Governors Island Tours and Tickets

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.

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.

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.

Catch a bird's eye view of the Big Apple during this helicopter ride in 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 of one of the world's most iconic cities.

Forget trying to snag a hard-to-get reservation at New York's hottest restaurants du jour. Instead, indulge in a delicious 3-course dinner during the cruise on an all-glass boat around New York City that offers you an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty and other famed sites. As a live pianist plays relaxing music for you, take in the immense view of one of the world's great cities and enjoy a delicious pre-set dinner by the on-board executive chef.

Visits to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island are musts in the Big Apple. On this guided tour, you get boarding on the ferry from Manhattan to visit the two important historical sites. Visit the grounds of Liberty Island and go inside the Statue of Liberty Museum. Then hop the ferry to Ellis Island and learn about the millions of people who arrived here between 1892 and 1954 in hope of living the American dream. For the comprehensive 4 hour option, you will have a guided tour of both Liberty and Ellis Island. For the Express 2 hour option, you will have a guided tour of Liberty Island and you can visit Ellis Island on your own. For the Essential 30 minute tour, you will get the essential information prior to boarding and access to audioguides while on the island. With all options you will have roundtrip ferry tickets to both Liberty and Ellis Islands and entry into the Museums. You may stay as long as you wish after the tour. No Pedestal access.

Make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps on a guided tour of NYC’s top attractions. Travel by both boat (seasonal) and bus as you swing by the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and more. Then hop aboard a luxury boat for a sightseeing cruise past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, complete with stunning views of the world-famous skyline and Brooklyn Bridge.

Experience the lights of New York City at sunset on this twilight cruise along the Hudson River and into New York Harbor. Book your ticket in advance online to spare any fuss on the night, and set sail to enjoy the illuminated landmarks while learning about the city from a guide’s informative commentary. A great way to end a day of sightseeing or kick off a night on the town.

Combine an introduction to Manhattan with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge in just a few hours, saving time with a guide who knows the best ways around the city to see more in less time. Walk from Manhattan to the trendy Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn, and cross the Brooklyn Bridge. Your guide tells you NYC history and fun city facts as you stroll.

Some of the best views of New York City's iconic skyline are from the water. This extended cruise goes all the way around Manhattan Island, affording views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and more. While on-board, learn about the history of the island through live commentary or purchase drinks and snacks.

See the highlights of New York City without the hassle of navigating traffic or public transportation by booking a Big Bus tour. The hop-on hop-off tour enables busy travelers to relax and enjoy the sights from the double-decker bus. Along the way, you can choose the attractions that interest you most rather than being caught up on a group tour.

Prebook your admission to the 9/11 Memorial Museum in lower Manhattan, and guarantee your entry to the center that documented the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001. Museum artifacts include first-person accounts of what happened on that September morning in 2001, multi-media displays, and exhibits on history, which commemorate nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the attacks.

Avoid the big crowds at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with help from this small-group, early-access tour in New York City. Climb aboard an early ferry to Liberty Island, and see the iconic Statue of Liberty up close. Walk the Stairs of Separation that divided some families, visit the joyful Kissing Post where many immigrants met their relatives, and more.

Go behind-the-scenes at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, and see parts of the church that are otherwise off-limits to visitors, during this catacombs tour. Meet your guide at a convenient location in Lower Manhattan, and follow them into the church. As you explore, learn all about the landmark’s place in New York history and discover the final resting place of famous New Yorkers past.

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.

This custom sightseeing tour on the Hudson River is designed for photographers and tourists alike. Travel on the same media boat that news photographers use to cover breaking stories, and view more than 40 iconic sights—including the New York City skyline—from unique vantage points. The captain’s narration provides a comprehensive overview of New York Harbor, with close-up views of landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.

Explore the best of New York City at your own pace aboard a hop-on hop-off bus through downtown and a cruise to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. You have 24 hours to see everything from Union Square to Greenwich Village, Freedom Tower, and Little Italy, with stops at New York City’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.

Relax on a comfortable boat as it cruises around New York Harbor and Manhattan on this relaxing 2-hour afternoon cruise that includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and DJ'ed music. Get great views and a different perspective on the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building. And indulge in the delicious buffet lunch wile doing it. Upgrade the afternoon to receive a welcome glass of champagne in a souvenir glass, a table for your party size, and access to a platinum open bar.

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.

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.

Forget trying to snag a reservation at New York's hot restaurant du jour. Don't wait in line at a popular eatery, either. Instead, indulge in a delicious lunch during this 2-hour cruise on an all-glass boat around New York City that offers you an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty. As a live pianist plays relaxing music for you, take in the immense view of one of the world's great cities and enjoy a delicious pre-set lunch by the on-board executive chef.

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.

Break up the holiday stress with a classy and relaxing jazz cruise past the New York City skyline. Couples, families, and friends can enjoy a break from the city traffic and listen to live jazz while sailing past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and more. All the while, indulge in snacks and refreshments from the onboard bar.