The AIANY Climate Change Tour offers New Yorkers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s efforts to combat climate change. Led by an architect from the American Institute of Architects, this guided yacht tour takes participants on a journey through the heart of the city, showcasing innovative green buildings, renewable energy sites, and future offshore wind turbine locations. With insightful narration and a complimentary beverage, the tour provides an engaging and educational experience that leaves you intrigued to learn more about the city’s sustainable initiatives.
Tour Overview and Experience

This guided tour allows visitors to understand climate change’s impact on New York City by traveling its waterways aboard a 1920s-style yacht.
Led by an architect from the American Institute of Architects, the tour covers green buildings, sustainable parks, renewable energy sites, recycling plants, and the future offshore wind turbine location.
Passengers learn about the city’s actions to mitigate threats and reduce its carbon footprint through the architect’s narration.
The tour features a private table and complimentary beverage, with food and light snacks available for purchase.
Meeting and Logistics
Travelers depart for the AIANY Climate Change Tour from Classic Harbor Line at 62 Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, New York, NY 10011.
The tour ends back at the meeting point. Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 80 travelers, and a minimum purchase of 2 tickets is required.
Large group bookings aren’t permitted, and multiple bookings may incur fees or cancellation.
Looking for more options in New York City? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Amenities and Inclusions

Each reservation for the AIANY Climate Change Tour includes a private table and one complimentary beverage.
Food selections are available for purchase, and light snacks are permitted if brought onboard. Gratuity isn’t included but recommended.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about climate change and sustainability efforts in New York City while enjoying the views from a 1920s-style yacht.
With amenities and inclusions tailored to ensure a comfortable and informative experience, the AIANY Climate Change Tour offers an engaging way to explore the city’s environmental initiatives.
Accessibility and Participation

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
Most travelers can participate, though the cruise isn’t suitable for children under 12 due to its heavily-narrated format. Large group bookings aren’t permitted, and multiple bookings may incur fees or cancellation.
The tour’s format requires participants to listen attentively to the narration. So it may not be the best choice for those seeking a more interactive or family-friendly experience.
This tour demands focused attention, making it less suitable for those preferring a more interactive or family-oriented experience.
However, it offers an engaging way for interested adults to learn about climate change’s impact on New York City and the city’s sustainability efforts.
Tour Limitations and Conditions

While a full circumnavigation of Manhattan isn’t guaranteed, river closures or inoperable bridges may affect the tour’s route.
In such cases, the tour will backtrack, allowing participants to experience a detailed route. It’s important to note that no refunds will be issued for incomplete tours.
However, the tour operators will make every effort to accommodate guests and ensure they’ve a meaningful experience.
Participants are asked to keep conversations at a reasonable level to ensure the narration can be heard by all.
These limitations and conditions are in place to provide the best possible climate change tour on New York’s waterways.
Exploring Green Buildings and Sustainable Parks

As participants board the 1920s-style yacht, they’ll learn about the city’s efforts to combat climate change through its green buildings and sustainable parks.
The tour covers innovative architecture, like the Durst Organization’s LEED-certified skyscraper, which uses renewable energy and water conservation systems.
The Durst Organization’s LEED-certified skyscraper utilizes renewable energy and water conservation systems, showcasing innovative architectural sustainability.
They’ll also discover how NYC has transformed public spaces, like the High Line, into lush, eco-friendly parks that absorb stormwater and reduce urban heat.
Throughout the narration, the architect highlights how these projects reduce the city’s carbon footprint and make it more resilient to the effects of climate change.
The Future of Renewable Energy in NYC

During the tour, you will also learn about the future of renewable energy in New York City.
The guide will highlight the city’s plans to harness offshore wind power, a key component of its climate action strategy.
Attendees will discover:
-
The location of the future offshore wind turbine site and its potential to power thousands of homes.
-
NYC’s ambitious goal to source 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
-
Initiatives to expand solar energy, including on public buildings and in underserved communities.
-
Innovative waste-to-energy projects that convert landfill gas into a renewable power source.
The Sum Up

The AIANY Climate Change Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore NYC’s sustainability efforts. Guests can enjoy a guided yacht experience, learn about green buildings and renewable energy, and discover the city’s plans to combat climate change. With insightful narration, complimentary refreshments, and a focus on education, the tour provides an engaging way to understand New York’s commitment to a more sustainable future.
More Private Tours in New York City
- Central Park Zoo Skip-the-line Tickets & Private Transfers
- From NYC -Private Transfer From NYC Airports to Hotels
- From NYC: Private Washington & Philadelphia Tour in 1 Day
- NYC: JFK Airport to Manhattan or Brooklyn Private Transfer
- JFK Airport: Private Transfer to New York City
- New York: Louis Armstrong Private Walking Tour with Concert
More Tours in New York City
- NYC: Midtown Manhattan Pedicab Tour
- New York City: Museum at Eldridge Street Docent-Led Tour
- NYC: Virtual “Friends” Tour (On Location Tours)
- From NYC: Boston, Cambridge & Freedom Trail Day Tour
- From NYC: Private Washington & Philadelphia Tour in 1 Day
- True Crime New York: NYPD-Guided Mafia Walking Tour w/ Food
More Tour Reviews in New York City
Still browsing? Here are more New York City experiences we've covered recently
- 3 Top-Rated New York City Historical Tours
- You’ll Love These 7 Walking Tours In New York City
- 14 Of The Best Tours In New York City
- 14 Best Tours & Experiences In New York City
- Which New York City City Tours To Choose? We Rank The 10 Best
- 5 Must-Try Bike Tours In New York City
- Which New York City Bike Rentals To Choose? Our Best 5 Picks
- From New York: Niagara Falls and Washington DC 3-Day Trip
- New York City: Central Park Bike Rental
- Central Park Bike Rental
- Central Park Electric Bike Rental
- Central Park, Rockefeller & Times Carriage Ride (4 Adults)
