Lest you've forgotten, Manhattan is an island—and there are plenty of ferry operators that take advantage of the waterways surrounding New York City, offering an easy, inexpensive way to travel from place to place. Plus, the views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and the Brooklyn Bride are unparalleled. Many of these boats depart from Lower Manhattan, the city's erstwhile port; these are just a few of our favorites, transporting passengers to Midtown, New Jersey, and beyond.
Staten Island Ferry
The most famous of New York City's ferries is also an excellent bargain: Unlike pricier options, the Staten Island Ferry is free, and provides unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, among other landmarks. But be prepared for crowds: The ferry's fleet of nine ships transports 70,000 people on weekdays alone, and that number swells on beautiful, clear weekends.
NY Waterway
NY Waterway operates three routes, but its East River Ferry, which launched in 2010, quickly became the most popular weekend option. It connects three boroughs (Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn), and alights at popular destinations like Williamsburg, Brooklyn; Brooklyn Bridge Park; and Governors Island on summer weekends. Meanwhile, across the island, the Hudson River Ferry terminal can be found at Brookfield Place and transports passengers to Hoboken and Jersey City, among others. All ferries are climate-controlled and offer Wi-Fi.
NY Water Taxi
Planning to hit several destinations is one day? Consider springing for the NY Water Taxi's all-access day pass, which offer hop-on, hop-off service at six piers in Manhattan and Brooklyn, including Pier 11 at Wall Street and Pier 1 in Brooklyn Heights. (The 20-minute ride from Pier 11 to Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood is especially lovely.) Statue of Liberty cruises are run by sister company Circle Line Downtown, and leave from South Street Seaport (Pier 16).
Governors Island Ferry
The onetime military base in New York Harbor has become, in recent years, one of the city's best outdoor destinations, with acres of open space, public-art installations, bike paths, and an enticing area called Hammock Grove. And the best part: It's only a five-minute ferry ride from Battery Maritime Building (next to the Staten Island Ferry) in Lower Manhattan. Grab a seat on the top deck to enjoy unobstructed views of World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty. (The catch: Governors Island is only open from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September. Get those trips in while you can.)
Statue Cruises
While different ferry services offer Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tours, this is the official operator in conjunction with the National Park Service. Trips depart from Battery Park behind Castle Clinton, and package options include access to the Statue of Liberty’s Pedestal or Crown. (Be ready to climb the 162 stairs to Lady Liberty's peak if you go for that one.) Tip: The latter option is so popular that advance reservations are required, so be prepared to book ahead of time.
Liberty Landing Ferry
The same company that runs the official Statue of Liberty trips also offers trips to New Jersey. From Battery Park, catch a ferry to Liberty State Park in Jersey City to truly appreciate the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty while walking or biking along its two-mile-long promenade. Fishing, kayaking, and picnicking are among the other ways to spend a leisurely day.
SeaStreak Ferry
To escape the city altogether, hop a Seastreak Ferry; it's only a 40-minute ride to Sandy Hook beach in North Jersey from Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan. The comfy climate-controlled catamarans are equipped with TVs and a cash bar, and the price includes shuttle bus service to numerous Sandy Hook beaches such as North Beach and Gunnison. Service for the summer resumes on May 23.