Manhattan by Boat
Forget pulse-pounding cab rides, stifling subways, or touristy buses -- the best way to see Manhattan is from a vantage aboard the nautical vehicle of your choice. Barring seasickness, one can find a multitude of excursions to satisfy your boating desires while observing this surprisingly tiny island. That can mean doing the physical rowing yourself, gorging on a three-hour waterborne brunch, or getting trashed on a happy hour cruise, depending on your concept of pleasure and the depth of your pockets. One of the simplest and most flexible options is the ever-expanding New York Water Taxi, with 12 stops and counting; but there are, of course, other choices.
[Photo: Alicia Kachmar]
Harbor Lights Cruise
Pier 83 42nd St and 12th Ave New York, NY
Manhattan may not be known for its breathtaking sunsets, but the skyscraper silhouettes provide the perfect backdrop for exactly that. This sunset cruise begins at West … 42nd St and sails down around the tip of Manhattan, up to the U.N., and back. [link]
Shearwater Sailing
The 1920s era sailboat takes passengers on brunch, wine-tasting, and happy hour trips. They also offer "Full Moon Sails" and "Queerwater on Shearwater." [link]
New York City Downtown Boathouse
On weekends May-October, try your hands at a free 20-minutes of paddling within the comfort of this organization's protected embayment. Once you have attended a few of … the walk-up programs, try a longer guided trip or an introductory class, both also free. They also operate two other sites (on the Hudson at 56th and 72nd streets). [link]
Staten Island Ferry
1 Whitehall St
New York, NY 10004
(718) 390-5253
Since the ferry eliminated fares in 1997, one can now disembark from or approach downtown Manhattan for free. Attend their annual Tango on the Ferry, or just relax with … cheap beer and snacks on board. [link]
Happy Hour on the Harbor
Pier 17
New York, NY 10038
A complimentary drink comes with this 90-minute cruise every Thursday around New York harbor. Two cash bars and live music should make that bad date stranded on a yacht … go by a little more quickly. [link]
New York Yankee Ferry (Seaport)
Pier 17
New York, NY 10038
Is there a better way to travel to a Yankees game than by a free hot dog-serving, cash bar-offering, pre-game highlights-showing boat? It sure beats the dreadful 4 train … or FDR traffic. [link]
New York Yankee Ferry (34th St)
34th Street Ferry Terminal New York, NY
Is there a better way to travel to a Yankees game than by a free hot dog-serving, cash bar-offering, pre-game highlights-showing boat? It sure beats the dreadful 4 train … or FDR traffic. [link]
New York City Brunch Cruise
Chelsea Piers 18th St and the Hudson New York, NY
New Yorkers love their brunch, but long lines and growling stomachs can be a deterrent at restaurants on weekends. Without corny narration or stupid jokes, you can … concentrate on the waffle station options as you circumnavigate the entire island of Manhattan, 18 bridges and all [link]
