Urban Naturalist Tour: Abandoned Islands of the East River at Sunset

Key points about this tour:

• 3 hours, overlapping sunset in NYC
• $124 Adult, $86 Child (17 and under)
• Offered aboard the yacht *Manhattan II* or *Manhattan*
• Hosted by **Renowned Urban Naturalist, Gabriel Willow or Special Guest Host: Russell Jacobs.**
• Limited engagement June, July, and August
• **Rich Narration on our local wildlife and history along the east River, North and South Brother Island**
• Departs from Chelsea Piers heading south, around the tip of Manhattan, up the East River to the historic North and South Brother Islands!
• One complimentary beer, wine, Champagne or soft drink is offered. Additional beverages and 'small plates' are available for purchase from the bar menu.
• **Due to the duration of this cruise we will be offering a small complimentary sandwich to everyone!** (Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian option) If you have dietary restrictions, we welcome you to bring your own food!
• Appetizers for purchase onboard: Cheese Plate ($18), Fresh Fruit ($16), Mixed Olives ($9) and a Hummus Plate ($16)
• Indoor climate-controlled assigned seating and outdoor seating available
• Grand views of the **NYC Skyline lit up at night** along the East River and Hudson River upon our return!
• **Seating is assigned** at elegant tables with large openable viewing windows.
• Don't forget to bring your binoculars!
• We recommend this tour for children of ages 10 and older due to the length and nature of this tour.

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Join us aboard the luxury yacht *Manhattan II* or *Manhattan*-- our cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht -- as we travel past abandoned islands rich with history and modern day wildlife!

Embark on a journey of discovery aboard our classic yacht, MANHATTAN, as we navigate the scenic New York Harbor waterways from Chelsea Piers to the hidden gems of Belmont Island, Roosevelt Island, Mill Rock, and North and South Brother Islands. Join us for a captivating 3-hour cruise through the heart of our city, where history and nature converge in breathtaking harmony.

As we set sail, prepare to be enchanted by the picturesque skyline of Manhattan, the bustling waterway of the East River, north to the start of the Long Island Sound. Our expert guide and renowned Urban Naturalist, Gabriel Willow, will regale you with fascinating tales of these iconic islands, steeped in history and teeming with wildlife.

North Brother and South Brother Islands, nestled in the East River, are not just picturesque landscapes but vital nesting habitat for a myriad of bird species. In fact, they are a nationally recognized haven for colonial water birds, gulls, herons, cormorants, and egrets. Witness the majesty of these magnificent creatures as they gather on the islands for nesting and rearing their young, with the New York City skyline as a backdrop.

Explore the rich history of North Brother Island, once home to a quarantine hospital for contagious diseases and infamous as the final resting place of Typhoid Mary. See the remnants of the hospital and other dilapidated structures, shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

On South Brother Island, discover the legacy of Jacob Ruppert, former owner of the Yankees, and his ill-fated summer home that met a fiery demise in 1909. We will linger at dusk to marvel at the untouched beauty of this uninhabited island, now under the stewardship of the NYC Parks Dept., as herons and egrets wing their way back from their feeding grounds to feed their young and roost for the night.

Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable naturalist-guide will share insights into the conservation efforts aimed at preserving these precious ecosystems. Learn about the ongoing research conducted by organizations such as the NYC Bird Alliance and Parks’ Natural Resources Group, as they strive to protect and nurture the diverse wildlife that call these islands home.

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What Is Not Included?

Dinner is not included, but we do have some **complimentary sandwiches**. Also, consider pre-purchasing a few of our bar food plates to enjoy on this 3 hour evening time cruise.

Gratuity is not included unless you selected tickets for 10 or more.

Are you a Group of 17 or more?

• Call us directly at 212-627-1825

Meeting Location

• Chelsea Piers (Pier 62) - W. 22nd and Hudson River (Manhattan, NY)

(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)

FAQ

General FAQs about all our excursions.

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Policies

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Bookings of 1 to 9 guests, have an option to reschedule or convert to a gift certificate up until 24 hours prior to departure. Bookings of 10 to 16 must notify us 1 week in advance to reschedule or convert to gift certificate credit. Bookings of 17 or more must notify us 2 weeks in advance to reschedule or convert to gift certificate credit. Requests for cancellation, rescheduling or conversion to gift credit must be sent by email to [email protected]. *Unique cancelation terms can be offered upon request. Please call 212-627-1825, option 4.

Other Policies

Activity takes place rain or shine, but within reason.

The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability), receive credit for a future event, or receive a refund.

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About

Classic Harbor Line

Dedicated to helping locals and visitors alike enjoy the unique wonders of New York City, Classic Harbor Line hopes for the privilege of escorting you on a relaxing, inspiring, and breathtaking cruise through the waters we proudly call home. Our six classic yachts — the Schooner Adirondack and the Schooner America 2.0 (our sailboats), and the Luxury Yacht Manhattan, Manhattan II, Kingston and Full Moon (our motorized yachts) are reminiscent of the classic boats that cruised the NYC waters in the past two centuries.

Important Information:

Check in 15-20 minutes early at our booth

We board the boat promptly 5 minutes prior to departure. The yacht leaves on time and cannot come back to pick you up if you are late. No refunds or reschedules will be provided for late arrivals.

What to Bring

A digital version of this email and a photo ID to match. Sunglasses (it's usually brighter on the water as well), a pair of binoculars and a camera are recommended!

What Not to Bring

It is unlawful to bring your own alcoholic beverages aboard our yachts

What to Wear

While there is no dress code, we recommend you check the weather and dress accordingly. Please keep in mind that the yacht is air conditioned on warmer days and heated during cooler weather.

If you purchased Trip Cancellation Protection you must email [email protected] either 24-hours, or 1-hour in advance depending on which policy you purchased.

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Important:** Any directions or maps provided by Classic Harbor Line are only a rough guide. You are responsible for arriving at the activity's meeting location on time, so make sure to check with a second source that can provide specific directions from your starting point.

Detailed Directions:

Our boats depart from Chelsea Piers, on Pier 62, which is located at West 23rd Street and the Hudson River. We are at the most Northern End of the Chelsea Piers Building on the water. (When standing in front of the building facing the water, go around the north side of the building. Our ticket booth is located on the walkway next to the water on Pier 62.) Please check in at the Classic Harbor Line ticket booth upon arrival, and you will be escorted to the boat by the Captain when it is time to board. *Please note: when walking to Chelsea Piers, you must cross the West Side Highway. There are crosswalks at 18th Street and 23rd Street.

By Subway:

Take the C or E train to 23rd Street. This will leave you on 8th Avenue, so you'll need to walk about three avenues west, until you hit the Hudson River/Chelsea Piers complex.

By Bus:

Take the cross town M23 bus west to the last stop: Chelsea Piers, Pier 62.

By Car:

If you are planning to park at Chelsea Piers, the access road into Chelsea Piers' parking lots for Pier 61, 60, and 59 is at West 24th street. The access roads into Chelsea Piers parking are accessible if you are south bound on the West Side Hwy or west bound on 23rd Street. On 23rd street, take a right on 11th Avenue and a quick left on W. 24th street. Just keep your eyes peeled for the bus or taxi turn-in into Chelsea Piers and hang a right. Watch out for pedestrians and bikers in this area. Upon entering the parking garages on the other piers, you will have to take a ticket that you must pay to the lot attendants when you leave. Up to 3 hours of parking is $25, and up to 4 hours is $38.

Parking

We unfortunately do not issue vouchers for parking at Chelsea Piers. The parking lots and parking rates are managed by Chelsea Piers. Availability and prices cannot be guaranteed.

Classic Harbor Line Location

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Private Charters

Each of our yachts is available for Private Charter! Whether planning a special Birthday, Anniversary or Corporate Event, be sure to consider the Classic Harbor Line Fleet.

Helpful charter-planning links:

Charter Rates & Information

For quotes, please email [email protected]