New York City looks different from the water. The skyline that fills millions of phone screens every day takes on an entirely new scale and intimacy when you’re gliding across the Hudson River on a private yacht, six guests maximum, with nothing between you and the view. No crowds. No strangers. No fighting for a railing.
Planning a private yacht charter in NYC is simpler than most guests expect — and this guide covers everything worth knowing before booking: pricing, routes, timing, catering, weather policies, what’s included, and the insider details that make the difference between a good outing and one guests talk about for years.
Whether this is a birthday celebration, an anniversary, a marriage proposal, a corporate outing, or a first-time experience on the water, Captain Martin and the Dream Boat NY concierge team have spent 30 years perfecting this. The framework below reflects what those years on the water have taught about how to make a private boat charter in NYC truly unforgettable.
A few important definitions before diving in: in New York City, the terms “yacht charter,” “boat charter,” “boat rental,” and “yacht rental” are used interchangeably. They all describe the same thing — an exclusively private boat with a professional, USCG-certified captain and crew included. Guests do not need to operate the vessel. The boat is theirs alone for the duration of the cruise.
How to Choose the Right Duration for Your Charter
Choosing a charter duration comes down to two questions: how much of NYC do you want to see, and how long does your group want to be on the water? The four duration options below each offer a distinct experience.
2 Hours: The Highlights Tour ($700–$850)
The 2-hour private boat tour is anything but ordinary. For first-time visitors, groups with limited time, or anyone who wants a focused landmark experience without marathon cruising, two hours on the Hudson covers more than most guests expect.
Departing from Chelsea Piers, the route takes guests south through the Hudson River to New York Harbor, with up-close viewing of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from multiple angles — not the quick passing glimpse of a crowded public ferry. The captain positions the yacht for spectacular photos and shares the fascinating construction history, immigration stories, and symbolism that make Lady Liberty one of the world’s most meaningful monuments. Circle Ellis Island with context about the millions who entered America through these waters. See Governor’s Island, the Financial District’s southern tip, Battery Park, and One World Trade Center.
Pricing: $700 weekdays for 2 guests / $800 weekdays for 3–6 guests / $850 weekends and holidays.
Ideal for: First-time NYC visitors, groups with time constraints, those seeking efficient and memorable sightseeing.
3 Hours: The Comprehensive Tour ($1,200)
The most popular duration for good reason. Three hours balances thorough landmark viewing with manageable timing and allows the itinerary to expand well beyond the southern highlights.
Three route options serve different interests. The Hudson River North route extends past Midtown Manhattan — Hudson Yards, the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building from the water, the George Washington Bridge — before a leisurely return with different lighting on landmarks viewed earlier. The East River to Brooklyn route provides extended Brooklyn Bridge viewing and a tour of the Brooklyn waterfront: Jane’s Carousel, Dumbo, the historic Coca-Cola sign near Long Island City, and the ever-changing Williamsburg waterfront. The NY Harbor Exploration option ventures south toward the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, approaching the Statue of Liberty from the direction immigrants once did — the scale of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from this southern angle is genuinely impressive.
All 3-hour charters offer a leisurely pace, multiple photo opportunities, extended captain narration, and the option to add catering for dining while cruising.
Pricing: $1,200 for up to 6 guests.
Ideal for: Thorough sightseeing, photography, celebrating with dining on the water.
3.5 Hours: Full Manhattan Circumnavigation ($1,400)
The complete loop around Manhattan Island is a powerful reminder that New York is, at its core, an island — a fact easy to forget amid the skyscrapers and city streets. This is the tour locals rave about. Most visitors never see Manhattan’s northern waters.
The route covers the Hudson River south to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, then up the East River with successive close-up views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and Queensboro Bridge. Past the United Nations headquarters and Roosevelt Island. Then into the Harlem River Ship Canal — the unexpected highlight of the entire route — a narrow northern passage connecting the East and Hudson Rivers, passing under multiple bridges, with views of Yankee Stadium, Harlem’s northern reaches, and the Bronx shore. Few charter companies even offer this route. Then south down the Hudson River past Washington Heights, the Upper West Side, Midtown, Hudson Yards, Chelsea, and back to Chelsea Piers. When timed for the return leg to coincide with sunset, the golden hour lighting on western Manhattan is extraordinary.
Pricing: $1,400 for up to 6 guests.
Ideal for: Ultimate sightseeing, special occasions deserving an epic backdrop, locals who want to see their city in full, photography portfolios.
4 Hours: The Extended Charter ($1,600)
Maximum time on the water for ambitious itineraries. Four hours opens possibilities the shorter durations can’t accommodate: the full Manhattan circumnavigation plus extended Statue of Liberty time; a comprehensive sightseeing charter combined with an hour of leisurely dining aboard; a sunset-into-night-cruise that lets guests watch the city transform from day to illuminated skyline in one continuous journey; or a custom route venturing north toward the Hudson Valley, east toward the Long Island Sound, or south for a look at where the harbor opens to the Atlantic.
Pricing: $1,600 for up to 6 guests.
Ideal for: Ambitious itineraries, combining sightseeing with dining on the water, day-to-night experiences, custom photography.
What’s Included in Every Private Charter
Every Dream Boat NY private yacht charter includes the following — no hidden fees, no add-ons required for the base experience:
- The yacht exclusively for your group. No other passengers. No strangers. Maximum 6 guests per USCG regulations, and that limit is part of what makes this genuinely private.
- An outdoor all-teak deck with U-shaped seating designed for conversation. The configuration fosters togetherness without feeling cramped — guests face each other rather than a railing, creating the kind of intimacy that makes a charter feel like a private gathering rather than a tour. The retractable canopy provides a choice of full shade or full sun. This is the only convertible yacht in New York City — guests control the experience overhead as much as they control the route below.
- An indoor wood-paneled cabin lounge with deep-cushioned white marine upholstery and table seating for six. The enclosed cabin provides excellent shelter from the elements and an elegant setting for brunch, lunch, conversation, or celebration. The classic nautical design — wood paneling, white upholstery, warm lighting — creates an atmosphere that feels a world away from the city even when the skyline is visible just outside.
- Modern bathroom with personal cloth hand towels.
- Kitchenette for seamless crew food and beverage service.
- Bluetooth sound system — connect your own playlist.
- Complimentary bottled water for all guests.
- Professional USCG-certified captain with extensive New York City maritime knowledge.
- All Chelsea Piers docking, boarding fees, and fuel.
- Complete route planning and coordination — guests share preferences, the captain handles the rest.
How Pricing Works (And Why It’s Better Than It Looks)
Private yacht charter pricing in NYC trips people up because most experiences charge per person. Dream Boat NY charges per boat — the entire vessel for the group, regardless of how many guests fill it (up to six).
The pricing:
- 2-hour charter: $700 weekdays for 2 guests / $800 weekdays for 3–6 guests / $850 weekends and holidays
- 3-hour charter: $1,200
- 3.5-hour charter: $1,400
- 4-hour charter: $1,600
Gratuity is not included in the charter price. Customarily, 18–22% is customary.
When divided among a full group of six, a 3.5-hour private boat charter — the full Manhattan circumnavigation — comes to $233 per person. That’s roughly equivalent to a Broadway ticket. The comparison holds up: both deliver an exceptional NYC experience for roughly the same investment. The yacht, however, involves no one else’s armrest.
For full pricing details, see the pricing page.
Catering on the Water
Every great private cruise is better with something to eat and drink. Dream Boat NY’s catering menu covers the range from champagne celebrations to full brunch and lunch service, all prepared and served by the crew.
All-Inclusive Packages
The All-Inclusive Champagne Brunch (pairs an open bar with New York bagels and smoked salmon with all the traditional accompaniments — red onion, capers, sliced tomatoes, cream cheese, butter — plus artisanal pastries and seasonal fruit. The open bar includes champagne, rose, wine, beer, hard seltzer, and non-alcoholic soda and selter and orange juice.
The All-Inclusive Champagne Lunch pairs the same open bar with a Mediterranean Lunch Board: bite-size sandwich wraps, Mediterranean dips, pita bread, fresh vegetables, and cornichons.
The All-Inclusive Champagne & Appetizers package pairs the open bar with an Artisanal Charcuterie Board — select cured meats and premium cheeses with fresh grapes, marinated olives, and crackers, served on solid wood trays.
Party Trays & Boards
For groups who want catering without the full open bar package, individual boards are available:
Continental Breakfast Tray
Mediterranean Board
Classic Shrimp Cocktail
Artisanal Charcuterie Board
Cheese Board
Farmers Market Crudités
Seasonal Fruit Board
Beverages
The full beverage menu includes:
Dom Pérignon
Veuve Clicquot
Moët & Chandon
Organic Segura Viudas Cava
Mionetto non-alcoholic sparkling wine
Whispering Angel Rosé
Fleur de Mer Rosé
Louis Jadot Chardonnay
Rainstorm Pinot Gris
High Noon Hard Seltzer
Beer
Soda and seltzer package
Coffee service
Desserts & Special Occasion Packages
Whole cakes
Chantilly Cake
Strawberry Shortcake
Birthday Cake
Complete Birthday Party Package
Birthday Cake
Chandon Brut Cuvée Champagne
Happy Birthday sign
Captain hats for all guests
Decorative birthday pillows & floral centerpieces
Love Boat Package: dresses the entire yacht in roses, outside and inside, a statement piece visible from shore.
Rose garlands and bouquets
Velvet heart pillows
Custom sign
Chandon Brut Cuvée Champagne
Surprise Proposal Package: transforms the interior cabin into a private proposal setting.
Rose garlands and bouquets
Velvet heart pillows
Custom sign
Chandon Brut Cuvée Champagne
Premium Rose Bouquet
Two dozen forever roses (real roses preserved to last a year)
For the complete catering menu, visit the catering page.
Choosing the Right Experience for Your Occasion
The right charter depends as much on what guests want to feel as what they want to see.
Sunset Cruises The most requested experience. Timing a charter so the sun sets over the Hudson River during the cruise requires attention to season — departure times shift throughout the year as sunset times change. The online booking calendar notes the exact departure times for catching the sunset on the water. Sunset is the golden hour for photography on the Hudson. The sky, the water, and the Manhattan skyline combine in ways that daylight simply can’t replicate.
Night Cruises The illuminated NYC skyline from the water at night is a different city entirely. Night cruises offer one of the most dramatic visual experiences available anywhere in New York, with every bridge lit, every building glowing, and the harbor quiet.
Brunch and Lunch Cruises Pairing the All-Inclusive Champagne Brunch or Lunch creates a dining experience that no rooftop restaurant can match. Brunch cruises and lunch cruises are popular with friend groups and families who want sightseeing and a meal rather than just one or the other.
Champagne Cruises For groups focused on celebration over sightseeing, the champagne cruise pairs the open bar and charcuterie with a scenic Hudson River route. Toast to something worth toasting.
Fall Foliage New York’s fall season — September through November — brings dramatic foliage to the Hudson River Palisades and northern Manhattan shores. The fall foliage cruise is a seasonal experience that appeals strongly to NYC residents who discover the city’s waterways look as spectacular in October as in July.
NYC Event Charters For July 4th fireworks, US Open, SailGP, and FIFA World Cup 2026, dedicated charter experiences provide a premium alternative to the crowds that flood the city during major events. See the Experiences page for the full list of event charters.
Proposals, Weddings, and Romantic Milestones The intimacy of a private yacht — the quiet of the water, the skyline at any hour, a cabin dressed in roses — makes it one of the most memorable settings for a proposal or intimate celebration. The yacht proposal page and intimate wedding page cover the specifics. The Surprise Proposal Package in particular has become one of the most-requested additions to any charter.
Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Celebrations A private yacht charter scales elegantly for any milestone. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, and any celebration worth marking — the events section covers each occasion with specific guidance.
Corporate Charters The 2–6 guest maximum is, counterintuitively, one of the strongest arguments for corporate use. Executive-level client entertainment on a private yacht — not a crowded harbor cruise — is an experience clients actually talk about. The corporate yacht charter page covers what this looks like in practice.
Weather, Cancellations, and Booking Policies
What happens if it rains?
NYC’s coastal weather forecasts have a reputation for drama that doesn’t always materialize. Light wind and overcast skies are typically fine. Actual rain requiring a postponement is less common than the forecasts suggest. The captain monitors real-time radar up to 2 hours before departure and makes the call based on conditions at that moment, not the forecast from the night before. When rain does happen, the rescheduling process is complimentary. Simply select any available charter of equal or lesser value within the same calendar year.
Reservation Options
The Standard reservation is non-refundable but includes complimentary rescheduling if the captain postpones due to weather.
The Premium reservation option allows cancellation for any reason up to 30 days before departure for a full refund (minus the Premium fee), rescheduling once for any reason up to 48 hours before departure, and a choice of rescheduling or a refund if the captain postpones due to weather.
Full policy details are available on the policies page.
How far in advance should I book?
Peak season — mid-May through mid-September — sees the highest demand, particularly for sunset cruises and Saturday departures. Two to four weeks advance booking is recommended during this window. Shoulder season (April–May and September–October) typically has more flexibility, with one to two weeks generally sufficient. Last-minute availability occasionally exists — call 917-399-9084 to check.
Arriving at Chelsea Piers
All Dream Boat NY charters depart from Chelsea Piers Marina, Pier 59, at 59 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011.
Timing: Access to the dock begins five minutes before the scheduled charter start time. The vessel departs approximately five minutes past the scheduled time. Charters will not be refunded or rescheduled for late arrivals, so building in extra time — especially for guests arriving by car — is strongly recommended.
Parking: The Chelsea Piers complex has paid parking available on-site.
What to bring: A valid government-issued photo ID (passport or US driver’s license) matching the credit card used for booking is required for boarding. Without it, passengers cannot board and refunds will not be issued. This is a federal requirement, not a policy preference.
What to wear: Comfortable, casual attire appropriate for time on the water. Layers are advisable — even warm days can feel cooler on the Hudson. Flat shoes are recommended for deck and boat safety.
For complete directions and parking information, see the location page.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
The guest limit is 6 — and that’s the point. Per USCG federal licensing, no more than 6 passengers are permitted onboard. This limit is also what defines the entire experience. A charter with 6 guests feels like your own private vessel. The intimacy is real, not a marketing promise.
Smoking, vaping, glass, and red wine are not permitted onboard. Glass is prohibited for safety on deck. Service animals are welcome; pets are not.
Seasickness is uncommon on Hudson River charters. The river is typically calm, the yacht is well-maintained, and the enclosed cabin provides a stable reference point if anyone needs a moment. Guests who are prone to motion sickness may want to take preventive medication before departing — the captain can adjust the route if needed.
Children are welcome. All ages are accommodated. Guests 13 and under are required by New York State law to wear a USCG-approved life jacket. Life jackets in all sizes are provided. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The sound system is Bluetooth-ready. Connecting a playlist takes 30 seconds. Bringing something curated for the occasion is one of the easiest ways to personalize the experience.
Gratuity. The charter price does not include gratuity. Eighteen to twenty-two percent is customary for excellent service and reflects the crew’s professionalism and effort throughout the cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a boat charter and a boat rental? In New York City, the terms are interchangeable. Both describe the same experience: a private boat with a professional USCG-certified captain included. You do not operate the vessel. See boat charter NYC or boat rental NYC for more detail on either approach.
Is the whole boat private, or will we share with other guests? The entire yacht is exclusively yours. No strangers, no other groups, no shared deck. The maximum of 6 guests is your group only.
Do we get to choose our route? Within the available waterways and weather conditions, yes. Share preferences with the captain at the start of the charter — specific landmarks, photo priorities, preferred direction — and the route is built around them. The captain can also adjust course during the cruise based on timing, lighting, and guest interests.
What’s the difference between a 2-hour and a 3-hour charter? Two hours covers the southern highlights: Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, New York Harbor, Brooklyn Bridge return option. Three hours allows the route to extend significantly — north up the Hudson to Midtown and beyond, east through the Brooklyn waterfront, or deep into the harbor. Most guests who have the flexibility choose 3 hours; those with specific sightseeing priorities are well-served by 2.
Can catering be added after booking? Yes. Catering can be arranged when booking or added up to 24 hours before departure. Visit the online menu on the menu page, add the date and time of your charter, and you will receive an email confirmation of the order. Unsure? Please contact the concierge team for assistance.
What if we want to extend the charter while we’re out on the water? It’s possible. Extension requests are accommodated based on captain and vessel availability.
Are charters available year-round? Dream Boat NY’s season runs April through November. Charters are not available during the winter months.
Do you offer charters for the July 4th fireworks, New York events, or the World Cup? Yes. Event-specific charters are available for the July 4th fireworks, US Open, SailGP, and FIFA World Cup 2026 (June 13–July 19, 2026). These dates book early — see Experiences for details.
This Is How New York Is Meant to Be Seen
Thirty years on the New York waterways. Three hundred thirty-two charters. Guests from 23 countries. The common thread across all of them is simpler than any of those numbers: people get on the boat expecting a nice experience and get off having had their favorite day in New York City.
The concierge team is here to help plan every detail — duration, route, catering, timing, occasion-specific touches. Whatever is worth celebrating is worth celebrating from the water.
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