Chapter 24. The Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry at the Manhattan docks at twilight on a cold winter evening. Taken at ISO 50, f/8, 10 seconds with a 300mm lens.

Why It's Worth a Photograph

The Staten Island Ferry is one of the best deals in New York City. This free ferry service between Manhattan and Staten Island offers views of the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline as it carries its 60,000 passengers every day. In service since 1817, the fleet of boats runs 24 hours a day.

You can take the 25-minute ride out of Manhattan and then get right back on for a return from Staten Island at most times of day. During the late-night hours, you will have to wait roughly 30 minutes for the next trip.

Riding on the bow or stern observation decks can be a cold and windy proposition, but the fantastic points of view you can obtain are well worth the discomfort. Be sure to make a round trip on the Staten Island Ferry part of your photo tour of New York.

Why It's Worth a Photograph

The best vantage points from which to photograph around the Staten Island Ferry: (A) the ferry passing the Statue of Liberty, (B) the ferry leaving Manhattan, and (C) Battery Park. Other photo ops: (3) Castle Clinton.

Where Can I Get the Best Shot?

The best locations from which to photograph on and around the ...

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