Media Boat Adventure, Chelsea Piers

Manhattan Adventure Sightseeing Boat Tour - from Chelsea Piers runs through New York Media Boat / Adventure Sightseeing Tours. Rated 5.0 across 726 reviews. Runs 1 hour. From $99.

Overview

This is a one hour ride on a fast boat, departing from Pier 59 at Chelsea Piers and looping past the landmarks of Lower Manhattan and the harbor. The route takes in Little Island, the Financial District, Battery Park City, the Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the water, the New Jersey shoreline, Hudson Yards, and the Manhattan Bridge. A U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain runs the boat and talks through each sight as you go.

The tour suits travellers who want sightseeing and a thrill in a single hour. Groups are capped at 12, and one reviewer advised skipping the crowded big boat tours in favor of this one. Families with children do well here, as long as kids are at least 4 years old. It is not a fit for pregnant travellers or anyone with back problems, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible. Flat shoes are required, no high heels.

What's Included

Included

Local taxes
TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain
Landing and facility fees

Not Included

Tour-guide/Captain gratuities are not included
Hotel pickup

Itinerary

Meet at Pier 59Meet at the dock booth on the left, south side of the golf center at Chelsea Piers Marina, Pier 59. The marina entrance is on 11th Avenue, across from West 17th Street.
Little IslandA 1 minute pass of Little Island.
Financial DistrictA 2 minute look at the Financial District.
Battery Park City and Brooklyn BridgeAbout 2 minutes at Battery Park City, then 5 minutes at the Brooklyn Bridge.
Statue of Liberty and Governors IslandA 2 minute stretch past Governors Island, with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island passed by on the way. No landing anywhere.
New Jersey and Hudson YardsAbout 2 minutes along the New Jersey side and 3 minutes at Hudson Yards.
Manhattan Bridge and returnA final 2 minutes at the Manhattan Bridge, then the boat heads back to the meeting point at Chelsea Piers.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to sort out before you book, based on the listing and on what past passengers reported.

Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. Allow time to reach the marina entrance on 11th Avenue opposite West 17th Street, since the tour will not be refunded if missed because of late arrival. The meeting point is near public transportation.
Footwear. Flat shoes only, high heels are not allowed.
What to bring. The listing recommends sunglasses and a camera.
Group feel. The boat carries a maximum of 12 travellers and needs a minimum of 4 to run. Reviewers often mention the guides by name and describe an attentive, personal style of commentary.
Weather. The tour requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, the listing states you are offered a different date or a full refund.
Kids and age. The minimum age is 4, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. One family called it their children's favorite activity of their whole New York trip.

Common issues. The tour does not run with fewer than 4 passengers, and if the minimum is not met you are offered a different date or a full refund rather than a departure that day. Weather can also cancel sailings. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for pregnant travellers or people with back problems, and gratuities for the captain are not included. Adult pricing applies to everyone on board.

Picking Your Boat Tour

What is included in the price?

S. Coast Guard licensed Captain are all included. Hotel pickup is also not included, and there is none on this tour.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at the dock booth beside the golf center at Chelsea Piers Marina, Pier 59. The marina entrance is on 11th Avenue across from West 17th Street, near public transportation. Allow time to find it, as late arrivals are not refunded.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, from age 4 upward, and minors must be with an adult. Adult pricing applies to all passengers regardless of age.

Is the boat accessible?

No, it is not wheelchair accessible. Pushchairs are allowed, and service animals are allowed. Travellers with back problems and pregnant travellers are advised not to join.

What is the cancellation policy?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Inside 24 hours, no refund and no changes are accepted. If the operator cancels for weather or low passenger numbers, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What should I wear and bring?

Flat shoes are required and high heels are not allowed. Bring sunglasses and a camera for the photo stops. The listing does not specify a dress code beyond footwear.