Pedal-powered boats are something you’d expect to find on a water park in Florida. However, starting this Friday, NYC Cycleboats is bringing one of these pedal-powered boats straight to Jersey City.
The idea came about when NYC Cycleboats owner, Christopher Coscia, took a Cycleboat tour along the Chicago river. “I couldn’t help but think it would be fun in New York and New Jersey,” says Coscia, a 30 year-old Staten Island resident. And so Coscia bought the Cycleboat straight to the Hudson.
The Cycleboat is a 16-passenger boat with 10 pedal stations. Each NYC Cycleboat tour will last 1 hour and 40 minutes and travel from Liberty Harbor Marina in Jersey City to Ellis Island and around the Statue of Liberty. Every tour is also BYOB, so you can pedal, drink, and take selfies to your heart’s content.
There is a catch though: No hard liquor. Otherwise, you can bring wine, beer, and snacks. (Hey, if you can drink and throw axes, why not drink and pedal).
There’s also a large bench for slackers non-pedalers and room onboard to stand up and walk around. (Just keep in mind there’s only one portable toilet onboard).
The Cycleboats are inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. They’re equipped with life preservers for adults and children. A U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain is also onboard every tour along with a deckhand for onboard assistance. (There’s even a motor onboard in case of emergency). Safety is our top priority, says Coscia.
Tours are priced at $39/pp and you also have the option of booking an entire boat with your friends. (Group discounts are available). NYC Cycleboats will also offer weekly specials and special tours for singles.
NYC Cycleboats’ maiden voyage is this Friday at noon.
