A Vision for New York’s Waterfront
New York Water Taxi (NYWT) began operations on September 25, 2002, as a visionary project aimed at reclaiming New York Harbor for transportation and recreation. Founded as an affiliate of The Durst Organization, the company was a partnership between Douglas Durst, a real estate developer and civic leader, and Tom Fox, a longtime advocate for public waterfront access.
The company launched with a fleet of six distinctive yellow water taxis adorned with black and white checkerboard patterns, inspired by New York City’s famous street taxis. With a homeport at Erie Basin in Red Hook, Brooklyn, NYWT quickly became a flexible and efficient water transportation provider, serving commuters, tourists, and businesses across the city.
Growth and Expansion
As demand for water-based transit grew, New York Water Taxi expanded its fleet to ten vessels, increasing its service reach across the East River, Hudson River, and Upper New York Bay. The company introduced a range of commuter services, sightseeing tours, and event transportation, helping shape New York City’s modern ferry network.
Key Milestones & Services
Experiential & Tourism Innovations:
• Operated three temporary urban beaches to bring New Yorkers closer to the waterfront:
– Water Taxi Beach (Long Island City) (2005–2010)
– Governors Island Beach (2009)
– South Street Seaport Beach (2009)
• Created seasonal sightseeing cruises, including the Statue by Night Cruise, Fall Foliage Tours, Audubon Winter and Summer EcoCruises, and New Year’s Eve Family Cruises.
Commuter & Transit Services:
• Operated portions of the East River Ferry, the foundation for today’s NYC Ferry.
• Provided an employee shuttle for NYU Langone Health, connecting East 34th Street Ferry Landing and Brooklyn Army Terminal.
Retail & Destination Shuttles:
Launched the IKEA Express Shuttle, providing ferry service between Pier 11/Wall Street and Red Hook, Brooklyn for IKEA and Fairway Market shoppers.
Events & Festivals:
Offered direct transportation to concerts on Randall’s Island, sports venues for Mets and Yankees games, and large city events.
A New Chapter: Joining New York Cruise Lines
In January 2017, New York Water Taxi was acquired by New York Cruise Lines, the parent company of Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, an iconic brand with over 80 years of maritime history.
This acquisition combined two of New York’s most recognized water-based transportation brands, expanding private charter and sightseeing offerings. Together, the companies now provide an unrivaled selection of maritime experiences, celebrating the beauty and history of New York City from the water.
Today, New York Water Taxi is dedicated to private charters, corporate transportation, event services, and VIP experiences, offering custom routes, luxury amenities, and exclusive docking locations across NYC and New Jersey.
