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Statue of Liberty Cruises and Helicopter Tours

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous landmarks of NYC and the United States. 

It is located on the Liberty Islands, accessible from New York and New Jersey. 

Visitors can get to the Liberty Islands and tour the Iron Lady from the Island, pedestal or crown. 

However, other unique vantage points and experiences are available to tour Lady Liberty.

Statue of Liberty Cruises and helicopter tours are popular options to try a unique experience. 

This article shares all information about Statue of Liberty helicopter tours and cruises, from tickets and prices to what to expect. 

Statue of Liberty Cruise

Statue of Liberty Cruise
Image: Getyourguide.com

The Statue of Liberty Cruise is one of the best ways to tour Liberty Island, Ellis Island and their attractions. 

You can also see the New York City skyline and feel the sea breeze in your hair. 

You can choose from a series of options depending on what experience you wish to have. 

Here are some of the best Statue of Liberty Cruise options: 

Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise

This one-hour sunset cruise takes you within 100 feet of Liberty Islands to enjoy the best views. 

The outdoor and indoor seating options offer the best ambiance, regardless of the weather. 

On this cruise, you can enjoy the Statue of Liberty and views of the NYC skyline and cruise around Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge and Ellis Island. 

What’s included in this ticket:

  • 60-minute Boat cruise
  • Outdoor and indoor seating
  • Live guide (English only)

Starting point: Majestic Princess boat at Pier 36

Ticket Prices:

Visitor’s Age Tickets Price
Adult ticket (13 to 64 years)$33
Youth Ticket (3 to 12 years)$30
Seniors Ticket (65+ years)$30
Child Ticket (up to 2 years)$10

Statue and Skyline Cruise Aboard The Luxury Yacht

Statue and Skyline Cruise aboard the luxury yacht
Image: Getyourguide.com

On this guided cruise, you can get a close look at the Statue of Liberty from a luxury yacht. 

This cruise passes by Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, OneWorld Trade Center, Liberty and Ellis Islands and Peir 36. 

You can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating and a bar on board. 

What’s included in this ticket:

  • 70 minutes of a cruise on the Hudson River
  • A complimentary drink 
  • See Ellis Island, Battery Park, and Governor’s Island

Starting point: Chelsea Piers

Ticket Prices:

Visitor’s Age Tickets Price
Adult ticket (13 to 64 years)$64
Child Ticket (3 to 14 years)$28
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years)$14

Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-the-box-office 

This is an after-dark Statue of Liberty Cruise to watch the Lady Liberty all decked up with lights. 

Board this guided cruise and enjoy your ride to the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge and more. 

This night cruise is the perfect way to enjoy views of the NYC skyline at night. 

If you have extra time and budget, we suggest you take a dinner cruise. 

The dinner cruise is perfect for romantic dates, family outings, bachelor parties and all occasions you can name. 

What’s included in this ticket:

  • 2-hour boat cruise in a climate-controlled cabin
  • Interactive and friendly guide 
  • Live narration throughout
  • Cruise under the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge

Starting point: Circle Line Sightseeing on Pier 83

Ticket Prices:

Visitor’s Age Tickets Price
Adult ticket (13+ years)$44
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years)$37
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years)Free Entry

Why To Take A Statue of Liberty Cruise 

Why to take a Statue of Liberty cruise 
Image: Getyourguide.com

Taking a Statue of Liberty cruise is a delightful experience that takes you around the waters surrounding Liberty Island. 

Here are some compelling reasons to consider a Statue of Liberty cruise:

Up-Close View

Cruises provide a unique, up-close view of the Statue of Liberty. 

You can admire the intricate details of this historic monument and take stunning photos.

Cruises offer panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and other landmarks. 

Educational Commentary

Knowledgeable guides on board share historical and cultural insights. 

You will learn about the Statue’s significance and the city’s history.

Comfort and Relaxation

Travel doesn’t need to be tiring. 

Enjoy the comfort of a cruise ship with comfortable seating, snacks, and amenities. 

You will have a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Cruise Options

You can choose from different cruise lengths, themes, and even add-ons like dining options or night cruises, tailoring the experience to suit your preferences.

Statue of Liberty cruises are family-friendly and suitable for all ages, making it an ideal outing for families, friends, or solo travelers.

Efficiency

Cruises often combine visits to multiple attractions, such as Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. 

This helps you save time and provide a comprehensive sightseeing experience.

What To Expect On The Statue of Liberty cruise 

The Statue of Liberty cruise is a great way to experience the Islands and their various attractions. 

The cruise will bring you within proximity to the Statue of Liberty, allowing you to admire its grandeur and take stunning photos.

You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and other landmarks as you cruise along the waterfront.

Local guides or live commentary will provide interesting facts and historical insights about the Statue of Liberty and other points of interest along the route.

Cruises offer comfortable seating, spacious decks, and amenities like restrooms and onboard refreshments, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing journey.

Apart from the Statue of Liberty, you can see other landmarks and famous sights of New York City during the cruise.

How To Pick A Statue of Liberty Cruise That Suits You Best

To select a Statue of Liberty cruise that suits you best, consider the following few points:

Cruise Duration: Choose a cruise that fits your schedule and preference, whether a short tour or a more extended experience.

Inclusions: Check what the cruise offers, specific landmarks, guided commentary, and onboard amenities.

Themed Cruises: Look for themed cruises, like sunset or dinner cruises, for a unique experience.

Reviews: Read online reviews to gauge the satisfaction level of previous customers and the quality of the cruise.

Cost and Accessibility– Compare prices and find a cruise that fits your budget. Check for any accessibility features if needed.

Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tours

statue of libert helicopter tour
Image: Getyourguide.com

Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tours provides a thrilling and panoramic aerial experience of iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. 

These tours offer breathtaking views making them a unique and memorable adventure. 

With informative commentary from pilots or guides, you’ll gain insights into the historical significance of the sites.

Here are some of the best Statue of Liberty helicopter tours. 

New York Helicopter Tour

Were you not able to secure a crown access ticket? 

This helicopter tour lets you get better views of the city and the Statue of Liberty. 

This 12 to 15-minute helicopter tour gets you up and close with the Statue of Liberty.

You will also fly close to Ellis Island to take a bird’s eye view. 

You can also upgrade the flight time to 17 to 20 minutes and fly over the rest of Manhattan. 

What’s included in this ticket:

  • Pass-by the grand Statue of Liberty 
  • Close-up of the Ellis Island and Liberty Island
  • Live commentary in English

Start Point: Downtown Manhattan Heliport

Ticket Prices:

The price of the Statue of Liberty helicopter tour remains the same for all visitors above 2 years old but depends on the package you select. 

PackageTickets Price
Ultimate Manhattan Package$319
Manhattan Highlights Package$279

Manhattan Helicopter Tour

Manhattan helicopter tour
Image: Getyourguide.com

This is the best helicopter tour to get views of the Statue of Liberty. 

You can come straight up with Lady Liberty and watch the crown and torch close up in the air. 

Along with the Statue of Liberty, you can also fly over other iconic Manhattan landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park and more. 

The extent of the tour depends on the duration you choose. 

What’s included in this ticket:

  • Close-up of the Statue of Liberty
  • Choose from 15-, 20-, or 30-min options
  • Professional pilot and guide

Start Point: Downtown Manhattan Heliport

Ticket Prices:

The ticket prices depend on the timing and remain the same for all visitors above 2 years. 

DurationTickets Price
12 to 5 minutes$210
18 to 20 minutes$256
30 minutes$329

All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour

Marvel at the Statue of Liberty and the iconic New York skyline on an all-inclusive helicopter tour. 

This tour is called all-inclusive because you can see all of New York on this tour. 

With the audio narration during the tour, you can learn more about the sights. 

What’s included in this ticket:

  • Fly higher than the Statue of Liberty
  • Choose from 15-, 20-, or 30-min options
  • Inflight commentary, professional pilot, lockers, and noise-canceling headphones

Start Point: Downtown Manhattan Heliport

Ticket Prices:

The ticket prices depend on the timing and remain the same for all visitors above 2 years. 

DurationTickets Price
12 to 5 minutes$256
17 to 20 minutes$292
30 minutes$373

Why Take The Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tours

Why take the Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tours
Image: Getyourguide.com

Statue of Liberty helicopter tours are among the best ways to experience the monument, especially during a time crunch. 

While a little on the expensive side, Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tours is an excellent choice for visitors because:

Spectacular Views

The aerial perspective from a helicopter provides breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the iconic Manhattan skyline. 

You can witness these landmarks from a unique and awe-inspiring angle.

Time Efficiency

Helicopter tours save time as they cover a vast area quickly. 

You can experience multiple attractions without spending hours navigating the city or waiting in lines for ferries.

Exciting Adventure

Helicopter flights are thrilling and adventurous, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience of flying over a vibrant cityscape.

Informative Commentary

Pilots or tour guides often share fascinating facts and historical information about the landmarks, enriching your understanding and appreciation of the sites.

Photo Opportunities

Gain spectacular views from a helicopter and take fantastic photos to capture stunning shots of the Statue of Liberty and the surrounding areas.

Overall, a Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tour is an extraordinary adventure. 

What To Expect on Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tours

On a Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tour, you can expect breathtaking aerial views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. 

The tour offers a thrilling and time-efficient experience, covering multiple landmarks quickly. 

You can enjoy informative commentary from the pilot or guide and have ample photo opportunities. 

It’s a luxurious and memorable adventure that provides a unique perspective of these iconic landmarks:

  • Statue of Liberty 
  • Ellis Island 
  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum 
  • the 9/11 Memorial MetLife Building 
  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum 
  • Chrysler Building 
  • Central Park 
  • Empire State Building 
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Brookfield Place 
  • Greenwich Village 
  • Manhattan Skyline 
  • Rockefeller Center 
  • New York Harbor 
  • Seaport District NYC 
  • Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex 
  • One World Trade Center and more!

How To Pick A Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tour That Suits You Best

To pick a Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tour that suits you best, consider the following factors:

Duration

Decide on the tour length that fits your schedule and budget. 

Tours range from 15 minutes to an hour, with more extended tours offering more extensive city coverage.

Route

Check the tour route to ensure it includes the specific landmarks you want to see, such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Manhattan skyline, and other iconic spots.

Safety

Ensure the tour operator prioritizes safety, adheres to regulations, and has experienced pilots with a good safety record.

Cost

Compare prices from different tour operators and find a suitable balance between cost and the desired experience.

Reviews

Read online reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge the overall satisfaction and quality of the tour.

Extras

Check if the tour includes additional perks or amenities, such as onboard commentary, professional photos, or complimentary shuttle service to and from the heliport.

Group Size

Consider whether you prefer a private tour or are okay with sharing the helicopter with other passengers. 

Private tours may be more expensive but offer a more personalized experience.

Accessibility

Ensure the tour is accessible to all participants and inquire about any special arrangements needed for people with mobility concerns.

Book in Advance

Popular tours can sell out quickly, so booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons.



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FAQs about Statue of Liberty Cruise

1. How long is the cruise to the Statue of Liberty?

Depending on the cruise option you choose, the duration of the cruise differs.
 
You have cruises starting from an hour to 2.5 hours.

2. Is the cruise to the Statue of Liberty free?

No, you must purchase your desired cruise tickets to cruise around the Statue of Liberty.

3. What is the best way to see the Statue of Liberty?

The two best ways to visit Lady Liberty are a Statue of Liberty cruise or a helicopter tour.

Book the best Statue of Liberty cruise ticket or the best helicopter tour and visit the grand monument.

4. How long is the Liberty Cruise tour?

Depending on the type of Statue of Liberty cruise you choose, the length of the cruise will vary. 

You have 1 hour, 1.5 hour and 2 hour options you can choose from.

How much is the helicopter tour of the Statue of Liberty?

Statue of Liberty helicopter tours start from $210 to $570 per adult, depending on the tour options chosen.

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