High-Speed Speedboat Thrill Ride to the Statue of Liberty New York
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Overview
This is a 30-minute high-speed speedboat ride across New York Harbor, built for people who want their Statue of Liberty moment with adrenaline. Twin jet engines, loud music, sharp turns and splashes carry you past the Manhattan skyline, before the boat slows down for close-up photos of Lady Liberty. It is a shared ride on a seat with a seatbelt, with a choice of Midtown or Lower Manhattan departure, and it suits families with children over 102 cm, friends and couples.
Highlights
- 30 minutes at up to 45 mph on a custom-built jet speedboat
- Close-up photo stop at the Statue of Liberty
- Skyline views with One World Trade Center and Ellis Island on the route
- Choice of Midtown (Pier 83) or Lower Manhattan (Pier 16) departure, depending on the option you choose
- Seatbelt seating, a safety briefing and experienced captains
- Skip the ticket queue and go straight to boarding
- Energetic music and splash zones throughout
Full Description
The high-speed speedboat ride across New York Harbor
This is not a slow sightseeing cruise. The boat is powered by twin jet engines and reaches speeds of up to 45 mph, so the 30 minutes on the water are full of sharp turns, sudden acceleration and splash zones, all with loud music playing. If you are searching for a Statue of Liberty speedboat ride in New York or the best thrill ride in the city, this is the format: short, fast and easy to fit around a day of sightseeing.
You sit on a seat with a seatbelt and must stay seated for the whole ride, after a short safety briefing from the crew. Expect to feel the wind and spray, so wear layers, hold on to hats and sunglasses, and keep phones in a secure pocket or a wrist strap.
The Statue of Liberty up close
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France, dedicated in 1886 on Liberty Island, and stands about 93 metres tall from the ground to the tip of the torch. Its inner iron framework was engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer behind the Eiffel Tower. On this ride the boat slows right down beside the island, so you get clear, close photos of the copper figure from the water.
People often ask whether the Statue of Liberty is worth visiting and how to get to it. The regular island ferries leave from Battery Park and include time on land; this speedboat ride is the fast, fun alternative for photos and does not land on the island or include Statue of Liberty pedestal or crown tickets.
Skyline, Ellis Island and One World Trade Center from the water
Between the start and the Statue of Liberty stop, the route opens up wide views of Lower Manhattan. You pass close to the harbour landmarks, including Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants were processed between 1892 and 1954, and see One World Trade Center, which rises to 541 metres and is the tallest building in the city.
Seeing the skyline from the water is one of the best views in New York, and daylight departures give the clearest photos. The best time to book is a bright, dry day; sailings do not run in rain or thunderstorms, so check the weather before you go.
Midtown or Lower Manhattan departure: Pier 83 and Pier 16
The Midtown departure leaves from Pier 83 on the Hudson River waterfront at the west end of 42nd Street, a short bus or walk from Times Square. The Lower Manhattan (city centre) departure leaves from Pier 16 in the South Street Seaport area, close to the Brooklyn Bridge and the Financial District. The choice depends on the option you choose and on where you are staying.
Whichever pier you use, arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to check in, show your voucher and board. Your booking confirmation carries the exact meeting details, and the ticket queue is skipped so you go straight to boarding.
Itinerary
- Check in at your departure pierArrive at least 45 minutes before your sailing, show your booking voucher and go straight to boarding.
- Safety briefing and boardingThe crew explains the rules for the ride and you fasten your seatbelt on the boat.
- High-speed run across the harbourSharp turns, splashes and loud music as the boat races towards the Statue of Liberty.
- Statue of Liberty photo stopThe boat slows down beside Liberty Island for close-up photos of the statue.
- Fast run back past the skylineFull speed again past Ellis Island and the downtown skyline before returning to the pier.
What's included
- 30-minute high-speed speedboat adventure
- Energetic music throughout the ride
- Close-up photo stop at the Statue of Liberty
- Seatbelt-equipped seating and a safety briefing
- Skip the ticket queue and go straight to boarding
Not included
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 3–12
- A short visit — about 1 hour
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.7/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You need hotel pickup — you meet at the meeting point
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- Anyone under 102 cm (40 inches) tall
- Travellers who dislike speed, loud music or getting splashed
- People with back, neck or heart problems
Meeting point
Meet at your chosen departure pier: Pier 83 on the Hudson River waterfront in Midtown for the Midtown option, or Pier 16 in Lower Manhattan for the City Centre option. Please arrive at least 45 minutes before your departure time. Hotel pick-up is not included, and the exact meeting details are sent with your booking confirmation.
Important information
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding.
- Riders must be at least 102 cm (40 inches) tall.
- You must stay seated with your seatbelt fastened for the whole ride.
- Sailings do not operate in rain or thunderstorms.
- Large luggage and bags are not allowed, and outside food and drinks cannot be taken on board.
- Wear layers and closed shoes, and secure hats, sunglasses and phones, because you will get wind and spray.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off, and tips, are not included.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Statue of Liberty speedboat ticket cost?
The price depends on the departure option and the age of each traveller. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child, for the date you choose.
How long is the speedboat ride?
The ride lasts 30 minutes on the water. Plan for about 45 minutes more at the pier for check-in and boarding.
Is hotel pick-up included?
No. You meet us at the departure pier: Pier 83 in Midtown or Pier 16 in Lower Manhattan, depending on the option you choose.
Does the boat land on Liberty Island?
No. The boat slows down beside the Statue of Liberty for photos but does not land. Tickets for the pedestal or crown are separate.
Is the speedboat suitable for children?
Children aged 3 and over can ride if they are at least 102 cm (40 inches) tall. The ride is loud, fast and splashy, so it suits adventurous children best.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear layers and closed shoes, and bring a light jacket, even in summer. Hold on to hats and sunglasses. Large bags are not allowed.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Availability for today and tomorrow depends on the option and the season. Pick a date in the booking panel to see the times that can currently be booked.
What is the difference between the options?
The ride itself is the same. The options differ in the departure pier: Pier 83 in Midtown or Pier 16 in Lower Manhattan, so choose the one nearer to your hotel or plans.
What happens if it rains?
Sailings do not operate during rain or thunderstorms. Check the weather before you travel and contact us if you have questions about your booking.
Is the Statue of Liberty worth seeing from the water?
Yes. From the water you see the whole statue against the harbour, and the ride adds the skyline and Ellis Island, with a short thrill included.
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