Private Sailboat NYC Sightseeing & Custom Tours for 2-6 Guests from Chelsea Piers

Experience New York Harbor aboard a luxury 40-foot Beneteau sailboat. Private charters for 2-6 guests with USCG-licensed captain, Statue of Liberty views, and customizable itineraries departing from Chelsea Piers, Manhattan.

Starting at $600 for weekday couples | $700 weekday groups/sunsets | $750 weekends/holidays

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Why Choose a Private Sailboat Charter in NYC?

Unlike crowded tour boats and public ferries, your private sailboat charter offers an intimate, personalized experience on New York Harbor. Just your group of 2-6 guests, a USCG-licensed captain, and unforgettable views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline.

Perfect For:

Romantic date nights and anniversaries
Marriage proposals with iconic backdrops
Small family celebrations and birthdays
Visiting friends and family experiencing NYC
Corporate hospitality and client entertainment
Photography enthusiasts chasing golden hour
Bucket-list NYC experiences

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Private Charter Pricing (2026)

Duration	Weekday Couples (2 guests)	Weekday Groups/Sunsets (2-6 guests)	Weekends & Holidays (2-6 guests)
2 Hours	$600	$700	$750
3 Hours	$1,050 (all days)
4 Hours	$1,400 (all days)

* All charters include USCG-licensed captain, Chelsea Piers docking fees, fuel, Bluetooth sound system, private bathroom, bottled water & ice. View complete pricing details →

What’s Included in Your Private Charter

USCG-licensed captain (professional, knowledgeable about harbor landmarks)
Luxury 40-foot Beneteau sailboat (maximum 6 passengers)
Fuel and all Chelsea Piers docking fees Safety equipment and life jackets (all sizes provided)
Wood-paneled indoor cabin with table seating (shelter from sun and light rain)
Outdoor shaded cockpit and sun pad (perfect for photos and relaxation)
Bluetooth sound system for your playlist
Private bathroom with personal cloth hand towels
Bottled water and ice

* Note: A USCG-licensed captain is provided for every charter. All captains are experienced in harbor navigation and guest hospitality.

Explore the boat amenities →

Choose Your Private Charter Experience

🗽 Statue of Liberty Tour

Sail within 150 yards of Lady Liberty—the closest legal distance for private vessels. Circle the statue for 360° photos, add Ellis Island and Brooklyn Bridge views, or extend to a full harbor tour. Perfect for first-time visitors and photography enthusiasts.

Learn more about Statue of Liberty tours →

🌅 Sunset Sail

Experience golden hour over New York Harbor as the skyline transforms from day to night. Choose from three departure times: 2 hours before sunset (daytime + sunset), 1.5 hours before (sunset + city lights), or 30 minutes before (sunset finale + illuminated skyline).

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💍 Proposal Charter

Create an unforgettable proposal moment with the Statue of Liberty or Manhattan skyline as your backdrop. Our captains coordinate discreet timing, champagne service, and photographer logistics. Add decoration packages for the perfect reveal.

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🎉 Celebration Charter

Birthday parties, anniversaries, graduations, or milestone celebrations—your private charter is the perfect venue for intimate gatherings. Add catering, champagne upgrades, and decoration packages to customize your experience.

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Optional Add-Ons to Enhance Your Charter

Catering & Beverage Packages

All-Inclusive Champagne & Appetizers: $65/person — Charcuterie board, premium cheeses, cured meats + open bar
All-Inclusive Champagne Brunch: $80/person — NY bagels, smoked salmon, pastries, fruit + open bar
All-Inclusive Champagne Lunch: $80/person — Mediterranean wraps, dips, pita, vegetables + open bar
BYOB: Bring your own food and beverages (+$100 fee)

View full catering menu →

Premium Champagne Upgrades

Moët & Chandon Reserve Imperial Brut: $108/bottle
Veuve Clicquot Brut Reserve: $137/bottle
Dom Pérignon: $350/bottle

Special Occasion Packages

Surprise Proposal Package: $150 — Rose garlands, velvet pillows, “Will You Marry Me?” sign, complimentary champagne
Love Boat Package: $250 — Full-vessel rose decorations, custom signage, complimentary champagne
Birthday Package: $200 — Birthday cake, champagne, decorations, captain hats

Photographer Coordination

We partner with trusted NYC photographers who specialize in landmark and on-water shoots. They can capture your group with the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, or Manhattan skyline. Just request photographer coordination when booking.

What Sets Our Private Charters Apart

Privacy & Exclusivity

Unlike large party boats or crowded harbor cruises, your charter is completely private—just your group of up to six guests. Your experience features dedicated attention, flexible routing tailored to your interests, and a relaxed pace that adapts to your preferences.

Flexible, Customizable Itineraries

The route adapts to your interests, weather, and time available. Want to focus on the Statue of Liberty? Prefer to cruise past the Brooklyn Bridge? Interested in a full harbor tour? Your captain will work with your preferences to create the ideal experience.

Professional, Experienced Captains

Every charter includes a USCG-licensed captain with extensive New York Harbor experience. All our captains are skilled in landmark commentary, photo positioning, and creating a memorable, stress-free experience.

Learn about routes and itineraries →

Luxury Amenities for Comfort

Outdoor shaded cockpit and sun pad (ideal for photos and relaxation)
Bluetooth sound system (play your playlist or harbor commentary)
Private bathroom with cloth hand towels (convenience during your charter)
Bottled water and ice (stay comfortable while sightseeing)

View photos of the boat →

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Sailboat Charters in NYC

How much does a private sailboat charter cost?

Weekday couples specials (2 guests, daytime) start at $600 for 2 hours. Weekday group rates and sunset departures start at $700 for 2 hours. Weekends and holidays start at $750 for 2 hours. Extended 3-hour charters are $1,050 and 4-hour premium experiences are $1,400. All pricing includes captain, fuel, amenities, bottled water & ice. View complete pricing →

How many guests can fit on the sailboat?

Our luxury Beneteau 40 sailboat is USCG licensed for a maximum of 6 passengers, including children and infants. This intimate capacity ensures a personal, uncrowded experience—perfect for couples, small groups of friends, families, or corporate teams.

Where do charters depart from?

All private sailboat charters depart from Pier 59 at Chelsea Piers on Manhattan’s west side (West 18th Street and the Hudson River). This central location provides easy access via subway (C/E to 23rd Street), taxi, rideshare, or personal vehicle. Valet parking is available at Chelsea Piers garage.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain monitors the radar and makes the final safety call 2 hours before departure. If rain or unsafe conditions prevent sailing, you can reschedule complimentary with our Standard rate. For maximum flexibility, add Travel Protection at checkout for flexible cancellation or refund options. Learn about booking terms →

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes! BYOB is welcome (+$100 fee), or choose our all-inclusive open bar packages from $65/person, party platters & trays, and full beverage menu. View catering menu →

What should we wear for a sailing charter?

Dress casually and comfortably, the same way you’d dress for an extended outdoor activity. Layers work best since it’s often cooler on the water than on land. In warmer months, guests are barefoot; in spring and fall, white soft-soled shoes are ideal. Sunglasses and sunscreen recommended on sunny days.

How far in advance should I book?

Weekdays: 1-2 weeks. Weekends/sunset: 3-4 weeks. Special occasions (proposals, anniversaries, holidays): 4-6 weeks. Peak season (June-September): 1-2 months. Book early for best availability, especially for sunset departures and summer weekends.

Can children join the charter?

Yes! Children of all ages are welcome onboard. We provide USCG-approved life jackets for all passengers. For safety, we recommend supervising young children closely, especially near the railings. New York State law requires children under 12 to wear life jackets while underway.

Is gratuity included in the charter price?

Gratuity is not included in the base charter price. If you’re pleased with your experience, tips for the captain are appreciated and typically range from 18-22% of the charter cost. Gratuities can be added to your final payment or given in cash, Venmo, PayPal, or Google Pay.