Table of Contents
- Overview
- TheNakedNYC YouTube Highlights
- TheNakedNYC Instagram Highlights
- Overview and Ride Experience
- Locations and Seasonal Operation
- Ticketing and Admission Requirements
- The BEAST’ro Dining Experience
- History and Development
- Evolution of The BEAST Models
- Wrapping Up
Overview
NEW YORK, NY – The BEAST NYC returns to the Hudson River, roaring with unmatched speed, energy, and panoramic city views. This 70-foot, jet-powered speedboat reaches 45 mph, thrilling adventurers with sharp turns, towering splashes, and pulse-pounding maneuvers. Departing from Midtown’s Pier 83 and Downtown’s Pier 16, it runs May through October with hourly departures. Guests experience a 30-minute round trip to the Statue of Liberty, accompanied by music, laughter, and high-energy crew antics. Riders enjoy sweeping views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the harbor skyline. Exclusive Tuesday discounts reward New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents, making the experience more accessible. After the ride, visitors can refuel at the BEAST’ro, enjoying signature cocktails, quick bites, and exclusive merchandise. Since 1998, The BEAST has evolved through bold designs and engineering upgrades, remaining an iconic seasonal attraction. For more information, visit the official Beast NYC website.
TheNakedNYC YouTube Highlights
TheNakedNYC Instagram Highlights
Overview and Ride Experience
The BEAST is New York City’s only jet-powered speedboat, offering unmatched thrills for adventure seekers and daring visitors. Racing down the Hudson River, the vessel reaches speeds of up to 45 mph, propelled by powerful 1,400-horsepower engines. Known as a roller coaster on the water, the ride delivers sharp turns, towering splashes, and pulse-pounding maneuvers.
This 30-minute journey to the Statue of Liberty and back features upbeat rock music, lively crew banter, and playful water-spray stunts. Guests should expect to get wet—especially in the back rows—but at high speed, the warm wind dries passengers almost instantly. Safety belts are mandatory, and guests should secure hats, sunglasses, and other loose belongings before departure. Passengers enjoy sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, and the New York Harbor skyline. With roaring engines and high-intensity action, the ride is not for the faint-hearted. Since its debut, The BEAST has been a seasonal New York icon, returning each year with fresh features and experiences.
Locations and Seasonal Operation
The BEAST boards at two convenient locations: Pier 83 in Midtown, located at West 42nd Street and 12th Avenue, and Pier 16 in Downtown Manhattan at 89 South Street. Operating from May through October, it departs hourly from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
The Midtown pier welcomes guests Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays, while the Downtown pier operates Wednesday through Monday and closes on Tuesdays. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, visitors should check the official website for the latest schedule before planning their trip.
Ticketing and Admission Requirements
Tickets range from $29 to $34 for adults and $22 to $25 for children aged three to twelve. Moreover, residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut receive special $20 Tuesday tickets.
Each adrenaline-filled voyage lasts approximately 30 minutes. Riders must be at least 40 inches tall and able to sit unaided in their seat. Children under sixteen years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Safety is paramount, with seat belts required and belongings secured before the ride begins.
The BEAST’ro Dining Experience
Located at Pier 81 beside Pier 83, the BEAST’ro is a themed dining spot exclusive to BEAST and Circle Line guests. Visitors can refuel before or after their high-speed adventure with nachos, hot dogs, pretzels, pizzas, sandwiches, pickles on sticks, ice cream, and icy slushies.
The full bar offers beer, wine, spirits, and signature cocktails like the Speeders Spritz and Rocket Fuel. Guests can capture post-ride memories at the Victory Wall and shop for exclusive gear, from ponchos to branded hats. The BEAST’ro operates Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine, and is closed on Mondays.
History and Development
The BEAST was conceived by Michael Mad Dog Duffy, Senior Port Captain at Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Inspired by a Jersey Shore dolphin watch ride in 1995, Duffy pitched the idea in 1997, gaining approval from President Paul Picardi.
Constructed in Tuckahoe, New Jersey, the vessel was built under Duffy’s close supervision to guarantee peak performance. The name The BEAST was selected for its bold, simple, and unforgettable character. Duffy not only captained the ride but also created music mixes and carried out repairs and upkeep, ensuring the boat was always ready for the summer season.
Evolution of The BEAST Models
In 1998, the first BEAST debuted with a striking yellow hull accented by orange tiger stripes, fierce teeth, and an eyeball design, launching from South Street Seaport. In 1999, a vivid red vessel replaced the original at the Seaport, with the yellow BEAST relocating to Midtown. By 2007, the yellow BEAST was retired, and the red BEAST sported a unique half-red, half-yellow paint scheme. The current BEAST, launched in 2011, features an all-aluminum green hull with jet drives and twin 16-cylinder MTU diesel engines, delivering unmatched speed and power.
Wrapping Up
The BEAST is more than a ride; it is a defining summer tradition for thrill-seekers in New York City. Its combination of high-speed action, striking skyline views, and a vibrant atmosphere ensures every departure feels like an event. Season after season, it evolves with new features, maintaining its status as a standout harbor experience.
Beyond the adrenaline, it offers a chance to see the city from a perspective few ever experience. Its onboard energy, skilled crew, and unmistakable presence on the Hudson make it unforgettable. As future seasons approach, The BEAST promises even greater excitement for first-time riders and returning fans alike.
With the BEAST’ro expanding the adventure ashore, the experience now lasts long after the boat docks. Whether you seek an intense burst of speed or a unique sightseeing journey, The BEAST delivers. Its legacy proves that the heart of New York adventure beats strongest on the water. For more information, visit the official Beast NYC website.
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