Private Tour
East River Secrets: NYC's Infrastructure by Ferry - Private
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This is not a sightseeing cruise -- it’s a guided look at how New York City’s core infrastructure actually works. Led by a transportation planner and licensed NYC guide, the tour uses the East River as a moving classroom to explain the systems most people never see: trash movement by barge, wastewater and sewer outfalls, landfills that expanded the shoreline, rail and subway tunnels beneath the river, and the bridges that knit the city together.
Rather than focusing on landmarks alone, the tour connects everyday infrastructure to history and public health -- from Dutch-era dumping in Lower Manhattan to modern shoreline rebuilding, from working waterfronts and rat-shaping waste patterns to stacked train tunnels under the river. Guests experience rare, water-level views while learning how engineering decisions beneath and above the East River shaped New York as a city.
The result is an expert-led experience that reveals the hidden systems behind the skyline.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lower Manhattan
Learn how Dutch New Amsterdam expanded Manhattan using landfill, garbage, and debris, shaping today’s shoreline and Financial District. Hear how the Fulton Fish Market and riverfront trade generated waste, smells, rats, and early sanitation systems along the East River.
Brooklyn Bridge
View the Brooklyn Bridge and learn how nearby dumping grounds later became today’s barge-based restaurants.
What‘s Included
Ear pieces to hear perfectly
Restrooms on board the ferry
Round-trip ferry tickets included
Options
East River Secrets: NYC's Infrastructure by Ferry - Private
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great tour on the East River of NYC
nancysV8883WS,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I went on the NYC Ferry Infrastructure tour with Rayn on Saturday January 3rd. Rayn was terrific... so knowledgeable about all of the sights we saw up and down the East River. He was very helpful with adjusting our ear pieces so we could hear him on the ferry. He had so much information to share because of his years working with multiple city agencies. We would highly recommend this tour. We gained so much knowledge about NY City, things we never would have known. The fee was well worth it. Our group was small enough which allowed Rayn the opportunity to answer all of our individual questions. Great job, Rayn! Nancy S.
From Trash to Treasure.
J2209RDjoant,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a fun and informative experience! Rayn was absolutely wonderful: funny, knowledgeable, and struck just the right notes. Even if you think you might not be interested in this topic : GO! You will learn a lot and have a great time.
Amazing creative tour with great perspective!
chengyuy2021,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took the East River ferry tour with Rayn through NY Adventure Club and it was fantastic. It’s a totally different way to experience the city -- instead of landmarks, you learn about the hidden infrastructure that actually keeps NYC running. Rayn is incredibly knowledgeable and makes complex topics like tunnels, wastewater, bridges, and freight easy to understand and genuinely interesting. The ferry itself adds a great perspective you just can’t get on foot, and the pacing felt relaxed but packed with insight. If you’re into NYC history, transit, engineering, or just want a unique, non-touristy experience, this tour is absolutely worth it. Highly recommended.
Related Experiences
Operated by Region NYC