Best of · NEW YORK CITY ISLAND HOPPING TOURS
Good new york city island hopping tours sell out weeks ahead in high season and the early departures go first. Below: the 5 to book now, what each includes and how they differ.
Take a self-guided ferry trip from New Jersey to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. You’ll see Lady Liberty up close, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and Immigration Museum, and use audio guides in 12 languages. Allow four to six hours, and note that crown and pedestal access are not included.
“It was so gorgeous on top! Dont think anything needs to be improved!!”
Circle Line’s 2.5-hour cruise circles Manhattan from Pier 83, following the Hudson and East River past more than 130 landmarks. Expect live English commentary from guides such as Alexis, Postcard Tim, and David Parker, with outdoor decks, indoor seating, Wi-Fi, and a café onboard.
“Great trip around the entire Manhattan Island. Lots of sites pointed out along the way, narration was good. Nice way to see the city while saving some walking.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at 1 Bowling Green, then cross New York Harbor to Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty Museum. Choose a two-hour express visit or a four-hour option adding Ellis Island, its immigration museum, and an official audio guide. Guides include Joseph, Joe, Charlie, Mindy, and Christian.
“Be prepared to do a lot of walking. The guide was wonderful. Gave a lot of information and was answering all our questions.”
Meet in Battery Park, pass security, and ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands for roughly four to five hours. Choose a basic ticket, multilingual audio guides, live guiding, or a 9/11 and Wall Street add-on. Guides such as LeAnn, Nina, and Vivian have earned special praise, but options vary.
“Wonderful experience. Our tour guide was excellent- he is so knowledgeable about historic events regarding the sites we saw.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Castle Clinton for a guided visit to Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty Museum, and, on the four-hour option, Ellis Island. Guides such as James, Owen, Charly, and Jay add history, humor, and useful ferry advice. Museum visits are self-guided.
“Our guide was informative, entertaining and just plain fun to be with. I highly recommend Sean!”
By hull, by landing, by how long you want to be out.
