Tours | Wed–Sun | 11am–5pm | Pier 16
This National Register-listed vessel represents the thousands of ships that docked along New York’s waterfront over the centuries and invites you aboard to see how people worked and lived aboard a 19th century cargo sailing ship—from the captain to the ship’s officers, cooks, and crew. In the care of the Seaport Museum, Wavertree has been meticulously restored and has been carefully curated to help tell the story of the rise of New York City as a global metropolis.
On your visit you are invited to explore the main deck which features the newly restored forecastle, where the crew bunked; the galley, where meals were prepared; the saloon, which acted as the captain’s living room and the ship’s office in port; and the quarterdeck, where you can man the helm, turn the ships wheel, and learn about the capstan. You will also get a look into the vast cargo hold, which stored bulk cargo on Wavertree’s many journeys to distant ports around the globe during her 24-year sailing career.
Access to Wavertree requires climbing a small set of ladder-type stairs and an angled gangway.
Admission to the tall ship Wavertree is included in your Pay What You Wish General Admission ticket and can be reserved below. In addition, your General Admission includes access to current exhibitions on view in the introduction gallery space at 12 Fulton Street. Free timed tickets for a tour of the lightship Ambrose are available separately.
Book your tickets below!
Extend Your Visit
In addition to General Admission tickets, participants are invited to enjoy a Daytime, Sunset or Launch and Learn sail on the Seaport Museum’s 1885 schooner Pioneer, or a weekend ride on the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker. These added experiences are the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable evening with friends and family, a serene solo adventure, or a dreamy date night. Tickets for these on-the-water activities range from $15–$70.
About the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree
Wavertree was built at Southampton, England, in 1885 and, after a 24 years sailing career and circumnavigating the globe at least three times, is now the last remaining iron-hulled three-masted full-rigged cargo ship. Today, Wavertree serves as the iconic centerpiece of the bustling waterfront that shaped New York City into a modern metropolis.
Explore Wavertree
Use the map below, to identify some of the things you’ll find as you tour the deck of Wavertree.
Want to learn more about Pay What You Wish General Admission tickets? Visit the FAQ page for more details.
Have Your Next Event on Wavertree
Wavertree is the perfect one-of-a-kind setting for your next event. This historic ship provides a breathtaking setting with unparalleled views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
2015-16 Restoration
In recognition of Wavertree‘s symbolism of New York’s History, the Seaport Museum was awarded a 13-million dollar, city-funded grant for her unprecedented restoration in 2015. This provided the necessary means for her restoration including the completion of her masts, yards, and rigging, the installation of her ‘tweendeck, and the refitting of her iron-hull. This restoration marked the beginning of the next chapter of her life as the flagship of the South Street Seaport Museum.
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.