★ #1 Rated Chelsea Piers Charter · Woman-Owned · USCG Licensed

Chelsea Piers Boat Charter & Yacht Rental

NYC's premier private boat charter and yacht rental, departing 59 Chelsea Piers. Private charters for 2 to 30 guests. Cruise past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline. No broker fees — book direct with the owner.

🏆 #1 on Google & Yelp⚓ USCG Licensed & Insured👩‍✈️ Woman-Owned & Operated🗽 59 Chelsea Piers, Manhattan
Why We're Different

Chelsea Piers' Only Woman-Owned Charter Company

We're not a booking platform or a broker. Big Apple Charters is the only woman-owned private yacht charter based at Chelsea Piers — run by a USCG-licensed captain who personally oversees every experience. Higher standards, real accountability, and a crew that genuinely cares.

Book Direct. No Broker Fees.

Work directly with the owner — no third-party markups, no mystery pricing. Transparent rates, every time.

👩‍✈️

USCG-Licensed Captain Onboard

Every charter is captained by a US Coast Guard licensed and insured professional. Your safety is never an afterthought.

🤝

Concierge-Trusted for 6 Seasons

Recommended by Manhattan's top hotels and event planners. We've earned that trust one charter at a time.

🎯

Every Detail Handled

Flowers, champagne, photographer referrals, catering coordination — we'll help plan every detail so you can simply show up and enjoy.

📍

Best Views in NYC

Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade, and a Hudson River sunset — our routes deliver the city's most iconic panoramas.

📡

Starlink on Skyline

Full-boat Starlink WiFi, premium sound system, and all modern amenities. Stay connected or unplug — entirely your call.

Our Fleet

Choose Your Yacht

Three distinct vessels available for Chelsea Piers private charters. Every one USCG-inspected, fully insured, and crewed by a licensed captain. Whether it's two of you or a group of 30 — we have the right boat for your day on the water.

Up to 8 Guests
Manhattan Mermaid
SeaRay 270 SDX
Guests2–8
From$300/hr
Best forDate nights, proposals, fun

Sleek, fast, and open-water ready. Perfect for couples and small groups who want an intimate NYC harbor experience departing Chelsea Piers. No galley so if you want food - go bigger.

Learn More & Book
Up to 30 Guests
The Skyline
Custom 2026 Event Yacht
Guests2–30
From$1,250/hr
Best forCorporate events, large parties

NYC's most exclusive private event yacht. Custom-designed 2026 vessel with an upscale floating-lounge feel — for groups who want to make a statement on the water.

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Perfect For

What Occasion Brings You to Chelsea Piers?

Every charter from Pier 59 Chelsea Piers is tailored to your experience. Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime proposal or a quarterly corporate outing, we've done it — and we'll make yours remarkable.

The Process

From Inquiry to Casting Off in 3 Steps

We've streamlined the booking process so you spend less time planning and more time looking forward to your day on the water from Chelsea Piers.

01

Choose Your Yacht & Date

Browse our three vessels and select the one that fits your group size and vision. Our live booking calendar shows real-time availability — lock in your date in minutes.

02

Customize Your Experience

Tell us about your occasion — proposal, birthday, corporate, or casual cruise. We'll help plan the itinerary and coordinate any extras: flowers, champagne, catering, photographers.

03

Show Up. We Handle the Rest.

Arrive at Pier 59, Chelsea Piers, meet your USCG-licensed captain and crew, and leave every detail to us. Your job is to enjoy one of the most spectacular settings in the world.

Check Dates & Book Now

Peak summer weekends fill quickly — especially around July 4th. Reserve early to secure your Chelsea Piers charter date.

Guest Experiences

Real Stories from Real Guests

★★★★★ 5.0 average · 200+ five-star reviews across Google, Yelp & TripAdvisor

★★★★★

“We hired Big Apple Charters for my boyfriend's surprise birthday and it was the single most memorable experience I've ever planned. The captain was incredible — professional, warm, and knew exactly where to stop for the perfect Manhattan skyline shot. I can't recommend them enough.”

SL
Sarah L.
Birthday Charter · Hudson Star · Verified Google Review
★★★★★

“I proposed to my now-fiancée anchored right next to the Statue of Liberty as the sun set. The crew had champagne ready, music playing — she had no idea. She said yes. Best night of my life and Big Apple Charters made it happen flawlessly.”

MR
Marcus R.
Proposal Charter · Hudson Star · Verified Yelp Review
★★★★★

“We used the Skyline for our Q2 client event — 22 people, full evening on the water. Starlink worked for some of the guys to watch the playoff game, crew was exceptional and our clients were blown away. This is the only way to do corporate entertaining in NYC.”

JK
Jennifer K.
Corporate Event · The Skyline · Verified Google Review
👩‍✈️

“I started Big Apple Charters because I wanted to create experiences that people would talk about for the rest of their lives. Every charter I take on is personal to me — and that's never going to change.” — Captain Amal, Founder & USCG-Licensed Captain

Transparent Pricing

What's Included — And What It Costs

Every Charter Includes

  • ✓ Customizable itinerary
  • ✓ Pre-departure safety briefing
  • ✓ Bluetooth premium sound system
  • ✓ Water and ice
  • ✓ Life jackets and all safety equipment
  • ✓ Fully insured vessel‍
  • ✓ Starlink and HDTV on Skyline
  • ✓ Concierge planning assistance
  • ✓ BYOB — bring your own drinks & food

Optional add-ons available: catering packages, floral arrangements, photographer referrals. Ask us when you book.

No surprise fees. No broker markups. What you see is what you pay — and what's included is more than you'd expect from any boat rental Chelsea Piers has to offer.

Charter Pricing

Manhattan Mermaid
Up to 8 guests
$300–$400 / hr

Hudson Star
Up to 12 guests
$500–$700 / hr

Skyline
Up to 30 guests
$1,250–$1,500 / hr

Minimum durations apply. Rates vary by season and day. View full pricing →

Check Availability & Book

FAQ

Everything you need to know before booking your Chelsea Piers boat charter or yacht rental.

What's the minimum charter duration?

Charters have a 2-hour minimum, however sunset has a 3-hour minimum.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes — all charters are optionally BYOB. Bring your own food, drinks, and decorations. We provide a cooler with ice. We can also help coordinate catering and champagne add-ons if preferred.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Safety is our top priority. If conditions are unsafe, we'll reschedule at no penalty. The Hudson is a protected waterway, so light rain rarely affects charters. Our vessels all have full enclosures. We monitor conditions closely and communicate proactively.

Where do charters depart from?

All charters depart from Pier 59 at Chelsea Piers, Manhattan — located on the Hudson River at West 18th–23rd Street. Easily accessible by subway (A/C/E or 1/2/3 trains), ride-share, or the West Side bike path. Street parking is also available nearby.

Is a deposit required to book?

Yes. A deposit secures your date over 30 days in advance with full payment due 30 days prior. Full details are provided at checkout through our secure booking system.

Do you help plan proposals?

Absolutely — we've orchestrated 100+ proposals on New York Harbor. We coordinate music, champagne, and the perfect anchor position (hint: next to the Statue of Liberty). You ask the question; we handle everything else.

Are children welcome on board?

Yes. Children are welcome on all charters. USCG-required life jackets for children are provided. Our crew is experienced with family groups and ensures everyone's comfort and safety.

Can I request a specific route?

Yes — itineraries are fully customizable. Popular routes include Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO, and the Upper Hudson.

View all FAQs →

Common Questions

Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime proposal, celebrating with your crew, or hosting clients in the most memorable setting Manhattan has to offer — we depart from Chelsea Piers and we're ready to make it exceptional.

Your Chelsea Piers Charter Awaits

100+
Proposals Orchestrated
200+
Five-Star Reviews
8+
Years on the Hudson
3
Exceptional Vessels

⚡ Peak summer weekends fill quickly. Reserve your Chelsea Piers charter date early.

Ready to Cast Off?

Begin Your Voyage

We'll be in touch personally and promptly.

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