Tugboat Ride
May 25 – October 30, 2022 | Fri, Sat, Sun | $30 adults, $15 kids
Take an exciting 75-minute ride on the last surviving New York-built wooden tugboat W.O. Decker, recently named “Tugboat of the Year” by the Steamship Historical Society of America. Cruises will explore New York Harbor, and views may include the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Battery, and Governors Island, as you set out on an adventure unlike any you’ve had before!
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for kids, with discounts available for students, seniors, and Seaport Museum members.
Departure Schedule:
Fridays: 1:15pm, 2:45pm
Saturdays: 1:15pm, 2:45pm, 4:15pm
Sundays: 1:15pm, 2:45pm, 4:15pm
W.O. Decker requires climbing angled gangways and a step up and over her side from a floating deck. Participants must be age 10 or older. Advance reservations are recommended, and guests must check in 15 minutes before the scheduled tour at the red tent on Pier 16 (Fulton and South Streets). Tickets are non-refundable. Trips take place rain-or-shine and are cancelled only if the captain determines conditions are unsafe; in such cases ticket holders may choose to reschedule or receive a refund.
Be sure to review the latest COVID-19 protocols. As of April 21, 2022, people over age 5 will be required to show proof they are fully vaccinated to board. Proof of vaccination can be provided in the form of a physical immunization card, NY Excelsior Pass app, or the NYC COVID Safe app at check-in.
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 as 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.
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 W.O. Decker was built in Long Island City, Queens, in 1930 by the Newtown Creek Towing Company. 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. 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.