Jet ski tour in New York City – a complete guide!

Every year it was the same thing: I used to see people riding Jet Ski across the Hudson River here in New York and wondered how amazing that experience should be. And then, someone from Sea and the City contacted me in October last year, inviting me to take a tour. But, I thought it would be something better to do during the Summer season. At the end of May, we finally booked our tour, and I thought it would be interesting to talk about the experience in a post and list important details about this amazing experience!

Choose your tour

There are two available tours: 1 Hour – New York Harbor Tour e 2.5 Hour – Full Manhattan Circle Tour. We did the 1 Hour, which includes Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, and Governors Island. The 2.5 tour, obviously, includes more places, like Williamsburg, Long Island City, Roosevelt Island, and George Washington Bridge. Regardless of your choice, remember that you can operate the Jet Ski alone or go with someone (friend, boyfriend, family, etc.). In the middle of the tour, it is possible to switch with your partner.

I think it’s good to explain the word “tour” in this case – what happens here is a group following the instructions and directions from a guide – you must follow a route. But that’s all. You go at your pace and always have someone around to guide you. In my case, I was always one of the last in the group, lol.

Prices

• Monday – Thursday:  1 Hour – New York Harbor Tour U$159 + U$49 for an additional rider
• Friday – Sunday: 1 Hour – New York Harbor Tour U$179  + U$49 for an additional rider
• Monday – Thursday:  2.5 Hour – Full Manhattan Circle Tour U$299  + U$59 for an additional rider
• Friday – Sunday: 2.5 Hour – Full Manhattan Circle Tour U$339 + U$59  for an additional rider

Tours departure

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, very close to One World Trade Center. Arriving at the terminal, just check the gate on the big screen – the ticket costs $7 (round trip is $14!), and you pay when boarding the Ferry – you do not need to buy a ticket in advance. Check the website and see all the schedules so you can plan your trip and not miss the last boat leaving the park! 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 that building. Important: you have to be there 30 minutes before your tour slot! If you miss the last ferry, don’t worry: just take an Uber from the Marina to Groove St Station, and take the Path back to Manhattan.

What do I need to bring?

Do not forget an ID – otherwise, you do not take the tour, SERIOUSLY. And also, bring the credit card that was used for the reservation. Yes, it is super necessary to make the reservation in advance as there are not many spots on each tour. Bring bathing suits and also a bag to leave your belongings and change the clothes. Sea and the City offers free lockers for your belongings. Another very important thing: if you like your sunglasses, it is not a good idea to ride the Jet Ski wearing them. There are great chances of it falling into the water! Or you can bring some cheap sunglasses, something you will not care about if you lose it.

5. How can I make pictures/videos?

It is not allowed to take cell phones and cameras to the Jet Ski. There are two package options:

• Photos + GoPro – $59 (when booked in advance) or $ 79 (if you decide on time);
• Photo Package – $ 29 (when booked in advance) or $ 39 (if you decide on time).
• But blog readers do not pay for the photo package! Use the code “PeruchiPics” in the reservation comment space to get the photo package for FREE!

If you choose the GoPro package, a camera will be placed in front of your Jet Ski and will record the whole ride. It’s funny to watch our reactions later! After the tour, you will receive the memory card with the video. As for the photos, there are some stops during the tour, and the guide takes the photos. We took pictures at Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline. Photos are emailed 24 hours after the tour!

I’ve never ridden a Jet Ski!

Nor did I! This was one of the first things I asked them about, and guess what? Most people who take the tour have also never ridden a Jet Ski. It is not necessary to have experience. You watch a safety video before the tour, and the guide gives you several tips as well – here comes another important factor: you NEED to understand English, and you need to be able to communicate! I was very excited to do the tour, but, I confess, I was anxious and nervous too. I talked to some people who had already done it (also for the first time), and I felt less worried. Basically, you only use two Jet Ski functions: power on and speed. And that’s it! The more you speed, the more stability you have and, believe me, you will get it! Yes, I was nervous, and tense, but I was concentrating on what I was doing (after all, it was my first time, right?), and it was much easier than I had imagined. Oh, everyone wears a lifejacket, obviously.

Plus, the experience is simply unforgettable. It does not compare to anything I’ve ever done here before- and I’ve seen NYC from different ferries and sailing boats – but nothing, absolutely nothing compares to seeing the city from a Jet Ski! Now that I know how it is, I feel more willing to repeat the experience! Oh, we did the 6:15 pm tour! Remember: you must be 18 to ride the Jet Ski!

But my trip to NYC is during Wintertime…

No problem! There are tours almost all year round – the season starts in March and runs through New Year. They offer appropriate clothing – I even wore a jacket over my bathing suit because I was afraid of getting cold with the wind and water, which occasionally can spills over you.

• Make your reservation!

So, what did you think? Have you ever tried to ride a jet ski before?

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!