Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: What To Expect
There are a lot of options to see the Statue of Liberty. Our tours offer a guide to take you to the Islands and tell you the stories that mean the most to them. There is only one boat company that is allowed to stop at the island. Many other companies offer boat trips with views of the island, but not a stop.
Liberty and Ellis Island are closed only 2 days of the year (Thanksgiving in November and Christmas Day). If the boats can run, the islands are open. Yes, in freezing cold and pouring rain. Make sure to be prepared. Most guides will give you some idea of how to dress if they are able to contact you through text or email.
You do have to go through security to get onto the boats to Liberty and Ellis Islands. They do not allow weapons (guns, knives, tasers, mace or pepper spray), drones, sports equipment and coffee cups from Starbucks, etc cannot go through the security area. You cannot bring your luggage with you onto the island.
These tours do not include a visit to the crown or into the pedestal. Those areas are a reserved ticket with limited quantities.
The National Park Service does not allow guides to guide visitors through the new museum, though your guide will give you some options on some of the best things to see.