Ferries

The NYC Ferry stops in Atlantic Basin, next to PortSide NewYork's flagship THE MARY A. WHALEN.  Red Hook is on the South Brooklyn (SB) line.  From Red Hook one can go further into Brooklyn and travel to Brooklyn Army Terminal/Sunset Park and Bay Ridge.  In the Manhattan direction it stops at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6/Atlantic Avenue and Wall Street/Pier 11.  Pier 11 is the NYC Ferry hub from where  ferries can be taken to other stops in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx. Schedules change seasonally.  The cost of ride is $2.75, transfers to other ferries with the NYC ferry system are free and bikes are an additional dollar (as of 7/2020). 

A ferry to Governors Island runs from the NYC Ferry stop in Atlantic Basin on the weekends.  The cost is $3 but is free for NYCHA residents, children, seniors, former and active military servicemenbers, IDNYC holders and everyone riding before noon.  It is recommended that tickets are reserved ahead of time.  Capacity on the ferries is limited. This is a seasonal service, see website for schedule and details.  

The New York Water Taxi had been running a ferry between the Red Hook IKEA and Wall Street in Manhattan.  Service (as of 7/2020) is suspended. Check their website for details.  

Historic Ships

The MARY A. WHALEN, Pier 11, Atlantic Basin. Hours.  Our home! A coastal oil tanker built in 1938, last of its kind in the USA, on the National Register of Historic Places, home of the non-profit PortSide NewYork and world-famous shipcat Chiclet. Open for special events and performances as scheduled.  Groups by appointment any day of the week. The main deck is open for hang-out M-F, 10:30-5pm every weekday, often on weekends if staff is around. Sunset TankerTime 5-10pm the Sundays of June-October.  #TankerTime

The LEHIGH VALLEY 79, Pier 44, southern foot of Conover Street. An atmospheric wood, railroad lighter barge, built in 1914.  Feels like a barn afloat with a ceiling festooned with nautical artifacts.  It is last of its kind in the USA, on the National Register of Historic Places and the home of Waterfront Museum and the Sharps family. Open Thurs 4-8, Saturday 1-5 and for special events, performances and exhibits. School, camp, tour and senior groups by appointment any day of the week.

Big Ships

Leave on a cruise ship from Red Hook. Schedule and cruise lines here.

It may be possible to leave on a containership from Red Hook.  A few freight shipping lines take a limited number of passengers. We are seeking an update on shipping lines that call at this port. Check back!

Human-powered Boats

Free kayaking on weekends in Valentino Park thanks to the Red Hook Boaters. Sundays, 1:00PM - 4:00PM: June 5th until September 25th and some special events.

Bring Your Own Boat

Valentino Park is a City approved launch site for human-powered boats. The Parks Department requires you apply for a permit and only use the launch between sunrise and sunset. Full rules here.