Key points about this tour:

• 2.75 hours
• $124 per adult, $86 for kids under 17
• Offered aboard the yacht Manhattan II
• Hosted by Renowned Urban Naturalist, Gabriel Willow or Special Guest Host: Russell Jacobs
• Limited engagement in winter (January through early March)
• Rich Narration on our local wildlife, ecology and rich history of Lower NY Harbor, the Buttermilk Channel, the Brooklyn Waterfront, Staten Island and Swinburne & Hoffman Islands
• Departs from Chelsea Piers heading south past the Financial District & World One, through the Buttermilk Channel, under the Verrazano Bridge, along Staten Island to Hoffman and Swinburne Islands. Returns to Chelsea Piers with a slow pass at the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island!
• One complimentary beer, wine, Champagne or soft drink is offered. Additional beverages and 'small plates' are available for purchase from the bar menu.
• Complimentary hot cocoa for kids!
• Due to the duration of this cruise we will be offering a complimentary pastry or bagel on morning departures and a complimentary sandwich on afternoon departures! If you have dietary restrictions, we welcome you to bring your own food!
• Appetizers for purchase onboard: Cheese Plate ($18), Fresh Fruit ($16), Mixed Olives ($9) and a Hummus Plate ($16)
• Indoor climate-controlled assigned seating and outdoor seating available
• Seating is assigned at elegant tables with large openable viewing windows.
• Don't forget to bring your binoculars!

---

Join us aboard the luxury yacht Manhattan II or Manhattan-- our cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht -- as we explore the winter wild life and history of Lower NY harbor and the obscure islands of Hoffman and Swinburne Islands just beyond the Verrazano Bridge!

Embark on a journey of discovery aboard our classic yacht, MANHATTAN, as we navigate the scenic New York Harbor waterways from Chelsea Piers to the lesser know Hoffman and Swinburne Islands. On this captivating 2.75-hour cruise we'll take in the winter wild life of NY Harbor and these amazing islands with rich history that now serve as a seal destination in winter. Seal sightings are not guaranteed, but they have been a constant inhabitant of Swinburne and Hoffman during winter for the past several years..

Our expert guides and renowned Urban Naturalists, Gabriel Willow or Russell Jacobs, will regale you with fascinating tales of these iconic islands and historic waterways. They'll illuminate the stories of the migrating birds who inhabit the harbor this time of year.

Once used as islands for quarantining immigrants with contagious diseases in the 19th century, Swinburne and Hoffman are modern day 'abandoned islands', reclaimed by nature as a breeding ground for birds, and a winter 'haul out' destination for grey seals and harbor seals.

Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable naturalist-guide will share insights into the conservation efforts aimed at preserving these precious ecosystems. Learn about the ongoing research conducted by organizations such as the NYC Bird Alliance and Parks’ Natural Resources Group, as they strive to protect and nurture the diverse wildlife that call these islands home.

This tour will not operate is foul weather or high wind conditions. Should we have to cancel due to weather limitations you will have the option for a refund or a reschedule.

---

What Is Not Included?

Breakfast is not included, but we do have some complimentary pastries and bagels. Also, consider pre-purchasing a few of our bar food plates to enjoy on this 2.75 hour cruise.

Gratuity is not included unless you selected tickets for 10 or more.

Are you a Group of 17 or more?

• Call us directly at 212-627-1825

---

Meeting Location

• Chelsea Piers (Pier 62) - W. 22nd and Hudson River (Manhattan, NY) (Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)

---

FAQ

General FAQs about all our excursions.

---

Policies

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Bookings of 1 to 9 guests, have an option to reschedule or convert to a gift certificate up until 24 hours prior to departure. Bookings of 10 to 16 must notify us 1 week in advance to reschedule or convert to gift certificate credit. Bookings of 17 or more must notify us 2 weeks in advance to reschedule or convert to gift certificate credit. Requests for cancellation, rescheduling or conversion to gift credit must be sent by email to publicsails@sail-nyc.com. *Unique cancelation terms can be offered upon request. Please call 212-627-1825, option 4.

Other Policies

Activity takes place rain or shine, but within reason. We will not operate this particular cruise in high wind or extremely foul weather. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability), receive credit for a future event, or receive a refund.

---

About

Classic Harbor Line

Dedicated to helping locals and visitors alike enjoy the unique wonders of New York City, Classic Harbor Line hopes for the privilege of escorting you on a relaxing, inspiring, and breathtaking cruise through the waters we proudly call home. Our six classic yachts — the Schooner Adirondack and the Schooner America 2.0 (our sailboats), and the Luxury Yacht Manhattan, Manhattan II, Kingston and Full Moon (our motorized yachts) are reminiscent of the classic boats that cruised the NYC waters in the past two centuries.