Scenic Hudson River Cruises, Ferries & Private Charters

Hudson Ferry Company — Hudson River Cruises, Ferries & Charters

Hudson Ferry Company operates from Hudson, New York, offering a variety of Hudson River cruises, ferry crossings, narrated lighthouse tours, live-music evenings, and private charters. The company serves passengers between Hudson and Athens and presents themed sightseeing trips focused on sunset views, fall foliage, and regional landmarks like the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.

Popular trips and highlights

• Sunset Cruise (one hour) — Relaxing sightseeing cruise with views of the Catskill Mountains, snacks and drinks available for purchase, and prime photo opportunities.
• Fall Foliage Cruises — Seasonal sightseeing focused on riverfront trees, shacks, shipwrecks, sandbars, and Rip Van Winkle Bridge vistas.
• Lighthouse Legends (45 minutes) — Narrated tours produced in partnership with the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society; available from both Hudson and Athens departure points.
• Five Dollar Ferry (one-way) — Short one-way crossings between Hudson and Athens; the Athens → Hudson crossing is about 15 minutes.
• Ferryoke (two hours) — Community karaoke cruise hosted by local favorite Amanda with snacks and drinks available.
• River Music Cruises — Live-music evenings featuring performers such as Bob Green and friends.
• Private Charters — Customizable private events with a choice of vessels, tailored routes, food, and beverages.

Why choose Hudson Ferry Company

Hudson Ferry Company combines commuter-style ferry services with curated leisure experiences that showcase Hudson River scenery and local culture. Key factual features include weekend one-way ferry tickets connecting Hudson and Athens, narrated lighthouse collaborations, short ferry crossings, and multi-duration sightseeing cruises that range from 15 minutes to two hours. Passengers can expect on-board snack and beverage options on many departures.

Practical details

• Departure locations include Hudson and Athens for select tours.
• Duration options include quick 15-minute crossings, 45-minute narrated tours, one-hour sunset cruises, and two-hour themed events.
• Onboard concessions are available on most trips for snacks and drinks.
• Private charters allow selection from a fleet of vessels and route customization.

What visitors can experience

Visitors on Hudson Ferry Company cruises can photograph sunsets behind the Catskill Mountains, observe seasonal fall foliage along riverbanks, learn lighthouse history during narrated Lighthouse Legends tours, enjoy live swing, gypsy jazz, and Americana music on River Music nights, or sing along on Ferryoke karaoke cruises. Short ferry crossings provide a practical and scenic link between Hudson and Athens communities.

Booking and planning

Consult official schedules and partner pages for current ticketing, seasonal schedules, departure points, and charter inquiries. Hudson Ferry Company maintains partnerships with local organizations, including the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society, and features local performers on select departures.