Hidden Gems of Governors Island Tour
Hidden Gems of Governors Island Tour
- 2 hours
- $33 to $39
- Up to 15 guests
- Flexible Cancellations
Tour Highlights
- Discover the island’s history, from Henry Hudson and Dutch settlement to the French and Indian War to Frank Sinatra! Governors Island was actually the first true New Amsterdam!
- Find out how the Dutch used the Island in the 1600’s and the conflicts that arose between the two vastly different cultural groups of colonists and natives
- Learn about colonial and native archaeology
- See the present and future of the Island after our tour of the entire historic district by going into some of the old military homes, many of which house art exhibitions or pop-up museums! Then traverse the beautiful native plant gardens cared for by the Trust for Governors Island and stroll or ride past the Urban Farm and Earth Matter to see some of the sustainable efforts of organizations that call the 172-acre park home
- Learn the military history of the Island’s 3 forts, military housing and administration buildings. Governors Island was the longest running military base in U.S. history, from 1794 to 1996. Fort Jay and Castle Williams specifically hold many secrets that will be revealed on this tour!
- Explore the Hills! The Hills were designed by a Dutch firm in 2016 and provide sweeping views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and lower Manhattan.’
Guests Love This Tour:
- Secrets of Govenors' Island Mandy was a great guide who focused on less expected aspects of history during the Governors’ Island tour — we learned a lot! There was some trouble with meeting up due to transportation issues (not her fault) and she was very professional and thoughtful to make sure the group was able to come together & board the ferry without getting lost.Violeta A7/18/2022
- Incredibly interesting and beautiful tour. The victorian flatbush tour was amazing. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for 12 years and learned more on 2 hours then the rest of my years here combined. Jeremy, the guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the whole neighborhood and it’s history, not just memorized talking points.DitmasParker11/29/2020Incredibly interesting and beautiful tour The victorian flatbush tour was amazing. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for 12 years and learned more on 2 hours then the rest of my years here combined. Jeremy, the guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the whole neighborhood and its history, not just the memorized talking pointsAndrew11/01/2020
- Flatbush Victorian Mansion TOur Spectacular Experience I did the Flatbush Victorian mansions tour with a side of Flatbush Dutch history and boy, was it fascinating! I live in the area and pass most of these structures but had no idea of their grand history over time. The mansions themselves are truly spectacular and any architectural lover or nerd would love them as well as history buffs. Definitely worth it.Kemi8/01/2020
About This Tour:
This guided walking tour will be led by Mandy Edgecombe, a trained naturalist and former National Park Service Ranger who worked on Governors Island. In addition to learning about the known history of the island, which dates back over 400 years, guests explore the natural resources such as the modern gardens (2016) and the habitat they provide, enjoy public outdoor sculpture spread throughout the Island, and many bring bicycles or rent them there which is our favorite way of experiencing the 172 acre park!
Ear pieces are provided to each guests, ensuring everyone hears the guide perfectly, even from a distance!
100% refund up to 72 hours prior to the start of your tour.
When canceled less than 72 hours before the start of your tour, we will do our best to reschedule you or issue you a credit to use on any of our upcoming tours. This credit won’t expire until you use it!
The tour starts at the Battery Maritime Building 10 South Street, New York, NY 10005.
As you approach the Battery Maritime Building (BMB) you will see a Citi Bike stand on the right of the building near Cipriani, an event space and restaurant in the ground floor of BMB. You will meet your guide there 20 minutes before departure. It is imperative to meet at this time to queue up for disembarking to the island. It also allows some give if running late.
By Subway: R, W train to Whitehall Street or 1 train to South Ferry Station
How long is the tour?
This tour is 2 hours long
How strenuous is this tour?
This tour is easy and most people can participate.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
Yes, it is! You can email us at [email protected] in order for us to best prepare your visit.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is mostly outdoors.
Who will be our guide?
One of our licensed New York tour guides. Always a local New Yorker!