Wednesday–Sunday | 11am–5pm | Pier 16 | Free with General Admission
Tour this National Register-listed vessel that represents the thousands of ships that docked along New York’s waterfront over the centuries. Come 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 South Street Seaport Museum, the 1885 tall ship 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 will explore the main deck that features the 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 ship’s 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.
About Registration
Throughout the cooler months, tours of Wavertree are led every 30 minutes and last approximately 30 minutes. On days when the weather is nicer, tours will be self-guided and guests may explore at their own pace. You may access Wavertree at any time from 11am to 5pm on the day of your visit. You do not need to select a time slot for your tour. Last admission will be 4:45pm. Advance registration to guarantee your space is encouraged. Walkups can be accommodated as space allows.
Admission to the tall ship Wavertree located at Pier 16 is Pay What You Wish. In addition to visiting the historic cargo ship, your admission also includes access exhibitions on view in the Seaport Museum’s introduction galleries inside Schermerhorn Row located at 12 Fulton Street.
Timed tours of the 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16 are available separately and free to add to your General Admission ticket.
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. Please note that storage space is not available on board Wavertree. Strollers can be parked at the base of the gangway when boarding. Access to Wavertree includes climbing up a few stairs, walking up an angled gangway, and then down a few stairs onto the deck. Access to the lower decks is by stairs; access to the upper deck is by steep ladder-like stairs.
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.