AIANY Boat Tours Landing Page

AIA New York and Classic Harbor Line have teamed up to offer select architecture cruises that tour New York City.

Choose from several distinct cruises, all hosted by members of AIA New York. Expert guides provide lively narration covering architecture and engineering landmarks from all eras of the city’s history, as well as current urban planning and environmental issues impacting urban waterfronts.

Cruises leave from Chelsea Piers (Pier 62) at West 22nd Street and the Hudson River. Exact meeting location details are provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.

Some AIA New York cruises can also be booked as private charters for business and entertainment needs, or for student groups! For private charters, learn more and contact us here.

See All Available Cruises

Upcoming Boat Tours

AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Tour

AIA CES: 2.5 LU HSW
Adults: $116 each | Students: $86 each

This 2-hour-and-45-minute cruise, AIANY’s signature tour experience, circumnavigates the island of Manhattan via the Hudson, East, and Harlem rivers. Enjoy expert narration by an AIANY guide as you explore the architecture, infrastructure, and urban planning of New York City. Tour highlights are thematically linked to illustrate the recent transformation of an industrial waterfront to one of booming real estate development, ecologically driven landscape design, and resilient infrastructure.

The tour will feature the city’s iconic Art Deco spires, historic engineering marvels, adaptive reuse, progressive waterfront parks, and recent buildings by local, national, and international award-winning architects.

Includes one complimentary beer, wine, or champagne. Food available for purchase.

AIANY Climate Change, Architecture, and the Future of NYC Tour

AIA CES: 2.5 LU HSW
Adults: $116 each | Students: $86 each

This 2-hour-and-45-minute cruise focuses on key developments and pertinent sites related to climate change and environmental justice in New York City. Led by an expert AIANY guide, participants will learn how interdisciplinary teams of urban planners, architects, landscape architects, developers, and community groups are addressing storm surges, intense rains, and hotter temperatures. Learn how climate change is affecting our city and people, as well as the actions NYC is taking to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate threats.

Interwoven throughout the tour will be illustrations of the adverse environmental impacts of climate change and pollution on moderate-income neighborhoods and communities of color. The tour will also highlight many green buildings and sustainable designs that reduce energy consumption, water usage and pollution while creating healthy living environments.

Includes one complimentary beer, wine, or champagne. Food available for purchase.

Architecture and the Lights of Gotham

AIA CES: 2 LU HSW
Adults: $96 each

In the “City that Never Sleeps” this boat tour capitalizes on the remarkable skyline of Manhattan after sunset. Since the dazzling string of lights first illuminated the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883, architects and lighting designers have understood the importance of presenting their buildings in the night environment. Prominent examples include the Statue of Liberty from 1886, the Woolworth Tower in 1913, the 1931 Empire State Building, Hudson Yards, and NYC’s latest super tall building, One World Trade Center.

Technology and aesthetics have changed radically in the last hundred years, of course, and today’s designers have a sophisticated array of sources, palette of colors, and endless programs to run these lighting systems. Contemporary lighting designers also have a responsibility to carefully consider energy efficiency, protection of bird life, and controlling light trespass in the public realm and the night sky.

This two-hour narrated cruise will depart at sunset from Chelsea Pierson the west side of Manhattan and proceed to the Statue of Liberty, up the East River to Roosevelt Island, then return following the waterfront to view the Financial District, Battery Park City, Chelsea, Hudson Yards and the shoreline of the Hudson River.

Includes one complimentary beer, wine, or champagne. Food available for purchase.

AIANY Industrial Waterfront Tour into Freshkills Park

AIA CES: 2.5 LU HSW
Adults: $116 each | Students: $86 each

This extended 3.25-hour AIA New York tour travels to Staten Island and offers a limited "backstage pass" to experience the transformation of the region's former largest garbage landfill into today's Freshkills Park. The cruise will enter a network of tidal kills (or streams) to explore the unprecedented land reclamation project, nearly three times the size of Central Park. NYC Parks and AIANY guides will provide insightful narration about cutting-edge landscape architecture and engineering, urban planning, and the industrial architecture and infrastructure of Staten Island's northwest shore.

Includes one complimentary beer, wine, or champagne. Food available for purchase.

Paseo en Barco por la Arquitectura de Nueva York (en Español)

AIA CES: 1.5 LU HSW
Adultos: $116 | Estudiantes: $86

(Private Charter Only.) Este recorrido de 2,5 horas narrado por uno de los guías del Instituto Estadounidense de Arquitectos - Nueva York (AIANY) se ofrece a bordo de Kingston, un mini yate de casco blanco con una cabina completamente cubierta con ventanas grandes y una sección de proa exterior. Los invitados experimentarán una visita guiada por los ríos Hudson, East y Harlem, mientras aprenden sobre las obras de arquitectos ganadores de premios nacionales e internacionales, incluidos muchos arquitectos españoles y latinoamericanos. Una bebida de cortesía incluida con cada boleto.

Please note that Classic Harbor Line boats are not ADA accessible. However, since each boat is different and accessibility requirements can vary person to person, please email Classic Harbor Line (sarah@classicharborline.com) directly prior to purchasing your tickets for more information.