Adventure Collective
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Private Tour by Babylon Tours NYC - New York

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Private Tour by Babylon Tours NYC

New Yorkeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels, including families and seniors

Overview

Discover the stories behind the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on a personalized 3-hour private tour. Guided by experts, you'll gain fresh insights into America's immigrant history while experiencing these iconic landmarks firsthand.

Boat Tour
New York, New York

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - Private Guided Tour

3 hrs | 9am Daily | A New York Must See!

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Adventure Photos

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - Private Guided Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating 3-hour private tour of Liberty Island and Ellis Island, guided by an expert. Experience the awe of the Statue of Liberty, explore the historic Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and pay tribute at the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, uncovering the powerful stories of those who shaped America.

Book way in advance - we sell out

$135-$345


Duration

  • 3 hours

Meeting Point

  • Meet at the Bronze statue ‘the immigrants’ (Luis Sanguino) in battery park, just southeast of castle Clinton

About

  • Follow in the footsteps of over 12 million foreigners seeking roads paved with gold in the New World on this tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Explore these New York landmarks on a 3 hour private guided tour, following your guide on a walk through time when America embraced immigration more than ever.
  • This tour is in English.

Includes

  • Private Guided Tour
  • Professional Local Guide
  • Tour Includes All Entrance Fees  
  • Duration 3 Hours

Excludes

  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)

Full Tour Description

Follow in the footsteps of over 12 million foreigners seeking roads paved with gold in the New World on this tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Explore these New York landmarks on a 3 hour private guided tour, following your guide on a walk through time when America embraced immigration more than ever.

The tour begins at Battery Park, one of the oldest parts of Manhattan. Here you’ll find the country’s first immigration center, Castle Garden Immigration Station, which operated until Ellis Island opened. Take a ferry to visit Liberty Island where the Statue of Liberty keeps an eye on incoming ships. You’ll learn all about Fort Wood, which now acts as the base for the statue, offered to the US by France in 1886. You’ll hear all about its creator, Bartholdi, as well as contributions by famed architect Gustave Eiffel, of Tower fame. Another ferry will whisky you across the water to Ellis Island. Here, millions of European newcomers wandered the very luggage rooms and registry rooms that you will enter, learning about the medical examines and surprising conditions faced by immigrants. Feel the fear at the separation stairs or the elation at the kissing post where families’ lives changed forever. You’ll end at the Wall of Honor, where you can search for your family’s name among the some 700,000 names commemorating those who entered the United States here. This tour is the ideal way to remember, and celebrate, the immigrants that contributed so much to America’s success.

Adventure Tips

Book in advance

Secure your spot early to ensure a private experience with flexible scheduling.

Wear comfortable footwear

Walking around the islands involves some standing and exploring on uneven surfaces.

Bring weather-appropriate gear

Sun, rain, or wind—dress accordingly to stay comfortable during the tour.

Prepare for limited shade

Bring sun protection or hats, especially during peak summer months.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Seagulls
  • Pigeons

History

Liberty Island was a gift from France in 1886, symbolizing freedom, while Ellis Island served as the nation’s primary immigration station from 1892 to 1954.

Conservation

Efforts are ongoing to preserve the island landscapes and the historic structures, ensuring future generations can experience their stories.

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Adventure Hotspots in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for comfortably navigating island terrain and walking between sites.

Weather-appropriate outerwear

Essential

Helps stay warm or dry depending on the weather conditions.

spring, fall, winter specific

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

Essential

Protects against sun exposure during longer daylight hours.

summer specific

Camera or smartphone

Capture memorable moments of these iconic landmarks.