Hot Tub Boat Tour in New York City: everything you need to know!

One of the must-do activities in New York City is seeing the city from the water, I always say that. It can be from a simple ride on Staten Island Ferry or NYC Ferry or through experiences like dinner cruises, sunset cruises, and jet ski tours. Since 2020, you have a new and extravagant way to do that: Hot Tub Tours. Sea the City, the famous Jet Ski tours company offers tours on a 40′ boat featuring two bubbling hot tubs. I was so excited to try it and I can tell you that it exceeded all my expectations!

• Jet Ski Tours – learn more!

The Boat

Before we get started, it is good to know that this is the first of its kind hot tub boat in New York City – and, at this moment, Sea the City is the only company to offer it. The hot tub boat carries two, ten-person commercial grade hot tubs, and is bookable by the tub (up to 10 people) or by the boat (up to 20 people). The amenities include a large bathroom and a separate changing room. Also, Sea the City provides coolers, ice, and cups for beer and wine. In addition to the captain, there is the staff is on board to assist guests. Also, the boat has canvas covers to protect the tubs from heavy rain and also from the sun – providing a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

The Tour 

Sea the City is based in Jersey City, at Liberty Landing Marina. They offer tours every day, at different times, from 10 am to 10 pm and tours are 90 minutes in length (spoiler: I could stay for three hours!). The boat departs from the Marina going down the Hudson River providing views of the Manhattan skyline and heads towards, of course, the Statue of Liberty. The tubs are professionally maintained, chlorinated spas.

The Experience

Now that you know the details, let’s talk about the experience itself. It is unforgettable. The pools fit up to 10 people comfortably and you can have your drinks while you enjoy the breeze and the amazing views of the city. Speaking of drinks, did I mention that the tours are BYOB? Yeah, you can bring your bottles of wine or beer (hard liquor is not allowed) and they provide coolers, ice, and cups for you. We brought rosé, white wine, and beers because you know, they are perfect for the summertime. Also, their staff was awesome. They let us play our favorite songs and spotify playlists on the boat speakers and even helped us with pictures. It was like a true party! The boat can shake a little bit, but not a lot – but if you get seasick, make sure to take something before boarding the boat.

Also, the boat has a free and secure space to lock up your belongings and some hangers around the tubs to accommodate small bags – I used that to hang my purse and have my camera handy. I would definitely recommend having a waterproof case for your smartphone – we didn’t have an accident with our devices, but it is better to be safe than sorry right?

Speaking of photos, the boat spends a good amount of time in front of the Statue, so you can take a lot of pictures. For reference, we departed at 6 pm and we got back at 7:30 pm. We couldn’t see the sunset, but the light was truly amazing. My friends and I are already planning on going again soon, cause we had so much fun and it was so special. It is truly a unique experience and would recommend it to everyone – but remember people under 13 are not allowed!

• Click here to book!
• PLUS: don’t forget to include PERUCHI TOWELS in the comments section when booking to get free towels – otherwise, you need to pay an extra fee for that. Also, by using the code the blog gets a commission and I will be super happy!

Prices

Prices can vary depending on the day and the number of people:

Semi-private – meaning that you will share the boat with another party, but each group has its own tub, so, don’t worry, you will not share the tub with strangers, lol.

• Weekday: starting at $449 for up to 2 people, $109 for each additional person, up to 10 people.
• Weekend: starting at $999 for up to 6 people, $119 for each additional person, up to 10 people.

Private – meaning you will have the entire boat for your group – but remember that it is up to 10 people for each tub!

• Weekday: starting at $2199
• Weekend: $2,499 up to 20 people with 2 tubs.

If you consider the full capacity, the price per person is cheaper when you book a private tour!  Tipping is optional, but as a tipping advocate, I say: please leave a tip! $20 per passenger is fine and you can do it in cash, via Venmo, or by asking to add it to your credit card on file.

• PLUS: don’t forget to include PERUCHI TOWELS in the comments section when booking to get free towels – otherwise, you need to pay an extra fee for that. Also, by using the code the blog gets a commission and I will be super happy!
• Click here to book!

How to get there

Sea and the City is located at Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City, and the most convenient way to get there is by taking the Liberty Landing Ferry which leaves from the World Financial Center Terminal (199 Vessey Street) Downtown, next to Brookfield Place. The ticket costs $7 (round trip is $14!) and you pay when boarded the Ferry – you do not need to buy a ticket in advance. Check the website and see all the schedules so you can plan accordingly! Once you exit the ferry, turn right, with Manhattan behind you, until you reach the Maritime Center Building. Sea and the City’s office is behind the building.

Note! Depending on the time of your tour, you may miss the last boat departing from the NJ Marina to get back to NYC. Don’t worry! You can request an Uber or Lyft and go to Grove Street Station in Jersey City and get the Path train, it is a short ride to Manhattan. You can also do that when you are going to the Marina, I just think the ferry is very convenient.

To summarize:

• Price per person is cheaper when you book a private tour full capacity;
• Tours run March-December – remember: we are talking about hot tubs, so the water is warm!
• You can bring your beverage;
• Kids under 13 are not allowed – pregnant women are not allowed as well;
• Bring your ID!
• Don’t forget to include PERUCHI TOWELS in the comments section when booking to get free towels.
• Click here to book!

Did you like this post? Are you excited to try this tour?

Laura Peruchi

Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!