About
Some 60 tall ships from around the world tie up along the harbor for free deck tours — the America250 fleet's last days in port before it sails.
The largest tall-ship gathering in a generation is docked across New York Harbor for America's 250th, and you can walk the decks for free: square-riggers and naval training vessels from dozens of countries berthed at South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Midtown's Piers 88–91 and Staten Island's Homeport Pier. Crews welcome visitors aboard for a rare up-close look at masts, rigging and life at sea. This is the fleet's final stretch in port — miss it and the ships sail on.
What to expect
Expect lines of visitors filing up gangways onto working sailing ships, crew members answering questions on deck, and skyline-backed photo angles you only get from a pier. Boarding moves in waves, so part of the visit is strolling the waterfront taking in dozens of masts against the bridges and harbor.
Good to know
- Deck tours are free, but online reservations are strongly recommended to skip long walk-up lines
- Ships are berthed at multiple piers — South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Piers 88–91 and Staten Island's Homeport — check which vessel is where
- Closed-toe shoes are required to board; strollers stay on the pier
- Kids must be 5 or older to board and need their own ticket
- Visitors at Piers 88–91 need a driver's license or passport for Navy security checks
- Gangways and ship decks are not wheelchair-friendly; pier viewing is
Common questions
Do the tall ship tours cost anything?
No — boarding is completely free. Reserving a time slot online ahead of your visit is the smart move, since walk-up lines get massive.
Which piers have ships to tour?
Vessels are docked at South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Manhattan's Piers 88–91 and Staten Island's Homeport Pier, so pick a waterfront and go.
Can kids come aboard?
Yes, ages 5 and up with their own ticket. Strollers are fine on the piers but can't go on the ships, and everyone needs closed-toe shoes.