The 14 New York City Sailing Tours We Would Step Aboard

1.New York City: Sunset Sail Aboard a Schooner

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 344 reviews · 2 hours · from $101Our pick

Spend two hours aboard the 105-foot Schooner America, sailing from Chelsea Piers past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. You get one beer, wine, or Champagne if you are 21 or older, plus a polished crew and wide harbor views. Captain Shannon and crew members Colin and Grant have earned special praise, though you should bring a warm layer.

“The trip was great, but there was no champagne. No issue for me, as I prefer wine, but it should still be changed in the description.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Sunset Sail Aboard Schooner Adirondack

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 283 reviews · 2 hours · from $90

Meet the crew at Pier 62 for a two-hour evening sail aboard the 80-foot Schooner Adirondack. You’ll pass Battery Park, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty as Manhattan’s lights come on. The crew, including captains such as Kat and Diana on past sailings, serves one complimentary drink and provides blankets when needed.

“Against all odds, sailing in a rain storm made it more memorable and gave us a real feel for being on a schooner. The crew was attentive and the captain experienced. Everyone came away soaked and delighted. It was a great way to celebrate my husband 75 birthday with our sons and friends.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.NYC Statue of Liberty Tall Ship Sail aboard Clipper City

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 264 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $68

Meet at Pier 17 and sail aboard Clipper City, a large historic-style tall ship operated by Manhattan By Sail. You’ll pass the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and the Statue of Liberty, with a bar and restroom onboard. This is a scenic sail, not a narrated sightseeing tour.

“Great teamwork by the crew made it a memorable trip. They worked very hard to please all customers. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.New York Sunset Schooner Cruise on the Hudson River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $90Top rated

Board the classic Schooner Adirondack at Chelsea Piers for a relaxed two-hour sunset sail. You will pass Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, and Lower Manhattan while enjoying one included Champagne, wine, or beer. The crew, including Diana, Lisa, and Yuri on some sailings, can help with photos and questions.

“Amazing crew. Views were incredible and even sailed by Statue of Liberty . Saw sunset. Would highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Statue of Liberty Day Sail on the Schooner Adirondack

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 182 reviews · 1h 45m · from $60Best value

Step aboard the 80-foot wooden schooner Adirondack at Chelsea Piers for a 105-minute sail down the Hudson and around the Statue of Liberty. You get one complimentary drink, attentive English-speaking crew, and wide-open views of Manhattan, Ellis Island, New Jersey, and Lady Liberty. Engines run only when needed for a quieter, more authentic sail.

“Our sail with Shanan as Skipper, with Grant and Colin on deck on the Adirondack was outstanding - the wind was perfect, the views spectacular and the boat is an absolutely gorgeous old Schooner yacht and the team were really fun, relaxed and professional. I would highly recommend this trip for those who enjoy having a beautiful, authentic experience of the Hudson River, with a slice of action and total beauty. Of course the views framed by this stunning boat, were completely overwhelming. Totally , 100% recommend the Adirondack and team!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.2.5-hour Guided Sailboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 181 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $118

Join Brooklyn Sail for a 2 to 2.5-hour small-group sail from Pier 5 in Brooklyn. With Captain Ian, Andrew, or Tyler at the helm, you will pass the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center. The boat holds no more than six passengers, keeping the outing personal and quiet.

“Great option for seeing the NYC sites (Brooklyn Bridge, skyline, Statue of Liberty, etc.) with a smaller group. Definitely worth the money & recommend over a larger boat tour that holds hundreds of people.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Statue of Liberty Day Sail with Onboard Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 150 reviews · 1h 30m · from $71

Board Clipper City at Pier 17 for a 90-minute harbor sail with a professional captain and crew. You will pass One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, The Battery, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Governors Island. Buy cocktails, wine, beer, and light snacks on board, help raise the sails, or take a turn at the helm when conditions allow.

“We had a great time! The staff were entertaining and knowledgeable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Statue of Liberty Cruise aboard a Classic Sailboat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 129 reviews · 1h 45m · from $60

Board the 105-foot Schooner America at Chelsea Piers for a 105-minute sail toward Battery Park, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. You’ll watch the crew raise sail, enjoy one complimentary drink, and see Manhattan from the Hudson. The boat may vary, so confirm the vessel before booking if that matters to you.

“I truly appreciated how helpful the staff were. I came to NYC my Hometown to celebrate turning 60 years young. Ouwer and Founder / Volunteer of Elpaso Texas non profit You EAt I EAt food bank always looking out for others it was amazing having the crew look out for me and my guests Thank you I can not express my gratitude to the staff for the additional assistance ensuring that everyone in my party of 7 was able to enjoy my birthday Sail it was everything I expected and planned and then some I highly recommend this excursion, with only 20 people on board it was private and met…”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Brooklyn Sightseeing Sailboat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 49 reviews · 2h 30m · from $125

Meet your English-speaking captain at One15 Brooklyn Marina for a 150-minute sail with up to six passengers. Expect close views of Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Lower Manhattan. Captains Ian and Andrew are praised for their friendly guiding and New York history. Bring snacks and drinks, but skip red wine and messy foods.

“Ian is a excellent Captain. Prompt in meeting everyone. Very knowledgeable in NY history @ sights. Well worth the money. Being on the water on a beautiful day in NY “priceless””

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Sunset Jazz Sail aboard the ‘Clipper City’

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 34 reviews · 1h 30m · from $146

Spend 90 minutes aboard the 158-foot Clipper City, sailing from Pier 17 past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and New York’s bridges. A rotating jazz band provides a quiet soundtrack as daylight fades. Your ticket includes sightseeing, live music, and up to two glasses of wine. Cocktails and light snacks are available for purchase.

“The view was excellent. Better communication on the included wine… and maybe if someone walked the ship with wine to serve instead of having couples split up to get the wine at the bar. Jazz band only played less than half the time. Staff was friendly, when we saw them. Boat was clean and looked well-kept. Beautiful views. Great date night.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.New York City Lights Schooner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 31 reviews · 1h 45m · from $67

Board an 80-foot wooden pilot schooner at Chelsea Piers for a peaceful 105-minute sail through New York Harbor. You will pass Battery Park, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, with one complimentary alcoholic drink included. The engines run as little as possible, making this a calm, intimate alternative to a standard harbor cruise.

“excellent magnifique croisière intimiste avec un équipage serviable et dévoué je vous laisse la surprise mais meilleur souvenir du voyage”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Private Champagne Sail to the Statue of Liberty

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $850 whole boat, up to 6

You’ll have a private sailing yacht for two hours, with a Coast Guard licensed captain, crew service, champagne by the Statue of Liberty, and room for up to six people. The boat includes an outdoor deck, cushioned sun pad, cabin lounge, Bluetooth sound system, kitchenette, and lavatory. Add brunch, decorations, or a proposal package for a special occasion.

“Excellent, magical, super friendly crew—truly a dream come true.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Hudson River Fall Foliage Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 3h 30m · from $143

Leave Chelsea Piers on a classic sailboat for a 210-minute autumn trip up the Hudson. You will see Manhattan’s Upper West Side from the water, pass the cliff-lined Palisades, and enjoy orange, gold, and brown foliage. One drink is included, with blankets and seasonal drinks sometimes available from the crew.

“Simply Fabulous! The accommodations were on point!! Great relaxing time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.New York City Lights Schooner Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 7 reviews · 1h 45m · from $67

Board the 105-foot Schooner America 2.0 at Chelsea Piers for a 105-minute evening cruise past Battery Park, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. You get one beer, wine, champagne, or soda, with crew members such as Lisa, Diana, and Yuri known for attentive service. Expect a peaceful harbor ride with classic schooner style, though full sailing is not guaranteed.

“The Crew and Captain was verry Nice. You feel welcome a board. We had the evening booked from 21.30 Pm. With New York skyline and further on the statue of Liberty in lights, phenomonal!”

Check availability →Read our full review