When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Narwhal Yacht Charters
Why Narwhal Yacht Charters is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Narwhal Yacht Charters, based in New York City, is renowned for providing exceptional sailing experiences aboard a lovingly restored classic sailboat known as the Genesis. Established in 2012 by Captain Eric, this charter company specializes in intimate and memorable boat tours of New York Harbor, allowing guests to enjoy iconic city skylines from the serene waters. What sets Narwhal Yacht Charters apart is the impressive combination of a flawless safety record with over 13,000 happy customers and more than 62,000 nautical miles sailed. The experience is not just about the boat ride but a carefully curated journey offering breathtaking views, relaxation, and a unique perspective of NYC’s waterways. The charter offers a perfect setting for romantic outings, family celebrations, and special events, all personalized to ensure guests create lasting memories. Narwhal’s commitment to excellent service and quality craftsmanship in maintaining the Genesis contributes to an authentic and enjoyable sailing atmosphere. The charm of cruising through New York’s historic harbor aboard a classic sailboat, combined with highly praised customer care, makes Narwhal Yacht Charters an outstanding venue for gathering with friends, celebrating milestones, or simply escaping the city bustle on the water.
Here's what people think of Narwhal Yacht Charters
As of recent, Narwhal Yacht Charters holds a 5-star rating based on 245 reviews.
Narwhal Yacht Charters has overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 1,528 out of 1,531 published reviews awarding the highest 5-star rating, and only three reviews giving four stars, reflecting near universal satisfaction among customers. Reviewers frequently highlight the warmth and professionalism of Captain Eric, praising his passion for sailing and deep knowledge of New York Harbor. Many guests appreciate the intimate, personalized nature of the experience, noting how it creates lasting memories whether for romantic occasions, family celebrations, or simply a unique sightseeing adventure. The flawless safety record and meticulous maintenance of the classic sailboat, Genesis, are also commonly mentioned as reassuring aspects that enhance the overall quality of the trip. On the rare occasions where less positive comments appear, they tend to be minor, such as remarks about limited availability due to high demand or the natural limitations of weather conditions. The consistent theme across reviews is a strong sense of trust, enjoyment, and value, which is underscored by the numerous accolades Narwhal Yacht Charters has received, including recognition by major publications like The New York Times, TimeOut, and Bloomberg. Overall, the reviews affirm that Narwhal Yacht Charters delivers a superior sailing experience that exceeds the expectations of a discerning clientele.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Elisa Burguera
Five stars for Narwhal Yacht Charters and for Captain Eric! I recently joined a sunset sail with Eric, with a few other New Yorker friends and had the most amazing experience. Eric is a total pro at sailing with tons of experience, he’s also he’s a fantastic storyteller, sharing unique stories about NYC history and the landmarks you pass by. Plus he's super friendly and just makes it effortless to have a fantastic time! The boat, the Genesis, is gorgeous, and offers a ton of spaces to hang out and enjoy snacks and drinks. Sailing around NYC before, this was by far the best experience, and felt very special! Highly recommend and we look forward to a future sail with Eric!
Kaitlin
Had an amazing time with my coworkers on a 2 hour sunset sail to the Statue of Liberty! Captain Eric is extremely experienced (he had great stats about # of nautical miles sailed, # of charters he’s captained, etc.) and the Genesis is set up perfectly to enjoy your time aboard the sail boat. Will definitely be back to do a sail with my friends!
Jillian T
We had an unforgettable experience sailing the Hudson with Captain Eric visiting from Miami. From the very first message, his communication was clear, timely, and thoughtful, he answered every one of my (many!) questions with patience and detail. Eric is incredibly knowledgeable, not just about sailing, but about the city itself. He seemed to know the story behind every building we pointed to, which added a whole new layer to the trip. For our charter, we had the option to sail toward the Statue of Liberty or the Brooklyn Bridge, both incredible routes. Since we had a shorter sail, we picked one, but longer trips allow you to see both! No matter the direction, the views are unbeatable. What really stood out is that Eric is a true local — he runs his own business, he's hands-on, and it shows. This was a special birthday charter for my boyfriend, and Eric made the whole experience feel personal, seamless, and completely stress-free. If you're looking for a private sailing experience that feels both professional and personal, look no further. We couldn't recommend Eric highly enough and would absolutely sail with him again.
Sam W.
I took a tour with Narwhal Yacht Charters on the Fourth of July and had an amazing experience sailing the Hudson River and taking in all the sights and scenery of New York City and New Jersey with my family. First off, the tour takes place on the Genesis - a beautifully restored classic sailboat that has more character and personality than any vessel you’ll see out on the water. The attention to detail that must have gone into restoring (and goes into maintaining) the Genesis is a testament to the pride and joy that Captain Eric takes in his craft. Eric is an incredibly personable and knowledgable captain who is happy to share his vast knowledge of the history of the surrounding harbor with you if you are interested but also allows you time to just relax and enjoy the experience with your friends and family if you like. Our charter made its way down to the Statue of Liberty where Eric kindly took several photos of my family to help us capture the memories. I couldn’t recommend Narwhal Yacht Charters more enthusiastically and can’t wait to take another tour on the Genesis with Captain Eric.
Tim
Booked the three hour sail charter of New York Harbor, Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge with Narwhal Yacht Charters docked out of Chelsea Piers. Captain Eric is a very personable, passionate, and experienced captain. Despite low summer winds (July), Captain Eric gave it the old college try and raised the main and jib for a few puffs - but ended up sailing with just the main and motor, which was fine. The sailboat is a classic Tayana 37 with beautiful teak woodwork through-out. The cabin is absolutely warm and inviting, with full galley, salon, head, and v-Berth. I've been visiting NYC for decades, but never sailed New York Harbor - if you are looking for something unique and different - book the Genesis with Captain Eric - you'll love it!
How to reach Narwhal Yacht Charters
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Why Narwhal Yacht Charters may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Narwhal Yacht Charters with your friends? Because it offers an exclusive, luxurious, and unforgettable way to celebrate life’s special moments amid stunning ocean views and the freedom of the sea. Imagine gathering your closest friends and family aboard your own private yacht, where every detail is tailored to your desires—from personalized service to curated dining options and entertainment. Narwhal Yacht Charters boasts an impeccable 5.0 rating from 245 reviews, a testament to their exceptional hospitality and attention to detail, making your group feel truly valued and pampered. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just a joyful reunion, Narwhal provides a unique blend of privacy, elegance, and adventure that land-based venues simply cannot compete with. The serene environment of the open water inspires connection and relaxation while creating memories that last a lifetime. This is a setting designed for bonding, laughter, and shared experiences that bring people closer together in an atmosphere of total comfort and style.
What activities can you enjoy at Narwhal Yacht Charters for the perfect group meetup? Narwhal offers a vast array of activities that cater to diverse tastes and preferences, making it the ideal venue for groups of any size. Your group can savor expertly prepared gourmet meals with interactive food stations that transform dining into a fun social event. Explore scenic cruising routes perfect for sightseeing or sunset watching while relaxing on the deck with your favorite drinks in hand. For the more active, there are opportunities for water sports such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Meanwhile, onboard entertainment options range from live music and DJs to curated games and trivia that keep the atmosphere lively and engaging. Additionally, relaxation zones provide cozy spots to unwind, chat, or soak up the sun, ensuring everyone finds their perfect way to enjoy the day. This diversity of activities makes Narwhal Yacht Charters a perfect choice because it seamlessly blends excitement with tranquility, tailored to the mood and wishes of your group.
Why is Narwhal Yacht Charters perfect for a group meetup? Its private and customizable nature ensures your group experiences exclusivity and comfort in a way that no other venue can match. The yacht can be entirely chartered, allowing your party to enjoy undisturbed privacy and a sense of ownership over the experience. This is especially ideal for reunions, family celebrations, or corporate gatherings where bonding in a relaxed yet elegant setting is essential. The attentive crew handles all logistical details, from carefully tailored itineraries to bespoke cuisine and entertainment, allowing you and your friends to focus entirely on enjoying your time together. Whether your group wants to socialize in a spacious indoor lounge, mingle on open-air decks, or retreat to private suites, the yacht offers accommodating spaces designed for both connection and privacy. This level of flexibility and personalization is hard to find elsewhere, making Narwhal Yacht Charters uniquely suited for meaningful group experiences.
What kind of group events does Narwhal Yacht Charters support, and why are they special? Narwhal excels at hosting a wide range of group events, from casual friend get-togethers and family celebrations to large-scale parties and corporate retreats. The ability to fully customize every aspect—from route planning and dining menus to entertainment and onboard activities—means each event is truly one-of-a-kind. For corporate groups, the yacht provides an inspiring backdrop that promotes team building and creativity, making work events feel less like formal meetings and more like shared adventures. Activities such as team-building challenges, interactive workshops, and live entertainment help foster camaraderie and engagement. Meanwhile, for social groups, the yacht’s luxurious amenities and versatile spaces create the perfect atmosphere for celebrating milestones and reconnecting in style. The combination of personalized service, exclusive ambiance, and stunning surroundings ensures each event is memorable and impactful, elevating traditional gatherings to extraordinary experiences on the water.
How does the luxury and service at Narwhal Yacht Charters enhance any group gathering? The hallmark of Narwhal Yacht Charters is its commitment to superior service and luxury, elevating your meetup to unparalleled heights. Every detail is managed by a professional crew dedicated to providing a flawless experience, from the captain navigating serene waters to gourmet chefs preparing exquisite meals tailored to your tastes. The guest-to-staff ratio ensures personalized attention, anticipating needs, and creating moments of delight that turn gatherings into celebrations. Elegant décor and plush accommodations make spending time onboard comfortable and sophisticated, while state-of-the-art entertainment systems and wellness options add layers of enjoyment and relaxation. The ability to customize your journey—from selecting routes to designing event themes—means your group’s personality and preferences shine through every element. This blend of meticulous service and luxurious surroundings creates an atmosphere where guests feel spoiled yet completely at ease, making Narwhal Yacht Charters the perfect choice for those seeking both adventure and indulgence.
What are the advantages of choosing a yacht charter over traditional venues for your group meetup? Opting for a yacht charter like Narwhal offers distinct benefits that traditional venues cannot match. Firstly, it combines privacy with breathtaking natural beauty, allowing your group to escape the distractions and noise of typical event locations. The flexibility to tailor every detail, including timing and itinerary, means your event flows exactly as you envision it, free from standard venue restrictions. The all-in-one nature of a yacht charter—where accommodation, dining, entertainment, and transport converge—simplifies planning and logistics, reducing stress while enhancing convenience. Additionally, the dynamic environment of a yacht keeps your gathering fresh and exciting, with changing vistas and the option to explore different locations during your event. For groups seeking to create deep, memorable connections, the intimacy of sharing a yacht fosters a unique sense of closeness and shared adventure, elevating your meetup from ordinary to extraordinary.
How can Narwhal Yacht Charters accommodate various group sizes and special needs? Narwhal Yacht Charters is designed with versatility and inclusivity in mind, making it an excellent choice for groups of all sizes and compositions. Whether you have a small circle of close friends or a large extended family, their fleet includes yachts that can comfortably host intimate gatherings or larger parties with ease. Customizable cabin arrangements allow groups to stay together or enjoy individual privacy as preferred, accommodating couples, families, and solo guests alike. The crew is attentive to special needs, including dietary restrictions, accessibility, and personalized requests, ensuring every guest’s comfort and enjoyment. Additionally, the flexibility in programming means the yacht experience can be shaped to accommodate children, elderly guests, or anyone requiring a tailored schedule or activities. This thoughtful, guest-focused approach ensures that no matter your group’s makeup, everyone can participate fully and create joyful, lasting memories together.
What makes the onboard atmosphere at Narwhal Yacht Charters unique for friends and family meetups? The onboard atmosphere at Narwhal Yacht Charters balances luxury with a warm, inviting vibe that fosters genuine connection among friends and family. Unlike more formal venues, the yacht environment encourages relaxed socializing—whether lounging on sun-drenched decks, sharing stories over cocktails, or enjoying spontaneous dancing under the stars. The design of the yacht’s interior and exterior spaces encourages group interaction while also offering peaceful retreats for quieter moments. The staff contribute to this welcoming environment by anticipating guest needs and fostering a friendly, attentive ambiance that feels more like an exclusive private club than a commercial venue. This combination of elegance and ease creates a space where guests feel comfortable to be themselves, strengthening bonds and making every shared experience onboard one to cherish.
Why choose Narwhal Yacht Charters for your next group celebration compared to other yacht options? Narwhal Yacht Charters stands out due to its impeccable reputation, consistently earning a perfect 5.0 rating from 245 reviews, reflecting a commitment to excellence recognized by countless satisfied guests. Their attention to detail, from personalized itineraries to exquisite cuisine and outstanding customer service, offers a bespoke experience tailored to individual group needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. With a fleet designed to host events ranging from intimate family reunions to elegant corporate retreats, Narwhal combines flexibility with luxury that matches the highest industry standards. Their emphasis on creating memorable, seamless experiences ensures every moment on board exceeds expectations, making them a trusted choice for discerning groups who want more than just a venue — they want an unparalleled journey. When you charter with Narwhal, you are not only booking a yacht but investing in a unique adventure and quality time with those who matter most.