Tugboat Ride
Though the South Street Seaport Museum’s indoor spaces remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we invite visitors to enjoy our virtual programs and events, shop at our online store, or sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date on our upcoming programs.
Take a 60-minute ride on the last surviving New York-built wooden tugboat W.O. Decker as she cruises around New York Harbor. W.O. Decker will cruise to the Statue of Liberty, giving her riders stunning views of the Statue, Ellis Island, the Battery, and Governor’s Island, as you set out on an adventure unlike any you’ve had before!
Access to W.O. Decker requires climbing angled gangways and a step up and over her side from a floating deck. Must be age 8 or above to ride.
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CHARTER W.O. DECKER
The historic tugboat W.O. Decker is the perfect backdrop for a group adventure, exciting corporate outing, or unforgettable celebration. W.O. Decker is available for photo and video shoots as well custom charter experiences including Museum-hosted history cruises, or special trips to some of the more hard-to-reach spots in New York Harbor. Click below to find out how to make W.O. Decker a part of your next event.
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2018 Restoration
In 2018, our beloved tug W.O. Decker underwent a thorough overhaul and returned to the South Street Seaport Museum gloriously restored, thanks to public, private, and volunteer support. In 2019, W.O. Decker participated in the “Great North River Tugboat Race” and the Waterfront Alliance “Heroes of the Harbor Parade of Boats.” W.O. Decker once again serves as an educational and public sail platform.
Education Programs on W.O. Decker
W.O. Decker is available for educational programs middle school high school university, smaller groups, especially good for marine science studies or and getting close to various habitats and the working waterfront.
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.
About W.O. Decker
The last surviving New York built, wooden tugboat (originally steam powered and later refit with a diesel engine) W.O. Decker was built in 1930 by the Newtown Creek Towing Company and originally named Russell I, after the towing company’s owners. She was renamed W.O. Decker in 1946 after being sold to the Decker family’s Staten Island tugboat firm. The tugboat was donated to the Seaport Museum in 1986, and was refit with a diesel engine. W.O. Decker is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an exemplary model of the types of steam tugs that were once an abundant sight in New York Harbor. This unique vessel is a true testament to New York City’s maritime heritage, which is a direct factor in the city’s global prominence today.