Take To The Seas With These 5 NYC Daytrips By Boat

NEW YORK, NY — Public transportation in the heat of summer doesn't have to be a sweaty, sticky, miserable mess.

Make you city commute or day-trip a vacation with one of the five New York City boat trips. (Keep up with other news in your area by signing up for Patch's daily newsletters.)

New York Harbor Hop-On, Hop Off Cruise

Credits: Shutterstock

Spend the day exploring Midtown Manhattan, Battery Park, South Street Seaport and Brooklyn’s Water Street. Board the New York Water Taxi at Pier 83 in Manhattan and hop off at any one of these four stops throughout the day for one flat price. Whenever you’re ready for your next adventure, use your ticket to hop back on and head to your next destination. Boats depart approximately every 45 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Circle Line Bear Mountain Full-Day Cruise

Credits: New York State Governor's Office

Sail along the Hudson River and take in the sights of the Palisades, Grant’s Tomb, the George Washington Bridge and the Cloisters. All travelers will have about three hours to hike, boat or explore. An optional outdoor picnic lunch will be available upon arrival for interested parties.

New York City Ferry

Credits: Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

Take a self-guided tour on any of the ferry’s four lines on the East River, Rockaway, Astoria and South Brooklyn for a personalized New York City experience for the price of a subway ticket. Two new routes in the Bronx’s Soundview and Lower East Side will open later this summer, though no official dates have yet been announced.

Governor’s Island Ferry

Credits: National Park Service

At only 800 yards from Brooklyn and even closer to Lower Manhattan, the history contained on this 172-acre island in the heart of the New York Harbor is nearly a stone’s throw away — or at least a short boat ride. Sail from Manhattan and take in the island’s natural beauty until 10 p.m. Friday and 11 p.m. Saturday with new late-night weekend hours. Check out the public park or take a peek at the dozens of historic buildings on this former military base that was once closed to the public for nearly 200 years.

Seastreak to Sandy Hook

Credits: Shutterstock

Need a break from the city? Head on down to Sandy Hook to explore the Jersey shore. This seven-mile bay beach is less than an hour away by boat. Dig your toes into the sand at Gunnison, North and South beaches; take a hike; try some bird watching or discover the history that awaits you in the Fort Hancock Museum. Weekend pickups are available from Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan and East 35th Street.

Lead photo courtesy of The City of New York