Hell Gate Walking Tour in New York City
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
40.7848166 -73.9352736
East River Lane, New York, NY 10035, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
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.
What To Expect
Wards Island Park
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Randalls and Wards Islands
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Hell Gate Bridge
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Randall's Island Park
35 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Hell Gate Walking Tour in New York City?
A: 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). Read more Apr 2025
Cancellation Policy
Questions?
Our friendly customer support is here to help.
Activity code: C-317194P4
Traveler Photos





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
Additional Info
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