Cedric Pentonville

5 of the Best NYC Private Boat Tours

Published January 18, 2023

Catch a ride beneath New York’s famous bridges and experience the stunning skyline from the water on these private boat tours.

(Photo: Viator.com)

Each of the five boroughs of New York (Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island) is largely surrounded by water. Seen from a boat, particularly at night, New York can seem one of the most mesmerizing cities in the world. And the best way for you and your family, partner or travel buddy to see the sights in style is to take a private boat or yacht charter to the places that intrigue you the most. These bespoke luxury cruises of New York are the real deal.

Private Luxury Daytime Boat Tour in New York City

If you’re planning a special occasion during your time in NYC, why not opt for a private powerboat trip? The 28-foot (8m) boat is ideal for couples and footloose duos who are keen to see the fabled New York skyline from the waters surrounding Manhattan. Tours last for an hour, where you’ll sail past major landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. These trips depart around six times a day and the price listed below is for two people, although the boat can accommodate private groups of up to six for a higher fee. From $350 per group.

Book at Viator.com

(Photo: Viator.com)

New York Private Boat Charter

For those travelling as part of a larger group, there are similar private boat charters in New York that offer good value for groups of six people. The narrated tour can be adapted to fit your group, giving it a more personal vibe than the bigger group cruises packed with strangers. You’ll get to pass by up to 40 landmarks, including great photo opportunities (you captain can stop the boat as long as you’d like to get the best photos) of the Empire State Building, Highline, Battery Park and much more. From $699 per group.

Book at Viator.com

Manhattan Private Sailing Yacht with Champagne

This particular private sailing yacht is ideal for those looking to get to know the best bits of New York in the lap of luxury. Grab a glass of chilled champagne, kick back on the sun loungers and let your U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain convey you between your own personally curated itinerary of New York highlights over a two-hour spell, which can include a close pass of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower. The fee covers groups of up to six people. From $780 per group.

Book at Getyourguide.com

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Private Yacht Sightseeing Party

This open-plan yacht is a perfect size for groups of up to six people to sit in complete comfort while enjoying 360-degree vistas of the Big Apple and Jersey City. There’s also a below-deck lounge to relax in, although given your trip is only going to be two hours, and with so much to see, you’ll most likely want to join your captain and first mate for a personalized exploration of the city from New York harbor. Tours run daily, with dozens of timeslots to choose between. From $840 per group.

Book at Viator.com

Private Yacht Tour of NYC’s Skyline

If an hour or two aboard a private yacht sounds all too brief, then there are a couple of great half-day charters available. This one even includes soft drinks, snacks and lunch during your journey for an added dose of luxury while you cruise past the obvious landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, plus iconic sites further afield, including the Harlem River Greenway and Yankee Stadium. As with a number of other boat tours on this list, there’s no availability during the winter months. This particular cruise runs from April to November. From $2,400 per group.

Book at Viator.com