With warm weather and sunny city days, there’s one thing consistently on our minds: boat days. The best thing about boating in New York? Epic views of Downtown Manhattan, One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and more.

With so many on-the-water options to choose from, we’ve rounded up some of the most bucket list-worthy water activities you should experience this season!

The Bucket Listers Guide to NYC Cruises, Tours, and Boating Experiences

Themed Yacht Parties All Summer Long

What better way to spend your summer than partying on a yacht?! Throughout the summer, you can attend themed parties on the NYC waters for an experience unlike any other. The boat has two floors: an indoor club with full-scale production and a top floor boasting some of the best views in NYC. This year's themes include Disco, Christmas in July, National Rosé Day, and more!

Where: Skyport Marina, 2430 FDR Dr, New York, 10010
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Unlimited Mimosa Brunch Cruises

Set sail aboard the classic sailing yacht Ventura on Sundays for a bottomless mimosa brunch! Ventura departs from North Cove Marina in lower Manhattan and cruises into the harbor for great views of the city. Enjoy bottomless mimosas and bloody marys, plus small-bites brunch items like bagels, pastries, and fruit while escaping the heat of the city.

Where: North Cove Marina: Vesey St, New York, NY
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Private Sunset Sail Around NYC

Book a two or three-hour cruise for up to six people, and bring your own snacks, drinks, or dinner on board. Perfect for special occasions, wowing out-of-towners, and small gatherings with your closest crew, you'll enjoy close encounters with the Statue of Liberty and, of course, amazing sunset views of the city. Ice and water bottles are provided on board.

Where: Pier 25, 10013 New York, NY
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Moonlight & Music on the Hudson

Go for an elegant, vintage sailboat soirée on the stunning Clipper City tall ship, produced by nightlife sensation Shanghai Mermaid. Reminiscent of the jazz age, this sailing experience will make you feel like you've been transported to old New York with live hot jazz, cocktails, romance, and glamour. Dress in your best going-out fit (bonus points if it's vintage)—no casual attire will be admitted.

Where: Pier 17 at 89 South Street, New York, NY
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Champagne & Cheese Pairing Cruise

If sailing around Manhattan on a yacht isn't bougie enough for you, try pairing it with champagne. Enjoy an especially intimate 1.5-hour cruise aboard a grand 1920s-inspired yacht, and enjoy a pairing plate with three artisan kinds of cheese, honey or jam, and flatbreads, along with a flight of three worldly sparkling wines, all curated by an in-house wine expert and cheese master!

Where: Chelsea Piers (Pier 62):  W. 22nd and Hudson River (Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
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Sunset Cruise on Yacht Manhattan

Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous 360-degree view of the island from the open decks or the glassed-in back-deck observatory of these Gatsby-esque 1920s-style yachts. Step aboard the Manhattan or Manhattan II and witness the city's beauty and elegance under the setting sun!

Highlights along the way include Battery Park, South Street Seaport, the Financial District, and of course, views of the city skyline.

Where: Chelsea Piers at Pier 62, New York, NY
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Private Sailing Charters

Available for up to 30 guests, this option is great for anyone looking to throw a party or celebrate a big event with friends. Take a private sail in New York Harbor and take in the stunning views while the crew and servers tend to your food and beverage needs. Private chef and catering options are available for you to choose from, or keep it low-key and bring your own food and drinks aboard.

Where: Vesey St, New York, NY
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Lobster & Craft Beer Sail

Want to go to Maine but don't have the PTO? This unique two-hour sailing experience will have you feeling like you're spending an afternoon along the Maine coastline without actually having to leave Manhattan. Chow down on delicious lobster rolls from The Lobster Joint, and wash it down with a selection of popular beers for the tastiest two hours you will spend afloat.

Where: Pier 17 at 89 South Street, New York, NY
More information.

 

 

Manhattan Architecture Cruise

If you're interested in learning about the history behind New York's famous skyline and the buildings, bridges, and parks within it, this tour's for you. The tour narration, provided by members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) NYC chapter, is general enough for visitors yet detailed enough for the locals.

On this 2.75-hour cruise, you will circumnavigate the island of Manhattan (passing under all 18 bridges) while taking in monuments, architecture, parks, and infrastructure while gaining new insights into the Chrysler Building spire, the Brooklyn and George Washington Bridges, the story of post WWII urban renewal and public housing, and much more.

Where: Chelsea Piers: near 22nd St on the Hudson River (Manhattan, NY) (Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
More information.

 

 

Around Manhattan Brunch Cruises

Step aboard the teak decks of this 1920s-style luxury yacht for an elegant three-course prix fixe brunch served at your private table. Receive a complimentary bloody mary, mimosa, beer, wine, or champagne while you circumnavigate the Island of Manhattan, passing under 20 bridges.

The cruise is approximately 2.75 hours and the menu is packed with delicious New York State foods and local goods from NYC purveyors: fresh bagels and bakery, seasonal fruit, craft sausages, kale salad, stuffed quiche, classic smoked salmon display, and pastries. 

Where: Chelsea Piers near 22nd St on the Hudson River, Manhattan, NY
More information.

 

 

Live Jazz Cruise

Live jazz and top sights of NYC– a perfect match! Step aboard the 1920s-style yacht Manhattan and witness the city's beauty and elegance while enjoying some festive live jazz. On this cruise, you may hear anything from jazz standards by Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington to new renditions of Motown songs, R&B grooves, and hits from today.

Where: Chelsea Piers at Pier 62, New York, NY
More information.

 

 

Statue and Skyline Sightseeing

Take in the iconic buildings and structures that make Manhattan what it is today. This tour offers an up-close look at Lady Liberty and Ellis Island, and lower Manhattan, including One World Trade Center. You'll also see parts of Queens, Brooklyn, and the bridges connecting the boroughs—all from a spectacular glassed-in observatory providing stunning, panoramic views.

Where: Chelsea Piers: near 22nd St on the Hudson River (Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets).
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Classic Cocktails Aboard Yacht Manhattan

The only thing better than admiring this beautiful city is admiring it with a cocktail in hand. Sip a refreshing cocktail on this 1.5-hour cruise around New York Harbor, and watch the city pass by while relaxing in your private, partitioned seating area surrounded by large windows.

A special bar menu is prepared for this cruise only, featuring your choice of creative cocktails. Each ticket includes a 'welcome aboard' cocktail on the house.

Where: Chelsea Piers (Pier 62):  W. 22nd and Hudson River (Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
More information.

 

 

City Lights Cruise

For dazzling views of NYC all lit up, step aboard a decked-out 1920s-inspired motor yacht for an evening cruise of New York Harbor. As you lounge in the observation cabin to take in the twinkling lights of this famous skyline, enjoy a complimentary beer, wine, champagne, or soda on us. A beautiful full bar and specialty cocktails and wines by the bottle are available for purchase.

Where: Chelsea Piers: near 22nd St on the Hudson River (Manhattan, NY)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
More information.

 

 

Summer River Trips

Escape the city for a day and go for a relaxing paddle down the Delaware River. After about two hours on the water, you'll stop off at a winery and enjoy a hearty picnic lunch, plus five wine tastings and a tour of the vineyards. Experienced guides will be there every step of the way, and transportation to and from the city is provided!

Where:
1st Pickup: 85 Delancey St, Lower East Side
2nd Pickup: 595 11th Ave, Hell’s Kitchen
More information.

 

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