Broadway Top 10 CityPASS®

Hell Gate Walking Tour in New York City

8 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 8 reviews collected by Cool New York City and TripAdvisor | New York City, USA

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This is usually booked 33 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

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

  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Randall’s Island Athletic Field #83, 40.7848166 -73.9352736, E River Ln, New York, NY 10035, USA

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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.

End point

Randall's Island Field #41, 41 Randalls Island Road, New York, NY 10035, USA

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.

Start Times

What To Expect

Wards Island Park

Vantage point to view Hell Gate, Mill Rock, and Roosevelt Island.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Randalls and Wards Islands

A vantage point to Astoria Park and the Triborough Bridge, and features of Wards Island.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hell Gate Bridge

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.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Randall'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.
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35 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

(5)

Q: Is this an accessible Tour?

A: Accessibility information for the Hell Gate Walking Tour in New York City is as follows:Service animals allowedPublic transportation options are available nearbyNot recommended for travelers with spinal injuriesNot recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular healthTravelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness Read more Apr 2025

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to customers' questions.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-317194P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
8 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 8 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
8
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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This is usually booked 33 (0) days in advance.

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Cancellation Policy

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Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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