7 tips for enjoying the Staten Island ferry

–

When in New York City, absolutely treat yourself to a return trip on the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry departs every half hour from the ferry terminal in Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan, and connects Manhattan to Staten Island, across New York Bay, FREE OF CHARGE.
To make the most of this 20-minute mini-cruise, here are my 5 tips:

1 / No need to hurry to get on board

As boarding approaches, you’ll find New Yorkers and tourists alike flock to the gates to be among the first to board. And, when the doors open, it’s a rush. Even though I have taken this ferry countless times, I never understood the rush. The ferries do indeed have a huge capacity and anyone will be able to board. And, above all, from the moment you have crossed the terminal door, you will inevitably be waiting before leaving. So don’t run and head quietly to the ferry.

2 / On the way out, stand at the back of the ferry

It is all the more useless to hurry on board as I advise you to place yourself at the very back of the ferry for the departure. You will then enjoy a formidable view of the Manhattan skyline, with the One World Trade Center tower overlooking the Financial District.

3 / Sit on the starboard side

Once the skyline recedes, move to the right of the ferry, in the direction of travel (sailors will tell you starboard ????). You can then enjoy a nice view of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. While the ferry does not stop but it will allow you to approach the Statue of Liberty. Something to make you want to go see it up close, by going to the island or taking a cruise in New York Bay.

4 / Take the ferry back on the port side

As the Statue of Liberty moves away, I advise you to move on the left side of the ferry in the direction of travel (port side for sailors). You can indeed enjoy a view of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the bridge that guards the entrance to New York Bay. It is this bridge that marks the starting point of the New York Marathon every year!
Being on the left side of the ferry will also allow you to get off more quickly once you arrive in St. George. The passengers remain in fact mainly on the right side. ????

5 / enjoy Staten Island

As when boarding, you will see that the disembarkation on Staten Island is always done in an indescribable crush. Many tourists hurry to disembark to immediately board the next ferry to Manhattan.
I really recommend that you take your time and spend some time on Staten Island. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful view of New York Bay from the waterfront. If you want to spend a little more time, you can also walk up to the memorial dedicated to the inhabitants of Staten Island who died in the attacks of September 11 2001. The small town of St. George is also worth a detour, New York seems so far away.

6 / On the way back, sit at the front

When leaving for Manhattan, no hesitation: sit right at the front of the ferry! You will then have a formidable view of New York Bay and the Statue of Liberty which will approach as you go.
A little tip for photographers: the return trip is much more suitable for photos than the outward trip. Why ? Quite simply because on your return you will not have the wake of the ferry on your images but breathtaking views of the skyline and the waves! ????

7 / explore the ferry

One final tip: the Staten Island Ferry gives you great views of New York Bay. But it doesn’t make you focus only on the outdoors: the ferries themselves are worth a look! Take the time to walk around the different bridges and platforms.
Have fun watching New Yorkers too: while tourists follow the Statue of Liberty with their eyes, regulars dive into their newspapers or smartphones. The Staten Island ferry is first and foremost a commuter train! ????

–