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Offered languages
- English
Explore the treacherous waters of Hell Gate, a notorious one-mile stretch of the East River—between Manhattan and Astoria, Queens—that has claimed countless ships with its deadly currents, jagged reefs, and legendary whirlpools. As you journey along Randall’s Island, uncover the fascinating and often eerie stories of the surrounding islands.
Tour Highlights:
Hell Gate’s Perilous Waters – Learn how whirlpools, hidden rocks, and shifting tides made this passage one of the most feared by sailors.
The Plot to Blow Up Hell Gate Bridge – Unravel the secrets of a shocking conspiracy.
River Pirates & Outlaws – Step into the world of 19th-century river pirates.
Explosions & Tragedy – Relive the catastrophic Hell Gate detonations and the tragic General Slocum disaster that changed New York forever.
Lost & Forbidden Places – Get a rare glimpse of the crumbling quarantine ruins of North Brother Island and the imposing jail complex of Rikers Island.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Randall's Island Park (the collective name for Randall’s Island to the north and Wards Island to the south) at the Wards Island end of Wards Island Bridge (also known as 103rd Street Footbridge). The Wards Island Bridge connects the island to East Harlem in Manhattan.
The tour will end at Sunken Meadow, close to the M35 bus stop, which will take you to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue. At this stop, transfer is available for the 4, 5 or 6 subway trains. Additionally, your guide can walk you to the various pedestrian exits off the island.
Itinerary
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1Wards Island Park
Vantage point to view Hell Gate, Mill Rock, and Roosevelt Island.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Randalls and Wards Islands
A vantage point to Astoria Park and the Triborough Bridge, and features of Wards Island.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Randalls and Wards Islands
At the Wards Island end of Hell Gate Bridge, tour attendees will hear about the unusual engineering of an iconic bridge as well as the plot to blow it up.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Randall's Island Park
Tour attendees will see the remainder of Little Hell Gate that separated the islands, the truss bridge over the covered strait, and classic film locations. Will see the northern part of Hell Gate from Sunken Meadow, the former islands adjoined to Astoria, and the power plants of the East River. A vantage point of Rikers Island, North and South Brother Islands, and the biggest prison barge in the world.
35 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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