There are 2 speedboat cruises in New York that operate year round and are extremely popular with travelers from all over the world. These cruises are the Beast by Circle Line and the Speedboat operated by Media Boat. To help you understand what the real differences are between them, and which one is better suited for you, we have prepared a comprehensive and in depth comparison of these 2 popular cruises, covering all the details you need to know. Let’s get started.
Compare price, duration, route, departure logistics, safety rules, restrictions, and what is included.
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Circle Line The Beast Midtown or Downtown Speedboat Ride (30 min) |
New York Media Boat / Norsk Marine Harbor Speedboat Tour from Chelsea Piers (1 hour) |
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|---|---|---|
| Price (from) | $34 | $99 |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Duration | 30 minutes | 1 hour |
| Departure options | 2 options: Midtown or Downtown | 1 option: Chelsea Piers (Pier 59) |
| Meeting point | Varies by option (Midtown or Downtown ticket) | Chelsea Piers, Pier 59 marina entrance, 11th Ave across from W 17th St (walk to the marina on the left side of the complex) |
| When to arrive | Arrive 45 minutes early (check-in and boarding) | Not specified (arrive early for check-in) |
| Route highlights | High-speed run to the Statue of Liberty, passes Ellis Island and New York Harbor highlights | Hudson River and New York Harbor loop: Midtown and Downtown skyline, Battery Park, East River, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Governors Island, Ellis Island, New Jersey waterfront |
| Statue of Liberty photo moment | Close-up stop near the statue for photos, then races back | Stops right in front of the statue outside the security zone for an unobstructed view and photos |
| Boat type and vibe | Jet-powered, custom-built, 70 ft offshore racing powerboat with loud music soundtrack and thrill-ride pacing | Fast military-style boat with narrated sightseeing focus and dedicated photo stops |
| Top speed (listed) | Up to 45 mph | Not specified |
| Guide and language | Live narration (language not specified in listing) plus music soundtrack | Live tour guide (English), US Coast Guard licensed captains |
| What is included | 30-minute thrill ride, music soundtrack, seatbelts and handrail access, access to Pier 81 BEAST'ro (food, drinks, merch available for purchase) | USCG licensed captain and guide, marina fees, complimentary windbreaker jacket to use |
| Food and drinks onboard | No food or beverages allowed onboard (midtown option mentions BEAST'ro after the ride) | Not specified |
| Clothing and comfort | Wet and wild style ride (hold onto your hat) | Seasonal gear: anti-exposure suits in winter, windproof jackets in spring and fall (windbreaker provided) |
| Not suitable for | Pregnant women, people under 3 ft 3 in (100 cm), passengers must be at least 40 in tall | Children under 4 years, pregnant women, people with back problems |
| Restrictions (not allowed) | Luggage or large bags | High-heeled shoes, unaccompanied minors, tripods |
| What to bring | Not specified | Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen |
| Operational notes | Skip-the-ticket-line to go straight to boarding (as listed) | Runs with a minimum of 4 passengers, minors must be with a parent or guardian, flat shoes only |
| Weather policy note | Not specified | In case of bad weather, call the local partner to confirm |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before |
| Reserve now, pay later | Yes (as listed) | Yes (as listed) |
| Go to cruise page | Go to cruise page |
* Prices, schedules, inclusions, and other details may change from time to time by the cruise operators.
