6 hour Bus tour and 1 hour Boat Ride by the Statue of Liberty

A Practical and Engaging Way to See New York City

If you’re visiting NYC and want to see the highlights without exhausting yourself walking for hours, this 6-hour bus and boat tour offers an excellent solution. For $197.10 per person, you’ll hop on a luxury bus with a small group—only 24 travelers maximum—and enjoy a carefully curated itinerary that takes you past iconic sights like Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building. The highlight? A one-hour boat ride by the Statue of Liberty, with skip-the-line access via the Staten Island Ferry.

What we love about this tour is how it balances sightseeing with comfort and learning. The small group size ensures a personal touch, and the knowledgeable guides, like Bryant, make the experience both educational and engaging. Plus, the planned free time for lunch and exploring local landmarks adds a nice touch of flexibility—you’re not just rushed from place to place.

On the downside, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll need to budget some time and money for that. Also, since the tour doesn’t go onto Liberty Island itself, if you’re dreaming of close-up views of the Statue of Liberty or a visit to the island, you might seek other options. But for a comprehensive, time-efficient overview that covers the city’s essential sights, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time in NYC who want to maximize their sightseeing without the fatigue of endless walking. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate a guided experience led by personable, knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Small Group Comfort: Limited to 24 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Diverse Sights: Covers major landmarks like Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, 9/11 Memorial, and Grand Central Terminal.
• Efficient Itinerary: Combines bus sightseeing with a boat cruise for varied perspectives.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Bryant receive high praise for knowledgeability and personality.
• Flexibility: Includes free time for lunch and exploration.
• Skip-the-line Access: Fast boarding on the Staten Island Ferry, avoiding long queues.

A Balance of Sightseeing, Comfort, and Authentic Insights

Taking part in this tour means you don’t have to carve out your own route or navigate New York’s often hectic streets and subways. We found that the luxury bus is a real plus, offering comfort after hours of sightseeing, and the small group size feels more intimate, allowing for better interaction with guides.

The tour kicks off at 9:30am at 1651 Broadway, a central location easy to reach via public transportation. Once onboard, your guide—like Bryant—will take you past some of NYC’s most famous landmarks with informative commentary that makes history and architecture come alive. We appreciated how the guide’s stories added personal touches and humor, making even busy streets like Times Square more meaningful.

The stops are well-balanced—some are quick photo ops, others include short walks or inside visits. For example, you’ll get 30 minutes at Brooklyn Bridge to walk across or simply admire the views. The bridge itself is an iconic feat of engineering, and standing on it gives you a sense of New York’s historical and modern connection.

The one-hour boat ride past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a highlight. Your guide will lead you onto the Staten Island Ferry—skip the long lines and get great photo opportunities. It’s worth noting that you won’t go onto Liberty Island itself; instead, the boat cruise offers a stunning view of the statue from the water, which many travelers find more scenic and less crowded.

After the cruise, the tour stops at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum for a 1 hour and 30 minutes break. While you won’t enter the museum, walking through the memorial is a powerful experience, and guides like Donna found Bryant “awesome and so informative.” The guide’s personal accounts and local knowledge add depth to the visit.

Later, you’ll explore Grand Central Terminal, entering this architectural gem with your guide. It’s one of NYC’s most beautiful train stations, and spending 30 minutes inside allows for a quick look at its stunning ceiling and bustling atmosphere.

Throughout the day, the tour covers neighborhoods like SoHo, NoHo, Chelsea, and areas around the United Nations and Madison Square Garden. We loved the way the guide seamlessly connected these districts’ history and architecture, making each stop more meaningful.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At nearly six hours, this tour packs in a lot of the city’s must-see sights. While $197.10 might seem steep at first glance, it includes guided commentary, a luxury bus, a boat ride, water, and skip-the-line ferry access—all valuable components that save you time and hassle. The small size and expert guides truly enhance the experience, making it feel less like a herd tour and more like exploring with a knowledgeable friend.

The optional free time for lunch or local exploration means you can customize your day without feeling pressured. For many, this flexibility is key, especially after a busy morning of sightseeing.

From reviews, we see that the personalized attention from guides like Bryant, Frank, and Wilson consistently earns high praise, with many travelers mentioning their humor, knowledge, and personal stories. This human touch makes the entire experience more engaging and memorable.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors who want a rundown without the fatigue of walking long distances or navigating public transport. It’s also a good choice for travelers who value small group intimacy and expert guidance. If you’re short on time but want to see everything from Brooklyn Bridge to 9/11 Memorial, this tour will deliver.

It’s especially appealing to those who enjoy learning local stories and history through guides who connect with their group. If a scenic boat ride and photo opportunities of the Statue of Liberty are high on your list, you’ll love how this tour combines water and land perspectives seamlessly.

However, if you’re eager to step onto Liberty Island or explore the interior of the Statue of Liberty, you’ll need a different tour option. Also, those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved during stops like Brooklyn Bridge or Grand Central.

The Sum Up

This 6-hour bus and boat tour offers a well-rounded way to experience the best of New York City in a single day, with the comfort and insight of a small group. The combination of sightseeing, expert guides, and a scenic boat ride makes it a valuable option for first-timers who want a memorable, educational overview without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

You’ll love the detailed storytelling, the stunning views (especially from the water), and the chance to see landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and 9/11 Memorial in a relaxed setting. The tour’s well-paced itinerary and flexibility for lunch or short explorations make it a practical choice for a busy day.

For travelers who prioritize authentic insights, comfort, and efficiency, this tour hits all the right notes—making it a standout experience in the city that never sleeps.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues? While the tour involves some walking at stops like Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central Terminal, most of the day is spent on the bus, which might suit some travelers with mobility limitations. It’s best to check with the provider directly.

What is included in the price? The tour includes a guide on the bus, free water, the luxury bus, a one-hour boat ride past the Statue of Liberty, and skip-the-line ferry access. It does not include lunch.

Does the tour go onto Liberty Island? No, the boat ride is a water cruise past the Statue of Liberty, but it does not include access to Liberty Island itself.

How long is the boat ride? The boat ride lasts approximately one hour, providing great views of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Governor’s Island.

Can I buy souvenirs or food during the tour? Yes, there is a 40-minute break for lunch, during which you can explore local eateries or buy souvenirs.

What is the meeting point? The tour departs from 1675 Broadway, NYC, at 9:30 am.

How far in advance should I book? On average, travelers book about 52 days ahead, so it’s wise to reserve early for better availability.

Will I get to see the 9/11 Memorial? Yes, the tour stops nearby for a walk through the memorial, but does not include admission to the museum.

Is there a maximum group size? Yes, only 24 travelers per tour, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can service animals participate? Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

This detailed and balanced review aims to help you decide if this NYC sightseeing tour matches your style and expectations. With a combination of comfort, expert commentary, and scenic views, it’s a strong choice for those eager to see the city’s highlights without the exhaustion.