30-Minute High-Speed Speedboat

NYC The Beast High-Speed Speedboat Ride runs through Circle Line. Rated 4.7 across 4,605 reviews. Runs 30 minutes. From $29.

Overview

The Beast is a custom-built speedboat powered by twin jet engines, and it races across New York Harbor at speeds of up to 45 mph. The ride lasts 30 minutes, with loud music playing throughout and a captain who mixes sharp turns and fast runs with a steady hand on safety. Riders stay seated with seatbelts fastened the whole way.

The route leaves from either Midtown (Pier 83) or Downtown (Pier 16), whichever the traveller picks when booking. The boat passes the Manhattan skyline and One World Trade Center, then slows down near the Statue of Liberty for photos at close range before passing Ellis Island on the way back across the harbor. After the photo stop it is full speed back to the pier.

It suits families, friends and couples who want a short, loud, adrenaline-fuelled break from conventional sightseeing. Riders must be at least 40 inches tall, and luggage or large bags are not allowed on board. After Midtown departures, the BEAST'ro at Pier 81 sells food, drinks and merchandise.

What's Included

Included

30-minute high-speed speedboat adventure
Heart-pounding music throughout the ride
Up-close Statue of Liberty photo stop
Choice of Midtown or Downtown departure
Seatbelt-equipped seating and safety briefing

Not Included

Hotel pickup or drop-off
BEAST'ro food, beverage, and merchandise are Midtown-only perks

Itinerary

Check in at the pierArrive at least 45 minutes before departure at Midtown (Pier 83) or Downtown (Pier 16), the choice made at booking. Show the voucher and board directly, skipping the ticket line.
Boarding and briefingA safety briefing precedes departure, and every seat has a seatbelt that must stay fastened for the whole ride.
High-speed harbor runThe Beast accelerates to speeds of up to 45 mph across New York Harbor, passing the Manhattan skyline with music pounding.
Skyline landmarks pass-byThe route passes One World Trade Center before the boat heads toward the Statue of Liberty.
Statue of Liberty photo stopThe boat slows near the Statue of Liberty for close-up views and photos, then speeds back across the harbor to the pier.
Optional BEAST'ro visitAfter Midtown departures only, the BEAST'ro at Pier 81 offers food, drinks and merchandise for purchase.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this ride actually feels, from getting soaked to arriving early.

You will get wet. Multiple reviewers said getting soaked is close to guaranteed, splash and all. One reviewer mentioned crew members with water guns adding to the drenching. Wear quick-drying clothes on a warm day and bring nothing that cannot take a soaking.
Arrive early. The listing asks riders to check in at least 45 minutes before departure. Some travellers wanted clearer pre-ride information on check-in times, so allow a comfortable buffer.
Loud and fast. The ride features loud music, sharp turns and speeds of up to 45 mph. Reviewers often describe it as an adrenaline rush with an entertaining crew, so expect noise and motion rather than a calm cruise.
Photos at the statue. The boat slows near the Statue of Liberty for photos, and one reviewer said there is plenty of time for a picture. Another noted crew members take photos of passengers during the ride.
Pack light. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on board, and outside food and drink are not permitted. Travel with minimal pockets and leave the backpack at the hotel.
Weather dependent. Sailings do not run during rain or thunderstorms. Check conditions on the day and have the cancellation terms in mind if the sky looks doubtful.

Common issues. The main gripe in reviews is scheduling clarity: some travellers wanted better advance information on check-in times and schedule changes. Rain or thunderstorms cancel sailings outright, which can disrupt tight itineraries. Everyone gets wet, which is a thrill for most but worth knowing in cool weather. Riders under 40 inches tall cannot board, large bags are banned, and the BEAST'ro food and merchandise stop applies only to Midtown departures, not Downtown.

Picking Your Boat Tour

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket covers the 30-minute speedboat ride, the music played throughout, the up-close Statue of Liberty photo stop, a choice of Midtown or Downtown departure, seatbelt-equipped seating and a safety briefing. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and food, drinks and merchandise at the BEAST'ro cost extra.

Do I need to arrange transport to the departure point?

Yes. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. Travellers make their own way to Pier 83 in Midtown or Pier 16 in Downtown, the choice made at the time of booking, and should arrive at least 45 minutes before departure.

Can children ride The Beast?

Riders must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall. Families do ride, and one reviewer found it worked well for both parents and teenagers. Every rider stays seated with a seatbelt fastened throughout.

Will I get wet?

Almost certainly. The listing warns of splash zones, and multiple reviewers said they got soaked. One reviewer traced part of the soaking to water guns the crew carries. Dress accordingly, especially in cooler weather.

What happens if it rains?

Sailings do not operate during rain or thunderstorms. Travellers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so watch the forecast and know the cutoff if weather looks uncertain.

Can I bring food, drinks or bags on board?

No. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, and luggage or large bags are banned. After Midtown departures, food, drinks and merchandise are available for purchase at the BEAST'ro at Pier 81.