At Arlo Hotel we frequently remind our guests that Manhattan is surrounded on three sides by water and hopping on a boat is a great way to see the city’s sights. Taking a dinner boat cruise is a great way to explore the New York City skyline at a relaxing pace. There are multiple operators such as the Hornblower that offer several hours of sightseeing along with drinks and food. It’s a great way to take in the city’s charms and experience the scale of the city from afar.
For a much faster paced experience, consider The Beast, which is the only jet-powered thrill ride speedboat operating in New York City waters. This boat has 1,400 horsepower engines that rocket passengers across Liberty Island and past the NYC skyline at up to 40 knots (that’s 45 miles-per-hour for you non seafarers.) The Beast is expected to welcome passengers in the summer of 2021 and offers a scintillating 30-minute ride up and down the Hudson River. It’s not recommended for people with back problems, or those that will mind potentially getting a little wet.
A classic way to enjoy the water around NYC is on the Staten Island Ferry. This iconic, orange-painted ferry offers tourists a simple way to see the skyline without investing too much time or money. It’s a commuter-focused excursion, so it’s an efficient trip that doesn’t put you close to the Statue of Liberty, but it still offers amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge, lower Manhattan, and the surrounding area. At Arlo SoHo Hotel we always suggest to our guests considering the Staten Island Ferry to pack a jacket as it’s typically windy on the ride, but also to remember sunscreen as it’s very exposed out on the water.
For a lower and hands-on water experience, you can rent a kayak from multiple NYC locations, including Pier 26 and Governors Island. There are multiple places you can rent a kayak for free, and there are also free guided tours that provide you with insightful facts about the city. The rentals come with safety equipment and demonstrations and are the unsinkable and self-bailing kind that are perfect for novices.
Leave a Reply