Docking in the Big Apple: A Boater’s Guide to Cruising NYC in Style

Josh and Haley Wallin are the kind of cruisers who make you want to drop everything and cast off the lines. Aboard SV Slacker, their 1986 Nauticat 33, they’ve been making their way around America’s Great Loop one marina, lock, and local gem at a time. Our team at Dockwa has been having the most wonderful time keeping up with their adventures and we 10/10 recommend giving them a follow over on IG for more cruising inspo. You can check out their page [here].

Today, they’re recapping their recent stopover in the Big Apple. In their New York City cruising guide below, you’ll find favorite local stops, marina recommendations, and the highlights that made their time in the city unforgettable.

Docking in the Big Apple: A Boater’s Guide to Cruising NYC in Style

By Haley and Josh Wallin of @CruisinCasa

Planning on cruising into New York City this summer? May I suggest you arrive at sunrise?

Now, you are probably asking, why would I do that? You can see the city from a point of view that most never see, coming under the Verrazzano Bridge, dodging cargo ships and Staten Island ferries as you make your way toward the Statue of Liberty. The questions begin to flood in: What was it like for our ancestors who left their homeland with this dream in America? What did their entrance to this historic city look like?

When you finally arrive in front of Lady Liberty, the feeling of gratitude and remembrance for those before you is overwhelming. We were lucky enough to have a fellow boat take an awesome picture of us right in front of the statue, and it will forever be our Christmas card. It is a bit chaotic in front of the statue with the ferries ripping by, but do not let that deter you from enjoying a few minutes in front of the Statue of Liberty.

We stayed at three vastly different spots during our two weeks in New York City, and they cover just about anyone's budget. From a budget stay up at Dyckman Marina on 206th Street to Brooklyn Bridge Marina with one of the best views in the city, or a quieter spot across the Hudson at Hudson Point Marina in Jersey City. Let’s start with Dyckman, which costs $240 a week for a mooring ball with a locked dinghy dock, bathrooms, and a shower. This is a no-frills marina, but it is two blocks from the A train that can get you into downtown Manhattan in 30 minutes. This marina is first come, first served.

The second stop we made was Brooklyn Bridge Marina, and when I say they have the best view in the city, I am not kidding. Being able to sit on your deck, cold drink in hand, and watch the lights of the city come to life is what dreams are made of. You are also in Brooklyn Heights, surrounded by wonderful coffee shops (our favorite was Nako, try the Earl Grey matcha), restaurants, and the promenade, which is an incredible place for an evening walk. Definitely a great spot to stay when visiting the city. Brooklyn Bridge Marina is bookable on Dockwa and is a place we highly recommend for boaters who want to be right in the heart of the city.

Moving on to the last, but definitely not least, marina of our stay in New York City: Hudson Point Marina. This marina is situated in Jersey City and is a quiet, peaceful place to stay while visiting the city. We had many fellow boaters come to catch our lines not once but twice because I went into the wrong slip (lol). You are a half mile walk from the PATH train, which connects to the subway at either One World Trade or 33rd Street. The one food recommendation I have here is Sam.a.m for breakfast, and I promise you will leave a very happy person. This allows you to explore any place in the city easily and at a reasonable price. Hudson Point is an absolute gem of a spot to stay in the city, is bookable on Dockwa, and comes at a reasonable price point.

Now, you have made it to the marina safely after dodging ferries and who knows what else in the harbor, and it is time to explore the city. Who can come to NYC and not go on a pizza tour? Some people will say you can, but they are wrong. There is no perfect tour, but here is the list that we went to in order: Roey’s, John’s on Bleecker, Denino’s Greenwich (my personal favorite), and finally Jonny’s. I highly recommend all of these places, but you honestly cannot go wrong just walking into a random pizza spot.

After pizza, what other iconic New York moments must you experience? If you guessed a New York Yankees vs Red Sox game, you are correct. Tickets will be expensive, but you did not come this far to be scared away by a one hundred-to-two-hundred-dollar ticket to see the Yankees play in the big house. We are not even baseball fans, but this experience was worth every penny of the twenty-dollar beers and ten dollar hot dogs.

Next on the list of must-do things is Times Square, where you can see America's consumerism in full force with endless video billboards and advertisements. This is also the place where you will likely get scammed by a random cartoon or Marvel character wanting a photo for “free,” only to pressure you into giving them ten bucks, so keep your head on a swivel.

I saved this last bit of our New York journey for the end because honestly, I did not think I would enjoy it at all but came to find out I actually thrive in museums. The MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) features endless art installations (some better than others) and the world-famous Starry Night, which was a big hit for our group. We followed it up with the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art), another fantastic museum filled with every type of art you can imagine. From medieval armor to Egyptian artifacts and European Renaissance art from every inch of the continent.

Honestly, in our two weeks here we felt like we barely scratched the surface of what there is to see in New York City. I hope this list gives you at least a starting point for your journey into the city and beyond.

We will never forget New York City and those marinas that felt too good to be true. Whether you are planning a trip up the East Coast or anywhere really, remember to use Dockwa for all your marina needs.

Follow our journey on Instagram @Cruisincasa

Travel safe out there :)

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