Some New York attractions are calm, educational and relaxing.
THE BEAST is none of those things. 😂
I went on this speedboat ride last summer expecting beautiful views and a little excitement. What I got was loud music, lots of wind, a very entertaining crew, plenty of splashes and one of the most fun ways I have ever seen the Statue of Liberty.
It felt less like a traditional New York sightseeing cruise and more like a mini party on the water—and I absolutely loved it.
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So, What Exactly Is THE BEAST?
THE BEAST is a 30-minute high-speed boat ride through New York Harbor.
The boat can reach approximately 45 mph as it travels from Manhattan toward the Statue of Liberty. There is loud music, crew interaction, sharp movements and a very real possibility that you will get wet.
This is definitely not the cruise to choose if you want to sit quietly while listening to a detailed history of New York.
But if you want something fast, fun and completely different from a regular sightseeing boat? This is it.
Check THE BEAST tickets and availability →
My Experience Riding THE BEAST
I took the green THE BEAST boat from Pier 83 in Midtown.
The boat is completely open, with passengers seated in rows. Once everyone was inside and ready, we left the pier—and it did not take long for the peaceful boat ride to turn into something much more exciting.
The music started, the boat picked up speed and the crew immediately brought so much energy to the experience.
Between the wind, the water and the music, it almost felt like being on an amusement-park ride. The difference, of course, was having the Manhattan skyline around us the entire time.
I expected the speed to be the main attraction, but the crew made the experience even more entertaining. They joked with passengers, kept everyone excited and made those 30 minutes feel like a little party cruising down the Hudson.
Seeing Lady Liberty From the Water
Eventually, we reached the Statue of Liberty and the boat slowed down so everyone could enjoy the view and take photos.
The crew turned the boat so passengers on both sides had an opportunity to see her—which I really appreciated because nobody wants to spend an entire speedboat ride staring at the back of someone else’s head while Lady Liberty is right there. 😂
The stop is relatively short, so have your camera ready before you arrive. This is not the moment to start cleaning your camera lens, searching for portrait mode or realizing that your phone is still inside your bag.
The view was beautiful, and it was close enough to take great photos without spending several hours visiting Liberty Island.
Then the music returned, the boat picked up speed again and the fun continued all the way back to Manhattan.
And Yes, You Might Get Wet
How wet you get will depend on the wind, the river and where you sit.
I would not board wearing anything particularly delicate, and I would absolutely bring a bag that closes properly. Your phone and camera are also coming aboard at your own risk, so keep them protected when you are not taking photos.
Seats closer to the sides usually mean more water—but also more excitement.
So choose according to your priorities. 😅
I would also avoid loose hats. Between the wind and the speed, there is a very good chance your hat will continue the journey without you.
Does It Replace Visiting the Statue of Liberty?
It can—but only if your goal is to see and photograph the Statue of Liberty from the water.
THE BEAST does not stop at Liberty Island, so you will not be able to visit the museum, pedestal or crown.
If you have never been to the island and want the complete historical experience, this ride will not replace that.
But if your itinerary is already full and you simply want a great view of Lady Liberty, THE BEAST is a much faster—and much more entertaining—option.
Which Departure Location Should You Choose?
There are currently two departure locations:
- Midtown: Pier 83, near West 42nd Street and 12th Avenue
- Downtown: Pier 16 at 89 South Street, in the South Street Seaport
I used the Midtown location, which was convenient and gave us beautiful views as we traveled down the Hudson River.
The Downtown ride follows a slightly different route, beginning near the Brooklyn Bridge before heading toward the Statue of Liberty.
When booking, make sure you check the meeting point carefully. The two rides have similar names, and arriving at the wrong side of Manhattan would be a very dramatic way to miss your boat.
Book THE BEAST NYC speedboat ride →
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
The experience lasts around 30 minutes, but I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your departure.
THE BEAST is a seasonal attraction. The official 2026 schedule currently lists rides through October 12, although operating days and times vary throughout the season. You can confirm updated dates on the official schedule.
The ride may be canceled during heavy rain or thunderstorms.
Passengers must be at least 40 inches tall, and the experience is not recommended during pregnancy or for people with certain back, neck or heart conditions.
If you are sensitive to motion, keep in mind that this is a fast boat with sudden movements. The ride is short, but it is still much more intense than a regular sightseeing cruise.
Would I Ride THE BEAST Again?
Yes!
It was fast, silly, energetic and genuinely fun. I loved seeing Manhattan from the water, getting close to the Statue of Liberty and experiencing something that felt completely different from the traditional New York cruises.
Would I recommend it to someone looking for a calm and informative tour? Probably not.
Would I recommend it to someone who wants to laugh, listen to music, feel the wind in their face and possibly leave with wet clothes?
Absolutely. 🚤
THE BEAST was one of those New York experiences that did not require an entire day but still gave me a fun memory—and some great photos—to take home.
Check prices and available dates for THE BEAST →
Want to see what the ride actually looked like? Watch my THE BEAST video on Instagram.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
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