Historic Ferry Tours to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island NYC
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors with moderate walking stamina
Overview
Step aboard the ferry from NYC to experience the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island museums, where stories of freedom and immigration come alive just beyond the harbor.
Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Rates
$105
About
Experience the beauty and splendor of New York City aboard the Statue of Liberty ferry. Tour the grounds of Liberty Island and The Status of Liberty Museum, located near the statue. Feel free to take the perfect photo of the statue. Lady Liberty found her home in the waters of New York Bay on Liberty Island in 1886 and quickly became an international beacon of hope to more than nine million immigrants in the 19th century. A centennial gift to the United States from France, the Statue of Liberty was originally the brainchild of poet and antislavery activist Édouard de Laboulaye. Laboulaye believed that celebrating America’s newfound democracy after the Civil War, as well as the abolition of slavery, could also strengthen France’s democratic ideals.
Ellis Island is a symbol of American immigration. Tour the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and research your family history and view genealogy records of your ancestry. The island is a 27.5-acre site located just minutes off the southern tip of Manhattan, New York, and is likely to connect with more of the American population than any other spot in the country. It has been estimated that nearly half of all Americans today can trace their family history to at least one person who passed through the Port of New York at Ellis Island. Now, nearly a century since the peak years of immigration, Ellis Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the National Park Service.]
The tour includes transportation at 11 AM on the Ferry from Liberty State Park and access to the museum on Ellis Island.
NOTE: PEDESTAL ACCESS IN NOT INCLUDED.
Departure Location and Times
All trips and tours depart from Delaware Express, 2825 Ogletown Road, Newark DE 19713 (unless otherwise noted). No proof of purchase required. Load at 7:15 AM; depart promptly at 7:45 AM. In New York, load bus at 5:15 PM at Liberty State Park, depart at 5:30 PM.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Best Ferry Options
Ferry lines can be long—arriving early helps you secure preferred departure times and avoid crowds.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on cobblestone and inside large museum spaces, so sturdy footwear ensures a pleasant visit.
Bring Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Harbor winds can be brisk; layers help you stay comfortable on the open ferry and islands.
Reserve Tickets in Advance
Tickets including pedestal or crown access are limited and sell out quickly, so book ahead to guarantee entry.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Seagulls soaring over the harbor
- Occasional sightings of harbor seals near the piers
History
Ellis Island served as the primary immigration station from 1892 to 1954, processing over 12 million people.
Conservation
Ongoing efforts ensure the preservation of historic structures and minimize environmental impact on the surrounding harbor ecosystem.
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Adventure Hotspots in New York City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the ferry ride and museum tours, especially in warm months.
summer specific
Windbreaker Jacket
Protects against cool harbor breezes common in spring and fall.
spring specific
Camera or Smartphone
Capture stunning views of the statue, harbor, and NYC skyline.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Necessary for walking inside museums and around the islands with varied surfaces.