NYC: Circle Line “The Beast” Midtown/Downtown Speedboat Ride

If you’re looking for a quick burst of adrenaline while taking in some of New York City’s most iconic sights, this speedboat tour might just be your new favorite thing. The Circle Line “The Beast” is not your average harbor cruise. It’s a 30-minute high-speed thrill ride that races past the Statue of Liberty and the dazzling Manhattan skyline—all set to a lively soundtrack that amps up the fun.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the sheer speed and energy of the jet-powered boat. Second, the close-up views of Liberty Island and the skyline, which are both memorable and photo-worthy. That said, it’s not for everyone—expect to get wet, and keep in mind that the ride’s quick pace means there’s less time for sightseeing than a traditional cruise. This experience suits those craving a fast-paced adventure and fantastic photo ops, especially if you’re visiting NYC and want a different way to see the harbor.

Key Points

• Speed and Excitement: The boat reaches speeds of up to 45mph, giving you a heart-pumping ride through the harbor.
• Close Views: You’ll get a unique, up-close perspective of the Statue of Liberty and NYC’s skyline.
• Music and Narration: Enjoy a lively soundtrack and live commentary that enriches the experience.
• Convenient Departures: Midtown and Downtown options make it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Value: At just $27, it offers a quick, fun way to see key sights without breaking the bank.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for those over 40 inches tall, but not ideal for pregnant women or very young children.

We don’t often think of boat rides strictly as adrenaline experiences, but The Beast certainly delivers on that front. This jet-powered, custom-built 70-foot offshore racing boat is designed to go fast—up to 45mph—making it more of a thrill than a leisurely sightseeing cruise. This ride isn’t for the faint of heart or those worried about getting a little wet, but if you’re chasing excitement, it hits the mark.

The overall experience lasts a solid 30 minutes, which is enough time to feel like you’ve been on a roller coaster on water. From the moment it launches from Pier 83 or Pier 16, the boat explodes into action, racing past NYC’s signature landmarks and skyline in a blur of wind, water spray, and lively music. It’s an energetic, immersive way to see the harbor that leaves many riders grinning ear to ear, even if they’re drenched.

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Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off from either Midtown or Downtown, with departure points at Pier 83 or Pier 16. Both locations offer easy logistics, especially if you’re already exploring the city. Once onboard, the captain revs up the engine, and you’re off on a heart-pounding sprint down the harbor.

Your first highlight is the close-up view of the Statue of Liberty. Unlike a traditional ferry, which keeps its distance, The Beast races right past Liberty Island, giving you a fantastic angle for photos. Several reviews mention how impressive and memorable this up-close encounter is—“the views of the Liberty are amazing, and you get a great shot of her from the boat,” one rider shared.

As you speed past the skyline, you’ll see landmarks like the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Chrysler Building flashing by in a rapid succession. The guide provides a lively narration, sharing interesting facts and stories about the city’s architecture and history, making the ride both exciting and informative.

The combination of speed, scenery, and soundtrack makes for an immersive, cinematic feel. Many reviewers loved the music, with one describing the vibe as “impressively lively and fun,” and another mentioning how the soundtrack added to the overall excitement.

The thrill of the high-speed ride

The real draw here is the thrilling speed. When you’re zipping along at 45mph, the wind whips your hair, the water splashes over the bow, and your adrenaline levels spike. Several reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the exhilaration, with comments like “I felt like I was on a roller coaster” and “it’s a wet, wild adventure.”

It’s worth noting that many people find it to be more fun than they expected. One rider pointed out, “Unreal experience, much better than I thought it would be,” highlighting how this tour exceeds expectations for thrill-seekers. If you love speed, this is a no-brainer.

Views and photo opportunities

You’ll love the close proximity to key sights. The boat’s fast pace means you’re zipping past landmarks, but you’re also close enough for some fantastic photos—particularly of the Statue of Liberty. Several reviews mention how easy it was to get memorable shots, and some even appreciated the crew taking photos for them.

For selfie-lovers, the views are spectacular, especially with the city’s skyline glowing in the background. It’s a different perspective from the usual ferry rides, which tend to keep a polite distance from the Statue and skyline. Here, the immersion and immediacy are what make it special.

Music, narration, and onboard vibe

A big hit with most riders is the upbeat soundtrack and the live narration. The music keeps the energy high, and the crew’s commentary adds context and humor. One reviewer said, “the music and vibes onboard were impressive,” which sums up the general mood. The guides do a good job of balancing fun and safety, and many mention how friendly and engaging the crew are.

It’s not just about the speed; it’s about creating an entertaining, energetic environment. Whether you’re laughing with friends or just soaking it all in, the onboard vibe is lively without feeling overwhelming.

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Practical considerations

The ticket price of $27 is quite reasonable considering the thrill factor and the views you get. For such a short ride, it offers excellent value—especially when you compare it to longer, more sedate harbor tours. Keep in mind, this isn’t a relaxing cruise; it’s a fast-paced, wet-and-wild adventure.

Arrive early—45 minutes before departure—to handle check-in and security. The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so plan your transportation accordingly. Also, large bags or luggage aren’t permitted onboard, so travel light.

The height requirement of 40 inches means most children can go, but it’s not suitable for very young kids or pregnant women. Several families have enjoyed it, with kids especially excited about the speed and splash. One reviewer even mentioned how their kids “absolutely loved” getting soaked.

Post-ride experience and amenities

If you depart from Midtown, you can visit the Pier 81 BEASTro cafe afterward. It’s a good spot for food, drinks, and souvenirs, allowing you to extend the fun and keep the adrenaline going. Many appreciated this extra touch—it’s a nice way to unwind after the excitement.

However, remember that food and beverages are not allowed on the boat, so if you want a snack, plan to visit the cafe after your ride.

The reviews speak volumes

The overwhelmingly positive feedback is worth noting. With a 4.6 rating from over 4,200 reviews, most riders find this experience well worth the price. Comments range from “unreal experience” to “brilliant fun,” with many mentioning the friendly staff, the stunning views, and the overall value.

Some mention that the boat wasn’t full, which meant a slightly less crowded and more relaxed experience for them, but all still enjoyed the ride. The safety measures, from seatbelts to crew attentiveness, seem to be well-handled.

This is perfect for adventure lovers who want a quick, exciting way to see NYC’s iconic sights. It’s suitable for most ages over 3 ft 3 in who aren’t pregnant** and don’t mind getting a bit wet. It’s especially good for folks looking for a fun, adrenaline-filled break from traditional sightseeing. Families with teenagers, groups of friends, or couples wanting a unique experience will all find something to love here.

While it’s not ideal for those seeking a peaceful, long cruise or with very young children, it hits the sweet spot for thrill-seekers and photo enthusiasts alike.

The Circle Line “The Beast” offers a high-energy, fast-paced way to enjoy some of New York’s most famous sights. The speed, proximity to landmarks, and lively atmosphere make it stand out among harbor activities. It’s a great value for money, especially if you’re not expecting a long, leisurely tour but want a fun, adrenaline-fueled experience.

If you’re visiting NYC and want to tick off the Statue of Liberty and skyline with a twist, this is an option that delivers on excitement and memorable views. Just be ready to get wet, hold on tight, and enjoy the ride.

Is there a dress code or anything I should wear?
There’s no official dress code, but since you’ll likely get splashed, wearing quick-drying clothes and securing your hat or sunglasses is a good idea.

How long is the ride?
The tour lasts exactly 30 minutes, making it a quick, punchy experience that fits easily into a busy day.

Can I bring large bags or luggage?
No, large bags or luggage are not allowed onboard for safety and comfort reasons.

What is the minimum height to participate?
Passengers must be at least 40 inches tall to ride.

Are there any restrictions for pregnant women?
Yes, pregnant women are not advised to participate for safety reasons.

What should I do after the ride?
If departing from Midtown, you can visit Pier 81 BEASTro for food, drinks, and merchandise to extend your fun and keep the adrenaline going.

In all, if you’re craving a quick shot of adrenaline paired with iconic NYC views, The Beast speedboat ride is worth considering. It’s lively, fun, and provides a different perspective on the city that you won’t forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: