Get a personal introduction to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on a private, half-day tour, and explore two of New York City’s most iconic sites at your own pace. Hear inspiring stories about the design and construction of the Statue of Liberty as you explore. Learn about the immigrants that came to Ellis Island from around the world in the fascinating Ellis Island Museum. This fully customizable private tour is a perfect fit for families and groups with limited mobility.

Private tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Learn about Ellis Island immigration
Ideal choice for families
Choice of several departures throughout the day

What's Included

Personal expert guide
Private tour
Guided Tour of Battery Park
Guided Tour of Liberty Island
Guided Tour of Ellis Island Grounds
Statue Ferry Ticket

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004, USA
Your guide will be on the steps outside of the north entrance of the Alexander Hamilton Customs House (Museum of the American Indian), holding a white flag with a blue checkered border with our logo. This is the entrance facing the buildings in Manhattan with 4 statues.

End point

Ellis Island, United States
The tour concludes on Ellis Island. If you wish to spend more time visiting the museum, your guide can provide instructions on how to get back to Battery Park. Your guide can also take you back to Battery Park if you wish to return at the conclusion of the tour.

What To Expect

Meet your guide at Manhattan’s Battery Park, and set off for a quick tour to get your bearings in the city as your guide points out landmarks in Battery Park, the New York Harbor, and waterfront.

Next, hop aboard your ferry to Liberty Island. Upon reaching the island, make your way to the Statue of Liberty. See one of the original statue torches displayed alongside rare memorabilia and the poem ‘The New Colossus’ that was once at the base of the statue. Get perfect views of the New York City skyline from the observation deck and snap an unforgettable photo with Lady Liberty.

Continue to Ellis Island to explore New York’s immigrant legacy. Follow an immigrant’s trail through the Great Hall and see moving photos and artifacts in the onsite museum. Enjoy a personal take on Ellis Island from your guide, then learn how you can trace your family history there.

Finish your day with independent time on Ellis Island or by returning to Battery Park with your guide.

Statue of Liberty

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Ellis Island

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Battery Park

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Castle Clinton National Monument

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Duration is subject to ferry schedule and time guest wishes to spend on Ellis Island
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Food and drink is available for purchase on the Statue Ferry, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island
Service animals allowed
A moderate amount of walking is involved, please wear appropriate shoes
Operates in various weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Near public transportation
Photography is allowed, however monopods or tripods are not allowed
No weapons of any kind are allowed at the statue (including pocket knives, pepper spray, Swiss Army knives, etc.). There is no place to check these items before going through security, so please leave these items at home
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age.
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

262 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 262 reviews

Go with a Guide!

Robyn_H, Apr 2024

This experience wouldn’t have been so marvelous, so real, so full of connections to the past and present, so full of wonderful history and valid stories had we not had Percy as our guide. She made each place come alive in ways no poster on a wall could. Go with a guide!

Great private tour guide, John

Graham_G, Apr 2024

Our private guide John was super knowledgeable and a history buff. My wife and I really appreciated his perspective and all the great stories he shared that he clearly was passionate about. Unfortunately the line for getting on the ferry at 10am was very slow so we did lose a lot of time as a result. We decided to skip Ellis island as we had to finish on time. There's nothing the tour companies can do about this other than maybe suggesting earlier times to try and beat the rush. We would recommend using them and especially John to anyone looking for lots of cool historical stories.

Hot Dog! This was a bangin tour!

Devon_W, Apr 2024

Percy was the most spectacular host!! They were so informed and knowledgeable about all the basic history, but more importantly, Percy kept us so engaged with the often untold stories. The kids were engaged and interested, the adults were completely blown away. I feel like I have learned so much and eager to look up some of these historical figures we learned so much from Percy!! Our tour happened when there was an earthquake (crazy!!) and Percy kept a calm mind and made sure we were ok and comfortable the whole time. I highly recommend Percy!!

Not worth the money, not great for kids

Jill_A, Mar 2024

Unfortunately, we would not recommend this for families with kids. Our guide was informational, but she didn’t know her audience. we had kiddos as young as five and it was geared for adults. We were in the same lines as everyone else and it didn’t save us any hassle as far as lines or crowds. We couldn’t find her to start (our fault) but I’m sure if that bothered her or in general she seemed annoyed or not interested in us at all, almost as those she would have rather not been there.

A fabulous before & after tour experience: we learned so much

Kerry_D, Feb 2024

John. What a fabulous tour guide. Sure logistics were great and easy. But the guide makes the tour and John made the day. Fueled by an encyclopedic knowledge of the subject and personal warmth, he brought everything to life with passion and personality. Standout experience.

Highly interesting and efficient way to tour these sites

nancy_l, Dec 2023

We met our private tour guide Percy on the steps of the National American Museum of Indian across from Battery Park. She provided excellent information on the history of both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. She was able to get us through the lines on the ferry efficiently. We saved a lot of time. She knew where to stand on the ferry to get the best views and get off quickly. It was well worth the additional money. I highly recommend this private tour.

Get Patrick. He's our man.

Michael_W, Dec 2023

Guide was very professional knowledgeable and personable. It was a real pleasure to work with him. Even when an emergency for a pet happened he properly completed the tour of Ellis Island. Also went above and beyond with a recommendation for tasty hand pulled noodle house in China town, 6 stars, Both Seth and I have had them overseas. The best Thank you Patrick. Michael, Seth and Nancy.

Great Private Tour!

Stephen_A, Dec 2023

Our tour guide Claire was exceptional. She was friendly, funny and extremely knowledgeable. If you are looking for the perfect private tour of The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, this is it.

Nice trip with Nicole

Susan_K, Dec 2023

Nicole was very informative and in spite of the rainy weather we were able to see everything and learn.

Statue of liberty

Amanda_M, Nov 2023

The tour was amazing but I was under the impression it included access to the crown also. This was not the case. So spoiled it a little. However our tour guide was amazing.

The tour guide was super...

carol_d, Nov 2023

The tour guide was super knowledgeable, he knew all the good spots to stand and best picture areas!!

Wonderful experience; informative.

Robert_M, Nov 2023

My son & I recently took this tour and we’re very happy with the experience . Our guide, Nicole, was very informative, friendly and made the day very special for us. As a native New Yorker she was able to give wonderful insight into the whole experience. Just the right amount of time, information for a tour. Would definitely recommend this for anyone visiting New York; especially wonderful for children!

Terrific Tour Guide

Judd_H, Oct 2023

Cecilia was a fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, solicitous, equally at ease speaking with my 80-year-old mother and 10-year-old son. I let her know my mother was hard of hearing, and she was careful to stay near her, and speak loudly, without embarrassing my mom. She had terrific energy, and knew a ton. A terrific experience.

Memorable visit to Miss Liberty and Ellis Island

Peter_W, Oct 2023

We had a fabulous time with Luke! He was knowledgeable, entertaining, adapted to our pace and was anxious to make this tour as memorable as possible! He succeeded brilliantly.

Claire was very...

PAULADIANE_S, Oct 2023

Claire was very knowledgeable and pleasant . She took time to answer all of our questions . I would highly recommend her.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Carla_P, Sep 2023

Tour guide was entertaining. He had lots of information and didn’t just leave us even after the tour. He was very nice

Great way to experience the sights.

Clifton_S, Sep 2023

We have been to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island before, but this tour was the best. Our guide was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and accommodating. Highly recommended.

Fabulous private tour

alan_c, Sep 2023

The easy but informative information given to us by Celiah (not sure of her spelling) was fun, interesting and tailored to us. Our tour guide was fabulous

Fabulous Tour

Michael_M, Aug 2023

Nicole was our guide and she was superb!! She was extremely prepared and knowledgeable. She listened to our requests and met our needs completely!! We highly this tour and our exceptional guide!!

Interesting and educational

Simon_T, Aug 2023

Nicole the Guid was nice and came prepared the kids enjoy to hear about the history of the project planing and financing

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