Taking a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. However, not every boat actually takes you to Liberty Island. FOX Eight’s Kendall Green has provided some tips on how to ensure you get on the right boat.
Memorable Experiences on Statue City Cruises
Ron Huskin, who has visited the Statue of Liberty twice, shared his memorable experiences on Statue City Cruises. He and his wife enjoyed an up-close view of Lady Liberty, even climbing to the top. This experience connected them to their family roots, as they traced the passage and itinerary of their grandparents coming to America.
Beware of Unauthorized Vendors
Near the boat docking area in Battery Park, visitors often encounter salesmen in bright-colored vests selling similar boat ride experiences. These vendors claim to offer tours under the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, around Governor’s Island, and past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, before returning. However, these tours do not actually stop at Liberty Island or Ellis Island.
Impact on Official Tour Sales
The president of sales and marketing at City Experiences revealed that their sales have dropped by 25% due to these unauthorized vendors, who often outnumber legal sellers. On a bad day, there can be 75 to 76 illegal vendors around Battery Park, creating choke points at each entry.
Official Ticket Purchase Points
To ensure you get a legitimate ticket to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, there are only two places to buy tickets: physically inside Battery Park and online. Visitors should be cautious and avoid purchasing tickets from street vendors to avoid being scammed.
