TourTeller

Company

About UsBlogContact Us

Our socials

FacebookInstagramYoutubePinterestTikTok

Support

FAQsTerms of UsePrivacy Policy

© TourTeller 2025. All rights reserved.

TourTeller
search
Home/USA/New York/New York City/Governors Island

Unforgettable Governors Island Adventures & Tours

Discover the ultimate urban escape at Governors Island, New York City's premier destination for relaxation and adventure. Immerse yourself in breathtaking panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty while enjoying scenic boat tours and sightseeing cruises. Whether you are looking for a peaceful nature retreat, family-friendly activities, or thrilling helicopter tours, our curated experiences offer something for everyone. From historic landmarks to incredible waterfront views, plan your perfect NYC getaway and create unforgettable memories on this stunning island oasis.

4.7/5 avg ratingFrom $31 per person40 unique experiences92% free cancellation

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.72★ average

Based on 13,246 pooled reviews with ~86% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$92–$344 typical

Median price is $186, with Relaxation themes averaging $173

Tour Duration

Tour Duration

1.5 hours median

Typical range is 29 minutes to 2.5 hours

Booking Info

Booking Info

92% free cancellation

32% of tours are likely to sell out, so book ahead

Tour Types

Tour Types

Cruise and Sailing

Most common activity at 42% of options, followed by Nature themes

Languages

Languages

8 languages offered

Includes English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, and Korean

41 Products

Manhattan Adventure Sightseeing Boat Tour - from Chelsea Piers

Manhattan Adventure Sightseeing Boat Tour - from Chelsea Piers

1 hrFree cancellation
4.99 (708 reviews)
98.38%
1.62%
Awesomefundefinitely recommend
Viator
$99
Book now
View Details
Manhattan Adventure Sightseeing Boat Tour - from Chelsea Piers
Summary

The ultimate custom sightseeing experience in New York Harbor! Enjoy the city from great vantage points and photograph the world-famous skyline on the same boat media agencies charter to cover breaking news! Our Adventure Sightseeing Tour takes you on an unforgettable ride through the harbor. The na...

Inclusions
  • U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain
  • TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
  • Local taxes
Exclusions
  • Tour-guide/Captain gratuities are not included
Itinerary
  • Little Island
  • Financial District
  • Battery Park City
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Governors Island
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • New Jersey
  • Hudson Yards
  • Manhattan Bridge
Good to know
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Our tours run with a minimum of 4 passengers, Minimum age is 4 years; minors must be accompanied by an adult., Adult pricing applies to all passengers, Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to your late arrival, No high heels; flat shoes only, Recommended: Bring sunglasses and your camera!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

15 minsFree cancellation
4.75 (1,300 reviews)
86.42%
13.58%
amazing experiencebreathtakinggreat to see
Viator
$272
Book now
View Details
NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
Summary

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 12-15 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park ...

Inclusions
  • Heliport Landing & Facility Fees (No unexpected fees upon arrival for a smooth & pleasant check-in!)
  • Shared Helicopter Flight (shared experience with other travelers)
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Live commentary on board, Floor to ceiling windows, Climate controlled cabin
Exclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Souvenir photos (available for purchase!)
Itinerary
  • HeliNY
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Brooklyn
  • Governors Island
  • New York Harbor
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
  • One World Trade Center
  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Empire State Building
  • Chrysler Building
  • Little Island
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
  • Rockefeller Center
  • The Vessel
  • Hudson Yards
  • Madison Square Garden
  • One Vanderbilt
  • Times Square
  • Central Park Tower
  • Central Park
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing more than 275 lbs (124 kg) may be unable to fly. If passengers require a seat belt extender they will not be able to attend., A current, valid, government-issued photo ID is required on the day of travel., All bags are subject to inspection. Complimentary lockers are available to hold belongings while flying., Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 2 must sit in an adults lap at no charge., All passengers are required to sign a waiver prior to flying.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing

NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing

20 minsFree cancellation
4.75 (1,158 reviews)
88.59%
11.41%
best experience everabsolutely amazingAmazing views
Viator
$319
Book now
View Details
NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing
Summary

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 17-20 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park,...

Inclusions
  • Heliport Landing & Facility Fees (No unexpected fees upon arrival for a smooth & pleasant check-in!)
  • Shared Helicopter Flight (shared experience with other travelers)
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Live commentary on board, Floor to ceiling windows, Climate controlled cabin
Exclusions
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase!)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Brooklyn
  • Governors Island
  • New York Harbor
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
  • One World Trade Center
  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Empire State Building
  • Chrysler Building
  • Little Island
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
  • Rockefeller Center
  • Hudson Yards
  • The Vessel
  • Madison Square Garden
  • One Vanderbilt
  • Times Square / Theater District
  • Central Park Tower
  • Central Park
  • Columbia University
  • George Washington Bridge
  • Yankee Stadium
  • Palisades
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 275 lbs may be unable to fly. If passengers require a seat belt extender they will not be able to attend., A current valid government issued photo ID is required on the day of travel., All bags are subject to inspection. Complimentary lockers are available to hold belongings while flying., Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 2 must sit in an adults lap at no charge., All passengers are required to sign a waiver prior to flying.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Circle Line: 1.5hr - New York City Landmarks Cruise

Circle Line: 1.5hr - New York City Landmarks Cruise

1.5 hrsFree cancellation
4.54 (1,103 reviews)
84.91%
15.09%
views were stunningWonderfulTour was great
Viator
$34
Book now
View Details
Circle Line: 1.5hr - New York City Landmarks Cruise
Summary

The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest...

Inclusions
  • Free Wi-Fi on board
  • Live narration by Circle Line’s world famous guides (in English)
  • Download the Circle Line App in 9 different languages (headphones required) See below for more.
  • Outdoor deck
Exclusions
  • Food & Beverages (Available for Purchase Onboard)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
Itinerary
  • Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises - Midtown
  • Empire State Building
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Hudson Yards
  • Little Island
  • One World Trade Center
  • Ellis Island
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • South Street Seaport Historic District
  • United Nations Headquarters
  • Governors Island
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, For children/infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge., Please arrive at least 30-minutes prior to the departure time for boarding., Food and drinks are NOT allowed to be brought on board, Our cruise features a live tour guide in English. If you would like a guided tour in another language, please download the free Circle Line Sightseeing App from the Apple App store or Google Play store. Once on the boat you can use the free WiFi to listen or read a guided tour in one of nine languages including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean. Please bring your own headphones.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

2.5 hrsFree cancellation
4.45 (3,552 reviews)
80.01%
19.99%
FantasticGreat tripgreat views
Viator
$35
Book now
View Details
Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise
Summary

The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest...

Inclusions
  • Free Wi-Fi on board
  • Live narration by Circle Line’s world-famous guides (in English)
  • 2.5 hour Sightseeing Cruise
  • Download the Circle Line App in 9 different languages (headphones required) See below for more.
  • Outdoor deck
Exclusions
  • Food & Beverages (Available for Purchase Onboard)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
Itinerary
  • Empire State Building
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Hudson Yards
  • Little Island
  • One World Trade Center
  • Ellis Island
  • Governors Island
  • South Street Seaport Historic District
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Chrysler Building
  • Yankee Stadium
  • George Washington Bridge
  • United Nations Headquarters
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, For children/infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge., Please arrive at least 30-minutes prior to the departure time for boarding., Food and drinks are NOT allowed to be brought on board, Non-English-speaking guests can now make the most of their cruise with the free Circle Line Sightseeing app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app lets you follow along with a guided tour in your language, including Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Be sure to bring your own headphones, as headsets aren't provided. Download the app today and enjoy exploring New York City like never before!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

NY Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline from New Jersey

NY Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline from New Jersey

30 minsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.68 (652 reviews)
83.98%
16.02%
ExcellentGreat experiencehighly recommend
Viator
$334
Book now
View Details
NY Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline from New Jersey
Summary

Enjoy an unforgettable 25–30 minute flight from Linden Airport, New Jersey, offering breathtaking aerial views of New York City’s world-famous skyline from BOTH sides of the helicopter as it goes up and down the Hudson River. Choose from a daytime, sunset, or nighttime tour and capture breathtaking...

Inclusions
  • Heliport Landing & Facility Fees (No unexpected fees upon arrival for a smooth & pleasant check-in!)
  • Shared Helicopter Flight (shared experience with other travelers)
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Live pilot narration, Floor to ceiling windows, Climate controlled cabin
  • Free Shuttle From Linden, NJ Train Station By Request Only
Exclusions
  • Souvenir Photos (Available for purchase!)
Itinerary
  • Staten Island
  • Coney Island
  • New York Harbor
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • Governors Island
  • Manhattan Skyline
  • One World Trade Center
  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Empire State Building
  • Chrysler Building
  • Little Island
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
  • Rockefeller Center
  • Hudson Yards
  • The Vessel
  • Madison Square Garden
  • One Vanderbilt
  • Times Square / Theater District
  • Central Park Tower
  • Central Park
  • Columbia University
  • George Washington Bridge
  • Yankee Stadium
  • Palisades
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 275 lbs may be unable to fly. If passengers require a seat belt extender they will not be able to attend., A current valid government issued photo ID is required on the day of travel., All bags are subject to inspection. Only camera, cell phone and sunglasses can be brought aboard. Complimentary lockers are available to hold belongings while flying., Please note: is a 10 minute drive to Linden Airport from the Linden train station, passengers can order either Uber, Lyft or use the local taxi service., Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 2 must sit in an adults lap at no charge., All passengers are required to sign a waiver prior to flying.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Private Sail New York with Brooklyn Sail (Reserve the entire boat)

Private Sail New York with Brooklyn Sail (Reserve the entire boat)

2.5 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.99 (125 reviews)
99.86%
0.14%
wonderfulwonderful experiencepeaceful
Viator
$895
Book now
View Details
Private Sail New York with Brooklyn Sail (Reserve the entire boat)
Summary

2.5 hour sails for private groups up to six passengers from Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, One15 Brooklyn Marina, 159 Bridge Park Drive. Views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, Ellis Island, Governor's Island and Manhattan skyline. Guests are welcome to bring any foo...

Itinerary
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • One World Trade Center
  • Ellis Island
  • Governors Island
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight

Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight

15 minsFree cancellation
4.41 (1,461 reviews)
76.58%
23.42%
Fabulous experienceabsolutely amazingviews
Viator
$299
Book now
View Details
Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight
Summary

Make your stay in New York City a memorable one by taking to the Manhattan skies for an exciting helicopter tour of New York City that departs from Downtown Manhattan. We offer state of the art Bell 407 aircraft! Don't get fooled by low prices and outdated aircraft offered by our competitors that ...

Inclusions
  • 12-15 minute Helicopter tour
  • Local taxes
  • Heliport Fee ($40 per person included)
Itinerary
  • Zip Aviation - Helicopter Tours & Charters
  • Governors Island National Monument
  • Statue of Liberty
  • New York Harbor
  • Manhattan Skyline
  • NYC Central Park Horse Carriage Rides
  • Ellis Island
  • Intrepid Museum
Good to know
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Check-in is 45 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time. Failure to do so may result in extended wait times or forfeiture of flight., Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 250lbs (113kgs) will be required to purchase an additional seat. This is payable directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour. 300-lb (136kg) maximum weight per passenger., All passengers including children must have a government-issued ID/Passport or you may be denied your flight., Please note, that audio language selection is not guaranteed and is based on availability. Should more than 2 languages be requested on the same flight, the audio commentary may default to English. Due to the unpredictable nature of technical difficulties, we cannot provide assurance for the audio functionality of the headsets., All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions., Infants 24 months and younger must sit on an adult's lap, Passengers may be scheduled to fly at any time between their assigned check-in time and their booked tour time. Actual flight times may vary based on operational needs, weather conditions, and passenger flow., Flights purchased prior to March 2, 2026, the $40 per person heliport fee was not included in the original booking price. This fee will be payable at the time of check-in.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

2.5-hour Guided Sailboat Tour

2.5-hour Guided Sailboat Tour

2.5 hrsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.95 (182 reviews)
97.83%
2.17%
Amazingbeautiful experienceHighly recommended
Viator
$95
Book now
View Details
2.5-hour Guided Sailboat Tour
Summary

2.5 hour sails for up to six passengers from Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, One15 Brooklyn Marina, 159 Bridge Park Drive. Views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, Ellis Island, Governor's Island and Manhattan skyline. Guests are welcome to bring any food or drink--ple...

Itinerary
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • One World Trade Center
  • Ellis Island
  • Governors Island
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

State of Liberty Boat Tour and New York Pizza Shop Stop

State of Liberty Boat Tour and New York Pizza Shop Stop

2 hrsFree cancellation
5 (31 reviews)
Viator
$32$35
Book now
View Details
State of Liberty Boat Tour and New York Pizza Shop Stop
Summary

The Statue of Liberty and Staten Island Pizza Tour is the rare exception — a two-hour adventure that combines three of the most iconic things this city has to offer: the breathtaking Manhattan skyline , a face-to-face encounter with the Statue of Liberty on the water, and a slice of the best pizza i...

Inclusions
  • Slice of Pizza
  • Expert tour guide
Itinerary
  • Staten Island Ferry
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Governors Island
  • Ellis Island
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Verrazano Narrows Bridge
  • National Lighthouse Museum
  • Staten Island
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Governors Island.

Raaka Chocolate Factory
Learn more

Raaka Chocolate Factory

1.2 km away • from $98

Staten Island Ferry
Learn more

Staten Island Ferry

1.4 km away • from $28

SeaGlass Carousel
Learn more

SeaGlass Carousel

1.4 km away • from $15

Battery Park
Learn more

Battery Park

1.6 km away • from $27

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Across the booking platforms we compare, cruise and sailing options are the most common type, making up 42% of the 40 tours and tickets we track. Sightseeing tours account for about a third, boat tours for roughly a fifth, and helicopter tours for around 15%. Most tours last between 30 minutes and 2.5 hours, with a typical duration of about 1.5 hours, so you can find options that fit a quick visit or a longer exploration.

Prices across the options we compare range from $31 to $805, with most falling in the $92–$344 band and a median of around $186. This spread means there are budget-friendly options as well as premium experiences like helicopter tours. About 92% of the tours offer free cancellation, so you can book with confidence even if your plans change.

Relaxation-themed tours stand out as excellent value: they average 4.74 stars and cost around $173, which is at or below the typical price range yet rated at or above the overall average of 4.72 stars across all tours. These are ideal if you want a high-quality, peaceful experience without premium pricing.

About 52% of the options we compare use boats, making boat-based tours the most common way to experience the island. Helicopter tours account for roughly 15% of available options and offer a different perspective, though they come at a higher price point. The choice between boat and helicopter largely depends on your budget and whether you want an aerial view.

Booking ahead is worth considering: 32% of the tours are flagged as likely to sell out, particularly during peak seasons. The good news is that 95% of options offer instant confirmation, so you can secure your spot immediately online. Combined with the 92% that offer free cancellation, booking in advance gives you flexibility without risk.

Tours are offered in 8 languages: English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, and Korean. This wide range makes it easy to find a tour in your preferred language across the options we compare.

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with tours averaging 4.72 stars across 13,246 combined reviews from booking platforms. Reviewers repeatedly highlight great views, breathtaking scenery, and amazing experiences. About 86% of reviews are positive, making Governors Island a consistently well-rated destination that delivers on visitor expectations.

Buy a 7-day unlimited MetroCard for $33, which covers all subway and bus rides. This is much cheaper than daily passes or taxis for multiple trips.

Book tickets online in advance and visit early morning or late afternoon. Consider purchasing skip-the-line passes or visiting on weekdays instead of weekends.

Consider Astoria in Queens, Long Island City, or Washington Heights in Manhattan. These areas have lower prices but are well-connected by subway to tourist destinations.

Alexander Hamilton US Custom House1.7kmNational Museum of the American Indian–New York1.7kmBowling Green1.7kmStone Street Historic District1.7kmBrooklyn Heights Promenade1.8km
New York City TourCentral Park Pedicab TourCentral Park Bike TourStatue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour9/11 Memorial TourLower Manhattan Walking TourGreenwich Village Food TourNYC Airport Transfer - New York CityCentral Park Horse Carriage RideStatue of Liberty TourHarlem Walking TourNew York City Sightseeing Cruise