Timed Guided Tours | Wednesday–Sunday | 11:30am–3:30pm | Pier 16 | Free with General Admission
As you walk multiple decks of this National Historic Landmark you will see the living and working spaces once inhabited by sailors stationed on Ambrose, as well as the special features that allow the ship to fulfill its mission of staying on station, being seen, and being heard. This ship was the first vessel to join the Seaport Museum’s fleet and the very first lightship to guard the largest shipping channel in and out of the ports of New York and New Jersey—the Ambrose Channel.
On your guided tour you will learn how Ambrose played a significant role in the immigrant experience and hear how countless waves of immigrants brought with them diverse cultures, traditions, and skills that interwove to form the rich tapestry of the city’s identity.
About Tour Registration
Tours are free to add to a General Admission ticket, and selection of timed-entry is required for reservation. A General Admission ticket is required to tour Ambrose. Make sure to have both tickets in your cart before you complete your order.
Tours are led multiple times per day and last approximately 45 minutes. You will need to select the time slot of your tour when you reserve your ticket. If you don’t see tickets available for a specific time, that tour has reached capacity. If a tour lacks registrants 24 hours before its scheduled time, it may be canceled. To ensure a tour is available at your preferred time, please sign up for that time slot in advance to guarantee your space. Advance registration to guarantee your space is encouraged. Walkups can be accommodated as space allows.
Guests must check in at the red tent located at the bottom of the Wavertree gangway on Pier 16, or in the introduction galleries at 12 Fulton Street at least 10 minutes before the tour is scheduled to begin. Please note that storage space is not available on board Ambrose. Strollers can be parked at the base of the Wavertree gangway before your tour. Access to Ambrose requires walking up an angled gangway and up and down stairs to each deck while on board.
We look forward to sharing this piece of New York history with you. Book your Ambrose and General Admission tickets below.
About the 1908 Lightship Ambrose
Lightship LV-87, also known as Ambrose, was built in 1907 as a floating lighthouse to guide ships safely from the Atlantic Ocean into the Lower New York Bay. Occupying her station from 1908–1932, she guided mariners to the nation’s busiest port, and welcomed over six million immigrants into New York Harbor.
South Street Seaport Museum
By subway: Take the A, C, 2, 3, J, Z, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street.
By bus: Take the M-15 SBS or M-15 to Fulton Street.
By water: The NYC Ferry, and New York Waterway provide service to Pier 11. The Staten Island Ferry provides services to Whitehall Terminal.
Parking: Parking lots can be found at Front and John Streets, as well as 294 Pearl Street.