The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island PreFerry Tour provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the iconic landmarks of New York City. Offering skip-the-line access and a guided tour, the tour aims to enhance the overall experience for participants. With a range of inclusions and a convenient departure time, the tour caters to various age groups and fitness levels. However, the true value of this tour lies in its ability to immerse visitors in the rich history and significance of these legendary sites.
Key Points

- The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island PreFerry Tour offers skip-the-line access to the ferry and entry to both landmarks in New York City.
- The tour includes a guided tour of Battery Park and provides an audio guide in 9 languages.
- The tour departs at 8:30 am from 24 State St, in front of Starbucks, and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- The tour is priced from £48.32 per person and has a maximum group size of 15 travelers for a personalized experience.
- Customers have provided mixed reviews, with some highlighting informative guides while others criticize long wait times and organization issues.
Tour Overview

The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island PreFerry Tour is a popular sightseeing experience in New York City.
The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island PreFerry Tour is a popular sightseeing experience in New York City.
This tour offers skip-the-line access to the ferry, entry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and an audio guide in 9 languages. Priced from £48.32 per person, the tour includes a round-trip ferry ticket and a Battery Park tour.
Departing at 8:30 am, the tour meets at 24 State St in front of Starbucks and returns to the same location.
With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers, operating in all weather conditions.
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Location and Accessibility

The tour meets at 24 State St in front of a Starbucks in New York City’s Battery Park. This convenient location provides easy access to the ferry that transports visitors to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The tour is:
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Wheelchair and stroller accessible
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Offered in all weather conditions
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Appropriate for all ages and fitness levels
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Designed to accommodate a maximum group size of 15 travelers
The tour’s accessibility and flexibility ensure that guests of diverse backgrounds and needs can fully experience the iconic Statue of Liberty and historic Ellis Island.
Inclusions and Departure Details

This tour provides a comprehensive experience, including skip-the-line access to the ferry, entry to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and an audio guide available in 9 languages.
The round-trip ferry ticket is included, along with a guided tour of Battery Park.
A guided tour of Battery Park is included in the round-trip ferry ticket for this comprehensive Statue of Liberty experience.
The first tour departs at 8:30 am, with the meeting point located in front of the Starbucks at 24 State St, New York, NY 10004.
The tour returns to the same meeting point, ensuring a convenient start and end to the experience.
Tour Experience

Guided Battery Park tour precedes the ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The tour is structured to provide a comprehensive experience, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers. The tour is accessible to wheelchair users and stroller-bound individuals, and operates in all weather conditions.
Travelers can expect:
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Informative and engaging tour guides who enhance the experience with historical insights
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Personal attention in small groups
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Audio guides available in 9 languages
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Round-trip ferry tickets included
The tour offers a chance to explore these iconic landmarks, though some travelers have reported feeling rushed due to tight schedules.
Group Size and Cancellation Policy

Although the tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the small group nature allows for more personalized attention from the guides.
This intimate setting is convenient for navigating the busy attractions and enables the guide to tailor the experience to the group’s interests.
Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans.
This policy ensures customers can book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their schedules if needed without financial penalty.
Customer Feedback

Travelers have provided a mix of positive and negative feedback regarding the Statue of Liberty Ellis Island PreFerry Tour.
On the positive side, guides are praised for being informative and engaging, enhancing the overall experience. Some travelers enjoyed the historical insights and personal attention in small groups.
However, the tour has faced criticism as well. Complaints include insufficient time at attractions, misleading "skip-the-line" claims, and long wait times for the ferry.
Issues with tour guide communication and organization have also been reported.
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Positive reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and small group experiences.
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Negative reviews cite rushed schedules, misleading claims, and poor organization.
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Travelers seek more time at sites and clearer communication from tour operators.
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Flexibility and transparency are valued by those considering this tour.
Common Issues

Several reviews indicate the tour didn’t provide the promised line-skipping benefits, and the Battery Park tour wasn’t conducted as described.
Travelers reported long wait times for the ferry, despite the claims of "skip-the-line" access.
Plus, many felt rushed and unable to fully enjoy the sites due to tight schedules, with limited time at the Statue of Liberty (30 minutes) and Ellis Island (25 minutes).
Some also expressed discontent over additional fees for guided tours and misunderstandings regarding child ticket pricing, leading to unexpected costs.
Travel Tips

To avoid missing the tour, it’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early.
For a more flexible experience, travelers may consider booking tickets directly instead of relying on the tour.
Plus, visitors should assess whether a guided tour is necessary, as utilizing an audio guide for self-exploration can provide a personalized experience.
Key considerations include:
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Arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour start time
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Book tickets directly for schedule flexibility
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Evaluate if a guided tour is required or if an audio guide suffices
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Plan based on personal preferences and needs
The Sum Up
The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island PreFerry Tour offers visitors an enriching experience in New York City. It provides skip-the-line access to ferries, a guided tour of Battery Park, and an audio guide available in multiple languages. Departing early in the morning, the tour is accessible for all ages and fitness levels, ensuring an enjoyable visit to these iconic landmarks.
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