NYC Eco Tours - Urban Naturalist Tour: Winter Wildlife

Cruise Route

Urban Naturalist Tour: Seals, Seabirds and Winter Wildlife

Duration: 2.75 hrs

Location: Chelsea Piers, Pier 62 (W. 22nd St.) New York, NY 10011

Cost: $124 Adult, $86 Child

      
 
   4.91842 reviews

Key Points on this NYC Urban Naturalist sightseeing tour

$124 Adult | $86 Child
A 2.75-hour cruise during sunset in NYC
Offered aboard the yacht Manhattan II
Hosted by renowned Urban Naturalist, Gabriel Willow (and special alternative guest host: Russell Jacobs)
Limited engagement winter eco tours
Rich Narration on NYC 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 on this NYC eco tour boat cruise. Additional beverages and ‘small plates’ are available for purchase from the bar menu.
Due to the duration of this ecotour we will be offering a complimentary pastry or bagel to everyone! (Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian option) If you have dietary restrictions, we welcome you to bring your own food!
On this eco tour in NYC indoor climate-controlled assigned seating and outdoor seating available
Indoor climate-controlled assigned seating and outdoor seating available
Seating is assigned at elegant tables with large openable viewing windows.
We recommend this tour for children of ages 10 and older due to the length and nature of this tour.

Join us aboard the luxury yacht *Manhattan II* -- our cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht -- as we explore the NYC winter wildlife and history of Lower NY harbor, the NYC skyline, and the obscure islands of Hoffman and Swinburne Islands just beyond the Verrazano Bridge! Embark on a journey of discovery on this new winter wildlife sightseeing boat cruise aboard our classic yacht, MANHATTAN II, as we navigate the scenic New York Harbor waterways from Chelsea Piers to the lesser known Hoffman and Swinburne Islands. On this captivating 2.75-hour NYC sightseeing cruise we'll take in the winter wildlife of NY Harbor and these amazing islands with rich history that now serve as a seal destination in winter. **Seal sightings are not guaranteed on this NYC wildlife boat tour, but they have been a constant inhabitant of Swinburne and Hoffman during winter for the past several years.**. On this NYC boat ride, our expert tour 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 this NYC eco boat tour, 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 NYC wildlife that call these islands home. **This tour will not operate in 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.**

Highlights on this Urban Naturalist Tour

Highlights

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!
Grand views of the NYC Skyline.
See the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Governors Island.

What is Not Included?

Not Included

Gratuity is not included unless you buy the ‘Groups of 10 or more’ ticket type, a 10% gratuity is automatically included, but if you purchase 10 or more individual tickets separately, you will be contacted to pay a 10% Group Gratuity in advance.
Seal sightings are not guaranteed, but they have been a constant inhabitant of Swinburne and Hoffman during winter for the past several years.

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.)

FAQs

General FAQs about all our excursions.

Reviews

Romantically cruising on the Hudson
My partner and I had the most romantic date on the Grand Palisade Fall Foliage Cruise! We both studied environmental sciences in college and love to learn more about the nature around us. The views of the Hudson River and the fall foliage were absolutely stunning. The Urban Naturalist’s commentary added an educational and fascinating element to the experience. We loved every minute of it and would highly recommend this cruise for couples looking for a unique and memorable date idea.

– happy customer
Classic Harbor Line has the best nature tour
As a nature enthusiast, I was blown away by the Grand Palisade Fall Foliage Cruise! The views of the Hudson River and the fall foliage were absolutely breathtaking. The Urban Naturalist’s commentary was informative and engaging, and I learned so much about the local ecosystem. I loved being able to observe New York’s natural wonders from the comfort of the boat’s observatory. This cruise is a must-do for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience the beauty of fall in New York.

– happy customer
Wonderful Urban Naturalist Cruise
My husband and I, both in our golden years, had a wonderful time on the Grand Palisade Fall Foliage Cruise. The boat’s heated cabin was comfortable and provided stunning views of the Hudson River and the fall foliage. The Urban Naturalist’s commentary was informative and added to our appreciation of the area. We would highly recommend this cruise to other seniors looking for a relaxing and scenic experience.

– happy customer
Beautiful NY Cruise for autumn
Our family had an amazing time on the Grand Palisade Fall Foliage Cruise! The kids were fascinated by the Urban Naturalist’s commentary and loved learning about the geology and ecology of the Hudson River. The views of the fall foliage were spectacular, and we all enjoyed spending time together on the boat. This cruise is perfect for families looking to enjoy nature and learn together. We can’t wait to come back next year!

– happy customer

Policies

Refund/Rescheduling Policy
Bookings of 1 to 9 guests have the option to reschedule or convert to a gift certificate up until 24 hours prior to departure. 10 to 16 must notify us 1 week in advance to reschedule or convert to gift certificate credit. 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 [email protected]. *Unique cancellation terms can be offered upon request. Please call 212-627-1825, option 4.

Other Policies
The activity takes place rain or shine but within reason. Activities runs regardless of weather conditions. 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.