3 hour(s)
English
Included
Sail past historic and abandoned East River islands
Learn how NYC’s power, steam, and gas systems were built
See former and current energy plants along the waterfront
Hear the future plans for Rikers Island and other key sites
€ 51.59
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
Additional taxes and fees may apply — total shown at checkout.
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Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Discover the hidden systems that keep New York City running by exploring the East River’s islands, shorelines, and critical infrastructure. This tour reveals the evolution of NYC’s power network—from the chaos of more than 170 early electric companies to the rise of Consolidated Edison—and examines how energy, steam, and gas shaped the city’s growth. As your guide explains the surprising stories behind demolished islands, abandoned facilities, and massive plants disguised in plain sight, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the city that never sleeps stays powered around the clock.
Your journey continues aboard the NYC Ferry’s Soundview route, offering an up-close look at key sites including Roosevelt Island, Hell Gate, Randall’s Island, and the mysterious North and South Brother Islands. Along the way, you’ll explore the future of Rikers Island, learn about plans for a major waterfront redevelopment, and uncover shipwrecks and long-forgotten energy infrastructure. Led by energy expert Cullen Brown, this tour brings you behind the scenes of New York’s essential systems—past, present, and future—highlighting the visionaries, workers, and innovations that keep the city moving. Photos are encouraged, so feel free to tag .
Guided tour in English
Ferry ticket
Gratuities
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses & sunscreen
Camera
Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather
Keep personal essentials
Have a camera ready to capture every special moment
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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Long lines to get on ferry and it moves slow. We were in line to head back to city and ended up being told no more boats were running when we were already close to the front of the line. Better to just take an uber if its later in the night.
I just wanted to say that I do love taking the ferry home when the trains are messed up. BUT however I do wish that there’s a limit on how people are allowed to sit on top because it’s way too crowded and someone could easily get hurt and fall off into the water and usually people are pushing and shoving and meanwhile the lower level is completely empty. Please do better sincerely a native Newyorker
Staff is extremely rude (specially the lady on the photos). She kept shouting everyone like if we were animals. Besides, she made a complete mess by allowing people that arrived later to board first and the ones that were queuing for aprox 40 min were left out. She had this attitude of “being the owner” of the boat and “I do whatever I want”. More than 60 people were complaining at the same time for the same reason and they said WE ALL were wrong. It is not worth it at all this service. Honestly, NYC Ferry … train your staff! They need to use common sense!! And admit mistakes as well!!
The best way to enjoy the view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Was lucky enough to see the rainbow 🌈across the skyline! A must do when in New York.
Coolest public transit option in NYC - it’s very clean and has beautiful views. It was really neat and an experience more than it is practical for getting around efficiently. I went on the East River Route and South Brooklyn route. Each ferry had a restroom, bar, rooftop seating, and many seating options on the main deck. The employees were all really kind. The only thing that would make it better is if I could have used my metro card to get on. It was $4 a ticket and it included one transfer. I was able to pay within the “NYC Ferry” app which made boarding really simple, they just scan your pass on your phone.
