Ellis Island Attractions & Things to do

Explore NYC's iconic landmarks and soak in breathtaking views of the city in just 90 minutes! With multiple departures throughout the day, including a sunset cruise and evening city lights option, cruise down the majestic Hudson River, passing by Hudson Yards, with the towering One World Trade Center and Ellis Island as your backdrop, until you're within arm's reach of the Statue of Liberty. Marvel at the sights of lower Manhattan before sailing under the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Then, embark on a brief journey up the East River before returning to Pier 78 in midtown. Surely a memory that will last a lifetime, especially since we will capture it for you with complimentary digital photos throughout your trip!

Relax in style aboard our modern, temperature-controlled boats, featuring spacious indoor and outdoor decks. Take advantage of the onboard Snack Bar, offering delectable food and drinks, including a full bar. The perfect opportunity to reload while taking in the city sites.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

See the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks and building up close on this popular helicopter tour of New York City, while taking off and landing out of Manhattan Heliport. This is a one-of-kind pilot narrated modern and historical tour.

As you soar above the city that never sleeps, take a look at all NYC has to offer. You’ll see attractions such as: One World Trade Center, Empire State Building, Times Square, The Intrepid Museum, Central Park, Yankees Stadium and Columbia University.
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Experience the beauty of the New York Harbor including an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty on this helicopter ride over NY. If you think New York City is impressive from the ground, you haven't seen anything until you experience it from the air.

Explore classic NYC landmarks including: One World Observatory, Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, Chelsea Piers, The Intrepid Museum, Central Park and Time Square.
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Seated in comfort, experience all the sights of Manhattan from the air on a 17-20 minute helicopter flight. Enjoy bird's-eye views of top Manhattan attractions including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building, the World Financial Center, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. Continue up the Hudson River to the northern point of Manhattan, where you can see the George Washington Bridge, the New Jersey Palisades, Yankee Stadium, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and Columbia University.


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The Statue of Liberty is a verifiable American icon and a must-do on anyone's New York bucket list. This flexible tour offers two convenient options for visiting Lady Liberty with expert insights so you can choose whichever best fits your travel plans and preferences. If you're short on time, the two-hour Statue of Liberty Express Tour option offers an introduction to the legendary lady from an expert guide in Battery Park followed by a ferry ride and guided tour of Liberty Island. Choose the four-hour option for a more in-depth visit with your guide including the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island.
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Grab your friends or that special someone and get ready for two-and-a-half hours of real New York fun departing from Chelsea Piers! This New York dinner cruise includes an attended chef-prepared buffet, fun DJ music with dancing and breathtaking views of the New York skyline from the interior dining decks and outside rooftop lounge. Creative cocktails, wine and beer available from the well-stocked cash bar.

Enjoy iconic skyline views of Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and more! You will get a great view of Lady Liberty from the boat and get to take amazing photos.

Don't wait - add this dinner cruise to your New York itinerary today!

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Take to the skies on a helicopter tour to see New York's amazing skyline! On this scenic 18-20-minute helicopter flight you'll soar through the sky and experience a bird's eye view of Manhattan's world famous landmarks. This is the best view you can get of New York City!
Duration: 20 minutes.

See New York City like never before on this 25-30 minute helicopter tour. Capture views of iconic Manhattan attractions including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building, the World Financial Center, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge, and continue up the Hudson River to the northern point of Manhattan to see even more sights. You'll also enjoy views of Brooklyn and Staten Island. Also fly south to the Verrazano Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in America.


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Make your stay in New York City a memorable one by taking to the Manhattan skies for an exciting helicopter tour of New York City that departs from Downtown Manhattan. We offer state of the art Bell 407 aircraft!

Don't get fooled by low prices and outdated aircraft offered by our competitors that only fly out of New Jersey. Our New York City Helicopter tours offer spectacular aerial views of Manhattan. This memorable 12-15 minute flight will take you past the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, New York's financial district of Wall Street, and the humbling sight of Ground Zero. Catch a glimpse of the magnificent Empire State Building and historic Ellis Island for a truly birds-eye view of New York City!
Duration: 15 minutes.

Explore New York’s most iconic landmarks on a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial. Choose from English, Spanish, or French guides, and upgrade for reserved 9/11 Museum entry.

Start your journey at Battery Park, where your guide sets the stage before you sail to Liberty Island. Learn the history and symbolism of Lady Liberty, enjoy panoramic views, and visit the "Statue of Liberty Museum" during free time.

Next, head to Ellis Island to delve into the immigrant experience at the Immigration Museum, hearing stories of resilience and hope. Return to Battery Park by ferry and continue to Wall Street to see landmarks like the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall.

Conclude at Ground Zero, paying tribute at the 9/11 Memorial Pools and hearing the story of 9/11.

Upgrade for access to the 9/11 Museum to explore its powerful exhibits and artifacts in depth.

Choose guided tour of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ONLY for shorter tour
Duration: 5 hours.

What better way to take in New York City's most iconic landmarks, than sailing along the Hudson River? From the majestic Statue of Liberty to the towering Freedom Tower, our cruise provides unparalleled views of some of the city's most famous sights.

Once aboard our serene, eco-conscious vessel, you will unlock the magic of New York City in all its glory. Take a perfect selfie with Lady Liberty on our open-air rooftop deck and enjoy our cozy indoor space complete with a full-service bar and concession area, available year-round. Book now for an unparalleled adventure through the heart of the Big Apple!
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes.

See many major New York sights on a 90-minute boat cruise on a 1920s-style yacht! Enjoy views from the open bow, or relax in the spacious climate controlled glassed-enclosed observation cabin. The boat cruises along the Hudson River offering views of Manhattan's west side and booming skyline. Pass by the Financial District, Ellis Island, and Statue of Liberty as the boat cruises into New York Harbor.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest boats. Comfortable seating with lots of legroom and outdoor and indoor space for the best views of the New York skyline.

Sit back and unwind on a relaxing two and a half hour cruise around Manhattan Island. You'll see all the sights on the only New York cruise to circumnavigate Manhattan in its entirety.

Choose between two ticket types:

Cruise with Standard Seating which includes general admission boarding and seating available on the outdoor deck or inside the temperature-controlled cabin.

Cruise with Premium Seating which includes advanced boarding and exclusive indoor seating area in the temperature-controlled cabin with premium-cushioned seating.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Get up close and personal with Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty - two NYC landmarks. Enjoy an entertaining, professional guide to help you navigate the crowds and show you where to capture all the great views and photos on this tour.

Book in advance to skip the tickets lines on the ferry from Manhattan to Liberty Island. Then learn about both iconic sites as you enjoy a fully guided tour of the grounds at both Liberty and Ellis Island with admission to Statue of Liberty Museum and The Immigration Museum at Ellis Island both included.
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All aboard for a bird’s-eye view of Manhattan on a helicopter tour of top New York City sights. See Central Park, the Hudson River, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building, and fly past the Statue of Liberty, South Street Seaport, and the 150-year-old Brooklyn Bridge. Treat yourself to all this plus even more of New York's famous skyline. Several departure times are available throughout the day.


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This 60-minute cruise gets you within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty for unbeatable photos. Sail under the Brooklyn Bridge and admire the skyline. Onboard narration highlights sites like the Empire State Building, Freedom Tower, and more. Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating with large windows.

Pass Ellis Island and get close to "Lady Liberty" for photo ops. Marvel at Manhattan's skyline, including One World Trade Center, from the East and Hudson Rivers. Drinks and food are available from the full bar and concession stand.

Alternatively, take the 90-minute Night Cruise to see the New York Skyline sparkle in the evening.
Duration: 1 hour.

The only way to see New York City at night by air! Departing from Essex County Airport in New Jersey, this is your opportunity to see the sparkling lights of New York City from the seat of your helicopter. Essex County airport in New Jersey is accessible by a 45-minute taxi ride from Midtown or via public transportation from the Port Authority Building in NYC on 42nd Street.

Sit back for the ride of your life on your 30–35-minute journey showcasing iconic landmarks like the American Dream Mall and Metlife Stadium before reaching the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and more at night all lit up with the sparkling lights of the city.

A once in a lifetime experience you are sure to never stop talking about!
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Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise along the Hudson River and New York Harbor on a classic 1920s-style yacht. Pass by Manhattan's financial district, One World Trade, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Take in the beautiful skyline as the sun dips below the horizon. This is a great way to see Manhattan for visitors and locals alike and a great photo opportunity as well.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Experience the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with ExperienceFirst, guided by a local expert. This private tour offers a personalized exploration of these iconic New York City landmarks. Your visit includes a ferry ride, along with all necessary entrance fees. Delve into the rich history of Lady Liberty at the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Gain unique insights and a deeper connection to these significant sites through the expertise of your private guide.
Duration: 4 hours.

Visit Ellis Island and Lady liberty with a fully escorted walking tour, who will provide a personalized overview of the island. When you have returned to Battery Park by ferry, you’ll visit the 9/11 Memorial, located next to the newly constructed Freedom Tower.
Duration: 5 hours.

The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest boats. Comfortable seating with lots of legroom and outdoor and indoor space for the best views of the New York skyline.

Experience the grandeur of New York's skyline on this 1.5-hour highlights cruise. Sit back and relax while you cruise past New York's major sights, and enjoy a close encounter of the best kind with the Statue of Liberty.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Gain exclusive access to the Statue of Liberty on this once-in-a lifetime, 4-hour, private tour. With a personal tour guide, learn how a gift of friendship to the United States has become one of the modern wonders of the world. After an inspiring, exclusive trip to Lady Liberty, take a short boat ride to Ellis Island and hear first-hand stories about the most famous and active immigration hubs in the United States. Entry fees and round-trip ferry ticket included.
Duration: 4 hours.

New York City Sightseeing Scenic cruise. Enjoy the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island up close. View of the Manhattan skyline, One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building.Enjoy a panoramic view of lower Manhattan as you pass the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge. Have you photo taken with the Statue of Liberty. Morning or afternoon departures are available daily.


Duration: 1 hour.

No trip to New York would be complete without visiting and learning about one of the most well-known monuments in the world: the Statue of Liberty and the Immigration Museum at Ellis Island.

Experience the Statue of Liberty and the Immigration Museum at Ellis Island as you learn their history and their importance to this country and enjoy breath-taking views of the New York City skyline

The tour includes priority and reserved access to the islands, a professional tour leader you through both islands (if option selected) and access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and the National Museum of Immigration on the island Ellis.


Duration: 4 hours.

Feel the history while flying over true American treasures on the Taste of NYC Tour.

On this tour you will fly over Ellis and Governors Island where you will experience the Statue of Liberty and the first taste of freedom for millions of immigrants.

You will also see the South Street Seaport from the sky, cruise by the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and the famed Wall Street Financial Center on this much loved New York helicopter tour.
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The ultimate custom sightseeing experience in New York Harbor! Enjoy the city from great vantage points and photograph the world-famous skyline on the same boat media agencies charter to cover breaking news! Our Adventure Sightseeing Tour takes you on an unforgettable ride through the harbor. The narrated tour points out more than 40 sights on the local waterways. You’ll experience the city from unique vantage points, carefully chosen with the photographer’s interest in mind. We’ll bring you within feet of major attractions and create plenty of distance to view the panoramic skyline. Our captains stop the boat at many places along the way to give you the opportunity to take iconic photos. It’s the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the geography of New York City during your visit and a lot of fun for tourists and locals alike!
Duration: 1 hour.

See the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks and building up close on this popular helicopter tour of New York City, while taking off and landing out of Manhattan Heliport. This is a one-of-kind pilot narrated modern and historical tour.

As you soar above the city that never sleeps, take a look at all NYC has to offer. You’ll see attractions such as: Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Times Square, The Intrepid Museum, Central Park, Yankee Stadium and more!
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Highlights
- Save time by prebooking ferry tickets to Liberty Island & Ellis Island
- Pick a ticket option to suit your budget and travel style
- Choose a departure time that fits in with your schedule

Grab your ticket to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island in advance to avoid the long ticket lines. Enjoy a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island & Explore America’s most iconic landmarks. Choose between 4 options:
- Statue Standard Ticket: Enjoy a standard timed ferry ticket to Liberty Island and Ellis Island
- Statue Reserve Ticket Pre-ferry: Upgrade to include a pre-ferry orientation tour, multilingual audio tours and priority boarding for the ferry.
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour: Upgrade further to include an expert local guide on the ferry & around Liberty Island and Ellis Island
- Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island & 9/11 Memorial Guided Tour: Enjoy the most complete tour where you are guided around the 9/11 Memorial, Ground Zero & Wall St.
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Experience stunning New York skyline views on this evening happy hour cruise around lower Manhattan. The 2-level boat features indoor and outdoor decks, onboard food options, and a covered outdoor dance floor.

Cruise the East River under the Brooklyn Bridge to see Lower Manhattan, South Street Seaport, Battery Park, and One World Trade Center. Then, head up the Hudson River for views of the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building.

Sail past Ellis Island and pause for photos of the Statue of Liberty in the evening light.

Light commentary highlights famous buildings and neighborhoods along the Hudson and East Rivers.

Enjoy happy hour specials with drinks from the cash bar and snacks like burgers, chicken fingers, nachos, hot dogs, and pretzels. Dance and mingle on the covered outdoor deck with fun music.

With a friendly crew and incredible views, this happy hour skyline cruise is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy New York City at sunset or night.
Duration: 1 hour.

The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest boats. Comfortable seating with lots of legroom and outdoor and indoor space for the best views of the New York skyline.

Don’t have a lot of time in New York City? Make the most of it with this 60-minute harbor cruise that gives you prime views of one of the most recognizable skylines in the world. Snap memorable shots of Midtown and Lower Manhattan, and sail within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty. Learn fun facts about the iconic green-hued goddess as an informative guide brings the city’s sights and fascinating history to life.
Duration: 1 hour.

The Ultimate NYC Tour does everything from the Taste of NYC and NYC Skyline tours, and then adds in other Big Apple favorites known throughout the world including:

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The South Street Seaport

The Brooklyn, George Washington, and Manhattan Bridges

Wall Street

The Empire State Building

Central Park

The Intrepid Air, Sea and Space Museum

Yankee Stadium and Battery Park
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Sail around the Statue of Liberty on a sightseeing cruise that also cruises under the Brooklyn Bridge and past Ellis Island. Take in incredible views of the iconic New York skyline.

Upgrade your ticket to include entry to either (or both) of the two main attractions in Lower Manhattan:

- One World Observatory, located at the top of the tallest building in the Western hemisphere, with sweeping views of Manhattan and the New York Harbor. Ticket valid anytime for 7 days following your cruise.

- 9/11 Museum, the poignant Museum about the attacks of September 11th, 2001, located where the twin towers once stood. Ticket valid anytime between 12pm and 3pm on the 7 days following your cruise. Choose your entry time for the Museum and take the cruise at 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, or 4.30pm that same day or the next day.

Alternatively, take the 90-minute Night Cruise and see the New York Skyline sparkle in the evening light
Duration: 1 hour.

2.5 hour sails for up to six passengers from Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, One15 Brooklyn Marina, 159 Bridge Park Drive.

Views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, Ellis Island, Governor's Island and Manhattan skyline.

Guests are welcome to bring any food or drink--please no red wine or anything that stains or is messy.
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When looking for a fun and festive way to get out on the water, a Signature cruise is your answer. Come aboard and experience breathtaking NYC skyline views, a chef-prepared buffet-style lunch, attentive service, DJ entertainment, rooftop lounge and onboard games!

Departing from Chelsea Piers in New York, a lunch cruise with City Cruises is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water taking in the iconic sites along the Skyline. Enjoy views of Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and more!
Duration: 2 hours.

Experience the convenience of TopView's Hop On Hop Off Pass for exploring NYC.

Relax and take in the panoramic views aboard the Hop On Hop Off NYC Downtown and Uptown Tours, or disembark at stops near major attractions like Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue, Central Park, and more. Reserve yours today and make the most of your time in New York City!
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Explore more than 400 years of New York City history in just five hours on this private walking tour. Follow in the footsteps of Manhattan’s most famous residents and learn how the Big Apple has changed over the centuries. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where 12 million immigrants arrived in America. Take a tour of Downtown and visit the 9/11 Memorial. Option to add on tickets to One World Observatory.

On this tour you purchase your own ticket, giving you the opportunity to gain access to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, something no tour company can provide.

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Come aboard for NYC's most elegant brunch on the water! Enjoy a chef-prepared, 3-course plated brunch with bottomless mimosas (21+) while you take in unforgettable 360° views of the skyline. Cruise past the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center and more. Take in incredible up-close views of the Statue of Liberty!

Enjoy DJ entertainment (Bateaux flair music).

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Depart right under the Brooklyn Bridge then travel toward the Statue of Liberty. Enjoy views of famous landmarks on the Manhattan skyline during a 45-50 Minute express roundtrip sightseeing cruise by yacht.
Get up close to within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island for the most incredible photos opportunities. Admire views of One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park.

Make the most of the full cash bar with snacks and drinks available to purchase onboard.
Duration: 45 minutes.

See many major New York sights on a 90-minute boat cruise on a small classic yacht with a professional captain and crew! Enjoy views from the open bow, or relax in the spacious glass-enclosed observation cabin. The boat cruises along the Hudson River offering views of Manhattan's west side and towering skyline. Pass by the Financial District, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty as the boat navigates New York Harbor.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Take your friends, family or partner on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure over New York at sunset, day or night. Dazzle your guests with unforgettable aerial views of iconic landmarks from above while cozying up to one another.

Ride in comfort and luxury in an Airbus AS350/H125 helicopter for 2-6 people or twin engine Airbus AS355 for 5 people.

Helicopters lift off from Westchester County Airport and reach NYC airspace in just a few minutes. On a 30-minute helicopter tour our skilled pilots will dazzle you with bird’s-eye views of Manhattan, Central Park, Empire State Building, Harlem, Yankee Stadium and the George Washington Bridge.

The 45-minute extended tour includes the above sights and continues to Lower Manhattan to see the Freedom Tower, Battery Park and Ellis Island. Wave to Lady Liberty before circling back to White Plains.

Options with transfer include roundtrip car service between Manhattan and Westchester County Airport.
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Relax and unwind on this 1.5-hour evening Jazz cruise on a 1920s style yacht. This cruise features a main glass enclosed observation cabin with comfortable seating throughout, as well as an open bow. Listen to live music by the jazz trio, whose members may play anything from classic jazz standards by Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington to new renditions of Motown songs, R&B grooves, and today's hits. Cruise along the Hudson River and experience many major lower Manhattan sites.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Experience the bright New York City skyline with views from the water in New York Harbor on this night time cruise. Join us aboard a 1920s inspired motor yacht and enjoy elegant seating in the main, climate controlled salon. Relax and take in the sights of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island along with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline at night.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes.

Discover America’s most famous port of entry at Ellis island, including the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. On this 3 hour Semi-Private (8 Guest Maximum) tour, follow your guide and retrace the steps of over 12 million immigrants looking for a new life in the United States.
Duration: 3 hours.

A holiday sing-a-long cruise with homemade cookies and spiked hot cocoa. During this 90-minute tour you will cruise by many of New York’s well-known areas, including Battery Park, Manhattan's Financial District, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The live jazz band and host onboard will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit with festive favorites!

This cruise takes place aboard Yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II! Each boat has a full bar along with a heated grand salon. There's also an outer deck for sightseeing! Comfortable, assigned seating is available for everyone in the grand salon. Tables may be shared with a clear partition divider depending on party size.

Each person planning to attend, regardless of age, needs a ticket for this experience. If there are no child/infant tickets available, please purchase an adult ticket for all travelers.

Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to check-in at the ticket booth.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Booking your Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour by ferry with us ensures a seamless, memorable experience from start to finish. Skip the long lines with our fast-track access and enjoy more time exploring these iconic landmarks. Our expert guides provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, enriching your visit with stories and details that bring the sites to life. With convenient departure points, you’ll have easy access to the ferry and can fit the tour into your schedule effortlessly. We offer flexible packages, including options for priority access, audio guides, and even entry to the pedestal or crown of the Statue of Liberty, ensuring a personalized experience.
Duration: 1 hour.