Guided tour

NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island First Tour of the Day

4.8 / 5

698 reviews

Activity provider: Walks - US
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    Guided tour

    NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island First Tour of the Day

    Activity provider: Walks - US

    From US$ 63 per person

    Make the most of your time in New York and enjoy this early-access guided tour of Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty. Join the only tour allowed on the first ferry of the day to Liberty Island.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
    Reserve now & pay later
    Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
    Duration 4 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Skip the ticket line
    Live tour guide
    English
    Audio guide included
    English

    What customers loved

    "The sheer awesomeness of the statue herself and the history behind the meaning of the gift from France and totally privately funded."

    James, September 2, 2019 - United States

    "Education part and Daniel Hunt was fantastic as a tour guide very energetic and full of historical information."

    Leslie, September 2, 2019 - United States

    "Amy our tour guide was top notch!"

    Margaret, August 7, 2019 - United States

      Experience

      Highlights
      • Feel the wind in your hair on your ferry ride to the State of Liberty
      • See the famed NYC skyline with views of NY Harbor and the Statue of Liberty
      • Learn about the stories and history of Lady Liberty from a licensed NYC guide
      • Enter the Statue of Liberty Museum and see artifacts like the original torch and building plans
      • Explore the island at your leisure and research your heritage in the archives
      • Catch the first ferry to the Statue of Liberty before the crowds arrive
      Full description

      Be the first of the day to discover two of New York’s most iconic monuments with exclusive first ferry tour departure to Liberty Island, including a visit to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island. Watch American history come to life with the only tour operator that runs ferries this early. Arrive at the grounds just under the watchful eye of Lady Liberty, where great views across NYC's skyline, Lower Manhattan, and the Big Apple await. Then, board the city's earliest ferry to Ellis Island (early morning tour only), ensuring you avoid the swelling afternoon crowds.

      Follow in the footsteps of some 12 million immigrants and learn about the process those hopeful individuals went through to settle in America. View and walk the Stairs of Separation, growing to understand the Island's two very unique names - "The Island of Hope" and "The Island of Tears". After your guide has explained to you the history, they will give you the option to continue your exploration of Ellis Island on your own with the audio guide (included) or return to The Battery on the ferry with them. If you wish, feel free to stay on Ellis Island a bit longer to explore your personal heritage and find all the unique and interesting sights in the special location.

      Includes
      • Local guide
      • First ferry tickets to Liberty Island (only for 8:30 AM and 9 AM departure)
      • Guided walking tour
      • Reserved ticket to Statue of Liberty Island (exterior access)
      • Reserved ticket to Ellis Island (includes Ellis Island museum)
      • Official audio guide on Ellis Island
      • Statue of Liberty Crown
      • Tips
      • Hotel pickup and drop-off
      • Food and drinks
      • Guided tour inside the Pedestal and museums, an introduction will be given outside
      Not suitable for
      • People with mobility impairments
      • Wheelchair users
      Covid-19 precautions
      Safety measures in place
      • All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
      • The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
      Traveler requirements
      • You are required to bring and wear a mask
      • You must present either proof of full vaccination, proof of a Covid-19 infection in the past 3 months, or a negative test taken no more than 24 hours before the activity starts
      • All participants 5 and older must present proof that they have received two vaccine doses of an FDA or WHO-approved vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Proof of vaccination may include the NYC COVID Safe App, Excelsior Pass, CDC Vaccination Card (or photo), NYC Vaccination Record, or official immunization record from outside NYC or the US
      • In addition to proof of vaccination, all participants who are over 18 years old must present a government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license, passport, etc)

      Select participants and date

      Participants

      Date

      Meeting point

      Meet your guide at the front entrance of Pier A Harbor House, 22 Battery Place (to the right of the Statue of Liberty ferry and Castle Clinton). Directions by taxi: Ask your driver to drop you off at Pier A Harbor House, Battery Park, near the Statue of Liberty ferry. Directions by subway: Take Line 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, or Lines 1 or R to Rector Street. Walk towards the water. Pier A Harbor House is to the right of the Statue of Liberty ferry and Castle Clinton.

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      Important information

      Know before you go

      • You will need to pass through airport-style security to enter the Statue of Liberty
      • Certain items are not permitted in the Statue of Liberty, these will be confiscated and not returned. Please refer to the Statue of Liberty’s guidelines on specific prohibited items
      • The tour complies with all local government health regulations
      • Upon arrival at Liberty Island, if you are carrying a backpack or large bag, you will be required to put your bag(s) into a locker at a cost of 25 cents, payable only with a quarter
      Customer reviews

      Overall rating

      4.8 /5

      based on 698 reviews

      Review summary

      • Guide
        4.8/5
      • Transportation
        4.4/5
      • Value for money
        4.5/5
      • Safety
        4.9/5

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      Star rating:

      Our guide Sara was amazing her storytelling and knowledge were second to none, she went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable day the whole tour and experience is one we will never forget and I am sure it will bring us many fond memories in years to come

      June 15, 2022

      G
      GetYourGuide traveler – Australia Verified booking

      Helpful?

      This is the second time I have taken this tour - I introduced it to different guests each time. Rob was the guide this time. His presentation was excellent. He was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, available, conscientious, and brought the experience of Ellis Island home for us by sharing his personal history. It was marvelous. Thank you, Rob!!

      Read more

      June 5, 2022

      G
      GetYourGuide traveler – United States Verified booking

      Helpful?

      Our guide Russell gave us information about the Statue and Ellis Island that you just don’t find in the books. Since this was our first time and we wanted knowledge and not just the experience of looking a guided tour with Russell was enjoyable, educational and an experience we will remember forever!

      May 30, 2022

      G
      GetYourGuide traveler – United States Verified booking

      Helpful?

      Product ID: 51626