Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: 3-Hour Exclusive Guided Tour from Battery Park
Board a ferry at Battery Park and step into three hours that stitch together engineering, immigration, and public memory. This exclusive guided tour gives focused time on Liberty Island and Ellis Island, with contextual storytelling that brings the harbor’s human history into sharp relief.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive early for security
Plan to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure to clear lines and boarding; security screening is similar to an airport.
Carry a government ID
If you plan to visit the pedestal or crown, bring a photo ID — some restricted-area access requires pre-registration and ID checks.
Dress in windproof layers
The harbor can be much colder and windier than Manhattan; a light windbreaker or packable shell keeps you comfortable on deck.
Hydrate and pack light
Bring a refillable water bottle and keep bags small—large backpacks may be restricted during ferry boarding and security screening.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Explore Castle Clinton’s exhibits in Battery Park for pre-Ellis Island immigration history
- •Walk the southern shoreline of Ellis Island to see the ruins of the contagious disease hospital and its brickwork
Wildlife
- •Herring gulls riding the ferries
- •Peregrine falcons nesting on nearby skyscrapers
Conservation Note
Both islands are managed to balance high visitor use with preservation; follow posted paths, avoid touching exhibits, and use refillable bottles to reduce single-use plastic.
The Statue of Liberty was a 19th-century gift from France, completed in 1886 with engineering help from Gustave Eiffel; Ellis Island operated as the nation’s main immigration inspection station from 1892 to 1954.
Photographer's Notes
- • Battery Park promenade for skyline compositions with the statue
- • Liberty Island pedestal area for close-up statue details and torch views
- • Ellis Island Registry Room for atmospheric interior portraits
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Sturdy, supportive shoes for cobblestones, walkways on the islands, and stairs in museum spaces.
Government photo IDEssential
Needed for certain restricted-area access and recommended for any ticket checks.
Packable rain shellEssential
Water-resistant layer for sudden harbor squalls and wind off the water.
Sunscreen and sunhat
Open decks expose you to sun; protection prevents burning on sunny crossings.
Common Questions
Do tickets include ferry transport and island admission?
Yes — this tour includes round-trip ferry transport and admission to both Liberty and Ellis Islands as part of the guided experience.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes — ferries and major island pathways are wheelchair accessible, and guides note accessible routes; contact the operator for specific needs.
Can I go up to the statue’s crown or pedestal on this tour?
Crown and pedestal access require advance reservations and additional security; request this when booking and bring a government ID.
Are restrooms available on the islands and ferry?
Yes — ferries and both islands have restroom facilities, though lines can be long during peak times.
Can I bring food or alcohol on the ferry or islands?
Non-alcoholic snacks and water are allowed, but consumption may be limited in museum areas; no alcohol is permitted on national monuments.
How do I find a family name at the Wall of Honor?
The Wall of Honor has an index and staff can assist; the American Family Immigration History Center also maintains searchable records online for deeper research.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours
Location
New York, NY
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires moderate walking and some standing during ferry rides and museum visits.
Ready to Explore New York?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now