Water Taxi

Wandering west Manhattan after an early start, where I was staying with a friend in Hell’s Kitchen, I wondered if there was a way to get from this neighborhood to Battery park by boat. Literally wondered! The outdated guidebook was silent. The guard at the Intrepid looked at me like a disgusting tourist and muttered «that I do not no sir». Little did he know that right next door is the Water Taxi service that will take you all around the east and west sides of the island for a flat daily fee… neither did I until I wandered south to the passenger bay for boat tours at Pier 84. I am surprised this is not advertised very well, it is just a little stand next to the tourist cruises. Quick to get a ticket and soon I was off on the not-​too-​rocky waters of the Hudson with rolling views of the west Island which made for a nice photo session. You can sit on the roof for better views, it was freezing but worth it. Nice commentary by the guide including advice on where to eat («feed your whole family for cheap in Chinatown») and little introductions to the buildings. Much better than the subway!