Governors Island Tours and Activities

Catch a bird's eye view of the Big Apple during this helicopter ride over Manhattan. Look out over the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, the financial district and more. You’ll also spot top sights like Ellis Island and the Empire State Building during this unique sightseeing flight over one of the world's most iconic cities.

New York's iconic landmarks, mighty rivers, and islands are even more impressive from the air. On this tour, soar over Manhattan’s most famous sights in a helicopter and enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Big Apple. There's plenty of time time to see Liberty Island, the Empire State Building, and Governor’s Island.

Get an aerial view of New York City on this comprehensive helicopter ride. The sightseeing flight reveals all the top landmarks—from Central Park and Times Square to the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge. This enables you to see more in minutes than you could in a day of exploring on foot, making the tour ideal for first-time visitors who want to get acquainted with the city.

See some of New York’s top attractions away from the mobs of people on land during this daytime Statue of Liberty sail aboard a historical sailing ship. Cruise around New York Harbor, and enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline, plus landmarks like One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

See New York City from the water with a sightseeing cruise from a bustling East River Pier. Navigate the New York Harbor for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, watch for the iconic shape of the World Financial Center, and capture unforgettable images of the city skyline. See Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge, then watch the Big Apple’s shoreline unfurl as you take it in from the deck of a comfortable sightseeing vessel.

Admire New York City's famous skyline from the water on this afternoon cruise. Choose from two departure times and set sail around New York Harbor on-board a historic sailboat. Enjoy incredible views of Manhattan and spot landmarks such as One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. While on-board, help raise the sails or even take a turn navigating the ship.

For an unobstructed view of New York City's glittering skyline, set sail on this evening cruise around New York Harbor. Travel on-board a 1920s-style yacht with both indoor and outdoor seating areas, and sip a beverage of your choice (additional drinks own expense) as you admire views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Brooklyn Bridge.

Savor the traditional New York City brunch with a serious twist on this Big Apple champagne sailing cruise. Tuck into a full buffet, complete with coffee, tea and Prosecco. Enjoy homemade muffins, breads and bagels, plus meats, cheese and more. Relax on board as you make your way through the placid waters surrounding the city and take in epic skylines as you enjoy brunch. This cruise is capped at 40 people, which ensures there's plenty of room on deck. Beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks are available for purchase.

If you're looking for a touch of luxury while sightseeing in the Big Apple, don't miss this private sailing excursion complete with panoramic views of the NYC skyline. As you set sail from Chelsea Piers, you can sit back as the Hudson River breezes guide your ship along Manhattan's West Side. While you cruise, you can enjoy views of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Lower Manhattan landmarks including One World Trade.

If you're looking for a day or half-day adventure that will take you off the beaten path of NYC, Governors Island is a great choice. Known mostly to locals, the island has only been open to the public since 2003, and not yet on the tourist radar. It contains two historic forts and a massive, new public park. It's rich with American and New York history, and has served as a military base since the year 1800. In the 21st century the island has been ingeniously reimagined as an innovative public space. It is home to many arts, education, cultural and environmental non-profits who are finding new and exciting ways to use the space. The island is just 172 acres total, with a 2-mile (3.2 km) perimeter, so it's bite-sized. It's many lawns and shade trees beckon you to enjoy a picnic lunch, and the kids will love it. And, as there are no cars allowed, it's the perfect place to enjoy a bike ride. Rental is for the entire day, so you can stay and enjoy the Adirondack chairs and hammocks.

Get a sparkling new perspective on the famous Manhattan skyline during a 1.5-hour cruise through the New York City Harbor. Recall historic voyages of the past as you sail aboard the Clipper City Tall Ship, one of the largest vessels to cruise the harbor. Take in famous sites like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Empire State Building, illuminated against the night sky, and enjoy onboard amenities including a full bar.

Experience a one-of-a-kind happy hour on this early evening cruise. Set sail around New York Harbor on-board a traditional tall ship and enjoy spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from the water. While on-board, make the most of happy hours discounts on drinks at the bar and sip beer, wine, or other beverages as you cruise past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

New York City’s streets can be overrun with city dwellers and travelers alike, making it hard to catch views of top attractions such as the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. This New York Harbor Jet Ski tour makes seeing these sights (and others) easier than ever by taking you on the water from Rockaway Beach to Manhattan. Plus, your guide knows the massive harbor well, so you won’t get lost.

Embark on a cruise around Manhattan on a comfortable yacht, where you'll enjoy a class on wine and cheese pairings. Each cruise throughout the summer has a different geographical theme, such as wines of Portugal, Spain, Eastern Europe, or Cote du Rhone. You'll be provided five wine and cheese pairings and will leave the cruise with a better grasp on successfully pairing wines.

Set sail in the waters of New York City on the only floating designated landmark around on this wine and cheese waterway experience. Float through the New York City Harbor as you sip on top wines and sample local cheese. Cruise alongside the State of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park, Brooklyn Heights and New York City skylines on this relaxing excursion. This tour is the perfect way to unwind on the water and enjoy some of the city's top attractions while sipping wine.

Celebrate the holiday with the Statue of Liberty! Escape the crowds and enjoy the glamour of sailing on a luxury yacht, your private sanctuary at sea. This special holiday sail will catch the sunset, fireworks displays (smaller than years past), and the dazzling lights of the city skyline. Feast your eyes on sweeping views of Ellis Island, Governors Island, World Trade Center, Financial District and the skyline. Explore. Dream. Discover. Captain Martin holds a USCG 100 Ton Master Captain’s License. Sailor of the New York Harbor for 25 years, he is an expert guide to NYC’s waterways.

Embark on a unique sailing adventure on this craft beer cruise of New York Harbor. Take in fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty from aboard a replica of a historic tall ship—one of the largest vessels in the country. As you sail, taste six different New York craft beers served with cheese and charcuterie form a local Brooklyn deli. You can even take a turn at the helm if you like!

Spend a New York City evening on the water during this relaxing jazz cruise. Perfect for a romantic evening out, the cruise takes you out of the hectic city and lets you enjoy live music and drinks away from the crowds and traffic. Plus, admire views of Lower Manhattan landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Financial District.