Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry
Cruise New York Harbor to reach Lady Liberty and the Museum of Immigration with an expert
Stand at the base of Lady Liberty and feel what millions of immigrants felt when they first glimpsed her torch from the water. This four-hour guided tour takes you by ferry to Liberty Island to walk the grounds and explore the Statue of Liberty Museum with an expert storyteller. Then, sail to Ellis Island to tour the Immigration Museum, where real voices and artifacts reveal the journeys that built modern America. Finish with free time on Ellis Island or return with your guide to Battery Park.
What You Get With This Tour
-
Expert English-speaking guide
-
Round-trip ferry tickets
-
Statue of Liberty Museum entry
-
Ellis Island Immigration Museum entry
-
Personal headsets
-
Optional Ellis Island free time
-
See freedom's most iconic monument up close
-
Statue of Liberty Pedestal & Crown Access
-
Guide tips
-
Food and beverages
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Your tour begins at Battery Park
Meet your guide at the East Coast Memorial, where the Eagle Sculpture stands watch over New York Harbor. Lady Liberty rises from the water in the distance while your guide introduces this iconic landmark. -
2
Board the ferry to Liberty Island
Climb aboard for a breezy ride across the harbor. Manhattan's skyline frames one side while the Statue of Liberty grows larger ahead. Your guide explains how France designed this 305-ft gift as a symbol of freedom in 1886. -
3
View the Statue of Liberty up close
Step off the ferry onto the 14-acre island and circle the base of the monument. Up close, Lady Liberty's copper torch and seven-pointed crown reveal details you'd miss from afar. There's plenty of time to capture photos from every angle. -
4
Discover the Statue of Liberty Museum
Inside, the exhibits show how sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi built Liberty's face and flame. Your guide walks you through the statue's construction and symbolism, including its role as the first landmark millions of immigrants glimpsed from their ships. -
5
Ferry across to Ellis Island
Board the ferry again for a short ride to Ellis Island, where over 12 million people entered the country between 1892 and 1954. Your guide describes the mix of hope and fear families felt as they approached these inspection halls. -
6
Tour the Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Walk through the restored Main Building, where immigrants once waited for medical checks and interviews. Your guide shares real stories of the people who passed through. The exhibits reveal what they carried, left behind, and built in their new home. -
7
Your tour finishes at Ellis Island
The guided portion wraps up here, and you're free to stay and explore or catch the ferry back to Battery Park with your guide.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: This tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and navigating ferry boarding. Unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us in advance before booking.
ID Requirement: Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Security screenings at both Liberty Island and Ellis Island are similar to airport procedures.
Bag Policy: Large backpacks, suitcases, and wheeled bags are not permitted on Liberty Island or Ellis Island. All bags are subject to security screening. We recommend packing light and bringing only a small bag or backpack.
Weather Advisory: This tour runs rain or shine, as ferries operate in most weather conditions. Dress appropriately and bring layers, as it can be breezy on the water.
Tour Changes: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are active national monuments and may experience unexpected closures due to weather, security concerns, or maintenance. If this occurs, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can board the ferry on time.
Your 4-hour tour includes:
Round-trip ferry tickets to Liberty Island and Ellis Island
Entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum
Entry to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Personal headsets so you can hear your guide clearly
Optional return to Battery Park with guide or Ellis Island free time to explore at leisure
Maximum group size of 20
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Government-issued ID
Camera
Water bottle
Light jacket or layers for the ferry ride
You might also like...
Free Cancellation Trusted Partner
9/11 Memorial Guided Tour with Museum and One World Access
Feel the heart of New York at Ground Zero and soar above with citywide views
Guided Tour Trusted Partner
Ground Zero Guided Tour with 9/11 Museum
Listen to stories from September 11, then delve deeper at the 9/11 Museum for a powerful tribute
Customer Reviews
From start to finish, our guide made history come alive and kept us smiling the entire way.
This tour truly exceeded all expectations. Seeing Lady Liberty up close was a highlight of our New York trip!
This is truly the absolute best way to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The excellent organisation and quality narration was 5* plus, and the whole tour was a genuinely premium experience!
Such a deep dive into American history was part of what this tour provided. The stories that Ellis Island told were compelling, and the symbolism of Liberty felt only deeper after that. Incredibly enriching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tour visit the crown or pedestal?
Guided tour groups are unable to visit the pedestal or crown due to new regulations from the State of Liberty. However, you'll have access to the entire Liberty Island, including the recently built museum.
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this tour is perfect for families. Children of all ages are welcome, and the guide tailors stories to keep younger travelers engaged. Personal headsets ensure everyone can hear clearly, even in busy areas. Please note that infant seats are available on the ferry.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour involves walking on uneven surfaces, navigating ferry boarding, and standing for periods of time. Unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible. If you have specific mobility concerns, please contact us in advance.
How much walking is involved?
This is a moderate walking tour. You'll walk around Liberty Island and through the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration, with breaks on the ferry between sites. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Does the tour run in bad weather?
Yes, this tour runs rain or shine. Ferries operate in most weather conditions, though severe weather may cause delays or cancellations. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing a light jacket, as it can be breezy on the water.
Can I bring a bag on this tour?
Yes, but large backpacks, suitcases, and wheeled bags are not permitted on Liberty Island or Ellis Island. We recommend bringing only a small bag or backpack. All bags go through security screening similar to airport procedures.
