The Hudson River may separate New York from New Jersey, but there are so many fun activities to do out on the water. From relaxing sailing charters leaving from Hudson Valley river towns to epic party boats, the Hudson County area can take advantage of the fun experiences the Hudson River has to offer. For those looking for fun boating adventures on the Hudson River, we’ve got you covered. Read on for a list of party and event charters along the Hudson River.
Cornucopia Cruise Line | 14th Street Pier, Hoboken
Dinner cruises can be one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the Manhattan skyline and the landmarks nearby. This cruise line offers an appetizer, entree, and dessert combination as part of the ticket price, which ranges from $104 to $129 depending on the day of the week.
The boat, which includes DJ mixed music, also has alcoholic beverages for purchase. Cornucopia Cruise Line leaves from other ports in the area including Perth Amboy and New York City and has different types of cruises including a Sunday lunch or brunch cruise, cocktail cruises, wedding cruises, and more.
Read More: A Guide to Parks with Splash Pads in Hoboken + Jersey City
Hot Tub Boat Tours — Sea the City | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
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As NYC’s first and only Hot Tub Boat Tour, this could be one of the most unusual ways to explore the Hudson River. This 90-minute cruise leaves from Liberty Landing Marina inside Liberty State Park and allows passengers to take a dip in more comfortable waters than the Hudson River.
There are two hot tubs on the boat, and groups are seated together. Each hot tub can fit eight to ten guests, and ticket prices range depending on the size of your party. Feel free to book during the summer or winter months, because a hot tub is nice any time of year!
Hudson River Cruises | 1 East Strand Street, Kingston NY
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The Sightseeing Cruise is Hudson River Cruises’ most popular cruise on its boat the Rip van Winkle II. The trip is good for all ages and reduced-price tickets for children 4-11 years old are available while children 3 and under are free. Running from May to October, this narrated tour is two hours long teaching passengers about many popular landmarks including various lighthouses and mansions along the water.
While food and drinks aren’t included in the ticket price, you can purchase them on the boat during the tour. Hudson River Cruises also has other cruises including a sunset cruise, tribute band cruises, private events, and more. As a bonus, book one of these cruises during the fall and see the colorful foliage around the Hudson Valley.
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater | 724 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon NY
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History lovers can take a ride in a sloop, a type of sailboat, which is a replica of the cargo sloops that traveled the Hudson River in the 18th and 19th centuries. The boat leaves from various docks between Albany and New York City from April to October.
Feel free to bring your own food and drink onboard during the adventure, with alcoholic beverages allowed at the Captain’s discretion. These 2-3 hours-long cruises provide passengers with a unique ecological tour educating passengers about the Hudson. The tour includes songs about sailing and environmental concerns.
NYC Cycle Boats | 1301 Sinatra Drive North, Hoboken + 15 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City
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Enjoying a BYOB beverage while looking at the beautiful Manhattan and Jersey City skylines, what could be better? Perhaps getting some cardio in (or not, if you want to relax) on a cycle boat which includes up to 26 pedal seats around a central bar for 90 minutes. Individual tickets range from $39 to $54 depending on the day and time of your cruise. The whole boat is available for rent for private events as well.
NYC Cycle Boats have weekly specials and even a bikers gang with members-only rides. This membership is self-described as “Think SoulCycle but much cooler and more fun.” These boats leave from both Jersey City (Surf City/Liberty Harbor Marina) and Hoboken (Pier 13/Shipyard Marina) touring the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline, respectively.
Sail Away NY | 59 Chelsea Piers, New York
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Sail Away has sailboats and motor yachts leaving from Chelsea Piers in NYC and Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City. Passengers can use the shuttle service to help make it a door-to-door adventure with Sail Away. Yachts are available to rent for private charters starting at $325 per hour.
Sail Away also offers private dinners for two, fully customized marriage proposals, and a menu of food and drink for purchase. One of the coolest parts is that you can even take the helm and drive the boat, weather permitting of course.
See More: The Best Places to Go Fishing in North Jersey
Sappho Sailing | 1301 Sinatra Drive North, Hoboken
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Sappho Sailing offers a one-of-a-kind adventure on the New York Harbor. The fun begins on the Sappho which is a Cherubini 44. The Sappho is a sailing yacht that can reach up to 10 knots under sail. There is open-air seating on the deck either in the cockpit or on the cabin top.
Although the team provides snacks and beverages, passengers are also allowed to bring snacks and drinks if desired. The experiential sailing tour begins at $170 per person.
