Discover the stunning sights of New York Harbor on a private daytime cruise with Empire Yacht Charters. Experience unrivaled views of iconic landmarks while enjoying a personalized boat tour designed just for you.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical effort required
Wildlife
History
The New York Harbor has been crucial to the city’s development since the 17th century, serving as the gateway for millions of immigrants and goods.
Conservation
Empire Yacht Charters emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including waste reduction and responsible navigation to protect local waters.
Empire Yacht Charters
Discover the stunning sights of New York Harbor on a private daytime cruise with Empire Yacht Charters. Experience unrivaled views of iconic landmarks while enjoying a personalized boat tour designed just for you.
Empire Yacht Charters is a New York City–based provider of private sailboat and yacht experiences that operate on the Hudson River and New York Harbor. The company offers a curated range of private cruises, including sunset sails, daytime excursions, themed movie nights, proposal packages, and seasonal trips such as a Palisades sail.
Many experiences take place aboard a classic Hinckley sailboat and a restored 1960s yacht, providing a balance of modern comfort and vintage character.
Captain Andy leads select voyages, bringing hands-on sailing expertise and personalized route planning to each charter. Catering options and curated dining are available to customize celebrations, proposals, romantic evenings, and group outings. Empire Yacht Charters emphasizes tailored itineraries, private bookings, and small-group capacity to create intimate, memorable trips for guests.
Having been featured on The Adventure Collective, Empire Yacht Charters is presented to travelers seeking private, local-guided sailing adventures in New York City. Descriptions of offered trips highlight key landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline, ensuring guests experience iconic views from the water.
Bookings are structured as private charters with defined trip themes—Sunset Sail, City Lights Cruise, Daytime Cruise, Sailboat Charter, Palisades Sail, Romantic + Proposal Sail, and the MOVIE NIGHT SPECIAL—each designed for small groups and customizable with food and route preferences. This focus on private bookings, experienced captains, and classic vessels positions Empire Yacht Charters as a specialized option for those seeking personalized sailing experiences in NYC.
Reservations are available year-round subject to vessel availability online.
Location
New York, NY
Sails from NYC waters
Capacity
Up to 6 guests
Intimate private charters
Trips Offered
7 experiences
Variety of private sailings
Vessels
Hinckley + 1960s yacht
Classic and restored boats
Reserve a Sunset Cruise, Proposal Sail, or Movie Night Special aboard classic vessels and enjoy iconic skyline views with a dedicated captain.
Arrive early for the best views
Getting to the dock early ensures you catch the stunning sunrise or morning light, perfect for photos and a relaxed start to your adventure.
Bring layers for comfort
Even on warm days, temperatures can vary on the water, so packing layers will keep you comfortable throughout the cruise.
Secure your belongings
Hold onto your personal items as the boat may sway slightly with the water, especially during calm or windy conditions.
Capture the skyline
Bring a camera or smartphone with good zoom capabilities to capture the iconic cityscape from the perfect angles.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the sun's rays during extended time on the water.
summer
Sun hat or cap
Offers additional shade and sun protection while on deck.
summer
Windbreaker or light jacket
Keeps you warm during breezy or cooler days on the water.
spring|fall|winter
Waterproof camera or phone case
Protects your camera gear from splashes while capturing scenic views.