Private Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Expert Guide
4 hours
Max 6 people
Commentary: Guide · en
New York City, USA
About this activity
Hop aboard the ferry out to Liberty Island to take in the history of an American icon with an expert NYC guide.
Highlights
- Your Own Private NYC Storyteller – A licensed New York City guide dedicated exclusively to you and your group, no outside guests.
- Ferry Tickets Secured in Advance – Roundtrip ferry tickets to Liberty Island and Ellis Island arranged ahead of time, with your guide handling boarding for a smooth, seamless journey.
- Stand Beneath the Statue of Liberty – Exterior access on Liberty Island, where you’ll experience the scale, symbolism, and power of this global icon up close.
- See the Original Torch – Entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum, including the chance to stand before the monument’s original torch and explore immersive exhibits.
- Walk Through America’s Gateway – Admission to Ellis Island and its Immigration Museum, plus the official audio guide to deepen your understanding of the millions who began their story here.
Full description
The Statue of Liberty is more than a monument. She is the symbol millions first saw as their ships drifted into New York Harbor, carrying hope, fear, and the promise of something new. On this private tour, you will experience that powerful story with a dedicated NYC expert focused entirely on you and your group. No outside guests. With pre-reserved ferry tickets and a guide who brings history to life through vivid storytelling, you will explore Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty Museum, and Ellis Island at a comfortable, unhurried pace.
From Manhattan to Liberty Island: A Private, In Depth Statue of Liberty Tour
Your experience begins at The Battery, the storied waterfront gateway to New York Harbor. With your ferry tickets pre-arranged, there is no scrambling for availability or navigating the process alone. Your private guide meets you, checks you in, and escorts you onto the ferry, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your day.
As the boat pulls away from Manhattan, the skyline stretches behind. This is the same approach millions of immigrants once took, and your guide brings that moment vividly to life as you sail toward Liberty Island together.
On Liberty Island, stand beneath Lady Liberty and uncover the symbolism hidden in her torch, tablet, and broken chains. Inside the Statue of Liberty Museum, come face to face with the original torch and trace the creation of this global icon. Then continue to Ellis Island, where over 12 million immigrants began their American journey. You'll receive an audio guide to learn more about the human stories that shaped a nation.
Throughout the experience, you move as one private group at a comfortable pace with your expert guide focused solely on you. From the first ferry ride to your final moments on Ellis Island every detail is handled, leaving you free to fully step inside one of America’s most powerful stories.
Your experience begins at The Battery, the storied waterfront gateway to New York Harbor. With your ferry tickets pre-arranged, there is no scrambling for availability or navigating the process alone. Your private guide meets you, checks you in, and escorts you onto the ferry, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your day.
As the boat pulls away from Manhattan, the skyline stretches behind. This is the same approach millions of immigrants once took, and your guide brings that moment vividly to life as you sail toward Liberty Island together.
On Liberty Island, stand beneath Lady Liberty and uncover the symbolism hidden in her torch, tablet, and broken chains. Inside the Statue of Liberty Museum, come face to face with the original torch and trace the creation of this global icon. Then continue to Ellis Island, where over 12 million immigrants began their American journey. You'll receive an audio guide to learn more about the human stories that shaped a nation.
Throughout the experience, you move as one private group at a comfortable pace with your expert guide focused solely on you. From the first ferry ride to your final moments on Ellis Island every detail is handled, leaving you free to fully step inside one of America’s most powerful stories.
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Pre-reserved ticket to Statue of Liberty Island (exterior access)
- Pre-reserved ticket to Ellis Island (includes Ellis Island museum)
- Official audio guide on Ellis Island
- Statue of Liberty Crown & Pedestal
- Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off
- Gratuities
Meeting point
Start Location
1 Bowling Green, New York, US
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at 1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004, in front of National Museum of the American Indian at the bottom of the Statue with the Sphinx and Lion (when you are facing the museum entrance, it's the last statue on the right).
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is in English.
- This tour does not include access to the Statue of Liberty's Crown and Pedestal
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- We are able to accomodate guests with mobility impairment or wheelcharis, please make sure to email our Guest Experience team at info@takewalks.com at the time of your booking for proper arrangements.
Know before you go
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- You are required to go through airport-style security on this tour. No luggage, weapons, or food (except for water in a clear container) is allowed.
- Upon arrival at Liberty Island bags and backpacks must be stored in a locker. Lockers are $2.00.
- This is a walking tour. While there are stops along the way, guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Due to circumstances beyond our control, sites may occasionally close. We make every effort to stay as close to the advertised itinerary as possible but substitutions/omissions may be necessary.
- This tour does not include access to the Statue of Liberty's Crown.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 7 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 7 days of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)