Tours and Tickets
Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise
4.5

Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

By Circle Line Cruises
About
Cruise all the way around Manhattan Island on a guided boat tour that takes in every angle of New York City’s iconic waterfront. Traveling by boat means unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty—ideal for snapping memorable photographs. With live narration throughout the cruise, learn about the Big Apple while passing all five of New York’s boroughs.
from
$87.38
per adult
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 3-99, max of 600 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Audio guide: German, Portuguese, English, Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish
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Written guide
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: German, Portuguese, Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish
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Highlights
  • Cruise around Manhattan Island for sightseeing without hassle or crowds
  • Travel under the seven bridges that surround Manhattan
  • Learn and see more of New York City by exploring with a guide
  • This tour is ideal for photographers, with unobstructed views of top landmarks

  • 2.5 hour Sightseeing Cruise
  • Live narration by Circle Line’s guides (in English)
  • Free Wi-Fi on board
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Restroom on board
  • Outdoor deck
  • Download the free Circle Line App to listen to the tour in Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian and Chinese
What's not included
  • Available for purchase
  • Available for purchase
  • Available for purchase

Make your way to the Circle Line pier in Manhattan, which is easily reached from the Hudson River Greenway and the cruise terminal. Your cruise begins on the Hudson River and starts to circle Manhattan Island, following a route that includes three rivers, seven bridges, and up-close views of the Statue of Liberty. Settle into a comfortable seat and take in the views as your guide points out landmarks on the Manhattan waterfront. There are snacks and drinks available for purchase, too. Spot the One World Trade Center’s Freedom Tower, the distinctive outline of the Empire State Building, and then pull into New York Harbor to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. When you turn up the East River, you’ll cruise past Brooklyn and Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The tour ends back on the Hudson River pier where you departed.

Start:
  • Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, 83 North River Piers West 43rd Street and, 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
    Departure Point: Tour departs from Pier 83, New York Address: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10019
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2800FIC

    • For children/infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge.
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Please arrive at least 30-minutes prior to the departure time for boarding.
    • Food and drinks are NOT allowed to be brought on board
    • Non-English speaking guests may now download the complimentary Circle Line Sightseeing app on their mobile device from iTunes or the Google Play store. This app allows guests to listen to a guided tour while on the boat. Available languages include: Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian and Chinese. Headsets are not provided.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 600 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.
    What is the departure point for the Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise?
    The cruise conveniently departs from Pier 83 @ West 42nd Street and the West Side Highway, in Midtown Manhattan.
    Answered Jun 2021
    Is there parking near the departure for the Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise?
    Parking available at Circle Line Sightseeing, Pier 83, W 42nd Street. $30 before 3 pm weekdays and $35 after 3 pm weekdays and all weekends. (Prices subject to change.)
    Answered Jun 2021
    Can I take the subway to get to the Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise?
    Yes - Take the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, Q or R train to Times Square 42nd St; train B, D, F to 5th Ave and 42nd St, or 4, 5, 6 train to 42nd St Grand Central Station. Take the M42 bus west or walk 5 avenues west to Pier 83 (about 1 mile or 1.6km).
    Answered Jun 2021
    Can I take a bus to get to the Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise?
    Yes - From 42nd Street take the M42 bus going West, directly to the Circle Line Pier. From 49th Street take the M50 bus directly to the Circle Line pier.
    Answered Jun 2021

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2800FIC

    Reserve your spot

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • You'll start at
      Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
      83 North River Piers West 43rd Street and, 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
      Departure Point: Tour departs from Pier 83, New York Address: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10019
      See address & details
    • Pass by
      Statue of Liberty
      Ellis Island
      Brooklyn Bridge
      One World Trade Center
      Empire State Building
      United Nations Headquarters
    • You'll return to the starting point
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Circle Line Cruises
      13,617
      United States
    • jdranstrom
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Way to See Lady Liberty!
      Great way to see the Statue of Liberty for folks like us who are trying to see as many things as possible in a short amount of time. The entire trip took about an hour and Andy was a great tour guide!
      Written 16 March 2024
    • robertn631
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      great
      Great guide and great ride. Enjoyable ride from Huson to East River. Guide gave great information and we has a wonderful time
      Written 16 March 2024
    • StephenCr0ss
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A must do in NY
      Circle Line Cruises originate on one of the piers (think it’s 83) on the West Side. Super way to tour the island and see so many things. Recommended.
      Written 16 March 2024
    • lolliellison
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best of NYC Boat Cruise
      Great enjoyable and informative. Andy was extremely knowledgeable about all things New York and surrounding areas. We saw and learned about the whole area
      Written 13 March 2024
    • 805bethp
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic
      We used our Go-city pass to go on this tour and we were really impressed. Jerry the tour guide was very knowledgable and engaging. The length of time was perfect to see the main sights and the points of interest were well pointed out and explained. Great views of the city.
      Written 12 March 2024
    • Mrsquatch
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour, highly recommend
      Excellent tour guide. Loved learning about the history of New York! It was a good cold weather thing to do, if you don’t stay outside much. Great views, great picture opportunities, just short enough for two younger kids who get bored with history!!
      Written 12 March 2024
    • Jbro1186
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great way to see the skyline.
      I did to the Circle Line in July and it was great! The Circle Line took us around Manhattan from Pier 83 all the way past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Governors Island around the East River to the Williamsburg Bridge and back. The Circle Line is a great way to see all the piers, the Manhattan skyline, the islands, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and New Jersey. I highly recommend doing the Circle Line. You won’t regret it!
      Written 9 March 2024
    • uteochreserminsann
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Really nice cruise. 1,5 hour is enough.
      If the weather is good, it's a nice cruise and you see Manhattan skyline from all sides. Really nice view of Statue of liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. Also o nice brake from walking all day sightseeing in NYC.
      Written 2 March 2024
    • 560SusanH
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour operator
      Loved this cruise as Dave the tour commentator did a fabulous job telling of the landmarks and history during the trip. He ensured tourists were aware of others in regards to getting photos and not blocking the view for others. He was very humorous too. Definitely worth doing this cruise around the harbour.
      Written 29 February 2024
    • Tourist20142
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Day trip we should’ve avoided …
      Myself and my husband had an awfully bad experience today. Initially we were excited, that was until when we were about to make our way onto it. The “boy” doing the photographs - I say Boy as he looked only 15/16 years old. What an arrogant person! People were told to move along for a photo opportunity. No one seemed to understand why but went along with it anyway. When it was our turn we asked why do we need our photo taken? We weren’t sure if it was for security reasons etc. The “boy” told us everyone gets their photo taken, now move, I’m just doing my job - with a disgusting attitude. He could’ve explained why and we would’ve understood. So we said we didn’t want to get our photo taken as we weren’t interested in buying it afterwards. We went ahead and walked onto the boat. Next thing he was going around with printed photos to people and was standing right in front of us and stared at both my husband and I while dealing with other people. He wouldn’t take his eyes off of us. It was such an intimidating and awful experience for us. We questioned him why was he staring and he said he’s allowed to do it. I told him I was complaining him to his manager and he said he was the manager. Just an all round bad experience. He ruined it for us. I would not recommend going on this tour. I regret not looking at the reviews before booking - but I’m not surprised we’re not the only ones complaining about the rude staff. I didn’t go looking for his manager because we felt that we wouldn’t get anywhere and it would only ruin the rest of our holiday using up our time on him. He should remember it’s people like us spending our money keeping him in a job in the first place. Clearly he wasn’t making any commission with us not wanting to purchase a photograph. So it’s obvious why he was so rude towards us. Avoid avoid avoid !!!!
      Written 25 February 2024
    • KatjaJ_13
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Worth every penny - do it 🙌
      Amazing trip with a wonderful narrator. Worth every penny. A bit of philosophy never hurts especially when blende with life wisdom and insight. Seeing Lady Liberty up close was very special and we are so glad we did it 🙌
      Written 23 February 2024
    • 870halilp
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Good way to see liberty lady
      Good way to see lady liberty, and enjoyed sunny weather with wind. Overall very nice experience with views of city, will recommend
      Written 18 February 2024
    • C2547BKjanee
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Stunning views
      Decided an evening cruise would show Manhattan in a different way and we were not disappointed. Lucky that it was a calm, clear night. The views of the skyline at night were fabulous. Got wonderfully close to The Statue of Liberty and I think she looks more beautiful at night. Great views everywhere. The commentary from the guide was fine, his stories detracted a little sometimes from the views/sights as often his story was in full throw and then a sudden switch to on the left just past building x you can see xyz. But having said that he knew his stuff. Tips: tickets will say get there 45 min ahead, we arrived 50 min ahead and a queue already formed. In higher season probably wise to arrive early if you want a seat upstairs at the side of the boat. They start boarding quite early and are extremely efficient yet friendly. We sat outside, which was ok in a clear February night as we’d wrapped up warm. Many other passengers stayed outside for 30 min or so then retreated to the warm. So wrap up warm and stay outside for the best experience would be my advice.
      Written 15 February 2024
    • St3ffi9090
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Stunning views - bad storytelling
      Stunning views - the tour guide wasn‘t a good storyteller - so we didn‘t tip - he made the whole thing feel very touristy - prepare better - tell exciting stories maybe you will succeed then…
      Written 14 February 2024
    • Explorer823902
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very unorganized and major delay
      The crew was unprepared for the tour. We waited over 40 min after the scheduled start time at the dock because the attendance list did not match the number counter at the entrance. Then we all had to get up and move to another boat because the delay was so long - meaning people who arrived early for good seats had to forfeit them and try to find another seat. Because of their error, we were forced to leave and ask for a refund because we had scheduled reservations right after the tour’s scheduled end time. This was our only opportunity to see the landmarks and we missed it because the workers were unprepared. The only good thing was the tour guide who was friendly and knowledgeable. Otherwise, this tour was a bust!
      Written 12 February 2024
    See all 13 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles1,232 reviews
    Excellent
    808
    Very good
    255
    Average
    88
    Poor
    45
    Terrible
    36

    Nirvana K
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Circle line tour around Manhattan on Valentine’s Day was a real treasure. Narrated by David who is worth every penny of our very reasonable fare ($68 for premiere seating) we had unobstructed views, our group preferred to sit inside although the outside upper deck looked pretty inviting as well.

    David’s commentary was funny, informative, and timely regarding current developments in the ebb and flow of the NY shoreline. The cruise past the Statue of Liberty was equally moving and educational w David’s historic commentary.

    We learned a little about all 5 boroughs and the New Jersey shoreline and history going back to the Native American tribes that inhabited there including famous historical sites including the site of the Hamilton - Burr duel and n Weehawken NJ (“everything’s legal n NJ”)

    All together it was a 2.5 hours well spent would 10/10 recommend going when visiting with people new to the area. Also a delightful way to catch the sights on a beautiful day.

    Very Well Done David and Crew!
    Written 15 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Don U
    HOWE244 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2021
    Not too expensive and worth your money to see all the NY skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklin (and some others) bridge. Not sure if it is worth paying more for the cushion seats as we spent some time on the upper deck, lower deck, and bow (as the best place to take photos). I was not impressed by the guide. We did not hear much about New York, how it came to be, who came there first, what part of the city developed first, how Central Park appeared in the middle of the city, what was the first bridge... and more. But we learned who purchased penthouses for $$$$$$ of $. Who cares. A similar tour in Chicago was three times better. Sorry, in 2.5 hours there was enough time to tell us more. As the tide was high, we had to return back the same way (could not go under one bridge), and the guide just recycled the same story. You could buy the food and drinks and we were allowed to get our water and juice.
    Written 18 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Mobile240563
    1 contribution
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2020
    Warning!! This is a bait and switch set up. We boarded the boat and weren't told until shortly before departure that we would only be going to the southern tip of Manhattan then turning around for the George Washington Bridge and the Palisades. The excuse they gave was that the tide would be too high to cross under some bridges (like they didn't know this beforehand). On our return trip we got about a mile from the bridge before they turned around and headed back to Pier 83. Shameless kanivers! Also, the narrator sounded like he just woke up. He was incoherent. Even with the excellent speaker system we could only catch a few words from each sentence. BTW- The boat we were on was named 'Brooklyn'

    .
    Written 14 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello and thank you for your feedback, we are sorry you did not receive the trip you expected. There are times our vessel cannot complete the full island tour depending on the tide situation which can be unpredictable, we do try to advise all guests of these changes prior to departure which is what we did here. I do understand your frustration- please email me @rstrazza@nycl.com to discuss some further options. Best, Robert Strazza, Director, Guest Experience, rstrazza@nycl.com
    Written 4 September 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Cathy K
    Hartley Wintney, UK4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    a fascinating trip all the way round Manhattan, which we didn't realise was possible.
    The guy doing the commentary was warm and informative with loads of local detail to paint the picture.
    Comfortable and warm on a wintery day, we sat for two and a half hours as we sailed under 22 bridges down the Hudson River, round the Battery Dock and past the Statue of Liberty, then up the East River to Harlem River passing the Yankee's stadium before coming back round to our starting point after dark with the city laid out in front of us in all it's sparkling evening glory!
    Written 2 December 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    ycookmd
    Allen, Texas, United States1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was the most informative 2.5 hours of our week long New York trip. The tour guide (Andy) was very knowledgeable, not just about what we were looking at, but also about the geography and history of the city. We used some of his pointers during the rest of our visit.

    I highly recommend this “Best of” tour. Your Citypass will cover the shorter 1.5 hour trip but you can upgrade for a small fee and the longer experience is worth the time and money. If you are visiting New York for the first time, this would make a great start and a nice overview of things to see and do.
    Written 5 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    BernieDy
    Houston, Texas70 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Couples
    We were in NYC for a quick weekend that was split between business and personal time. Arriving on Friday afternoon, we booked the 3pm Circle cruise to go around Manhattan Island. We lost a little time in traffic getting to our hotel, then a bit more when we stopped for lunch, but just made it to the dock and on the boat in time. Newbies to NYC: yes, it's walkable but between traffic and lights, if Google says it'll take you 40 minutes to cover two miles, it probably isn't wrong.

    Anyway, we get on the boat after the attendant scans our tickets on my phone, and then take a seat. The boat has two stories, and I guess the upstairs is premium seating and I didn't see it. The lower level is a large enclosed space with lots of seats, good for probably 100+ people. Being enclosed, it'll protect you from the rain and it also has air conditioning and the concession area where you can buy food and drinks (at tourist prices, of course). You can go out the front of the seating area to the bow, which is uncovered and a great place to take pictures and enjoy the tour when the weather is good.

    The weather was awesome the day we toured, and the sun was out and the visibility high. So about half my time was spent on the bow. The tour guide was pretty good; funny and informative. Circle Line gives passengers a whisper earpiece so you can hear the guide anywhere on the boat. When I got too warm outside, I'd come back into the main area and cool off for a bit.

    It was a great chill way to see the city. I would recommend it especially for visitors new to NYC.
    Written 27 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Les J
    Tyrone, GA21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was one of those glorious fall days in NYC and I remember a recommendation by a friend to try this cruise. Easy on line ticket purchase, friend staff and a very knowledgable tour guide really made this a great 1.5 hour tour. It filled in a lot of landmarks with additional facts. Just a great tour on a great day.
    Written 25 October 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    LondonNifty
    London, UK498 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely way to see New York sights from a different perspective on a lovely sunny day. Cruise took 2 1/2 hours and is fantastic value, couldn’t recommend it highly enough as a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.

    Two negatives, the food and drink offering is absolutely dire so if possible take a picnic…!

    And secondly the unfunny commentary is relentless, the tour guide says he is going to pause for a while but cannot as he seems to like his own voice too much !
    Written 6 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kelsey O
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2022
    I went on this cruise with a few friends that were visiting the city for the weekend and we had a great time! Even though I have lived in NYC for 5+ years I still learned a lot of new facts and loved getting to see the city from the water. Our tour guide was named Andy and he was wonderful!! He did such a great job of making the tour fun yet informative. I could listen to him talk all day. Everyone working here was so pleasant and kind.

    We were also pleased to find out that there were seating options inside and outside so we were able to stay warm on the cold winter day. My only complaint is the price of the beverages - a water bottle was $5 - so make sure you pack your own drinks!! Overall I would definitely recommend!
    Written 22 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Rosi D
    2 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2023 • Family
    We paid over $50 per person and still had to queue for 45 minutes to board the boat. They know it will rain, but they do not sell rain ponchos onboard so people ended up crowded inside. No warning regarding being on upper deck while there is a lightning storm. The two good things were NYC, of course, and the guide, Dave.
    Written 26 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise provided by Circle Line Cruises