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CHARTER INSIGHTS
New York City’s premier private yacht charter — any occasion, any group size, departing Chelsea Piers.
When people search for a luxury yacht rental in NYC, they’re usually looking for the same thing: a private boat, an experienced crew, and an experience that feels genuinely special without the complexity of brokers or hidden fees. Big Apple Charters delivers exactly that — three USCG-licensed yachts departing from Chelsea Piers, available for any occasion from a simple sunset cruise to a fully custom multi-hour charter.
We’re New York City’s only woman-owned private yacht charter company, and we’ve been the preferred vendor for the city’s top hotels, concierge services, and event planners for years. Whether you’re planning a proposal, a birthday celebration, a corporate event, or simply want a private evening on the water, Big Apple Charters is the direct booking option — no broker, no markup, no runaround.
To book a luxury yacht rental in NYC or get a custom quote, call or text us at 212-401-4031. Our team responds within the hour. Share your date, group size, and occasion and we’ll match you with the right vessel and package.
WHY BIG APPLE CHARTERS
Most luxury yacht rentals in NYC go through brokers who add 20–40% in fees and have never set foot on the boats they’re selling. Big Apple Charters is the opposite: you book directly with the owner, speak with the actual captain, and pay transparent rates with no hidden charges. That direct relationship is why our ratings are consistently at the top across Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.
Our fleet covers every group size and occasion. The Manhattan Mermaid (up to 6 guests) is ideal for intimate experiences — proposals, anniversary dinners, or small group sunset cruises. The Hudson Star (up to 12 guests) handles mid-size gatherings with room to move. The Skyline (up to 30 guests) is our flagship — a custom 2026 yacht with an indoor lounge, large-screen TV, Bluetooth sound, climate control, Starlink internet, and a full swim platform.
We’re USCG-licensed, fully insured, and trusted by the concierge desks at Manhattan’s most prestigious hotels. Every charter includes a licensed captain, a first mate, fuel, dockage, and all required safety equipment. You bring the food and drinks — we supply everything else.
Chelsea Piers is one of the most convenient departure points in Manhattan — easily accessible from the West Village, Midtown, and beyond, with direct water access and a professional marina environment. We depart from Pier 59, right on the Hudson waterfront.
HOW IT WORKS
Start with group size. The Manhattan Mermaid fits up to 8 guests and is ideal for date nights, and intimate celebrations. The Hudson Star accommodates up to 12 and is great for birthday parties, bachelorette charters, and corporate entertaining. The Skyline holds up to 30 — our flagship vessel and the best choice for full parties and larger corporate events.
Charters typically run 2 to 4 hours. The most popular window is sunset — approximately 6–9pm in summer — when the Manhattan skyline turns gold and the city lights emerge on the return. Afternoon, morning, and full-day charters are also available. Weekend dates book up fast from May through October; we recommend reserving at least a month ahead.
Once you’ve chosen a vessel and date, we send a simple booking agreement and hold your spot with a deposit. Add-ons like catering, floral arrangements, custom decor, and photography are all available. On the day of your charter, arrive at Chelsea Piers and step aboard. The crew handles everything else.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
A private charter with Big Apple Charters is effortless — you arrive, enjoy, and leave without worrying about logistics. The Manhattan Mermaid, Hudson Star, and Skyline have Bluetooth sound systems, premium seating, coolers, and ice. BYOB is welcome on all vessels, and we’re happy to arrange catering. When you want, we coordinate with florists, photographers, and custom decorations, on request. No hidden marina fees, no broker surcharges — the price you’re quoted is the price you pay. Charters run from two hours to a full-day excursion, with departures from Chelsea Piers throughout the week.
Luxury included. No hidden fees.
WHAT GUESTS SAY
★★★★★
"We booked the Hudson Star for a client entertainment evening and it was flawless. The captain was professional, the vessel was spotless, and the skyline views had everyone speechless. Our clients are still talking about it. This is the gold standard for luxury yacht rental in NYC."
— Derek W., Corporate Client, Midtown Manhattan
★★★★★
"I’ve chartered boats in Miami and the Hamptons and nothing compared to this experience. The team at Big Apple made our sunset cruise feel completely private and tailored — from the music to the route to the little touches that made it special. Worth every penny for a private yacht rental in NYC."
— Priya S., Private Charter Guest, Westchester
★★★★★
"I proposed on the Hudson and it was perfect. The captain kept to our plan exactly, the timing with the sunset was incredible, and my fiancée had no idea what was coming. Booking was easy, the communication was excellent, and the whole thing felt genuinely luxurious without being pretentious."
— Marcus T., Proposal Charter, Dallas
COMMON QUESTIONS
Pricing depends on vessel, duration, and group size. Most private charters start around $750–$1,200 for a 2-hour charter, with full-day rates available. No surprise add-ons. Contact us for a custom quote based on your event.
Our luxury charters offer full vessel exclusivity, premium finishes, professional captain and first mate, curated routes, and concierge-level event support. Unlike shared sightseeing cruises, you control the guest list, the playlist, the itinerary, and the vibe. No strangers, no compromises.
All Big Apple Charters depart from Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. It’s centrally located with easy subway and rideshare access, parking nearby, and dock facilities for boarding. We’ll send you a full logistics brief once your reservation is confirmed.
Yes — BYOB is welcome on all vessels. You’re free to bring your own beer, wine, spirits, and food. We provide coolers and ice. We can also arrange catering if you’d prefer not to bring your own.
Weekend dates during summer (June–September) book up 2 months in advance. Weekdays and shoulder-season dates are more flexible. We recommend booking as early as possible for milestone events like proposals, birthdays, or corporate outings — popular dates go fast.
Yes. All vessels are USCG-inspected and fully insured. Our captains hold active USCG master licenses and our company carries full commercial marine liability coverage. Big Apple Charters is a woman-owned business operating out of Chelsea Piers with a strong safety record across thousands of voyages.
BOOK YOUR CHARTER
Call or text 212-401-4031 to check availability and get a custom quote. Tell us your date, group size, and what you’re celebrating — we’ll match you with the right vessel and handle everything from there. You can also fill out our online reservation form and we’ll follow up within the hour.
USCG-licensed. Woman-owned. No broker fees. Departing Chelsea Piers, Manhattan.
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