How to Get Back on the Water in NYC

Bad news: You’re about to have a million idiots on your social-media post photos on a boat with the (still not funny) caption, “I’m on a boat!”

Good news: Several boating lines are returning to duty this week, which means you’ll be able to get back on the water while practicing social distancing.

So let’s get you out to the rivers. A quick overview of what’s available:

North River Lobster Company: Starting up Thursday, July 16th, the floating, three-deck lobster shack will once again operate on the Hudson River on a Thursday-Sunday schedule, four times per day. Which means you’ll now be able to enjoy lobster rolls, beer, cocktails and frosé at just $10 per boarding (food/drinks are their own cost) or via a $25 summer pass. Cruises will operate at 50-percent capacity to ensure social distancing and masks will be required. (Pier 81, W 41st St. and 12th Ave)

Circle Line: The sightseeing cruise line now has four options during the summer, relaunching on Monday July 20th. There’s the Landmarks Cruise (1.5 hours), a Best of NYC journey that circles Manhattan (2.5 hours), the evening/sunset-themed Harbor Lights (2 hours) and, brand new, a 45-minute water-taxi jaunt called Liberty Super Express that’ll get you out by the Statue of Liberty for an obligatory Instagram. Like the North River sojourn, capacity will be at half full and masks are required. (Pier 83 at W 42nd St. and 12th Ave for the all except the Liberty Super Express, which runs from Battery Park City)

Governors Island: It’s less about the water journey, admittedly, than the fact that ferry access to the island will be great news for cyclists, families and other people who need a little nature and space but can’t leave the city (also, the trip is free for public housing residents, kids under 12 and seniors over 65). There’s a new, required ticket reservation system and you’ll need to wear a face covering during your journey. You can catch trips each day from Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building (starting July 15), with departures from Brooklyn Saturdays and Sundays beginning July 18 from the Red Hook/Atlantic Basin ferry terminal, not Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Boatsetter: There are currently about 65 vessels available to rent in the city on this Airbnb for boats, with options with or without captains (note: you’ll need experience if you go without). That said, there’s a grey area here, as NY law currently states that “marinas, boatyards and boat launches are open for personal use of vessels only. Vessel charters, rentals, and group activities or social gatherings are prohibited.”