Set Sail on Two of the South Street Seaport Museum’s Ships This Summer

Bon voyage! Beginning Wednesday, May 24, visitors to the South Street Seaport Museum will have the opportunity to sail around New York Harbor aboard two of the museum’s historic ships: the 1885 schooner “Pioneer” and the 1930 tugboat “W.O. Decker.” 

Sailors on the 138-year-old “Pioneer” can expect to enjoy a unique perspective on landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. They’ll also have the chance to take in the views of Lower Manhattan’s iconic architecture. While onboard, visitors are invited to get hands-on and help the crew raise the sails. But luckily for those of us who would rather sit back and admire the view while sipping a glass of wine, there’s no requirement to get in on the action. Food or drinks aren’t sold onboard the vessel, but guests are allowed to bring their own. 

The museum offers both daytime sails and sunset sails aboard the “Pioneer.” Daytime sails happen Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and tickets are $20 for children and $50 for adults. The sunset sail happens at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Tickets are $30 for children and $70 for adults. Both sails offer small discounts for seniors and students. 

Visitors seeking a truly unique NYC experience should climb aboard the “W.O. Decker,” which is the last surviving New York-built wooden tugboat. The whimsical adventure takes participants around Lower Manhattan to take in views of landmarks like the Battery and Governor’s Island for 75 minutes. Notably, the “W.O. Decker” is the only surviving example of its kind that allows participants to come aboard and experience a real vintage tugboat on the water. 

The “W.O. Decker” sets sail on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and students, and $15 for youths ages 10 to 17.   

photo: Seaport Museum