the private boat for just our family of 4. Our guide was excellent, very knowledgable, kind and safe. I highly recommend this experience. It was soo cool!!! You see everything on the water up close and personal. It is quick, easy and private! I 100% recommend this company! It was one of my familys favorite activities while in NYC!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennaj3807ux
Jun 5, 2023
Unbelievable experience - We had an unbelievable experience. Our Captain Shawn was amazing! He did everything to accommodate us and make our trip so unforgettable! He was so knowledgeable and so kind. He made sure everyone was comfortable and having fun the entire time. Thanks so much, we will be back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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