No surprise charges. Just honest pricing for private yacht experiences in New York City.
Dream Boat NY believes pricing should be straightforward. The rate you see is the rate you pay—everything included, nothing hidden. Whether you call it a boat charter, yacht rental, or private cruise (they’re all the same!), your price covers the complete experience: professional captain and crew, all fuel and docking fees, comprehensive insurance, safety equipment, climate-controlled cabin, outdoor deck access, premium amenities, and complete flexibility to customize your route.
Starting at $700 for two hours, every charter accommodates 2-6 guests. The price is for the entire boat, not per person. With maximum occupancy 6 passengers, intimate groups are our specialization and the foundation of the private, personalized experience that makes Dream Boat NY different from other options.
Duration-Based Pricing
2-Hour Charters
Weekdays for 2 Guests: $700
Perfect for couples wanting romantic cruises, proposals, anniversary celebrations, or intimate date nights.
Weekdays for 3-6 Guests: $800
Ideal for small families, friend groups, birthday celebrations, or any gathering of 3-6 people.
Weekdays Sunset Cruises: $800
Timed for golden hour regardless of group size. Departure time adjusts seasonally to catch NYC’s most beautiful light.
Weekends & Holidays: $850
Saturday, Sunday, and major holidays for groups of 2-6 guests.
What You See in 2 Hours:
Statue of Liberty up-close viewing, Ellis Island, Financial District skyline, Battery Park, and your choice of returning via Hudson River (peaceful, wide-open water) or East River (Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, architectural details). Two hours provides surprisingly comprehensive sightseeing when routes are optimized—which ours are.
3-Hour Charters: $1,200
Extended sightseeing allowing comprehensive exploration beyond the basics. See everything in the 2-hour tour plus additional landmarks, spend more time at key locations for photos and narration, cruise at a leisurely pace, and perhaps add dining with our catering options.
Popular 3-Hour Routes:
- Hudson River north to George Washington Bridge, seeing Midtown skyline, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Hudson Yards, Javits Center, and Hell’s Kitchen
- East River to Brooklyn for spectacular Brooklyn Bridge views, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and Brooklyn waterfront
- Harbor exploration with extended time viewing Statue of Liberty from multiple angles, Governor’s Island, Ellis Island, and Red Hook
This duration is our most popular because it balances comprehensive sightseeing with manageable timing and fair value.
3.5-Hour Charters: $1,400
The ultimate NYC experience: complete circumnavigation of Manhattan Island. See every major landmark in one unforgettable cruise.
Full Manhattan Loop Includes:
Starting from Chelsea Piers, heading south past Financial District to Statue of Liberty, up the East River viewing all bridges and waterfront, through Harlem River Ship Canal, down Hudson River past Midtown and Chelsea, returning to start. It’s the most comprehensive single charter possible, covering every major waterside landmark NYC offers.
Detailed route information and timing →
4-Hour Charters: $1,600
Expansive celebrations, multiple combined experiences, and unhurried luxury.
Four hours allows combining comprehensive sightseeing with extended stops, leisurely dining, sunset timing, or special requests. Perhaps brunch service followed by full island circumnavigation, or comprehensive sightseeing followed by sunset cocktails. This duration accommodates ambitious visions and complex celebrations.
Additional hours beyond 4 available subject to schedule availability.
Per-Person Value Breakdown
Understanding cost per person helps appreciate the value, especially when comparing to other NYC entertainment or when splitting costs among friends and family.
For 2-Hour Charters
6 Guests (Weekday Rate: $800):
- Per person: $133
4 Guests (Weekday Rate: $800):
- Per person: $200
3 Guests (Weekday Rate: $800):
- Per person: $267
2 Guests/Couples (Weekday Rate: $700):
- Per person: $350
Weekend Rate ($850):
- 6 guests: $142 per person
- 4 guests: $213 per person
- 3 guests: $283 per person
- 2 guests: $425 per person
For 3-Hour Charters ($1,200)
- 6 guests: $200 per person
- 4 guests: $300 per person
- 3 guests: $400 per person
- 2 guests: $600 per person
For 3.5-Hour Charters ($1,400)
- 6 guests: $233 per person
- 4 guests: $350 per person
- 3 guests: $467 per person
- 2 guests: $700 per person
For 4-Hour Charters ($1,600)
- 6 guests: $267 per person
- 4 guests: $400 per person
- 3 guests: $533 per person
- 2 guests: $800 per person
The takeaway: A 6-person group pays less per person than most NYC entertainment options while enjoying a completely private, luxury experience.
Value Comparison
Context matters when evaluating pricing. What else could you do in NYC for similar per-person cost?
Broadway Tickets: $200-400 per person for popular shows, often more for premium seats or hit productions. You’re sitting in a theater (admittedly spectacular) for 2.5 hours with hundreds of other people, watching a show you can’t customize or interact with.
Fine Dining for 6: $800-1,200 total (or $133-200 per person) at upscale Manhattan restaurants. You’re sitting in a nice room eating excellent food for 2 hours, but the experience ends when the check arrives—no lasting impression beyond “that was delicious.”
Large Tour Boats: $50-100 per person for group sightseeing cruises. You’re packed onto boats carrying 50-150 passengers, fighting for railing space, straining to hear narration over crowd noise, following rigid routes on fixed schedules, with zero flexibility or personalization.
Dream Boat NY: $133-350 per person (depending on group size and duration) for 2-4 hours of completely private sightseeing from NYC’s best perspective, with professional captain providing personalized narration tailored to your interests, aboard a luxury yacht with climate-controlled cabin and outdoor deck, enjoying complete flexibility to customize the experience exactly as you wish, creating memories that resonate for years.
The private yacht surprise is that a clearly high-end experience is similar or lower cost than alternatives, and dramatically more memorable. This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s an experience people remember as a highlight of their NYC visit or celebration.
What’s Included (Always)
Every charter rate includes everything needed for a complete, safe, enjoyable experience. No hidden costs, no surprise charges, no nickel-and-diming.
Professional Crew & Operations
✅ USCG Certified Captain
Expert navigation, engaging landmark narration, insider knowledge, and personalized attention throughout your charter.
✅ All Fuel Costs
Complete fuel coverage regardless of route or duration. No fuel surcharges ever.
✅ All Docking Fees
Home base docking at Chelsea Piers and any additional docking your route requires—all included.
✅ Safety & Equipment
Coast Guard-approved safety equipment including life jackets for all ages (toddler through adult XL), fire extinguishers, first aid kit, emergency flares, and communication equipment—all maintained to highest standards.
Comfort & Amenities
✅ Outdoor Deck Access
Open-air deck with teak floor, deep cushions, unobstructed views, and authentic yachting experience.
✅ Indoor Cabin
Fully enclosed cabin with a second table seating for six guests. Enjoy plush seating and protected from the wind and weather.
✅ Premium Sound System with Bluetooth
High-quality sound system throughout boat. Connect your phone and create your perfect soundtrack.
✅ Onboard Restroom Facilities
Clean, private restroom with all necessary amenities. Not a basic marine head—a proper restroom for your comfort.
✅ Complimentary Water
Bottled water provided for all guests throughout your charter.
Flexibility & Service
✅ Completely Flexible Itinerary
Change routes during your charter, spend extra time at landmarks, adjust based on interests—complete flexibility throughout your entire experience.
✅ Customizable Departure Times
Schedule your charter for the timing that works best, including sunset coordination.
✅ Personal Attention
With just 2-6 guests, you’re not one face in a hundred—you’re our only guests, receiving the kind of attention impossible with large groups.
What’s NOT Included
(Optional Add-Ons)
The base charter rate covers everything operational and required. Optional extras enhance your experience but aren’t necessary for a complete charter:
Catering Packages
From simple to sophisticated, our catering partners provide excellent food designed for enjoying onboard.
Champagne & Appetizers: $65 per person
Open bar paired with the charcuterie board, our most popular appetizer. The combination works beautifully—celebrating with champagne feels appropriately sophisticated. The appetizers satisfy without creating heavy meal focus, keeping attention on the views and celebration. Perfect for proposals, anniversaries, engagement parties, or any occasion to enhance the experience.
Full Brunch or Lunch Service: $80 per person
Professionally prepared, delivered to the boat, and served by your crew during the charter. Watch NYC unfold while enjoying excellent food and an open bar. The sophisticated combination creates memorable entertainment that guests remember and talk about long after.
Note: Dinner service works best with 3+ hour cruises to allow adequate time for multiple courses while maintaining focus on sightseeing.
Your crew member handles all food service professionally, so you’re never playing waiter during your own celebration.
View complete catering menu with options →
Beverage Service
Toast your celebration with premium champagne, perfectly chilled and professionally presented. Pricing varies by bottle selection. Or select wine, beer, hard seltzer, soda & seltzer, coffee from the menu. Crew member handles service throughout your charter.
Party Trays & Platters
À la carte platters for brunch, lunch, appetizers, and whole cakes can be ordered individually for your charter. Hungry? Order several platters. For lighter fare, pick one or two of your favorites.
Decorations & Special Touches
Celebrating something special? Select a decoration package:
- Romantic packages for proposals, date nights, anniversaries, and intimate birthday celebrations
- Birthday party packages
- Corporate branding for business events
Tell us your vision and we’ll coordinate details to make your celebration perfect.
Professional Photography
Capture your experience with professional photos from an experienced photographer. The captain can snap a photo for you, but having a professional aboard means everyone in your group appears in photos—no one stuck behind the camera missing the moment.
Extended Hours
Love your charter and don’t want it to end? Subject to availability and schedule permitting, extend your cruise time at $350 per additional hour. Many guests wish they’d booked longer—extending onboard is possible if our schedule allows.
What’s NEVER Extra (Transparency Matters)
Some businesses hide true costs with unexpected fees and charges. Dream Boat NY doesn’t operate that way. These items are always included at the base rate—never charged separately:
✗ Fuel surcharges (nope—fuel included)
✗ Docking fees (nope—all Chelsea Piers docking included)
✗ Equipment rental (nope—all equipment included)
✗ Captain fee (nope—captain included)
✗ “Service charges” (nope—service included)
✗ Cleaning fees (nope—no cleaning fees)
✗ Insurance fees (nope—insurance included)
Gratuity
Crew gratuity is the one cost not included in the base charter rate. 18-22% is customary on private yachts.
Payment options: Prepay for your ease and comfort during the charter, or provide gratuity with cash, credit card, or payment apps (Venmo, PayPal, GooglePay).
Rental vs. Charter: Same Price, Same Service
Wondering about the difference between “boat rental” and “boat charter” pricing? There isn’t one—they’re the same service with the same rates.
Some people search for “boat rental NYC” while others search “boat charter NYC.” Both groups want identical experiences: exclusive use of a private yacht with a professional captain and crew handling all operations. The maritime industry uses these terms (along with “yacht rental” and “private cruise”) interchangeably.
Dream Boat NY uses both terms because we want everyone to find us easily, regardless of preferred terminology. The pricing doesn’t change. The service doesn’t change. A 2-hour boat rental costs exactly the same as a 2-hour boat charter because they’re the same thing.
Want to learn more about rental terminology? See our complete boat rental guide → or boat charter information →
Celebration Packages
Not sure which duration fits your celebration? Here are our recommendations based on what you want to accomplish:
Romantic Occasions (Couples)
Proposal: 2-hour sunset cruise ($800)
Golden hour timing, Statue of Liberty backdrop, intimate atmosphere. Perfect duration for the big moment without feeling rushed or overly extended.
Anniversary: 2.5-3 hour evening cruise ($800-1,200)
Add champagne service and sunset timing for memorable celebration. Extended duration allows relaxed pacing.
Romantic Date: 2-hour evening cruise ($700-800)
Impressive yet accessible for special date nights. Sunset or night timing recommended.
Browse proposal packages → | Anniversary cruises → | Couples boat ride →
Family Celebrations
Birthday Party: 2-3 hours ($800-1,200)
Duration depends on guest ages (shorter for young children, longer for adults). All ages welcome, life jackets provided.
Family Outing: 2-3 hours ($800-1,200)
Comprehensive sightseeing with flexibility for children’s needs. Onboard restroom is essential with kids—we have one.
Graduation: 3 hours ($1,200)
Celebrate achievements with extended cruise allowing time for photos, toasts, and comprehensive landmark viewing.
Birthday charters → | Graduation cruises →
Friend Groups
Friend Celebration: 2-3 hours ($800-1,200)
Perfect for close friend groups (2-6 people). Add catering for elevated experience.
Bachelor/Bachelorette: 3-4 hours ($1,200-1,600)
Sophisticated celebration with closest friends. Longer duration accommodates dining and comprehensive sightseeing.
Bachelor parties → | Bachelorette cruises →
Corporate Events
Client Entertainment: 2-3 hours ($800-1,200)
Impressive yet intimate for high-value relationship building. 2-6 guests perfect for meaningful conversation.
Executive Team: 3-4 hours ($1,200-1,600)
Strategic planning sessions or team celebrations in unique environment. Longer duration facilitates deep discussion.
Sightseeing Priorities
Quick Highlights: 2 hours ($700-850)
See major landmarks efficiently. Perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time.
Extended Tour: 3 hours ($1,200)
Explore more of the city you love. The most popular duration for thorough sightseeing.
Complete Manhattan: 3.5 hours ($1,400)
Full island circumnavigation, the ultimate sightseeing experience.
Comprehensive Tour: 4 hours ($1,600)
Explore more of the city you love. Most popular duration for thorough sightseeing.
Compare all routes → | Manhattan tour details →
Booking & Payment
How to Book
Online Booking:
View real-time availability on our calendar, select your date and time, choose duration, add any optional services, and complete booking instantly with immediate confirmation.
Call Our Concierge Team:
Prefer discussing options first? Have questions? Need custom arrangements? Call 917-399-9084. Our team helps match charters to celebrations, answers questions, handles special circumstances, and ensures you book the perfect option.
Email Inquiries:
Send questions or booking requests to [email protected] anytime.
Payment Terms
Payment Methods: All major credit cards, Venmo, Zelle, cash
Flexible scheduling available: Book anywhere from same-day to 12 months ahead, subject to availability.
Cancellation Policy
Standard:
Refunds are not available with standard reservations. If rain or weather prevents us from departing, rescheduling is complimentary.
Premium (+$175):
If the captain must postpone the charter, you’re welcome to reschedule or receive a refund (minus the travel protection fee).
Frequently Asked Questions About Pricing
Is the price per person or per boat?
Per boat. Enjoy the entire private boat experience for you and your guests only. Choose exactly who you want to have onboard with you, and the price remains the same. Change your mind later and want to add a friend? The boat is still yours and the reservation can be adjusted (up to our 6-guest maximum).
Are there any hidden fees?
No. The only additional costs are optional extras you explicitly choose (catering, decorations, photography, extended hours) and customary crew gratuity (18-22%, your discretion), taxes and 3% credit card processing fee.
What if we want to extend during the charter?
Sometimes possible, subject to availability. If you’re loving your experience and want more time, we’ll check our schedule. If the boat’s available, extend at $400 per additional hour. Can’t always promise this (depends on next booking), but we accommodate extensions whenever possible. Many guests wish they’d booked longer initially—extending onboard solves that regret.
Do you offer group discounts?
Our pricing already optimizes for small groups. The per-boat rate (rather than per-person) means larger groups automatically get better per-person value. A couple pays $350 per person while a group of 6 pays just $133 per person for the same 2-hour charter. That’s effectively a 62% discount per person for bringing more friends.
Can we split the cost among guests?
Absolutely. Many groups split costs among attendees. Book under one person’s name, they pay us, and the group reimburses them however works best. Venmo, Zelle, cash, however you want to handle internal splits is fine—we just need one payment from the booking contact.
What’s included in “all-inclusive” pricing?
Everything operational: USCG certified captain (30+ years experience), professional crew member, all fuel costs, all docking fees, safety equipment and life jackets (all sizes), outdoor and indoor lounges with table seating for six, premium sound system with Bluetooth, onboard restroom, complimentary water, and complete flexibility with your route throughout the charter.
How does sunset pricing work?
Simple. Sunset cruises start at $800 weekdays and $850 on the weekends. Departure times are coordinated with the actual sunset that day, which changes throughout the season. To view the sunset times and catch the golden hour, click on the “check availability” button—the sunset departure times are noted on the booking calendar.
Are children charged differently?
No. Price is per boat for 2-6 total guests, regardless of ages. A family with 2 adults and 2 children pays the same 4-person rate as 4 adults. Children are welcome (all ages), life jackets provided in all sizes, and the onboard restroom is essential with kids.
What about large parties?
We specialize exclusively in 2-6 guests. If you have more than 6 guests, we can occasionally coordinate multiple boats for larger groups, though most find the intimate 6-person capacity creates the most memorable experience. Quality over quantity is our philosophy.
Can I get a quote for multiple charters?
Yes, call us. For corporate clients booking multiple dates, special events requiring multiple boats, or organizations planning regular charters, call or text 917-399-9084 to discuss arrangements. We’re happy to work with repeat clients and can sometimes offer scheduling flexibility or package arrangements for multiple bookings.
Why Transparent Pricing Matters
Pricing transparency isn’t just good business practice—it’s fundamental to how Dream Boat NY operates and reflects our values.
Builds Trust: Clear pricing from the beginning means no surprises, no hidden costs, no regrets. You know exactly what you’re paying and what’s included before booking. This transparency builds confidence in your decision.
Enables Smart Decisions: Understanding full cost (and what’s included) lets you make informed choices. Compare our offering to alternatives accurately. Decide which duration fits your budget. Choose optional add-ons knowing complete costs.
Reflects Integrity: Businesses hiding true costs don’t respect customers. We do. The straightforward pricing reflects straightforward operations—no tricks or gimmicks.
Creates Better Experiences: When pricing is clear and fair, guests arrive relaxed rather than wondering if they’re being taken advantage of. This psychological foundation matters enormously for enjoyment. You board knowing you got fair value, which frees you to simply enjoy the experience.
After 30+ years operating in NYC, Captain Martin has seen too many maritime businesses nickel-and-diming customers with surprise fees and hidden charges. Dream Boat NY operates differently because that’s how we’d want to be treated as customers ourselves.
Ready to Book Your Private Yacht Charter?
Transparent pricing. Complete inclusions. Zero surprises. Just unforgettable experiences on NYC’s waters.
Get Started
📞 Call: 917-399-9084
Talk with our concierge team about your celebration, get personalized recommendations, ask questions, and book your preferred date and time.
📅 Check Availability Online:
View Calendar & Book Now
See real-time availability, select date and time, add optional services, complete booking instantly.
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Send questions, special requests, or booking inquiries anytime.
Explore Your Options
View All Experiences: Sunset, Night, Dining, Seasonal Cruises →
Browse Events: Proposals, Weddings, Birthdays, Corporate →
Compare Routes: Sightseeing Routes & Timing →
Learn More: Boat Charter Information → | Boat Rental Details →
Complete Guide: Planning Your Perfect Charter →
Transparent pricing, exceptional experiences, 30+ years of NYC expertise. Book your private yacht charter or boat rental today.