The Ellis Island Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial Pools Tour offers visitors a chance to explore three of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an engaging and educational experience, immersing participants in the rich history of these significant sites. From the iconic Statue of Liberty to the somber 9/11 Memorial, this comprehensive tour promises a memorable journey through the city’s past and present. For those seeking to discover the heart of New York, this tour may be the perfect fit.

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Key Points

This comprehensive 5-hour tour offers in-depth exploration of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the National 9/11 Memorial.
The tour includes round-trip ferry tickets with reserved access, as well as services of an experienced NYC guide providing historical insights.
While the tour price includes entrance fees, there is an additional $45 cost for entry to the 9/11 Museum.
Travelers consistently praise the tour guides for their exceptional knowledge, passion, and engaging storytelling skills.
Feedback highlights the educational and enjoyable nature of the tour, though some guests desire more time at sites and clearer communication on logistics.

Tour Overview and Details

This tour offers visitors an in-depth exploration of two of New York City’s most significant historical sites – Ellis Island and the National 9/11 Memorial.

It lasts approximately 5 hours and includes round-trip ferry tickets, reserve access, and an experienced NYC guide.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers and starts at Battery Park, covering Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial.

Wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as service animals, are allowed.

Confirmation is provided at booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Looking for more options in New York City? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes entrance fees for all the attractions, as well as round-trip ferry tickets with reserve access.

Travelers will be accompanied by an experienced NYC Experience Tour Guide, who’ll provide in-depth historical insights and engaging storytelling throughout the tour.

The tour inclusions are:

Entrance fees for Battery Park, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and the National 9/11 Memorial
Round-trip ferry tickets with reserved access
Services of a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide
Gratuities aren’t included in the tour price

The only additional cost is the $45 entry fee for the 9/11 Museum, which isn’t part of the tour package.

Tour Experience and Guide Feedback

Travelers consistently praise the tour guides for their exceptional knowledge, passion, and engaging storytelling abilities. The guides, including Leanne, Cesar, Vivian, Fabrice, and Nina, receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with customers highlighting the immersive experience and insightful historical perspectives they provide.

Positive Traits	Experiences
Knowledge	Fun
Passion	Informative
Storytelling	Memorable

The tour’s interactive and thought-provoking nature leaves a lasting impression on visitors, who describe the experience as both educational and enjoyable.

Customer Reviews and Recommendations

Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from tour participants, this tour boasts an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars across 26 reviews.

Reviewers consistently praise the tour guides’ ability to make history come alive through their knowledge, passion, and engaging storytelling.

Highlights include:

Vivid historical insights that immerse guests in the experiences of Ellis Island and 9/11
Fabrice’s captivating narratives that bring the sites to life
Leanne’s seamless coordination and Cesar’s warm hospitality
Nina’s exceptional customer service in handling rescheduling requests

While some guests would appreciate more time at the sites and clearer communication on walking distances, the tour is widely regarded as a fun, informative, and memorable experience.

Concerns and Areas for Improvement

Although the overall reviews for this tour are overwhelmingly positive, there are a few concerns and areas for improvement that emerged from the customer feedback.

Some travelers noted miscommunication about the tour length and walking distances, which turned out to be longer than expected at 5-6 miles.

Plus, there were issues with the lack of clear parking information in the Financial District/Battery Park area.

Lastly, some customers reported problems with the responsiveness of customer service and the handling of rescheduling requests.

Addressing these concerns could help enhance the overall tour experience.

There's plenty more to explore in New York City

Getting to the Meeting Point

The tour kicks off at 24 State Street, in front of the Starbucks across from Battery Park.

This convenient meeting point is easily accessible by:

Subway: Take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green station, just a 2-minute walk away.
Bus: The M5, M15, and M20 buses all have stops near the meeting point.
Car: Limited street parking is available, though the Financial District can be congested. Garage options include Battery Parking Garage and 77 Greenwich Street Parking.
Ferry: The Staten Island Ferry terminal is just a 5-minute walk from the meeting point.

Travelers are advised to arrive 10-15 minutes early to ensure a prompt departure.

What to Expect on the Tour

After arriving at the meeting point, travelers embark on an immersive journey through New York City’s rich history.

The tour begins at Battery Park, offering views of the iconic Statue of Liberty. Next, visitors board a ferry to Ellis Island, exploring the restored immigration station and learning about the experiences of past immigrants.

The tour then moves to the National 9/11 Memorial, where travelers reflect on the tragic events and pay their respects.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories, bringing the city’s past to life.

The 5-hour experience covers approximately 5-6 miles of walking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Ferry Ride to Ellis Island?

The ferry ride to Ellis Island takes approximately 20-25 minutes from the departure point at Battery Park. The ferry provides transportation to both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty as part of the tour experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour guide recommends checking the tour itinerary and packing light, as there may be limited opportunities to consume outside items during the scheduled activities.

Is Photography Allowed at the 9/11 Memorial?

Yes, photography is allowed at the 9/11 Memorial. Visitors are welcome to take photos and capture the meaningful sites and memorials, though the use of tripods and professional photography equipment may be restricted in certain areas.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets for the Statue of Liberty Crown?

No, you don’t need to purchase separate tickets for the Statue of Liberty crown on this tour. The tour includes round-trip ferry tickets with reserved access to the Statue of Liberty, including the option to visit the crown.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. Restrooms can be found at Battery Park, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial, providing convenient access for tour participants throughout the 5-hour experience.

The Sum Up

The Ellis Island Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial Pools Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore New York City’s iconic landmarks. The tour’s knowledgeable guides provide captivating narratives, making it a memorable journey through the city’s history. With round-trip ferry tickets and access to key sites, this tour is an excellent way to discover the significance of these important landmarks.