AIANY Urban Ecology & Infrastructure Boat Tour

This 2.75-hour harbor loop tour focuses on innovative efforts to restore New York Harbor’s historically abundant marine ecosystem while also expanding vital “working waterfront” infrastructure. Notable waterfront (and skyline!) architecture, engineering, and landscape designs will be central to the discussion.  

TOUR FEATURES:

• The tour, narrated by AIANY guide Arthur Platt, departs from Chelsea Pier 62 and loops around New York Harbor’s Upper Bay.
• Cruises take place aboard Classic Harbor Line’s climate-controlled, 1920s-inspired motor yachts

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Key waterfront sites including Pier 26, Battery Park City, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Buttermilk Channel, Governors Island, Gowanus Bay, Sims Metal Recycling, the Brooklyn Army Terminal, Industry City, Owl’s Head Wastewater Treatment Plant, Staten Island waterfront, Global Container Terminal, Robbins Reef Lighthouse, Liberty State Park.
• Information on efforts to soften hardened shorelines and re-establish oysters to support aquatic habitat, absorb storm surge, and mitigate rising sea levels.
• A discussion of multi-pronged efforts to improve health by lowering carbon emissions and water pollution and reducing solid waste volume.
• An outline of how NYC is addressing sea level rise and frequent storm events with resilient waterfront planning.
• An introduction to diverse working vessels and their specific roles in bringing international goods to NYC and maintaining harbor operations.  

View Classic Harbor Line’s COVID protocols.