Set sail for romance with a private proposal experience on the waters of New York City. Celebrate your love with stunning skyline views and personalized service aboard a luxury yacht.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the crew handles all boating tasks; minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
The New York Harbor once served as a critical port for immigrants arriving in America, with views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty nearby.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on preserving water quality through pollution controls to protect marine life in the Hudson River and surrounding waters.
Empire Yacht Charters
Set sail for romance with a private proposal experience on the waters of New York City. Celebrate your love with stunning skyline views and personalized service aboard a luxury yacht.
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.
Book Early for Sunset Sails
Sunset cruises are very popular—reserve your spot in advance to secure the best time for romantic lighting.
Dress in Layers
Even in summer, waterfront winds can be cool; bring a light jacket or shawl for comfort.
Notify Crew of Special Requests
Inform your crew ahead of time for customized amenities like champagne, music, or decorations.
Arrive Early to Avoid Traffic
Plan extra travel time to reach the marina, especially during peak hours or weekends in NYC.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Protects against cool breezes on the water, especially in spring and fall.
spring
Sunglasses
Reduces glare during bright daylight hours and keeps eyes comfortable.
summer
Non-slip Boat Shoes
Ensures safe footing on deck during the sail.
Evening Scarf or Wrap
Keeps you warm during cooler evening cruises without bulk.
fall