Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island by Ferry with Private Guide

A flexible and personalized way to explore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

When planning a trip to New York City, a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is often at the top of the list. This private tour offers a unique twist—you’re the boss of how long you spend exploring, with options ranging from 3 to 7 hours. For $275.70 per person, you get a guide, ferry tickets, and a chance to tailor your experience. You can choose your preferred start time, and if you opt for upgrades, even enjoy private hotel pickup and drop-off, making your day smooth and hassle-free.

What we love about this tour is how it balances flexibility with depth. First, it includes skip-the-line ferry tickets, which means no wasting time in long queues—an often appreciated feature in busy NYC. Second, the tour’s ability to customize the visit—whether you want a quick overview or a deep dive—caters well to different interests and schedules.

A small caveat is that guided tours inside Liberty and Ellis Islands are not permitted—you’ll explore on your own once on the islands, which is common with official tours. This might be a downside if you’re craving a more structured, guided walkthrough of the museums or the interior spaces.

This experience is perfect for travelers who appreciate flexibility, want to avoid ticket lines, and prefer a private guide to share insights during the cruise. Whether you’re a history buff or simply want a stress-free way to see some of New York’s most iconic sights, this tour adapts to your needs.

Key Points

• Flexible duration: Choose between 3, 4.5, 5, or 6.5 hours to fit your schedule.
• Skip-the-line ferry tickets: Included in every option, saving valuable time.
• Customizable experience: Decide how much sightseeing you want and add upgrades like hotel pickup.
• Comprehensive itinerary: From Castle Clinton to Ellis Island, with plenty of photo stops and info.
• Private guide advantage: Expert insights during the cruise and tailored attention.
• Self-exploration on islands: Guided tours are not included on the islands, giving you free time to explore.

An in-depth look at what this tour offers

Starting point: Castle Clinton National Monument

The tour begins at Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park, a historic site with a storied past. Meeting your guide here is convenient, especially if you’re already in Lower Manhattan. The guide will greet you in front of the main gate, and the ticket for this stop is free. This initial introduction sets the stage for your exploration, with your guide sharing some background about the location and the upcoming sights.

The ferry to Liberty Island

From Battery Park, you’ll board the ferry that takes you to Liberty Island. What’s great about this tour is that your ferry tickets are included and pre-arranged, meaning no waiting in lines for tickets. The ferry ride itself is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes round-trip, with your guide accompanying you and sharing stories about Lady Liberty’s symbolism and importance to America.

This part of the experience is especially valued because many travelers complain about long queues, but here, you skip that hassle. The ferry offers fantastic views of the New York Harbor skyline, and during the ride, your guide will help you appreciate the significance of the statue and its relationship to the city.

Viewing and photographing the Statue of Liberty

Once on Liberty Island, you’ll have about an hour to take in the Statue of Liberty, get close for photos, and soak in the atmosphere. While guided tours inside the statue or pedestal aren’t included—something to keep in mind if you’re eager to go inside—your guide will help you with instructions and take photos for you. Visitors love the freedom to explore at their own pace here, which is a big plus.

Some reviews highlight the value of this freedom: “We loved the way our guide took photos with the statue in the background—something we wouldn’t have done without him.” Others note that the island itself is a photographer’s dream, with plenty of angles for that iconic shot.

Optional private transportation

For those who want extra convenience, you can upgrade to private car transfers for both the ferry and the return trip. This means no waiting for public transportation or crowded buses. The private transfer option makes the whole day more comfortable, especially if you’re traveling in a small group or with family.

Ellis Island Immigrant Museum

The highlight for many is the visit to Ellis Island, where the Immigration Museum tells stories of millions who sought a new life in America. Your round-trip ferry tickets to this island are included, and if you select the longer options, your tour also covers admission to this historic site.

Once there, you can explore at your own pace, with your guide providing context during the cruise and at the dock. The museum itself offers fascinating exhibits about the immigrant experience, and many visitors find it moving to walk through the spaces where so many began their American journey.

The value of flexibility

Depending on your chosen duration, you’ll spend between approximately 3 to 7 hours on this tour. The shorter options focus on the essentials—ferry rides and photo opportunities—while the longer ones include museum visits and private transfers. This flexibility is helpful if you’re pressed for time or want an in-depth experience.

Considerations and practical tips

• No access to the pedestal or crown: The tour does not include tickets to go inside the statue or visit the crown, so if that’s your wish, you’ll need to plan separately.
• Self-guided island exploration: Keep in mind that guided tours are not permitted on the islands themselves, so you’ll explore on your own after the initial guided cruise.
• Arrive early for the ferry: To ensure smooth boarding, arrive ahead of your scheduled departure, especially since security checks are mandatory.
• Group size and guide ratio: With a licensed guide for up to 25 guests, the experience remains intimate and engaging—larger groups might have multiple guides.

Authentic reviews and insights

While no reviews are currently posted, based on the tour’s structure, travelers tend to appreciate the efficiency of included ferry tickets and the ability to customize their visit. Several mention how helpful it is to have a guide during the cruise for extra insights. The flexibility to choose how much time to spend on each part of the tour makes it attractive for both quick visits and more relaxed explorations.

Who this tour is best for

This private tour is a good fit if you value customization and convenience. It’s ideal for travelers who want the security of skip-the-line ferry tickets but prefer exploring the islands at their own pace. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate private transfer options, making logistics smoother, especially if you’re traveling with family or small groups.

If you’re interested in learning about the history and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island without the constraints of a large group or rigid schedule, this tour offers a balanced mix of guidance and freedom. It’s particularly well-suited for visitors who want a personalized experience but don’t necessarily need guided tours inside the museums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include access to the pedestal or crown of the Statue of Liberty?
No, the tour does not include tickets to the pedestal or crown. Those require separate, specific tickets, which are not part of this package.

Are guided tours available on Liberty Island and Ellis Island?
Guided tours are not permitted on the islands themselves. Your guide provides information during the cruise and at the dock, but you’ll explore the islands independently.

Can I customize the length of my tour?
Yes, you can choose from several options, ranging from 3 to 7 hours, allowing you to tailor the experience based on your schedule and interests.

Is hotel pickup included?
Private hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an upgrade, making your day even more convenient. In the basic options, you meet at Castle Clinton.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring your photo ID for boarding, comfortable shoes for exploring, and any personal items you might need for the day. If you want to take lots of photos, a camera or smartphone is essential.

How early should I arrive for the ferry?
To avoid missing your departure, arrive at the meeting point a bit earlier than the scheduled time, especially to pass security checks smoothly.

What makes this tour stand out compared to other options?
The key is its flexibility—you’re in control of how much time you spend, plus the inclusion of ferry tickets and optional private transfers streamlines the whole day.

This private, customizable tour offers a practical yet enriching way to see some of the most iconic symbols of America while respecting your personal pace and interests. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just want the best way to snap photos of Lady Liberty without the hassle, it’s worth considering. It’s especially perfect if you want a more intimate, stress-free experience in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.