Fast Times Along New York’s Waterways - USA
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Stumble It!There aren’t any roller coasters - at least none that I know of - in Manhattan. Fortunately for New York-bound or based adrenaline seekers, Manhattan does have the Shark - a speedboat thrill ride run by the Circle Line. It launches from the South Street Seaport and takes tourists and locals on a 30-minute high-velocity trip around Manhattan.
Manhattan's shark
Complete with a pounding sound system busting out tunes like Gillian’s Island song, “Love Shack” and a corny-but-inspiring rendition of “Proud to be an American” at a certain Lady Liberty, the Shark isn’t your typical boat ride. Speaking of the Statue, the views you’ll see from the Shark are amongst the best. It’s a different vantage point than from traditional ships and a fun change. Since the boat is just 70 feet long, you won’t have to jockey for space too much.
Some of the captains work in tandem with other boats to jump their wakes and create an extra hop for passengers. If there aren’t any boats leaving natural wakes, the captains will make their own!
You’ll get the greatest spray by sitting in the middle to the back of the boat, particularly on the sides. The front of the boat tends to be the bumpiest. If you’re trying to avoid water, opt for a seat in the center.
Shark staff members go out of their way to make sure riders genuinely have a good time; their enthusiasm is contagious. But watch out - they might resort to trying to get you wet using other means if the waves don’t do the trick.
Like many adrenalin activities, many people get addicted to the high; there is a sizeable percentage of repeat riders. The Shark is the perfect option to explore New York’s waterways if you prefer speed and excitement to the narration of a traditional boat cruise.
On windy days, you may want to bring a light, quick-dry outer layer to wear. I was able to take some pictures from the boat, but I’d recommend using a wrist- or neck-strap so your camera doesn’t end up in the Hudson River during a quick turn!
The Shark departs from Pier 16 at the South Street Seaport every hour on the hour. Daily summer schedule runs from June 1 through September 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. During May and from September 9 through October 7, you can ride during the weekends only, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Walk-up tickets are $20.00 for adults, $14.00 for children, $18.00 for seniors. Reduced-price tickets can be purchased in advance for $18.00 adults, $12.00 children, $16.00 seniors. You can buy advance tickets by calling 1-866-9CLINE1 or by visiting Circle Line Downtown. For walk-up tickets, visit Circle Line Downtown’s Ticket Booth at Pier 16 at the Seaport.
New York-based freelance writer, Carly Blatt, has traveled, studied and worked abroad, covering 23 countries on five continents. Her travel adventures include swimming in Antarctica, bungy jumping in New Zealand, paragliding in the Alps, caving in Belize, mountain boarding in Colorado, camping with locals in the Australian Outback, and helping confused-looking tourists find their way in Manhattan.
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