Hell Gate Guided Walking Tour in New York City

Overview

Delve into off-the-beaten-path New York history on the Hell Gate walking tour.

Hell Gate is the one-mile stretch of the East River between Manhattan and Queens where countless ships were sunk or destroyed by the terrifying rocks, reefs, and whirlpools. Discover the islands in and around Hell Gate—Wards, Roosevelt, Rikers, North & South Brother—as seen from Randall’s Island (accessible on foot, by car, or by bicycle via the RFK Bridge—from East Harlem, Astoria, and Port Morris—or the Wards Island Bridge/103rd Street Footbridge from Manhattan).

Main features:

Find out about Hell Gate’s ship-swallowing whirlpools.

Learn about the plot to blow up the Hell Gate Bridge.

Discover the river pirates of the Hell Gate islands.

Hear about the Hell Gate Explosions and the General Slocum Disaster.

Peer at the jail complex of Rikers Island and the quarantine ruins of North Brother Island.

City: New York City

Thu 03 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $34.00

Make a reservation

Thu 03 Apr

Starting at $34.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

All Fees and Taxes

Additional Info

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

What To Expect

Wards Island Park

Vantage point to view Hell Gate, Mill Rock, and Roosevelt Island.

Randalls and Wards Islands

A vantage point to Astoria Park and the Triborough Bridge, and features of Wards Island.

Hell Gate Bridge

At the Wards Island end of Hell Gate Bridge, tour attendees will hear about the unusual engineering of an iconic bridge as well as the plot to blow it up.

Randall's Island Park

Tour attendees will see the remainder of Little Hell Gate that separated the islands, the truss bridge over the covered strait, and classic film locations. Will see the northern part of Hell Gate from Sunken Meadow, the former islands adjoined to Astoria, and the power plants of the East River. A vantage point of Rikers Island, North and South Brother Islands, and the biggest prison barge in the world.

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (8)

colleenjB6949SF

Aug 2024

The Hell Gate Tour by Purefinder New York blew me away with its unique blend of history, mystery, and captivating storytelling. This tour uncovers a part of New York that even many lifelong New Yorkers don't fully appreciate. I have lived here for over 13 years and had no idea of the deep and fascinating past of this area of the city. We were lucky enough to have Krombie, the creator and owner of Purefinder, as a guide. She was not only incredibly knowledgeable about the specifics of Hell Gate's history but also brought it to life with an authenticity and passion that's infectious. Walking through this often overlooked area, hearing about the lives that once revolved around the Hell Gate waters, and seeing the remnants of the past gave me a new appreciation for this city's rich heritage. Whether you are a New Yorker or a visitor eager to dig deeper than the usual tourist spots, you will be glad you ventured on this tour!

akpanoluoe

Jul 2024

Krombie is one of the best storytellers on the planet, and her Hell Gate tour was rich in history. So cool learning about the foiled Nazi plot to blow up Hell Gate Bridge, and about the massive whirlpool that used to exist at Hell Gate and destroy ships. Oh, and all the Hollywood movie tie ins to the area was an unexpected treat! Go solo and make friends, or bring friends for a fun group activity, you can't go wrong and it's a lovely way to spend an afternoon

Fearless58752691118

Jun 2024

This was so fun and so informative!! Great date idea if you’re looking to change things up :) Bringing the city in a whole new light. Would give 10 stars if I could…