Private Sail Around New York City and The Statue of Liberty

Imagine seeing New York City’s most iconic sights from the deck of a private sailboat—without the crowds, noise, or hurried tours. For around $650, your small group of up to six people can spend about two hours cruising through the harbor, with the chance to get up close to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline, all from a comfortable, luxury yacht. Led by friendly captains like Barry, who reviews praise for his calm and engaging manner, this experience offers a fresh perspective on the Big Apple.

What we really like about this tour is how flexible and personal it feels. First, it’s private, so you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers, which makes for a more relaxed and customizable experience. Second, the opportunity to sail, rather than just sit passively, adds a fun, hands-on element—whether you want to sit back and enjoy the views or take the wheel for a bit.

A potential consideration? Since the tour is weather-dependent, your plans could be affected by rain or poor conditions. Also, at $650 for a group of six, it might seem pricey compared to standard harbor cruises, but the private nature and personalized experience often justify the cost.

This sail is ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate, relaxed, and scenic way to see the city’s famous landmarks, especially if you’re interested in photo opportunities or a special occasion. Families, couples, or small groups of friends who appreciate a mix of sightseeing and a bit of adventure will find it particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Private experience: Only your group on the boat, for a relaxed and personalized outing.
• Close-up views: Get remarkably near to landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.
• Flexible activity: Sit back and relax or take the helm—your choice.
• Stunning scenery: The constantly changing Manhattan skyline offers breathtaking photo ops.
• Duration and timing: About two hours, with most tours booked 38 days in advance—plan ahead.
• Weather-dependent: Good weather is essential; poor conditions may cancel or reschedule.

Exploring the Private Sail Around NYC and the Statue of Liberty

An Introduction to the Experience

This private sail around New York City offers a chance to see the city’s most famous sights from a completely different angle. Starting at Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City, your journey is led by knowledgeable captains like Barry, who are praised for their calm demeanor and engaging commentary. For a flat fee of $650, up to six people can enjoy a two-hour voyage filled with iconic views and memorable moments.

What makes this tour stand out is its personalized approach. Unlike crowded boat tours, here you’re immersed in an experience that’s tailored to your group’s interests—whether that’s capturing photos, learning about the landmarks, or simply soaking in the scenery.

Two things we love about this experience are the proximity to major sights and the hands-on sailing element. You’ll get close enough to touch the Statue of Liberty, and you may even have the chance to steer the boat yourself, adding a sense of adventure to the trip.

A possible drawback? Since the tour is weather-dependent, you might find your plans disrupted by unexpected rain or wind. Plus, at $650 for a private group, it’s a more premium experience—great for special occasions or those wanting a more exclusive outing, but perhaps less ideal for budget travelers.

This experience appeals most to those who want a more intimate, scenic, and engaging view of New York Harbor. Whether celebrating a special day or simply craving a unique perspective, you’ll likely appreciate the relaxed pace and the quality time with friends or family.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Liberty Landing Marina

Your journey begins at Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City, where the crew gives a safety briefing and introduces you to the yacht’s features. This informal start sets a comfortable tone, and within minutes, you’re on the water, beginning your scenic adventure. Expect the initial few moments to be about familiarization, making sure everyone is ready for the sailing.

Stop 2: Manhattan Skyline

The most striking part of the tour is sailing past the omnipresent Manhattan skyline. You’ll see the skyline in flux—skyscrapers like One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the U.S., loom impressively as you glide by. The views are particularly captivating because the boat is close enough to appreciate the architectural details and capture stunning photos. Reviews highlight the “sheer awe” of these sights, with one describing it as “breathless.”

Stop 3: One World Trade Center

Getting a closer look at One World Trade Center offers a poignant moment—this building symbolizes resilience and renewal. The view from the water is unbeatable, and you’ll likely want to snap some memorable pictures. The proximity to the building makes for an impressive photo opportunity that many land-based tours simply can’t match.

Stop 4: Brooklyn Bridge

Cruising under the Brooklyn Bridge is a highlight for many. The bridge’s steel cables and stone towers create a striking silhouette against the sky. With about 20-30 minutes sailing time, this stop allows plenty of time to marvel at the engineering marvel and perhaps snap some photos from a perspective few get on foot or by car.

Stop 5: Governors Island

This 172-acre island, with its historic forts and green spaces, offers a different kind of scenic beauty. Your boat will pass by the island, offering views of Fort Jay and Castle Williams. As one reviewer put it, “Barry delighted us with cheese and crackers,” indicating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Stop 6: Ellis Island

While you won’t disembark here, sailing past Ellis Island—once the busiest immigrant processing station in the U.S.—adds historical context to your tour. Seeing it from the water provides a broad perspective on America’s immigrant story, which many find both moving and educational.

Stop 7: Statue of Liberty

The pièce de résistance is the Statue of Liberty. Coming in close enough to see her up front is a special treat—something most visitors only see from afar or from ferry rides. She’s a symbol of freedom, and from the water, her grandeur is truly awe-inspiring. This stop lasts about 30 minutes, enough to admire her in detail and take plenty of photos.

Return to Liberty Landing Marina

After soaking in these sights, your captain brings the boat back to where you started. The reflection on the water as you leave the harbor caps off a memorable trip.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Many reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the personal touch of the trip. One said, “Barry is a great guy. He was pleasant, calm, and engaging,” emphasizing the friendly, relaxed vibe. Others loved the stunning views of the harbor and skyline, with comments like “It was a good time and we’d definitely do it again.”

Several highlighted the close-up experience of the Statue of Liberty as a standout feature, describing it as “an awesome way to see it” and praising the fact that the boat is “great,” with knowledgeable guides to enhance the experience. The mention of “great sailing lessons” also suggests that the activity isn’t just sightseeing but includes a fun, engaging element that adds to the value.

Understanding the Value

While $650 might seem steep compared to mass-market harbor cruises, many feel that the quality of the experience—private, intimate, and flexible—justifies the price. The ability to customize your outing, take photos from a close vantage point, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere makes it worth considering, especially for special occasions.

The booking lead time of about 38 days indicates that this is popular among travelers seeking exclusivity and memorable moments. The two-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to cover all the major sights without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips for Booking

• Plan ahead: Tours are booked around 38 days in advance, so reserve early if you have a specific date in mind.
• Weather matters: Check the forecast before your scheduled tour; poor weather could mean rescheduling or cancellation.
• Bring your camera: The views are photogenic, and you’ll want to capture the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan skyline, and Brooklyn Bridge from the best angles.
• Consider the group size: Up to six people, perfect for families or small groups wanting a private, intimate adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This sail is perfect for travelers who want something different from the usual boat or land-based tours. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy hands-on activities, great photo opportunities, or celebrating a special event. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or a partner and want to combine sightseeing with a bit of sailing fun, you’ll find this experience hard to beat.

The Sum Up

For anyone craving a personalized, scenic, and memorable way to see New York’s most famous landmarks, this private sail offers an experience that’s both relaxing and exhilarating. You’ll love the way the harbor views change with the light, the chance to get close to the Statue of Liberty, and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the trip enjoyable. It’s a fantastic option for those who value authenticity and intimacy over crowded tourist spots.

While weather dependency and price are considerations, the overall experience—combining stunning scenery, a touch of adventure, and a private setting—makes this trip stand out. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a unique perspective on NYC, this sail promises an unforgettable adventure on the water.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers find it family-friendly. Just keep in mind the boat’s safety briefing and a two-hour duration.

How many people can join the tour?
Up to six people per group, making it ideal for small families or friends.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the private two-hour sailing experience, with no additional ticket costs for the landmarks viewed from the water.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. The close-up views of landmarks and the city skyline offer fantastic photo opportunities.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, sunglasses, and dress for the weather. The boat is open, so layers are advisable if it’s chilly.

Is there a guide on board?
Yes, captains like Barry are knowledgeable about the landmarks and provide engaging commentary.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most tours are booked about 38 days ahead, especially during peak seasons.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with the captain, whether that’s spending more time at certain sights or taking photos.