Viator · group up to 49 pax

New York Fall Foliage Sail up the Hudson River

4.5(11)New York City1 hour
VIATOR4.2(5)TRIPADVISOR4.8(6)

Description

Enjoy a 3.5-hour scenic sail up the Hudson River to the Palisades aboard Schooner Adirondack or Schooner America 2.0, both 1800s-style sailboats. Bordering the Hudson River north of Fort Lee, New Jersey, the Palisade Cliffs are among the most dramatic geologic features in New York City's vicinity. Key Points: - Enjoy the outdoors and relax aboard a classic sailboat - Sail north on the Hudson, with unsurpassed views of the Upper West Side - Pass the Palisades, a picturesque area lined with breathtaking cliffs and a great area for foliage - Bundle up (Lot's of warm layers depending on the temperature & the breeze!) - Usually a great adventure for photography - Pass under the grand George Washington Bridge

Tour Options

Tour

Itinerary

Pass by

Enjoy foliage views on the Upper West Side as the boat sails north along the Hudson River.

Pass by

Sail under the George Washington Bridge as the boat heads North on the Hudson River toward the Palisades for an up-close look at the cliffs and foliage.

Pass by

See this historic little lighthouse as we cruise

Pass by

Pass by this site as we cruise along Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Pass by

Pass by the Cliffs of the Palisades known for some iconic fall foliage

Highlights

One complimentary beverage included
3.5-hour sail on the Hudson River

What's included

Included
One complimentary beverage included
3.5-hour sail on the Hudson River
Not included
Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch
Gratuity is not included but recommended for the captain and crew

Traveller Ratings

4.5
11 reviews
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8
4
1
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2
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1
0

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 3 years not permitted due to the length and nature of this event
  • Dress for the weather - bring lots of layers, hats, gloves and scarves depending on the weather
  • Only animals that perform a manual task to assist a person are permitted aboard. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted
  • Please let us know in advance if assistance is required for boarding
  • Peak fall foliage is not guaranteed. We have seen fall colors at their peak as early as mid-October and as late early December along the waterfront in the Palisades of New Jersey (the prime destination of our fall foliage excursions). Refunds due to ‘lack of color’, will not be honored. Cruising on the Hudson River, north by the Palisades, is a unique and interesting route and is the declared value of this excursion.
  • Large group bookings are not permitted. Multiple bookings are subject to added fees or cancellation by operator

Reviews(11)

T
TripMember081320151
October 28, 2025
zzzzzz

the crew and captain were very courteous, timely and accommodating. we had a beautiful day with blue skies and calm water. the foliage wasn’t really out yet, no fault of the line. a drink (many choice’s available both alcohol and soft) and were very good. off we go. saw the skyline, and up the hudson. this is not narrated so if you want to know what something is, you ask. the captain should wear a mike because you could not hear any answers and we were only 4 people away from her at the wheel. once we reached the GW bridge we then just sat in the same place for an hour. they offered some cookies and/or chips but if wanted anything more to drink, you had to pay. it got cold. real cold. and this was not a morning cruise. they did have blankets but it was so cold, some guests and the captain wearing hats, gloves and some winter jackets. be prepared. after just floating in same place for more than an hour, we headed back. if i had to do again, i’d do the Manhattan boat, which is enclosed, vintage, small group and comfy. i think it shows you the architecture etc. probably goes right up the hudson. next time…

Operator response

Thank you for booking a cruise with us and taking some time to leave your valuable feedback. We are happy to hear you appreciated the professionalism of our crew, the drinks, and a beautiful day on the water. We will pass along your feedback about adding more narration and making it more audible for our guests. We do try to provide an authentic sailing experience for a portion of each trip, which can vary from thrilling to quite peaceful, depending on the current and wind conditions. It sounds like there must not have been much wind on your sail, so it can be challenging to find a balance between enjoying time with the engines off and covering more ground as we find that some guests prefer one while others prefer the opposite. It can also keep the boat a bit warmer to move slowly and quietly under sail rather than to motor into the wind. We look forward to a chance to welcome you back aboard on one of our motor yachts, which are heated and are able to cover more ground on days with light wind! We also hope you will get a chance to sail with us on a warm, windy day for an entirely different experience! - Classic Harbor Line

P
PMJ16
October 27, 2025
Perfect fall experience

Wonderful cruise, attentive, expert crew and captain. Time on board was long enough to see the sights and travel above the George Washington Bridge to the Palisades. Thoughtful for the crew to offer lap blankets. Appreciated the complimentary drink and snack. Highly recommend.

Operator response

Patrice, thank you for booking a cruise with us and taking some time to leave your valuable feedback and recommendation. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed a lovely fall experience and found our crew attentive professional. We're glad the blankets, complimentary drink and snack enhanced your journey along the Palisades, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back aboard again soon! - Classic Harbor Line

R
Rhea S
October 26, 2025
What are we doing this weekend….

The brunch cruise was sold out. We opted for the brunch less cruise We purchased some snacks, they supply you with drinks(alcohol /non alcohol) and chips It was a relatively small ground. Our Captain Felix was personable , professional and just a delight. He kept us abreast of the on coming sights. Their significance, etc. The interior of the vessel is well equipped . Once we set sail , you can move around. Sarah G ( thank you !) came around offering drinks. A personal shout out to her, I was getting a little nauseous ( always happens when I’m on boat).. She supplied with these anti nausea Wristlets. They really Helped. This was our third trip on these Classic Harbor sails. Viewing NYC from a whole different perspective. It’s buildings, bridges, it’s history These are the moments in life that you’re happy you made time for.. Till our next.. Bon Voyage

Operator response

Rhea, thank you for booking another cruise with us and taking some time to leave your valuable feedback. We are delighted to hear about your wonderful experience with Captain Felix and Sarah. It's wonderful to know Felix kept you informed about the sights and their significance and that Sarah was able to help keep you comfortable. We're thrilled this was your third trip with us and that you continue to enjoy viewing NYC from the water. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again soon! - Classic Harbor Line

G
Greer_M
November 22, 2023
Sailing while cosy and warm!

Great crew, friendly and helpful. Blankets kept us cosy and warm. Beautiful views of NYC skyline. Trip quite long enough.

D
Damon_W
October 17, 2022
Relaxing sailing trip

I was initially imagining going farther upriver but obviously being under sail power it took us more than half the time just to get a short ways past the GWB. Still a very pleasant trip. I was very impressed by the crew, they were not only good at their jobs but pleasant to be around.

S
Sara_F
October 17, 2022
River foliage

It was a nice ride.but forc3.5 hrs they should go further up in the Hudson River. The boat stopped n zip zag too much at the same place

A
Anthony_C
October 15, 2022
A Wonderful Excursion on a Beautiful Fall Day

My wife and I spent a lovely Fall day onboard the schooner Adirondack with our Captain Kat and Becks. They and the crew were friendly, engaging and knowledgeable about our sailing experience on the Hudson. We recommend them highly!!! 😃

J
Jake_R
October 24, 2021
Solid boat and crew but mediocre experience

The boat was beautiful and the crew friendly but unfortunately there just wasn’t enough wind and we motored for a lot of the trip. While the journey was long we didn’t cover much actual distance and barely made it out of the city to view any actual foliage. I would recommend but you have to set expectations.

D
Dorisj64
October 20, 2020
Great experience

We actually booked last year and had to cancel due to rain. We got a gift certificate and scheduled for this year. We were on the Schooner Adirondack and it was a beautiful sailboat. The crew were friendly and personable. It was reduced capacity due to covid and everyone wore masks. You get one free beverage both alcohol or non alcoholic then u may purchase more. It was a beautiful day and a perfect sailing experience. Great safe covid activity.

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Hello, We are so happy to hear that you joined us and were able to experience NYC by water! Thank you for joining us and sharing it with others. We hope to see you again soon! (Make sure to check out our upcoming December Holiday Cruises aboard the Yachts Manhattan and Manhattan II) Warmly, Classic Harbor Line

R
Richard F
February 22, 2020
AIA round Manhattan Island tour - brilliant

This was a fascinating tour on a beautiful boat (Manhattan II). The American Institute od Architects provided a knowledgeable and engaging speaker which added so much to the experience - helped by serving of wines and canapes! Highly recommended and vastly superior to the previous round island tour we did 20 years ago. In particular the boat is a beautifully finished (modern) replica of 1920's elegance; spacious, with comfortable seating and high quality furnishings. Air conditioned and heated indoor space with open deck space for warmer days.

1 people found this helpful

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