NYC: Sunset Sail Aboard Schooner Adirondack runs through Classic Harbor Line New York City. Rated 4.9 across 309 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $90.12.
Overview
This is a two-hour evening sail out of Chelsea Piers aboard the Schooner Adirondack, an 80-foot sailboat operated by Classic Harbor Line. You meet the crew at Pier 62, at the northern end of the Chelsea Piers complex by West 22nd Street and the Hudson River, and once underway the boat heads out past Battery Park toward the harbor's big landmarks. One drink, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, is included with the ticket.
The route takes you past Ellis Island, the immigration station that processed arrivals from 1892 to 1954, and gives you a water-level view of the Statue of Liberty, the French gift that reached New York harbor in 1885. You also pass Battery Park, the roughly 20-acre green space at the southern tip of Manhattan. The timing is built around the sunset, so the skyline and the harbor both shift into evening light while the boat is out. Reviewers repeatedly single out the crew, the calm of the sail once the sails go up, and how close the boat gets to the Statue of Liberty.
It suits travellers who want a slow, quiet contrast to Manhattan's noise. General admission ticketing applies to everyone, and the pace is gentle. Large group bookings are not permitted, and multiple bookings may be subject to added fees or cancellation by the operator.
What's Included
Included
- 2-hour sail
- 1 complimentary drink
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Additional non-alcoholic drinks (available for purchase - payment by credit card only)
- Transportation
- Parking (22-44 USD)
- Hotel pickup
Itinerary
- Meet at Pier 62Meet the crew at Pier 62, Chelsea Piers, at West 22nd Street and the Hudson River. The meeting point sits at the northernmost end of the Chelsea Piers, a few steps from the dock.
- Board the schoonerBoard the 80-foot Schooner Adirondack and depart. One reviewer noted the start can feel a bit bumpy before the sails go up.
- Sail down the HudsonSail away from the city noise toward the harbor as the sails are raised. Reviewers describe this stretch as calm and peaceful.
- Pass Battery ParkPass the roughly 20-acre park at Manhattan's southern tip, a site where artillery has been stationed over the centuries.
- Ellis Island and LibertySail past Ellis Island, the immigrant doorway to America from 1892 to 1954, and take in the Statue of Liberty from the water.
- Sunset over the skylineWatch the sun set behind the Manhattan skyline from the water. Reviewers call the skyline view from here a highlight of the trip.
- Return to Pier 62Sail back to Chelsea Piers, with a complimentary drink on board, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, included in the ticket.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points will make the sail smoother, from what to carry to how the boat handles.
- Bring ID. The listing asks for a passport or ID card and a credit card. Extra drinks on board can only be paid for by card, so have one ready if you plan to buy more.
- Comfort on board. One reviewer mentioned the crew handing out warm blankets. Beyond that, the sail itself is described as calm and peaceful once the sails are up.
- The pace. No fitness is needed beyond stepping on and off the boat and standing or sitting on deck. Several reviewers describe the trip as relaxing and a welcome contrast to the pace of the city. One noted the ride feels bumpy at first and settles once the sails are up.
- Group feel. General admission applies to all travellers, so you share the deck with other passengers. Reviewers mention friendly conversation on board, including couples celebrating anniversaries and birthdays, and a crew that keeps things light.
- Drinks on board. One complimentary drink is included, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Additional drinks cost extra and require a credit card. Some travellers found the drink arrangements less clear than expected, so check the details when booking.
- Photos. The route passes close to the Statue of Liberty, and reviewers describe that approach as a highlight. The sunset over the skyline is the other picture moment, so keep a camera or phone within easy reach rather than buried in a bag.
Common issues. The listing flags several limits. Gratuities are not included, extra drinks must be paid by credit card, and neither transportation, parking, nor hotel pickup is covered. Parking near Chelsea Piers is listed at 22 to 44 USD if you drive. Large group bookings are not permitted, and multiple bookings can attract added fees or cancellation by the operator. Seating for young children or travellers with mobility issues is available but not guaranteed, and smoking is not allowed on board. One reviewer was caught out that only a single drink was included, so read the inclusions before you go.
Picking Your Boat Tour
What is included in the ticket?
The ticket covers the two-hour sail and one complimentary drink, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available. Gratuities and any additional drinks are not included, and extra drinks can only be paid for by credit card.
Where does the tour start?
There is no hotel pickup or transportation included. You meet the crew at Pier 62, Chelsea Piers, at West 22nd Street and the Hudson River, at the northernmost end of the complex just a few steps from the dock.
How long is the sail?
The sail lasts two hours. Reviewers describe this length as a good fit for the experience, with enough time to reach the Statue of Liberty and watch the sunset before returning.
Is it suitable for kids or people with mobility issues?
Select seating for those with young kids or mobility issues is available but cannot be guaranteed. General admission ticketing applies to all travellers, so if you have specific seating needs it is worth contacting the operator ahead of time.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Note that large group bookings are not permitted, and multiple bookings may be subject to added fees or cancellation by the operator.
What should I bring?
The listing asks for a passport or ID card, a credit card for any extra purchases, and water, ideally in a reusable bottle. Smoking is not allowed on board.