Fall foliage boat trips to take this fall from New York City
Take a Hudson River fall foliage cruise aboard Yacht Kingston, a 1920s-style yacht. Credit: Classic Harbor Line
A leisurely cruise up the Hudson is one of the best ways to enjoy the splendor of fall leaves — choose from a classic schooner, a ‘20s-style yacht or a traditional ferry. Boats leave from several piers in Manhattan (plus at least one option from Port Washington), taking in sights like the New Jersey Palisades and Bear Mountain.
Liberty Cruises: Celebrate Oktoberfest
Liberty puts passengers on the two-level Manhattan to wander up the Hudson for 3 1/2 hours of leaf peeping. "When you go up the Hudson and see all of the colors, it’s like someone painted it," said Anissa Barbato, Liberty’s director of entertainment. "The trees block most of the city," she said, "so you just feel like you’re totally submerged in nature."
The cruise leaves from Pier 40 at Hudson River Pier at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 21 to Nov. 24. Seating is first-come, first-served unless you spring for premium admission, which guarantees a spot in the VIP area on the upper deck. Everyone gets a free hot dog, adults are offered a glass of wine and there are juice boxes for the kids. The cruise line celebrates Oktoberfest from Oct. 5-27 with German-style food (think brats and pretzels) and beers for purchase.
Cost $59, $49 for ages 4-12; premium includes priority boarding: $79, $69 for ages 4-12
More info 212-643-0080, libertycruise.nyc
Circle Line: Explore Bear Mountain State Park
Passengers enjoy a sightseeing Circle Line cruise. Credit: Circle Line
If you’re looking for a party boat, check out Circle Line’s Oktoberfest Cruise to Bear Mountain. Enjoy the leaves, the wildlife and live bands as you travel the 50 miles to Bear Mountain State Park, where you can disembark for two hours and hike the trails around the lake or visit the zoo.
The eight-hour cruise leaves from Pier 83 (42nd Street) Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. from Sept. 28 to Nov. 10 , with an additional cruise on Monday, Oct. 14. Premium seating comes with an Oktoberfest platter featuring bratwurst, pork schnitzel and unlimited soda, water, coffee and tea; food, beer and wine are available for purchase. Circle Line also offers a four-hour foliage cruise on Oct. 19 -20 only.
Cost $79, $69 for ages 12 and under; premium includes exclusive seating on the third deck and early boarding: $139, $129 for ages 12 and under
More info 212-563-3200, circleline.com
Classic Harbor Line: Spot fall foliage
Set sail out of the city on the 80-foot Schooner Adirondack, which takes passengers under the George Washington Bridge up to the Palisades and back. Diana Christopher, captain of the Adirondack, is fond of traveling with the wind. "Taking things at the pace of a sailboat is in stark contrast to the way New Yorkers approach our days," she said. This "provides a sense of relaxation and calm."
The 3.5-hour Grand Palisades Fall Foliage Schooner Sail leaves from Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers (West 22nd Street) Fridays at 1:30 p.m., Saturdays at 9:45 a.m., and Sundays at 12:45 p.m., Oct. 11-Nov. 3. One beer, wine or soft drink is included, additional beverages can be purchased, but there’s no food, so bring snacks or a picnic. And Christopher advises passengers to bundle up if it’s chilly out; this is billed as an outdoor experience. The line also offers brunch and lunch foliage cruises.
Cost Tickets start at $108
More info 212-627-1825, sail-nyc.com
Seastreak: Go apple picking
Seastreak's offers a fall foliage cruise to Milton and rides to West Point football games this season. Credit: Seastreak
You have some choices on Seastreak’s fall foliage cruise to Milton. "There’s no better way to see the Hudson," said James Barker, vice president of sales and marketing. Along with enjoying the scenery and full for-purchase bar, you can take part in several activities: apple picking with lunch at DuBois Farms, a tour of Benmarl Winery with wine tasting and pizza lunch, or taking the 1.28-mile hike on Walkway over the Hudson. Or choose to do nothing, and just enjoy the day exploring Milton.
The cruise runs on Oct. 6, 20, and 27 and Nov. 1, 9, and 10, leaving from Pier 11 (Wall Street) at 8:45 a.m., returning at 6 p.m. Seastreak offers a number of other fall foliage cruises, including one that will take you to West Point for football games.
Cost $129, $89 ages 12 and under (boat trip only); prices that include other activities are $139-$189
More info 800-262-8743, seastreak.com
Monty's Ark Adventures: Sail on a local cruise
Don’t feel like venturing into Manhattan? Several boats leave out of Port Washington, most going into the bay for fishing charters or to see the grand mansions. But Steve Marshall of Monty’s Ark Adventure runs a foliage tour leaving from the town dock in Port Washington by way of Hell Gate, where the Harlem and East Rivers merge, before heading up the Hudson to the Mario Cuomo Bridge. "The foliage tour is really taking off," said Marshall, noting he’s already got reservations
This is an intimate cruise — no more than six passengers — so it’s perfect for a family or a small group of friends. Timing is completely flexible, said Marshall, who will run the trips as long as there are leaves to be seen. He offers soft drinks, water and snacks, but you’re free to bring more ample provisions.
Cost Prices start at $500 for four hours
More info 516-540-4178, montysarkadventures.com
When to go
It’s difficult to predict when peak foliage will hit, but these cruises often sell out, so best to book early and take your chances. Classic Harbor Line warns patrons it won’t offer refunds for "lack of color," noting that it’s seen the peak as early as mid-October and as late as early December.
