Jersey City is an excellent hub for exploring New York City from the water. Its prime location along the Hudson River offers stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline, Statue of Liberty, and iconic bridges. One of the best ways to experience this view is by boat, away from the busy streets and crowded sidewalks. The private sailboats give a personal touch, allowing you to tailor your experience, while dinner cruises combine sightseeing with a delicious meal. We especially like the Private Sunset Sail for its breathtaking views at dusk—the perfect photo opportunity—and the NYC Skyline Dinner Cruise for those wanting both landscape and cuisine, which you can check out here.
Jersey City’s waterfront is packed with diverse options, from intimate private sails to scenic dinner cruises, making it a versatile choice for romantic outings, family trips, or even special celebrations. Whether you prefer to take control of the boat yourself or relax with a guided tour, there’s something for all.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find four standout boat experiences in Jersey City, each offering a different style of adventure:
- Private sails that put you in control of your vessel, including sunset options (see details)
- A scenic dinner cruise combining spectacular views with a chef-prepared meal (see details)
- A private, customizable boat tour on the Hudson River, perfect for relaxed, self-guided outings (see details)
- An exclusive, 2-hour private sail around NYC and the Statue of Liberty for a more intimate, personal experience (see details)
1. Private Sail Around New York City and The Statue of Liberty
At number 1, this private sail offers a luxurious, personalized view of NYC’s most famous landmarks. For about $650 per group (up to six people), you get a 2-hour cruise starting at Liberty Landing Marina. The tour is highly customizable—whether you want to sit back and enjoy the scenery or try your hand at sailing, this experience is all about making memories.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to get up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty—almost touch it—and see the Manhattan skyline from a different angle. The itinerary includes a safety briefing, a chance to familiarize yourself with the yacht, and stops to admire One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the southern Manhattan skyline. Guests praise the friendly crew and the relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking a private getaway.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a private, flexible, and intimate experience with iconic views, this sail hits the mark. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a peaceful escape on the water.
2. Private Sunset Sail of NYC Skyline and Statue of Liberty
Number 2 on our list is the Private Sunset Sail, which offers the same core experience as the daytime private sail but adds the magic of sunset views. For around $725 per group (up to six), you’ll enjoy approximately two hours of breathtaking scenery as the city lights begin to sparkle.
This tour departs from Liberty Landing Marina and includes a spectacular sunset backdrop over the Manhattan skyline, turning the city into a shimmering wonderland. Like the day tour, it allows you to see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center up close, with plenty of time for photos. One guest review highlights how Captain Barry made their day memorable with his accommodating and friendly service, emphasizing the personalized nature of the experience.
The evening light makes this trip particularly suitable for couples or small groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone who prefers a more tranquil, romantic setting. The only potential drawback? Sunset tours depend on weather, so clear skies are best.
Bottom Line: For a romantic, picture-perfect evening with NYC’s skyline glowing in the dusk, this private sunset sail is hard to beat.
3. NYC Skyline Dinner Cruise from New Jersey
Number 3 takes you aboard a dinner cruise from Weehawken, NJ, blending spectacular skyline views with a chef-prepared buffet dinner. Priced at around $140 per person, this 2.5-hour cruise offers a chance to see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Empire State Building from the water at sunset or evening.
This cruise provides a dining experience with plenty of food and drinks, making it ideal for those who want a more leisurely, social outing. Guests rave about the friendly service and quality of the food—including salads, entrees, and desserts served buffet style. The itinerary covers well-known landmarks along the Hudson River, including Vessel at Hudson Yards, the South Street Seaport, and Williamsburg Bridge, providing a comprehensive view of NYC’s waterfront.
While the 3.5-star rating suggests some variability, the overall consensus is positive. This cruise is excellent for food lovers and anyone looking to combine sightseeing with dining, especially for special occasions or groups celebrating together.
Bottom Line: If you want a dinner experience with excellent views and a relaxed atmosphere, this cruise offers great value for the price.
$140.26 per person
4. Private Boat Tour Hudson River
Finally, the Private Boat Tour offers a flexible, self-guided experience on the Hudson River. For $390 per group (up to six), you can enjoy around 2 hours of sightseeing, with the option to sail with or without a captain (a valid boat license required for self-driving). This tour departs from Jersey City at 358 Hudson River Waterfront Walk and includes views of Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.
What makes this experience appealing is the customization. You can bring your own snacks and drinks, control the pace, and choose your favorite spots to view from the water. It’s perfect for small groups wanting a private, relaxed outing without the structure of a guided tour. Reviews are not yet available, but the flexibility and the ability to cruise at your own pace are definite advantages.
Bottom Line: For those comfortable with boating and seeking an affordable, private, customizable experience, this tour offers a high degree of flexibility and fun.
$390.00 per group (up to 6)
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and budget. For a luxurious, private experience, the Private Sail or Sunset Sail from Liberty Landing Marina are perfect—especially if you want stunning, personal photos. If you prefer a more social and casual experience with food, the Dinner Cruise delivers scenic views paired with a buffet meal. Finally, for self-guided freedom on the water, the private Hudson River tour provides the most customization.
Booking early is recommended, especially for sunset or dinner cruises, as these tend to fill up quickly. Think about the time of day you want to sail—sunset offers romantic views, while daytime cruises are more active.
Final Thoughts
Jersey City’s boat tours open up a new perspective on New York City, from private sails to dinner cruises. The top options listed offer a range of experiences — whether you’re after a romantic sunset, a private celebration, or a leisurely meal with skyline views. For a truly memorable experience, consider the Private Sunset Sail or NYC Skyline Dinner Cruise, especially if you enjoy combining scenery with good food.
Whatever your choice, booking early and checking the weather forecast will help ensure smooth sailing. Take advantage of these unique opportunities to see NYC from the water — your perfect boat adventure awaits.