Tour on the Staten Island ferry
Fast facts. 10 vessel fleet; 70,000 passengers daily; 22 million people per annum; 25 minute journey each way.
See intersting
When people are looking for things to do in New York, they invariably add the iconic Staten Island ferry to their itinerary. It’s the best way to tour New York City and cross off some of those bucket list items.
Every visitor to NYC should experience the ferry ride. Here's why:
1 Enjoy breathtaking views.
2 It's entertaining and free, a huge advantage in the priciest city in the US.
3 It’s a bonding experience with a cohort of travelers, domestic and international, all pumped to ride the ferry and see those big ticket sights they’ve seen in moves and TV.
Is it popular? You bet. Over 22 million passengers travel each year on the 5.2-mile (8.4-kilometer) route to Staten Island.
It’s an unforgettable journey, not just to see the big ticket items such as the Statue of Liberty, but countless lesser known landmarks, each with their own remarkable history.
The ferry itself
Throughout its history, the Staten Island Ferry has been involved in several significant events. During World War II, the ferry transported troops, supplies, and equipment to and from Staten Island, contributing to the war effort. Additionally, the ferry played a role in the evacuation of Lower Manhattan during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, providing safe passage for thousands of people fleeing the area.
Today, the Staten Island Ferry continues to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, shipping up to 4,500 passengers per crossing and and providing free service between Staten Island and Manhattan. There are 10 commissioned ferry’s in service to support the schedule. It remains one of the most popular attractions in New York City, offering views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline, while also serving as an essential lifeline for commuters and residents of Staten Island.
Highlights
Robbins Reef Lighthouse. First constructed in 1839, the lighthouse is situated on a treacherous reef, and its construction was a response to numerous shipwrecks in the area.
The first Robbins Reef Lighthouse was built in 1839. However, the current structure that stands today was constructed in 1883 to replace the original lighthouse. Built to mark a hazardous reef in the harbor and guide ships safely through the narrow channel. The structure consists of a cast iron tower with a lantern room and gallery, standing on a granite pier. The lighthouse was operated by a series of keepers and their families who lived on the remote reef, tending to the light and maintaining the structure. One of the most famous keepers was Kate Walker, who served as the keeper from 1890 to 1919 after her husband died. She became known for her dedication and bravery, often single-handedly tending to the light in adverse weather conditions.
Gateway to America for millions, Ellis Island.
Ellis Island is a name familiar to most and was the main entry point for immigrants coming to the United States from 1892 to 1954. The island name derives from Samuel Ellis, a Welshman who bought the island in 1774. In the 19th century, Ellis Island was the site of Fort Gibson and later became a naval magazine. The first inspection station opened in 1892 and was destroyed by fire in 1897. The second station opened in 1900 and housed facilities for medical quarantines and processing immigrants. Ellis Island functioned as the busiest immigrant inspection station in the U.S., processing over 12 million immigrants. It was the initial destination for numerous immigrants from Europe and other regions looking for a fresh start in America.
Although Ellis Island is now a natural part of the New York Harbor, it wasn't always that way. The island was significantly expanded and reshaped through landfill and other engineering projects in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to accommodate the growing influx of immigrants. In fact, the original Ellis Island was just three acres in size, but through extensive landfill efforts, it eventually grew to more than six times its original size.
Governors Island is a 172-acre island located in the New York Harbor, just off the southern tip of Manhattan. Originally used for military purposes, the island is now a popular recreational destination managed by the National Park Service. Castle Williams is a key highlight on the island, constructed between 1807 and 1811 and built to serve as a defensive fortification for New York Harbor during the War of 1812.
Weird fact. Soldiers stationed on Governor’s Island would keep various animals as pets, and over time, the collection grew to include animals such as deer, peacocks, monkeys, and even a bear.
The fort is a three-tiered circular structure made of red sandstone, with walls that are 8 feet thick and 40 feet high. It was designed to mount 102 cannons on three levels, providing a formidable defense against naval attacks. However, the fort never saw combat during the War of 1812.
In the following years, Castle Williams served various military purposes, including as a military prison during the Civil War and as a Coast Guard training facility in the 20th century.
Traveling on the Staten Island Ferry offers a unique and memorable experience. Whether you're a tourist looking for a budget-friendly way to see the sights or a local seeking a relaxing cruise on the water, the Staten Island Ferry provides a scenic and convenient transportation option that showcases the beauty and grandeur of New York City's
You explore
You can discover over 10 memorable locations on the free Staten Island ferry tour here. Why free? We’re the little guys starting out in New York. Tell us your feedback.
Brought to you by the free Ylore app. Get your New York itinerary here with 12+ free tours and 100+ sights for New York City. Find it on the App Store or Google Play.
Happy travels.
