Circle Line: 50-min Statue of Liberty Express Cruise

Looking for a quick way to see the Statue of Liberty? This 50-minute express cruise from Pier 16 in Downtown Manhattan is a great way to explore New York Harbor. You’ll get to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks while enjoying live commentary.

See the Statue of Liberty up close

The highlight of this cruise is an intimate look at the Statue of Liberty. The boat pauses near Liberty Island, allowing you plenty of time to take photos and admire the statue’s striking presence. Along the way, learn about the statue’s history and its role as a global symbol of freedom.

Spot key New York landmarks

Along the way, sail past Ellis Island, once the busiest immigration station in the U.S., and learn how it welcomed millions of newcomers to America. You’ll also catch views of the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and Governor’s Island, all while listening to expert commentary about their historical and cultural significance.

This round-trip cruise concludes back at Pier 16, where you can explore South Street Seaport’s many dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It’s a convenient and informative way to experience New York’s top sights in under an hour.

Circle Line: 50-min Statue of Liberty Express Cruise

Discover the iconic landmarks and historic sites of New York City on this sightseeing tour that includes up-close views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and Governor's Island. The cruise departs from Battery Park and offers a panoramic view of Manhattan’s skyline, with engaging narration revealing each landmark’s significance to NYC’s history. Tours are available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, Korean, Russian, Thai, and Hindi. The cruise operates year-round, providing comfortable seating both indoors and outdoors for optimal viewing regardless of the season. With a duration of 50 minutes, this tour is perfect for travelers looking to see key attractions in a short amount of time. Enjoy photo opportunities at Liberty Island, learn about Ellis Island’s role as the gateway for millions of immigrants, marvel at the engineering feat that is the Brooklyn Bridge, and appreciate the modern architecture of One World Trade Center and Governor's Island.

Explore Statue of Liberty

Your tour stops at the Statue of Liberty where you can pause near Liberty Island to capture up-close photos while your guide shares fascinating history about Lady Liberty. Standing 151 feet tall, this colossal statue was a gift from France and was dedicated on October 28, 1886. It sits on Liberty Island which covers an area of approximately 12 acres. Visitors can admire the statue’s intricate details such as its crown with seven spikes representing the seven seas and continents, and the tablet held in her left hand inscribed with the date “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI” (July 4, 1776). The Statue of Liberty was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineered by Gustave Eiffel. It serves as a symbol of freedom and democracy for people around the world, welcoming millions of visitors each year who spend about an hour exploring its museum and pedestal exhibits. This iconic landmark stands out due to its historical significance and global recognition compared to other monuments, making it a must-see attraction on this tour.

Experience Ellis Island

At Ellis Island, guests can explore the former gateway for millions of immigrants who arrived in America between 1892 and 1954. The island covers an area of approximately 27 acres and includes the restored Main Building which now houses the American Museum of Immigration. Visitors typically spend around one hour touring this historic site where they learn about the immigration process, view original artifacts, and see exhibits detailing the immigrant experience. Ellis Island played a crucial role in U.S. history by processing over 12 million immigrants during its operation period. This makes it unique compared to other historical sites as it directly connects visitors with their family histories and the broader narrative of American immigration.

Admire Brooklyn Bridge

Your tour takes you past the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, a symbol of New York City’s engineering prowess. Spanning 6,775 feet in length, this suspension bridge was completed on May 24, 1883 and remains one of the oldest bridges in the United States. Visitors can marvel at its Gothic-style stone towers and steel cables while learning about its construction and significance as a vital transportation link between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The bridge’s unique design and historical importance set it apart from other landmarks, making it a standout feature on this sightseeing cruise.

Marvel One World Trade Center

The tour offers stunning views of the modern architectural marvel that is One World Trade Center. Completed in 2014, this skyscraper stands at an impressive height of 1,776 feet and has become a symbol of resilience and rebirth for New York City. Visitors can see its sleek glass facade and observe how it contrasts with neighboring buildings while learning about the construction timeline and significance of its height as a tribute to American independence. The One World Trade Center’s unique design and historical context make it an essential part of this tour, offering insight into contemporary architecture and urban development.

Discover Governor's Island

Your cruise also takes you past Governor's Island, an expansive area covering approximately 172 acres in the New York Harbor. This historic site played a significant role during World War II as a military base but is now transformed into a recreational and cultural destination open to the public from May through September each year. Visitors can explore its scenic parks, enjoy outdoor activities, or visit historical buildings and museums. The island’s diverse landscape and rich history make it unique compared to other urban parks, providing a tranquil escape amidst the bustling city.

Tour Highlights

• Pause near Liberty Island for up-close photo opportunities
• Sail past Ellis Island with engaging narration on its historical significance
• Admire the Brooklyn Bridge from afar while learning about its construction and importance
• Enjoy panoramic views of One World Trade Center’s sleek glass facade
• Explore Governor's Island during summer months for recreational activities
• Comfortable seating with indoor cabins or outdoor decks available throughout cruise
• Audio guide in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, Korean, Russian, Thai, and Hindi
• Guided narration revealing stories behind NYC’s landmarks and their impact on history

Perfect for tourists, families, and history buffs, this 50-minute express cruise provides a comprehensive overview of New York City's most iconic landmarks. The tour allows you to see the Statue of Liberty up close, learn about Ellis Island's immigrant history, admire the engineering marvel that is the Brooklyn Bridge, appreciate the modern architecture of One World Trade Center, and explore Governor’s Island during summer months. This format ensures a memorable experience with comfortable seating options and engaging narration in multiple languages.