Discover the stunning views of Manhattan and the Palisades on a private boat tour with Empire Yacht Charters. This exclusive experience offers a peaceful escape with unforgettable scenery and personalized service. Keep reading to learn more about this unique New York adventure!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most guests; minimal physical activity required
Wildlife
History
The Hudson River played a vital role in New York’s development, with many historic ships and lakeside settlements dating back to the 18th century.
Conservation
Empire Yacht Charters emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including fuel-efficient engines and waste reduction to preserve the river's health.
Empire Yacht Charters
Discover the stunning views of Manhattan and the Palisades on a private boat tour with Empire Yacht Charters. This exclusive experience offers a peaceful escape with unforgettable scenery and personalized service. Keep reading to learn more about this unique New York adventure!
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 sunset views
Because this tour offers spectacular sunset vistas, arriving early ensures you get a prime spot on the water and plenty of time to settle in.
Wear layered clothing
Conditions on the water can change quickly, so bring layers to stay comfortable throughout the ride.
Bring a camera with a zoom lens
The skyline and wildlife views are breathtaking; a zoom lens will help capture those detail shots.
Book in advance during peak season
Private boat tours fill up fast in the summer and fall, so reserve early to secure your preferred date.
Sun protective clothing
Protects against sun exposure during daytime cruises on open water.
summer
Windbreaker or light jacket
Keeps you warm and comfortable during cooler weather or breezy conditions.
spring|fall|winter
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife sightings and distant scenic details from the boat.
Camera with extra batteries or memory cards
Allows you to capture high-quality photos of landmarks, wildlife, and sunsets.