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EMPIRE STATE BUILDING HOT TUB BOAT CRUISE – NYC

Quick Details

From :

$ 449 $ 375

Single Private Hot Tub Weekday and Weekend Prices (One Tub / 10 person max)
Once you’ve made your booking, you can easily add more people and still enjoy the discount!
Private Hot Tub Boat Weekday and Weekend Prices (Full Boat / 20 person max)

Disclaimer For Private Hot Tub Boat: Even if you have fewer than 11 people, you can still rent the entire Hot Tub Boat for your private group outing. Whether you’re celebrating with a small party or a larger gathering, the entire boat is yours to enjoy, ensuring an exclusive and unforgettable experience on the waters of NYC.

Empire State Building Boat Cruise: The Most Unique Way to See NYC’s Iconic Landmark

The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic sites in the world. Seriously—over 3 million people come and see it from inside every year. However, why not see it from a completely new angle? Rather than fighting crowds or waiting in line at observation decks, you can take in this renowned NYC attraction from the comfort of a luxurious hot tub boat. It’s genuinely one of the best things to do on the Hudson River.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local who’s seen the skyline a hundred times, a New York skyline tour on the Hudson River offers a view like no other. We’re talking wide, open shots of Manhattan, with the Empire State Building rising above Midtown like it was made for the moment. There are no rooftops in your way or glass barriers—just the skyline, the water, and you.

Here’s how to upgrade your Empire State Building sightseeing experience with a hot tub boat cruise.

Why Seeing the Empire State Building from the Water is a Must

empire state building water view

There are plenty of reasons why an Empire State Building view from the river stands out. With fewer crowds, open-air space, and that peaceful glide along the Hudson, it’s a refreshing break from the usual sightseeing grind. This Hudson River hot tub experience checks all the boxes for a fun time, and here are few things that make it different: 

  • Full skyline perspective from the river. You get a wide, uninterrupted view of the Empire State Building framed by the rest of Midtown.
  • No crowds, waiting, pushing, or packed platforms. Just room to breathe and take it all in. 
  • Photo ops are unmatchedespecially at sunset. Golden hour transforms the entire cityscape into a glowing backdrop, and the Empire State building lights up right on schedule. 
  • Better atmosphere all around. The view feels more cinematic from the water. It’s calmer, more expansive, and completely unique. 
  • More relaxing overall. You’ll float in a hot tub sipping your drink and seeing the city from a spot most people never think to try. 
  • Elevated, magical views. The New York City skyline is just more magical from the Hudson—with space, light, and movement all around it. 

Experience the Empire State Building from a Hot Tub Boat

There are skyline cruises—and then there’s the floating oasis of luxury that’s the Empire State Building Boat Cruise. It has you soaking in a warm, bubbling hot tub as the Manhattan skyline rolls by with this one-of-a-kind tour. 

There you are, sipping a glass of wine while your playlist plays through onboard speakers. Then it happens—the Empire State Building appears across the water, glowing above the Midtown rooftops. It’s one of those views that makes you pause, even if you’ve seen it several times before.

From there, the NYC hot tub cruise sails past a lineup of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and the sweeping arcs of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. 

Because the tubs are heated, tours run all year long—letting you enjoy the experience no matter if the weather is sunny, brisk, or snowy. It’s the perfect fit for couples, groups, celebrations, or solo adventurers looking for something different from the typical NYC itinerary.

Reserve Your Hot Tub Boat Tour Here

What to Expect on Your Skyline Hot Tub Boat Tour

Sea the City’s Hot Tub Boat Tour is New York City’s hottest attraction—literally. As the first and only hot tub boat tour in the city, it offers the most unique NYC boat rides for taking in the breathtaking views that surround you. 

In short, expect one of the most unforgettable and luxurious ways to see the Empire State Building—complete with your own space to unwind, panoramic skyline views, and the city unfolding all around you. 

This elevated NYC hot tub boat tour features two private hot tubs that hold up to 10 people each. You can rent one tub for your group or reserve the entire boat for up to 20 guests. The journey is fully BYOB, so feel free to bring your favorite drinks and snacks.   A Bluetooth speaker is on board too, so you can bring your own playlist and keep the vibe exactly how you like it.

You’ll feast your eyes on the Empire State Building from a whole new perspective. But wait! Several other popular landmarks come into view as well—all from the comfort of a private and relaxing hot tub.

Other Iconic NYC Sights You’ll See on the Tour

This awe-inspiring Hudson River cruise in NYC delivers a full-on skyline showcase from one one of the best vantage points in the city. As you sail down the Hudson, you’ll pass legendary attractions that are sure to satisfy your wanderlust, including—

The Statue of Liberty

The tour brings you up close and personal to the copper clad lady herself, located in the New York Harbor. The outing is perfect for raising a toast as music plays and Lower Manhattan rolls by in the background.

One World Trade Center

One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the United States, and you’ll get to see its striking silhouette from the open water. This symbol of freedom and resilience adds a powerful sense of scale, and its towering presence on the southern skyline is a must-see. 

The Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge 

Seeing these two famous suspension bridges up close is a classic NYC experience. As the boat glides on the East River to beneath these beautifully engineered marvels, soaring arches and crisscrossing cables create overhead views that seem as if they simply beg to be photographed. 

Midtown Skyline and Empire State Building

Golden hour casts a warm over the Manhattan skyline, making Midtown shimmer at sunset. The Empire State Building—the star of the tour—is best seen during this time and twilight. That’s when its glass, glowing lights, and the surrounding skyline create an illuminated, amazing view.

Customer Testimonials 

Previous customers loved their experience on board our hot tub cruise. Here are just a couple testimonials that showcase why we’ve currently got a perfect 5-star score on Tripadvisor.

Here's What Our Guests Have to Say

Fun Group Activity

As we were leaving the hot tub boat, my friends and I were already talking about when we could make time to go again. This was a fabulous time - we listened to music, had a glass of wine, looked at the sites of the city all while staying warm in the hot tub in this great tub boat experience. I arranged this activity for myself and 4 of my girlfriends just for fun because we don't get to see one another often enough. This was absolutely magical and we took a million photos which all came out so breathtaking with the city all around us and the view of the water. I highly recommend this boat trip. We all loved it.

– Isabel Schwartz • Google
Incredible City Views

Would highly recommend! The staff was incredible and got to see amazing city views which makes for great pictures. Super fun for celebrating with a group of friends, they have music playing and its BYOB!

– Natasha Dizon • Google
Wonderful Experience

he hot tub boat around Manhattan was one of the most wonderful things I've done. I highly recommend for a special occasion. The water temperature is perfect to hang out in for 90 mins in the cold without it getting too hot to handle. You will be up close to the statue of liberty and right under the Brooklyn Bridge. It's definitely a NYC highlight and I hope to do it again some day!

– Joanie A • Google
Amazing Bachelorette & Birthday Party Fun

I had the best time on the hot tub boat! The crew was all amazing. It was a blast being able to listen to any music we wanted and the pictures we took look so cool! I would definitely recommend for a date, for a big birthday party, bachelorette fun and more! Not enough great things to say!

– Ashley Tanchak • Google
One of Our Coolest Experience!

By far one of the coolest experiences ever! Made extra amazing by the wonderful and attentive staff that truly went above and beyond. Zoe, Kelsey and Captain made my best friend’s bachelorette a truly memorable experience. Can’t recommend this tour enough!

– Fey Mejias • Google
Will Definitely Be Back Again!

This was an awesome experience!! We did this for our friends 40th Birthday celebration! Zoey was our host & she was nothing shy of amazing along with the rest of the staff..they had everything we thought we forgot & some. We went on a Friday around 3pm. This was my 1st time, but I will definitely be back again. I highly recommend you try this one here!!

– Miesha T • Google
It Was So Fun!

“I’ve sailed with Sea the City on their Hot Tub boats twice now (both on private tours with both tubs reserved, up to 20 people total), and the staff has been kind, understanding, fun, and easy. The first time was in Spring 2021, and the second time was recently in Spring 2023. They are thorough when it comes to a brief and safety rundown at the beginning of the tour, and for the rest of the evening, are completely on top of service when it comes to making sure the coolers are full of drinks, picking up empties, taking group pictures, etc. On this most recent reservation, I had indicated that my group was celebrating a special event, which was the Eurovision Final happening the following day. The staff actually put “Eurovision 2023” on a rainbow light board and took our picture with it. It was so fun and everyone was so surprise in the best way possible.

– Reagan Lear • Google

Tips for the Best Boat Cruise Experience

We’ve pretty much established that the best way to see NYC landmarks like the Empire State Building is with a hot tub boat tour. However, a little planning goes a long way, and these quick tips will help you get the most out of your skyline soak.

  • Time it right – Booking a golden hour tour gives you the best lighting for photos and the most dramatic views.
  • Skip the glass – Bring plastic containers and cup for drinks since glass isn’t allowed on board. We’ll supply the coolers and ice for your beverages, though.
  • Dress in layers – It can get chilly on a boat. A robe, hoodie, or light jacket will come in handy once you’re out of the hot tub.
  • Protect your phone – Waterproof phone cases are the equivalent of Instagram gold. They make it easy to capture pics without worrying about splashes.
  • Be Social – Whether you’re solo or in a smaller group, a hot tub boat tour is a great way to connect with fellow travelers.

Ready for the Most Relaxing and Scenic Cruise in NYC?

a group of people in the NYC Hot Tub Boat

Tickets go fast—especially when the weather is perfect and golden hour hits just right. Act fast, grab your spot, and treat yourself to a hot tub cruise with front-row skyline views.

Book Your Hot Tub Boat Tour Today

Why This is the Ultimate Way to See the Empire State Building

There’s no better way to see the Empire State Building from the water—and no better boat to enjoy it from than one with a hot tub. Whether you’re having an epic celebration or simply sightseeing, this tour brings together luxury, relaxation, and unbeatable views.

Book Your Hot Tub Boat Tour now and cruise past NYC’s most famous landmark—in style.

FAQ

Can you see the Empire State Building from the Hudson River?
Yes! You’ll get especially good views from the Midtown and lower Manhattan stretches of the Hudson River.

What’s special about a hot tub boat tour?
For starters, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that’s equal parts social, relaxing, and picture-perfect. The tour also creates treasured memories, so make sure you capture the best parts of it for posterity by putting it in a scrapbook or Instagram for later discussions. You can also have private or social booking options. It’s your tour your way. 

How much does the Hot Tub Boat Tour cost?
Pricing depends on your group size and how you book. Check out current rates here.

Is this cruise good for tourists?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most memorable and unique ways to take in NYC’s most famous landmarks.

Do I need a bathing suit?
Yes—you’ll want to bring a bathing suit or trunks, along with towels. We also offer towels for rent at $3 each. 

What makes this hot tub boat experience stand out from other NYC tours?

Sea the City’s Empire State Building Boat Cruise combines stellar views with a luxurious shareable experience that feels totally unique. From the private hot tubs to the BYOB setup and open-air atmosphere, the ride is built for both relaxation and Instagram-worthy moments. These are genuine and luxurious hot tubs that are more than ready to give you a relaxing and private soak!

 

Be sure to check out our pricing guide, to help you plan your Hot Tub Boat tour in New York.