tour in helicopter new york

10% off reservations scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday departing from Kearny, NJ using promo code: MIDWEEK .

New York Helicopter Tours

A nyc experience you don’t want to miss., departing from:.

The Best views of NYC are right here.

Get your camera ready, #1 ranked tour of nyc.

Experience the symbols of America’s freedom. You’ll be eye-to-eye with the Statue of Liberty. Get a bird’s eye view of Ellis and Governor’s Island. Take in views of lower Manhattan, as you soar above the Hudson, on this New York helicopter tour. 

Iconic landmarks of NYC

Marvel at the sites that make New York City famous, including all landmarks on The Central Park tour. Cruise by the Empire State building on your way to scope out Central Park. Then take a grand sweep around George Washington bridge. 

$224 per person + $50.00 per person heliport/fuel fee All inclusive

$274 per person + $50.00 per person heliport/fuel fee all inclusive.

If you want to see it all, this tour is for you. Breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. See all the sites on our other NYC tours and more! See the Verrazano bridge and get a bird’s eye view of Yankee Stadium. 

$354 per person + $50.00 PER PERSON HELIPORT/FUEL FEE All inclusive

The central park tour, the grand tour, the grand tour, the liberty tour, the grand tour of nyc.

Marvel at the sites that make New York City famous, including all landmarks on the Taste of NYC tour. Cruise by the Empire State building on your way to scope out Central Park. Then take a grand sweep around George Washington bridge. 

$200 per person + $50.00 PER PERSON HELIPORT/FUEL FEE All inclusive

$235 per person + $50.00 per person heliport/fuel fee all inclusive, $275 per person + $50.00 per person heliport/fuel fee all inclusive, nyc skyline tour, ultimate nyc tour, taste of nyc tour, ultimate aerial tour of nyc, tours departing from new jersey, tours departing from manhattan, stress-free travel: new york helicopter charters, travel in comfort and style..

New York City is known for its traffic. Getting around the city can be challenging and time consuming. Avoid train schedules and grid-lock traffic with a helicopter charter. We’ll pick you up and take you wherever you want to go. You’ll reach your destination in just a few minutes.

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Capture every unforgettable moment from high above, as our skilled pilots guide you through iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. But the adventure doesn't end there - with our in-flight photography service, you can relive the magic and download your stunning aerial pictures. Book your seat now and elevate your experience to new heights!

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EXPERIENCEd

We've been flying in NYC for more than 30 years.

We offer the best rates in the city.

We have an industry leading safety record.

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Our pilots are friendly, professional, and experienced. 

Your comfort and safety is our top priority. 

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On-demand charters and airport transfers

New York is our city, and we’ll show you a good time.

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We’re happy to assist you in planning your next flight. Fill out our contact form, or give us a call at:

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• for departing from new jersey (212) 480-8300

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Downtown manhattan heliport 6 east river piers  new york, ny 10004, (212) 361-6060, manhattan location.

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The 4 best nyc helicopter rides and tours.

Take a New York City helicopter tour to gain a new perspective of the Big Apple.

The Best NYC Helicopter Rides and Tours

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New York City has one of the most magnificent skylines in the world, and admiring it from the air aboard a helicopter tour is a sightseeing experience unlike any other. You can choose from varying flight lengths and departure locations, though many take you over the same key attractions. U.S. News compiled this list of the best helicopter tours in the city, with the help of traveler opinion and expert input.

Note: Many helicopter tour providers charge a heliport (facility) fee on top of the tour price. The cost varies by provider, but you can expect to pay $30 to $40 per passenger.

HeliNY – The Ultimate Tour

Price: From $249 Duration: 20 minutes

Get a bird's-eye view of the world-famous Manhattan skyline on this flight with HeliNY. On the Ultimate Tour – the company's most popular – the pilot will treat you and up to five other passengers to aerial views of many top city sights, like the Statue of Liberty, the George Washington Bridge, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Yankee Stadium and more. Reviewers describe seeing "million dollar" views on this tour and say the crew was highly professional and informative, with several describing the helicopter tour as a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience that's worth the money. However, a few travelers express disappointment in the flight's short length.

Tours depart Monday through Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.; the last tour takes off at 5 p.m. All tours leave from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. Children younger than 2 ride for free in an adult's lap. HeliNY offers a variety of tours departing from both Manhattan and New Jersey, including outings that last about 30 minutes and a private helicopter tour option.

Check prices & availability on:

HeliNY – City Skyline Experience        

Price: From $244 Duration: 30 minutes

On this New York City helicopter tour, which departs from New Jersey's Linden Airport, you'll soar high above Manhattan and over the Hudson River to see attractions like Central Park, Hudson Yards, the Chrysler Building and One World Trade Center. Tourgoers call the experience the highlight of their New York trip and highly praise the organized staff and the personable pilot. Some note that you cannot see much from the craft's middle seat.

There is no cost for children younger than 2, who must sit on an adult's lap. Tours, which are limited to six passengers, are available Monday through Saturday in the evenings (exact times depend on the time of year). There are departures all day long on Sunday.

Zip Aviation – Liberty Harbor Helicopter Tour

Price: From $229 Duration: 15 minutes

If you're short on time or looking for a slightly more budget-friendly option, book this tour, which flies over most of the major Manhattan attractions. On the flight, you'll see the Statue of Liberty, the National September 11 Memorial, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and Times Square, among other sights. Most reviewers describe it as a smooth ride with incredible views. However, some note that seats are assigned upon arrival (based on weight) and it can be difficult to see from the middle seat. If you would like to guarantee a good seat and a great view, the company recommends booking a private tour.

Tours are available Monday through Saturday approximately every 30 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Flights depart from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. If you're looking for a slightly longer flight, consider Zip Aviation's Big City Helicopter Tour or its Grand Island Helicopter Tour.

Zip Aviation – Grand Island Helicopter Tour

Price: From $359 Duration: 30 minutes

On this ride, you'll spot key NYC sights like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Empire State Building, as well as Ellis Island, Yankee Stadium, Harlem and the USS Intrepid. Along the way, you'll hear a prerecorded narration about the sights below. Tour-takers describe the staff as courteous and professional, and they say the views are outstanding.

Flights are available to book Monday through Saturday; they depart every half-hour from about 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. You can also choose from various other tours the company offers, including a nighttime flight of the city skyline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anytime is a great time to take a helicopter tour. Companies often recommend booking your tour early in your trip in case your flight is canceled. This way, you have ample chances to rebook.

The weight limit per passenger ranges from 275 to 300 pounds. Some companies will require individuals who weigh more than 250 pounds to purchase an additional seat. Check your chosen provider's policies before you book. Also keep in mind that you'll be seated in the helicopter based on weight to keep the craft balanced during flight.

Tipping your pilot is not required but generally appreciated. If you choose to tip, pay about $20 per person. You could also tip about 15% of the total cost of your tour.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best New York City Walking Tours
• The Best New York City Boat Tours
• The Best New York City Food Tours
• The Best Hotels in New York City
• The Best Travel Medical Insurance

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Select your New York helicopter flight

16 - 19 Minute Doors-Off Flight

30 - 33 Minute Doors-Off Flight

15 - 18 Minute Doors-On Flight

28 - 30 Minute Doors-On Flight

37-40 Minutes

Focus Flights

Focus-in on an extraordinary aerial photo op. perfect for those looking for something beyond our signature flight options., ready to ride a helicopter in new york, learn more about the new york aerial experience below, experience new york from the sky yourself, looking for more information, checkout the following links to learn more about us and our services.

(212) 786-5751

NYC Helicopter Tours

Tours from only $249

+Heliport Fee

Featured NYC HELICOPTER Tours

New york city helicopter tours.

MANHATTAN HELICOPTER TOUR

(12-15 Minute Flight time)

Special $269 Pricing

+$40 Heliport fee per seat

Helicopter tour highlights include.

Ready for a helicopter adventure? Fly over the city that never sleeps and tour NYC from new heights. Book a helicopter tour and explore many of NYC’s famous and historic attractions such as:

• Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island
• One World Trade Center
• Chrysler Building
• Empire State Building
• Chelsea Piers
• Times Square
• The Intrepid
• Central Park

See classic Manhattan in a helicopter tour like never before.

BIG APPLE HELICOPTER TOUR

(17-20 Minute Flight time)

Special $294 Pricing

Fly over New York City on this extended helicopter tour. Whether you are a city lover, sports fan, or nature enthusiast, this tour offers views of famous NYC attractions such as: 

• Columbia University
• Grant’s Tomb
• Yankee Stadium (except on game days)
• The Palisades
• George Washington Bridge
• Northern Tip of Manhattan

Get a bird’s-eye view of the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks on this extended NYC helicopter tour.

THE EMPIRE HELICOPTER TOUR

(25-30 Minute Flight time)

Special $394 Pricing

Explore more of NYC’s skyline on our longest helicopter tour. Book this helicopter adventure to see over 17 of New York City’s most  iconic views including: 

• Verrazzano Bridge

Take yourself on this premium NYC helicopter ride and soar above the Empire State.

Tour NYC with Liberty Helicopter

The largest and most experienced helicopter tour service in the Northeast, Liberty, The Helicopter Company offers customers the opportunity to see New York City and the surrounding area in a whole new way – from the sky!

Offering exhilarating Manhattan helicopter tours since 1990, Liberty, The Helicopter Company delivers unparalleled commitment to customer service. Unlike any other tour of NYC, you’ll see more than you ever imagined when you step into one of the choppers and get a bird’s eye view.

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NEW YORK CITY HELICOPTER TOURS

Elevating your experience, award winning luxury nyc helicopter tours.

Our Packages

Departing from Downtown Manhattan, Additional Packages from NJ

THE MANHATTAN TOUR

• + $40 heliport fee per seat Subject to seasonal pricing.

THE BIG APPLE TOUR

THE EMPIRE TOUR

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Departing from New Jersey

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NYC SKYLINE TOUR

NYC LIGHTS TOUR

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NYC Departures

Experience the Big Apple like never before with a HeliNY New York City helicopter tour! The most exciting way to view all of New York’s major landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park and everything in between! Hop aboard and let us show you New York City from a whole new perspective!

FIND THE RIGHT TOUR

HeliNY offers three amazing New York City helicopter tours that showcase our great city. If you’re not sure which tour is best for you then check out the chart below to compare our routes.

• Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Governor’s Island
• One World Trade Center
• Billionaires Row
• Madison Square Garden
• Chrysler Building
• Empire State Building
• Little Island
• Chelsea Piers
• The High Line
• Hudson Yards
• Times Square
• The Intrepid
• Central Park

Starting at:

$259 Per Seat

+$40 facility fee and fuel surcharge per seat

• Columbia University
• Yankee Stadium
• The Palisades
• George Washington Bridge
• The Met Cloisters
• Tip of Manhattan

$289 Per Seat

• Verrazzano Bridge
• Coney Island

$389 Per Seat

The heliny difference, safety first.

Safety is paramount! Flying Bell407 helicopters that include the state-of-the-art TCAS system (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) maintained by our in-house team of factory certified technicians! On site we ensure you receive a safety briefing and are always escorted to your aircraft by our trained ground crew.

EXPERIENCED PILOTS

HeliNY conducts regular recurring training to ensure our pilots are ready to take you on a journey you will never forget. Our pilots come to HeliNY with at least 1,000 flight hours, their training ensures they know the Bell407 aircraft inside and out, not to mention some facts about NYC they can share with you on your tour.

5 STAR SERVICE

Our service is how we stand out! We understand that your HeliNY experience begins the first time you contact us! From our reservations, ground crew and pilots, we strive to ensure you have a stress free and exciting experience! Our attention to customer satisfaction is why we’re rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor!

OUR DEPARTURE LOCATION

GETTING HERE From Times Square it takes about 30 minutes to reach the Heliport by subway or taxi. Keep in mind that any travel after 4pm will take longer due to commuter traffic.

We are a 5 minute walk from the South Ferry subway station; this is the last stop on the 1 train Downtown. If you are using Google Maps or Apple Maps, enter “Downtown Manhattan Heliport” as the address. If you are using a GPS device sometimes our address isn’t recognized, please use 6 East River Piers, New York, 10004.

If you are driving, there is no parking at the heliport but there is a parking garage at the intersection of South Street & Whitehall Street, South St & Old Slip Rd or at the South Street Seaport (Pier 17).

Address Downtown Manhattan Heliport 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004

LOOKING FOR TOURS FROM NEW JERSEY?

Want to see when New York really sparkles or top your weekend off with a Sunday trip around NYC? Our location in Linden, NJ offers the same great NYC helicopter tour views, is easily accessible, and has departure times not available from Manhattan!

ABOUT OUR TOURS

Our New York City helicopter tours take you far above the hustle and bustle of the streets below! Let us provide you with a brand new perspective of New York City’s iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the One World Trade Center, and Central Park!

Your New York City helicopter tour can take you as far north as the George Washington Bridge and south to the Verrazzano Bridge showing you all the sights in between! Delight in flying by New York’s historic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Chrysler Building, and the over 150-year-old Brooklyn Bridge. No matter your sightseeing goals, a New York City helicopter tour is a must-have to make any visit memorable.

Still Have Questions?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions . Email us at [email protected] , call us at (212)-355-0801 , or start a chat

GET IN TOUCH

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

1 (212) 355-0801

Monday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

Tuesday – Wednesday: 8:00 am – 7:00pm

Thursday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

1 (212) 248-2016

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Downtown Manhattan Heliport

6 East River Piers,

New York, NY 10004

Linden Municipal Airport

1101 W Edgar Rd,

Linden, NJ 07036

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• 4 Passenger Minimum

VIP Manhattan Helicopter Tour

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 25-30 Minutes
• Calendar Availability: 4 Passenger Minimum , Monday-Saturday 9:30am-6:30pm

Fly Like a VIP

All aboard the most spectacular and unforgettable experience of your New York visit! With the extended route and approximately 30-minute duration, you’ll be sure to feel like a VIP on the VIP Tour!

In addition to all the world-famous attractions of the Big Apple, your pilot will take you on a quick spin over the Hudson river overlooking colorful Coney Island Beach & Amusement Park in the south, ending the flight with a jaw-dropping panorama of the Palisades Mountains in the north. The VIP Tour is your best option.

Sights Include:

• Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island
• One World Trade Center
• 9/11 Memorial
• Battery Park
• Financial District
• Empire State Building
• Chrysler Building
• Times Square
• Central Park
• U.S.S. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
• Grant’s Tomb
• Columbia University
• George Washington Bridge
• Spuyten Duyvil Bridge
• Palisades Cliffs
• Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
• Staten Island
• Chevron down Helicopter Route

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• Chevron down Policy Information, Disclaimers, & Heliport Fees

*Pricing is per seat. There’s an additional $40 per person heliport fee due at check-in. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled departure time as well as no-shows will incur 100% of tour charges. Please contact Manhattan Helicopters at least 24 hours in advance and we will re-schedule your tour at no cost. Late arrivals will be addressed on a case-by-case basis depending on seating and aircraft availability. Reservations made at the heliport forfeit their right to cancel after payment has been made. The maximum weight is 300 pounds (136 kilograms) per passenger. Passengers weighing over 250lbs, or 113 kg must purchase an additional seat. The scheduled duration of our tours may vary based on flight routing and weather conditions.

Manhattan Helicopters reserves the right to amend the flight paths without notice. Flight routes will be altered during Yankee home games to avoid restricted airspace. All passengers must pass a metal detector and present a government-issued ID for security purposes. Prices are subject to change without notice. Management reserves the right to refuse boarding to a passenger or to upgrade passengers at any time. Manhattan Helicopters reserves the right to alter or terminate any flights due to security maintenance, aircraft availability, emergencies, weather, or acts of God.

Narrated audio language selection is not guaranteed and is based on availability. Should more than 2 languages be requested on the same flight, the audio commentary may default to English. Due to the unpredictable nature of technical difficulties, we cannot provide assurance for the audio functionality of the headsets.

Related Helicopter Tours

• Calendar Monday-Saturday 9:30am-6:30pm
• Clock 12-15 Minutes

Classic Manhattan Helicopter Tour

Take a flight that you will remember for a lifetime! Departing from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, the Classic Manhattan Tour begins at the majestic the Statue of Liberty, followed by the world-famous Manhattan Skyline.

• Clock 18-20 Minutes

Deluxe Manhattan Helicopter Tour

An exciting and comprehensive helicopter tour of New York City with breathtaking views and excellent photo opportunities! This extended version of the Classic Tour will treat you to the best views of New York City including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Central park.

3 Breathtaking Helicopter Tours

There’s nothing quite like a NYC helicopter tour!

$249 – $239

$299 – $289

$389 – $379

Read Our Reviews

Nothing Quite Like A

Nyc helicopter tour.

Sightseeing tours of New York are one thing, but a New York helicopter tour is in a special league of its own. Helicopter New York City offers a breathtaking experience that will allow you to see the city from a whole new perspective. New York has so much iconic sights that flying over it is nothing short of magnificent.

A tour of New York simply isn’t complete without a helicopter flight with a tour over Manhattan, Brooklyn, and from high above. The tour includes famous bridge like the George Washington Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Verrazano Bridge, an the Manhattan Bridge.

A New York City helicopter tour grants a unique perspective on all of NYC’s most beloved landmarks through downtown and beyond. No other New York City tour is quite as much fun!

Thanks to our new Bell 407 helicopters, you will also know that you are in a helicopter that has been specifically built for optimal visibility and sightseeing potential. The 180-degree view from inside the cabin means that you will see all that New York City has to offer! Our new helicopters have generous legroom and amazingly comfortable leather seats making your Helicopter New York City ride nothing short of extraordinary!

While New York helicopter tours offer a thrilling adrenaline rush, you can rest assured that our friendly staff assures your safety and comfort at all times.

Why Fly With Us?

Helicopter New York City is an unforgettable opportunity to experience some of the most stunning views of Classic Manhattan and the rest of New York.

Voted Best NYC Tour

3 years in a row by the Assoc of Hotel Concierges

Great Prices

Starting as low as $239 per tour

FAA Certified Pilots

Safe and reliable Bell 407 helicopters

Don’t Wait. Book Your Tour Now!

Experience NYC Like Never Before.

7 Best Helicopter Rides in NYC in 2024 w/ Prices

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 7 Best Helicopter Rides in NYC in 2024 w/ Prices

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Taking a helicopter ride over NYC was one of the best experiences I had in the Big Apple. We decided to take this doors-off helicopter tour , and it didn’t disappoint! Of course, there are several other amazing helicopter tours in New York , some of them departing from Manhattan, so you can find an option that fits your preferences and budget.

If you’re hesitant about flying over NYC , I completely understand. It’s nerve-wracking and not the cheapest activity! However, I encourage you to try it. The tour operators adhere to strict safety regulations and have plenty of experience. Plus, you’ll be able to see the city from a different viewpoint, making this one of the coolest things to do in NYC .

In this guide, I’ll share the 7 best heli-rides, as well as the different departure points, highlights, and New York helicopter tour prices . By the end of this article, I’m sure you’ll be eager to take to the skies!

1. Manhattan Island helicopter tour , the best cheap helicopter ride in NYC

First, if you’re looking for a quick and cheap helicopter ride in NYC , then this flight over Manhattan is the perfect option. You can choose the duration of your tour (12-15 minutes, 17-20 minutes, or 25-30 minutes), although the price varies depending on your choice. Anyway, they all are short enough to fit on a 3-day NYC itinerary .

During this NYC heli-ride , you’ll enjoy in-flight narration so you can easily identify the different attractions in Manhattan from above. You can also choose to focus your ride specifically on Manhattan or to zoom out and see the entire city. The aircraft has huge windows, which makes sightseeing a breeze.

Soaring iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park is quite the experience and something you’ll never forget. Plus, the different tour options make this an appealing choice for all kinds of travelers and budgets. Another nice thing about this New York City helicopter tour is that it departs from Lower Manhattan, so if you want a quick and convenient flight, I highly recommend it.

• Departs from : Downtown Heliport at Pier 6, Manhattan
• Duration : 15-30 minutes
• Price from : $239 per person
• Highlights : Cheapest helicopter flight over Manhattan

2. Nighttime flight , the best night helicopter tour in NYC

You should also consider taking an NYC helicopter tour at night , such as this one . It’s another affordable helicopter ride in New York City and the perfect choice if you want to see the Big Apple after dark.

Keep in mind that this tour departs from Linden Airport in New Jersey, which is about a 45-minute drive from NYC. Free parking is available on-site, and you can easily reach the airport via New York’s public transportation if you don’t have a car.

This New York City helicopter tour lasts 25 minutes and flies over the Big Apple’s most recognizable attractions, as well as its rivers and bridges. You’ll see the evening traffic filtering between the city skyscrapers, as well as the glittering facades of the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and more.

In addition to Manhattan, you’ll soar over the Bronx, then circle back, flying over the Statue of Liberty before returning to New Jersey. Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to do in NYC at night , especially with friends or your partner.

• Departs from : Linden, New Jersey
• Duration : 25 minutes
• Price from : $274 per person
• Highlights : Helicopter flight over Manhattan at night

3. Doors-off experience , the best sightseeing helicopter tour in New York City

During one of our visits to the Big Apple, we decided to experience New York by helicopter . We chose this doors-off helicopter tour , and I highly recommend it if you’re a fan of photography like us! This NYC helicopter tour goes over Liberty and Ellis Islands, Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Observatory , and more.

This exhilarating flight was the perfect opportunity to capture unique aerial photos of Manhattan. Flying in a doors-off helicopter over NYC gave us the best vantage point and unobstructed views. It was one of the most thrilling things we did during our trip, and it’s easily one of the best New York City tours you can take.

While riding in a helicopter with no doors may sound scary, you’re securely buckled in the entire time. The pilot is super experienced, and the company follows strict safety protocols, so you have nothing to worry about.

• Departs from : Kearny, New Jersey
• Duration : 16-30 minutes
• Price from : $365 per person
• Highlights : Doors-off helicopter flight over Manhattan

4. Romantic flight package , a romantic couples helicopter ride in NYC

If you’re visiting the city with your partner and you want to plan something special, consider this couple’s flight . This private NYC helicopter tour for 2 is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or share an unforgettable moment together.

During the tour, you’ll enjoy beautiful aerial views of the Big Apple’s most famous landmarks. See the full expanse of Central Park, get a bird’s-eye view of Yankee Stadium, glimpse the top of the Empire State Building, and more. Hands down, this  helicopter ride in NYC is one of the best couple’s activities in New York City .

Keep in mind that this flight departs from the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY, about 45 minutes north of Manhattan. You can get there via rental car or public transit, or set up a transfer from your hotel, although this will increase the cost of the tour. Also, the price for this NYC helicopter tour is per couple, not per person.

You can also choose to fly during the day, at sunset, or at night. I prefer the sunset option since you can view the city during golden hour and see the nightlife start to rev up.

• Departs from : White Plains, New York
• Duration : 30-45 minutes
• Price from : $800 (per couple)
• Highlights : Private helicopter flight over Manhattan for 2

5. Group flight , the best private helicopter tour in NYC for friends or family

If you’re visiting the Big Apple with friends or family, consider upgrading your visit with this group flight . This is the best private helicopter tour in NYC and accommodates up to 6 people, so it’s ideal for groups.

The tour departs from Westchester County Airport and offers the option to set up a transfer from your hotel for an extra fee. Also, the price of this New York helicopter tour is per group of 6, so if you split the cost, it’s a great deal.

During the flight, you’ll get awesome views of Central Park, the Empire State Building , and several different waterways and bridges. In addition to Manhattan, you’ll see the Bronx and Brooklyn from above. Daytime, sunset, and night flights are available, so if you’re looking for a Manhattan helicopter tour to do with friends, I highly recommend this one.

• Price from : $1,550 (per group of 6)
• Highlights : Private helicopter flight over Manhattan for 6

6. Helicopter proposal over the city , the ultimate couples’ heli ride in NYC

For something truly special, this romantic helicopter proposal takes the cake. It’s the ultimate couple’s helicopter ride in NYC and will help you pop the question in style!

You’ll get to collaborate with the pilot and an engagement photographer, who will be ready to snap photos after your flight. This NYC helicopter tour package includes a private transfer from your Manhattan hotel to Westchester County Airport, where you’ll board a private chopper.

During this romantic helicopter ride over NYC , you’ll enjoy some of the best views in New York City . As the aircraft descends, your partner will see an illuminated “Marry Me” sign. The tour also includes a bouquet of roses and champagne; just don’t forget the ring!

• Price from : $3,400 (per couple)
• Highlights : Private helicopter flight over Manhattan, proposal illuminated “Marry Me” sign, roses, champagne, professional photographer

7. Flying lesson , the most unique helicopter tour in New York City

The last helicopter experience in New York that I recommend is this flying lesson . You’ll receive on-the-ground instruction from an expert pilot, then climb into the cockpit and put your new skills to the test.

You’ll learn about the technology and physics behind flying a New York helicopter , as well as proper safety protocols and how to use the control panel. This New York heli-tour includes 30 minutes of flight time, during which your pilot guide will hand over the controls to you so you can maneuver the aircraft.

Be aware that this tour departs from Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, near the border with Connecticut. So, while you won’t fly directly over NYC, you’ll still enjoy spectacular views, not to mention have an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime ride.

• Duration : 1-1.5 hours (30-minute flight)
• Price from : $560 per person
• Highlights : Flying lesson in a Robinson R44 helicopter over Westchester County

New York helicopter tour prices

Now that you’ve read about the best helicopter tours in NYC , here is a comparison chart with each option’s duration, price, departure point, and highlights.

Remember, the price of a New York City helicopter tour depends on various factors, such as the duration of the flight and special features like a doors-off experience or private ride.

Best time for a helicopter tour in New York City

In addition to the price of a New York City helicopter tour , you should also consider the time. For example, if you want to take aerial photos, then the morning is the best time for a helicopter tour in NYC .

If you’re looking for something more romantic, you can’t go wrong with a sunset helicopter tour over NYC . The beautiful light of golden hour gives the entire city a radiant glow, so it’s my favorite time to fly over the city.

You’ll also love taking an NYC helicopter tour at night , as this is when the Big Apple really comes alive. You’ll still be able to identify the popular NY landmarks, but it’s a very unique experience.

Tips for choosing an NYC helicopter ride

Now that you know the best helicopter tours in New York , here are some tips to help you choose the perfect fit. Keep these in mind as you plan your ideal helicopter ride in NY .

• Double-check the departure point for the tour since most heliports are located outside of NYC.
• Wear comfortable clothes, sneakers, and a jacket. The sun is more intense in a New York helicopter , so don’t forget to wear sunscreen and sunglasses. Also, don’t forget your camera!
• Pay attention to the check-in time, which is different from the departure time . You should arrive early so you can go over the safety instructions and flight procedures.
• Consider any extra fees , such as tips for the pilot and fuel surcharges.
• Keep in mind that doors-off flights cost more. Also, sunset helicopter tours in NYC are very popular, so they tend to be more expensive and fill up quickly.

My experience flying over New York by helicopter

During one of our trips to New York, we decided to try a Manhattan sightseeing helicopter tour . This doors-off flight piqued our interest, and it ended up being one of the coolest things we did during our trip.

This NYC helicopter experience was a photographer’s dream, allowing us to take some of the best pictures of New York from above. Plus, since we were flying over New York in a doors-off chopper, I felt like I was floating above the city. It was quite an adrenaline rush, but I felt safe the entire time because we were securely strapped in, and the pilot and crew went over all the safety protocols before we boarded the aircraft.

Our New York City helicopter tour lasted about 20 minutes, and I thought it was well-priced for such a breathtaking experience. We flew over New York Harbor and saw the full scope of Manhattan while our guide pointed out important landmarks. Seeing huge skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and One World Observatory from above was awesome and provided a unique viewpoint that we wouldn’t get any other way.

I also saw just how large Central Park is, and I captured incredible views of Battery Park, the waterfront, and Liberty and Ellis Islands. Seeing the different NYC bridges connecting to Manhattan all at once from above was an awe-inspiring experience, too.

If you’re still on the fence after reading my New York helicopter review , I say go for it! You won’t regret it!

FAQs – New York City helicopter tours

To wrap up, here are some common questions about NYC helicopter tours :

What is the best NYC helicopter tour?

The best helicopter ride in New York depends on what you want to see, but any of the tours in this guide are great options. We loved the tour we took , but if you’re looking for something cheaper, I recommend this flight .

Are NYC helicopter tours worth it?

Taking an NYC helicopter tour is absolutely worth it. There is nothing like seeing The City That Never Sleeps from above, and the photo opportunities are out of this world!

How much does a helicopter tour cost in NYC?

The price of a New York helicopter tour depends on several factors, such as the duration, the number of passengers, and any extra features. That said, you can find tours starting at around $250/person.

When is the best time for a helicopter tour in NYC?

This also depends on your preferences. If you’re interested in getting great photos, take a morning helicopter ride in NYC . For something romantic, consider a sunset helicopter tour in NYC or a night flight to see the sparkling city lights.

What should I wear for an NYC helicopter tour?

It can get chilly in a New York helicopter , so wear lightweight layers. Along with a jacket, you’ll want to wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the bright sun.

How many people can fit in a helicopter ride in NYC?

In most helicopters, up to 6 people can board the aircraft, plus the pilot.

How long does a helicopter ride in NYC last?

A helicopter ride over NYC can be as short as 12 minutes or up to 45 minutes. Typically, these tours last 15-30 minutes.

How high do helicopters fly over NYC?

NYC helicopter tours fly 500 to 1,000 feet above the city.

Where do NYC helicopter tours depart from?

Some helicopter rides in NY depart from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in Lower Manhattan. Others depart from outside the city, either from the Linden Airport in New Jersey or the Westchester County Airport in New York.

That’s it from me! Hopefully, you feel better prepared for your NY helicopter tour . If you still have questions about flying over New York , or you want to share your experience, leave me a comment below. I’d be happy to help.

Enjoy your helicopter ride in New York !

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Zip aviation view all charters our helicopter tours of new york city provide you spectacular views and a unique experience. we offer you a new look at this beloved city like no other helicopter tour can see all of new york city’s historical sights from the most breathtaking aerial angles. all tours are offered in the following nine languages: english, spanish, french, german, russian, italian, chinese, japanese, and portuguese our charter services, private charters.

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This was the highlight of our trip to New York to celebrate our daughter’s 18th and a ‘big birthday’ of mine. We were lucky to have Andy Woods as our pilot that day - I was a wee bit worried but needn’t have been. He was so reassuring and such great fun! Made it a totally unforgettable experience. The views of the City were stunning and daughter is saving hard to return and do it all again as soon as possible!

I bought my husband and I the helicopter flight as a wedding gift and it was one of the first things we did in New York. I was nervous to begin with, but I sat with the pilot, Andrew, who calmed my nerves. The flight was absolutely amazing and the best way to see New York! Andrew the pilot was so friendly and you could tell he loves his job which made it an even better flight.

We were on a sightseeing holiday in New York and decided to take a helicopter ride and all I can say is WOW! From the guys on the ground to Andy, our pilot, everyone is there to make sure you have a memorable experience and all take the time to chat and laugh with you. An outstanding experience from beginning to end and it’s obvious from talking with Andy that he absolutely loves his job!

This was an incredible highlight of mine and my sister's recent trip to NYC. Andrew our pilot was brilliant, so friendly, funny and pointed out all the best sights across the city. Both of us had great views and the experience was great. The guys at the base were quite friendly and I also got a great photo from the experience. This was a gift from my sister for my birthday and it definitely made my day and I'll not forget this for a long time!!

The 11 Best Helicopter Tours in NYC for 2024

A helicopter tour is one of the most exciting things you can do during your stay in NYC, but picking the best helicopter tour in NYC is not an easy task, especially if you have no idea what to look for. Luckily for you, we have tried and tested them all!

In this article, we will compare all of the best helicopter tours in NYC as well as recommend to you our absolute favorite, which is in our opinion has the best value for money.

Looking for a shortcut? Click here to  👉 compare the helicopter flights , see 👉  my personal recommendation  or see 👉  all details including my review of the helicopter tours.

Last but not least try our 👉  Helicopter Flight Finder that helps to find the perfect helicopter tour for you!

Which is the Best Helicopter Tour in NYC?

Depending on what you are looking for, there are three categories of helicopter rides over New York City: Short helicopter rides, medium helicopter rides, and long helicopter rides. Which one of these is best for you will depend on your budget and how long you want to spend taking in the sights of New York from above. We have broken the helicopter flights down, in order to give you a choice in each category.

Please note: There are no helicopter tours in NYC on Sundays from Manhattan (but from New Jersey!), meaning that helicopter rides on other days may get sold out faster. If you can help it, don’t wait until the day before to book it, as you may be out of luck. We recommend booking your NYC helicopter flight 1-2 weeks in advance.

My Recommendation

I can recommend you three helicopter flights over NYC: first of all the New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour , because in my opinion it offers the best price-performance ratio and starts right in Manhattan. So you don’t have a long way to get there.

The cheapest helicopter flight, which also does not require a transfer, is the Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour . I have done both several times and it was always the highlight of my New York trip!

If you want to take a helicopter ride with several people and are looking for a cheap provider, check out the Taste of NYC Helicopter Tour !

All Helicopter Tours in Detail

While in the table above only the 4 to 6 most important helicopter flights are shown, here you can find all helicopter tours in detail. For each one you will find a separate review from me!

Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 12 – 15 Minutes | The Manhattan Sky Tour is the perfect helicopter ride for first time visitors to NYC! Seeing the skyscrapers and streets of Manhattan from above is an experience that you will will definitly not be forgetting any time soon. Seeing NYC’s main attractions from the sky gives you a completely different perspective and provides you with the chance of taking some amazing and unique photos of the concrete jungle below you.

Taste of NYC Helicopter Tour

Departure: Kearney, New Jersey  | 12 – 15 Minutes | The Taste of NYC Helicopter Tour is the most affordable helicopter flight over New York. During the 12-15 minute flight you will see the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You can also see the famous One World Trade Center at the southern tip of Manhattan and the Empire State Building!

New York City Helicopter Tour and Luxury VIP SUV Transfer

Pickup: Your Hotel  | 15 – 30 Minutes | Are you looking for a very special helicopter flight over New York? Then check out this combination of helicopter flight and VIP transfer! You will be picked up from your hotel in a luxury SUV and driven to the downtown Manhattan heliport. You can choose from several helicopter flights – from 15 to 30 minutes.

After your helicopter tour, you will be driven back from the heliport to your hotel. It doesn’t get any better than this!

Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 18 – 20 Minutes | The Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour takes you on an aerial tour over Manhattan and its many attractions. You wont forget the view of NYC from above or the feeling of flying high above the skyscrapers any time soon. Especially for those of you who like taking photos, this is a guaranteed way to secure some amazing shots of the NYC skyline.

Helicopter Tour with Optional Doors-Off Experience

Experience a helicopter ride over the iconic landmarks of New York City, such as the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower. Choose a door-off experience to enjoy a unique view of the city from above.

Night Helicopter Ride NYC: City Lights Skyline Experience

Departure: Linden, New Jersey  | 25 – 30 Minutes | Have you ever seen the sights of New York City from the air at night? If not, then you should book a seat on the City Lights Skyline Experience helicopter ride NYC from Helicopter Flight Services. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows visitors to see aerial views of Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and much more while they are lit up at night!

Grand Island Helicopter Flight

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 25 – 30 Minutes | Enjoy seeing NYC from a bird’s-eye view for 30 exciting minutes with the Grand Island Helicopter Flight. You will see all the main NYC attractions from above allowing you to take some amazingly unique pictures of some of NYC’s most famous sights. You will fly over everything from the Statue of Liberty, The One World Trade Center and the Yankees Stadium to the New York Harbor and Central Park! This is undoubtedly an experience you will not want to miss out on.

New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 12 – 15 Minutes | For a unique and exciting experience, look no further! A helicopter ride over Manhattan is one of the things that we highly recommend doing when you visit NYC. From up in the air the sense of scale you get is second to none, making this city even more impressive than it already is. Flying along the Hudson River this helicopter tour will give you a great view of Manhattan, its main attractions and the surrounding boroughs.

Helicopter Tour: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 25 – 30 Minutes | No trip to New York is complete without a helicopter ride over NYC. With everything the Big Apple has to offer, it can be difficult seeing all the mighty rivers, iconic sights, and historical landmarks in one trip. However, the easiest way to accomplish this is by boarding a state-of-the-art helicopter and enjoying the ride. The Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island helicopter ride NYC by Helicopter Flight Services is one of the most comprehensive tours available. You’ll see sights such as the Chrysler Building, Statue of Liberty, General Grant National Memorial, and so much more.

Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Flight

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 25 – 30 Minutes | New York is one of the best cities for tourism and sightseeing. However, it’s also a bustling city, so rather than stand in line to see the famed sights, it’s much easier to book a helicopter ride over NYC. Doing so allows you to see the gorgeous skyline and iconic views from the air.

The Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing helicopter tour provided by Helicopter Flight Services is one with which you can’t go wrong.

New York Helicopter Tour: City Skyline Experience

Departure: Linden, New Jersey  | 25 – 30 Minutes | The City Skyline Experience is a helicopter ride over NYC that provides aerial views of Manhattan’s skyline and other historical sights. Other travelers may be present with this shared ride experience, but that doesn’t take away from the exceptional views and still provides an excellent opportunity for marvelous photos.

Find the perfect Helicopter Flight over NYC in no time!

Not quite sure which of the many helicopter flights over New York are the best for you? With my helicopter flight advisor this can be done very quickly! Try it out right now by clicking on the “Let’s start”-button below! 👇👇👇

After only 2 questions we will present you the helicopter flights that suits you best. There are over 10 different helicopter tours to choose from, so you’ll definitely find one that you’ll enjoy.

Question #1 Where do you want to start the helicopter tour?

Manhattan (so that the way to the heliport is short)

New Jersey is fine!

I am quite flexible there!

Question #2 What budget do you plan per person?

Less than $250.

More than $250, it should be a once in a lifetime experience!

The Best Private Helicopter Rides

Even the “regular” helicopter flights over NYC are really beautiful and guaranteed to give you many goosebumps moments. But if you are looking for a romantic helicopter flight for two and want it to be something really special, the private helicopter flights over New York City are perfect!

Here you can find the best private helicopter tours in NYC:

The best helicopter ride from jfk to nyc (and all other nyc airports).

Something really luxurious is the combination of airport transfer and sightseeing flight – there are several providers that will take you by helicopter from the airports around New York City to Manhattan. Starting your New York vacation couldn’t be better!

Here you can find the best New York Helicopter Airport Transfers:

To get a better idea of the different helicopter routes, you can take a look at the map below. It shows you which main attractions you will be able to see and therefore may help to determine which the best helicopter tour length for you. You can choose from short, medium, and long helicopter tour in NYC.

Our Favorite: The Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour

For us, the best helicopter tour in NYC is the Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour. Why? See it for yourself:

How much is a helicopter flight in New York?

Prices for helicopter flights in New York vary, depending on the length of the tour. Typically, you can expect to pay between $155 and $300.

Where do helicopter flights in New York leave from?

New York City has four main providers of helicopter rides. You can recognize them by their different colors:  The red ones are New York Helicopter & Liberty Helicopter and the black helicopters are owned by Zip Aviation. Each of them has the same departure location (Downtown Manhattan Heliport) however fly slightly different routes over the city.

How early do I need to arrive before my helicopter flight over New York?

Please be at the Heliport 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time for a compulsory safety induction, unless you’re otherwise instructed.

Can I change the date of my helicopter ride?

It is entirely possible that your travel plans for New York change last minute. Don’t worry, this is not a problem as the date and time of your helicopter tour can be canceled up to 72 hours prior to departure!

Book your tickets 1 – 2 weeks in advance – you will have a fairly accurate weather forecast by then!

How many people fit into a helicopter?

Depending on the helicopter, 4 – 6 people will be on one flight.

Is there a weight limit for helicopter flights in New York?

No. However, all passengers weighing over 300lbs (136kg) may need to pay for an extra seat depending on the flight. This can be paid to the provider at check-in.

Can I choose my seat?

Due to the need for the weight on both sides of the helicopter to be balanced, you will not be able to pick your seats. However, you can voice your seating preferences during the process and the staff will try to accommodate your wishes with this in mind.

What can I not take on board of a helicopter flight?

Only items that can be kept on your person are allowed on board, such as a cell phone, camera, or sunglasses. Any larger items (e.g. water bottles or oversized cameras that can block the view) need to be left at the heliport. Should you need to leave things behind, there are small lockers available for ($2).

What do I need to bring?

Please make sure to bring your booking confirmation as well as a valid photo ID for every passenger. This also includes children! Also, don’t forget your camera or phone to capture some moments of this incredible experience!

Is there anything that is not included in the helicopter ticket price?

A security fee of $40 per person is included in most of the ticket prices. The fee is mandated by the heliport and payment is required upon check-in. Also not included are the tip (optional), as well as hotel transfers.

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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The best helicopter tours in NYC

Get an exhilarating view of the city's stunning skyline aboard one of the best helicopter tours NYC has to offer

For the ultimate panoramic view of this incredible city's iconic skyline, you'll probably want to book yourself on to one of New York’s best helicopter tours. Because what could be better than gazing out across the coolest city in the world? Of course, vistas aren’t in short supply in this town - and you can always marvel at the cityscape from one of the city’s best  rooftop bars - but you’ll need to get a little bit higher for that picture-perfect wide-angle of the best  New York attractions ,  from the Empire State Building to  Central Park . Whether you want to jump on a quick 20-minute flight or take it all in over two whole hours, our list of the best helicopter tours in NYC has the perfect chopper for you. Time to take to the skies, people! 

This article includes affiliate links.These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

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Best NYC helicopter tours

1.  vip night helicopter flight and statue of liberty cruise.

It's no surprise that in the city that never sleeps, the best helicopter ride takes place after dark. Head down to South Street Seaport and climb aboard a luxury chopper for a flight around a dozen sights and landmarks, including Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the  Chrysler Building and  the Empire State Building. After you’ve landed, finish off the night in style with a 45-minute guided cruise along the New York harbor, complete with a Champagne toast in front of Lady Liberty. How fancy!

2.  Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York

This budget-friendly whistlestop tour is perfect for those visiting New York for the first time. In just 15 minutes, you can get up close to loads of major attractions. Flights depart daily from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, taking passengers  all the way to the George Washington Bridg via t he Empire State, Woolworth, Chrysler, Met Life, and World Financial buildings. Headphones are provided so you can hear commentary from your pilot while taking in those spectacular, Instagram-perfect views.

3.  Private Fall Helicopter Tour of the Hudson Valley

You'll  fall  in love with the city after this private tour of Hudson Valley. Fly above the cascade of rich reds, warm oranges, and golden yellows, synonymous with the season. This NYC helicopter tour will take you on a journey showcasing the beauty of New England, including the Hudson River, Bear Mountain, and Harriman State Park. The experienced pilots will tell you all about the gorgeous views, so relax, take in the sights and experience the world from a different height. 

4.  New York Helicopter Flight: Manhattan Helicopter Tour

This 15 to 20-minute, ultimate sightseer tour gives passengers the chance to take in killer views of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, and Madison Square Garden, among other landmarks. You'll be taking off from the Downtown Heliport before soaring over iconic sights you've only seen in the movies. The longer tour will take you to bonus monuments like the impressive Yankee Stadium.

5.  New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island

From Coney Island to the New Jersey Palisades to  Grant’s Tomb , this far-ranging helicopter tour lets you see it all. Your flight gets going with the iconic landmarks of lower Manhattan: the Freedom Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. Next, the flight climbs all the way to the very top of the borough for incredible views of Columbia University, Harlem and the Yankee Stadium. The trip back heads south over the Verrazano Bridge for views of Staten Island and even a glimpse of the roller coasters at Luna Park.

6.  Manhattan Island All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour

Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera on this tour. And no, your smartphone probably won't do these views justice. City Skyline Experience choppers zoom north along the East River, cut across Central Park, then fly down the Hudson River for the ultimate panoramic look at Gotham’s skyline. Along the way, the pilot points out all the key NYC attractions such as the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Looking for more views?

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So Worth It

So worth it! Went for my boyfriends birthday and he loved flying the helicopter and I enjoyed sitting in the back watching him fly and the beautiful views! Our instructor was so nice and made our experience very enjoyable! Also, brand new 2018 helicopter made it even nicer. Would definitely do again! (Google)

Wings Air Did Not Disappoint

Didn’t really know what to expect since it was our first time flying in a helicopter, but Wings Air did not disappoint. The place is easy to get to, the beautiful, clean, staff is extremely friendly and accommodating and the flying experience was amazing! Our pilot, Johnathan made us feel extremely comfortable and safe on our 30-minute ride to the city. I was nervous going into it but his smooth sailing and reassurance relaxed me so I could experience the incredible views. 110% recommend going with Wings Air! (Google)

A Perfect Way To Start Our Recent New York Trip

A perfect way to start our recent New York trip. We took a helicopter with Lance from Midtown to Woodbury Common, with an NYC city tour included. Save yourself some time getting up there and catch some amazing views of the city at the same time! (Yelp)


Thank You Wings Air Helicopter Team

We had a lot of luggage to load as well but he and his team managed to fit it all in. Our little one then started singing a nursery rhyme to keep herself calm, Anthony knew the words and immediately joined in, it was magical our daughter, now calm, and the pilot singing as we took off. And what a flight it was, over the city, all the usual sights then up sate. Thank you, Anthony, Anna and all the Wings Helicopter team for your incredible professionalism and expertise, we were safe in your hands and can’t wait to fly with you again. (TripAdvisor)

Special Surprise Trip

We arranged a special surprise trip with Wings Helicopters for our 2 young daughters on Christs Eve last. Its was to be a tour of New York City, then a short flight to our final destination up sate. When we arrived at the Heliport on East 30th and told the girls our youngest burst into tears as she was so nervous of flying. Anthony, our pilot, took her in hand and was absolutely superb. (Trip Advisor)

The Flight Was Amazing

This was so much better than I expected!! We were picked up and driven to a lovely private airport with a nice waiting area where we were greeted by our pilot and his colleague who made us feel at ease. The flight was amazing and the pictures you take are out of this world. The pilot, Nick, will accommodate you in any way he can so you get the perfect picture and he has a great sense of humor! I would definitely do this again!! Thank you. (TripAdvisor)

Put Our Helicopter Services To The Test!

Helicopter Tour New York City - 15 Minutes

Tours depart Manhattan NY. Best Price in NYC Guarantee!

Gaze out a helicopter’s window toward NYC landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and more!

Description

• Helicopter Tour NYC

Our Helicopter Tour NYC is easily the best New York Helicopter Tour available. New York City's BEST VALUE  Helicopter Tour takes off from the Manhattan Heliport in lower Manhattan and includes all heliport fees and fuel surcharge costs. In other words there is no more to pay. During this  New York City helicopter tour you will fly above all the famous New York landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and more so make sure you bring a camera.

The unique New York City skyline makes this tour a must for any visitor. Don’t stay grounded amid the infamous New York traffic, take to the skies for an unforgettable Helicopter Tour of New York .

Book your Helicopter Tour NYC today!

Had a great experience. Totally worth the money!

The pilot was very nice and made me have a great birthday!!

The staff were very welcoming.

Great Experience!

If u got a bucket list u better get on the Adrenaline helicopter tour. Scene was amazing from up high and completely comfortable ride

Experience Details

Fitness and experience.

• Please be sure to inform us of any relevant medical conditions at the time of booking so we may accommodate you
• Maximum weight per passenger is 275 lbs; no seat belt extender is offered
• Children under 2 years of age must sit in an adults lap at no charge

What to Bring/Wear

• Wear loose comfortable clothing, suitable to the weather on the day
• Sunglasses are a good idea as the glare off the clouds can be quite bright
• A camera and/or video camera are highly recommended

What is Supplied

• Helicopter Tour NYC  (approximately 12-15 minutes)
• Knowledgeable and experienced pilot
• Stunning city views

More Information

• Children under 2 years old ride free on their guardian's lap with proof of age (Please bring birth certificate)
• Tours are available Monday to Friday 12:00pm to 3:30pm and Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm
• Paid parking is available at Whitehall and Water St.
• You will be sharing the helicopter with other tour passengers
• Please note your tour will be in either a Bell 407, Bell 427, Airbus EC130, or Airbus EC155 helicopter

All staff and passengers will be required to wear masks on our premises, including during the flight. If you don’t have a mask, we’ll provide it for you.

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Taste of New York Helicopter Tour from Kearny, NJ

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Fly high over Niagara Falls with one of the best helicopter rides in America

• Published: Jun. 06, 2024, 8:27 a.m.
• Sunny Hernandez | [email protected]

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rainbow Air Inc /Niagara Falls (@rainbowairinc)

Experiencing the grandest sights of Upstate New York from a bird’s-eye view is truly unmatched, and sometimes the best way to achieve this is by taking a helicopter ride.

Lucky for us, Upstate New York has one of the 10 best helicopter tour companies in the nation, according to the readers of USA Today .

Fly over iconic Niagara Falls with Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours , located in Niagara Falls , New York.

The classic tour in what they call your “limousine to the sky” will take you along the Upper Niagara River to the mighty Falls. See views of the Rainbow Bridge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Goat Island, Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, Queen Victoria Park, Clifton Hill, the American Observation Tower and more.

Book an extended tour and you will see Fort Henry and Fort Niagara where the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario

Tours run from April to October, depending on weather, and take off from the Niagara Falls International Airport. Because flights are dependent on weather, tickets cannot be purchased in advance, but are available onsite.

In addition to the Western New York attraction, USA Today’s 10 best list also includes trips to the Grand Canyon, islands in Hawaii, and sights of New York City.

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15 of the best things to do in New York City in 2024

Mar 23, 2024 • 9 min read

A trip to Central Park is a classic stop on any NYC itinerary © Marco Rubino / Shutterstock

Three life-changing words: New York City .

Millions are drawn to it; some never shake it. Monumental, artistic, cultural, commercial, cosmopolitan – the City That Never Sleeps is everything you've imagined. You'll never be bored here – the only problem is narrowing down what to do from the endless list of possibilities.

To help you get started, here's a list of my favorite inspirational highlights – all perfect experiences for your next trip. However, the big sights lure big crowds, so brace yourself. If you're after a calmer NYC experience, sights in the "outer borough" (beyond Manhattan) will generally be less crowded. 

Ticket costs can also be substantial, so consider purchasing a New York CityPASS , which offers good discounts on top attractions.

Where Locals Go: NYC locals share their favorite nearby vacation spots

1. Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The iconic copper-green  Statue of Liberty dominates a small island in New York Harbor, casting a protective shadow over neighboring Ellis Island , the site of a stirring Immigration Museum . Still symbolic today, these two landmarks served as an uplifting gateway through which over 12 million soon-to-be-Americans passed from 1892 to 1924.

Planning tip: Boats to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leave from The Battery in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The monuments are often visited on a combined ticket – book well ahead, especially if you hope to spend time in Liberty's pedestal or crown.

2. Soak up the views from the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings

The tallest building in the world when it opened in 1931, the 1454ft  Empire State Building remains a much-loved character on the NYC skyline, although somewhat controversially, street-level views of this New York City skyline icon are about to be obscured by a luxury condo apartment. Vistas from the outdoor, 360-degree view, 86th-floor deck and the indoor 102nd-floor observatory are breathtaking, though – particularly at sunset. Look northeast at the art deco Chrysler Building , also once the world's tallest before being dethroned by the Empire State.

Planning tip:  Buy tickets in advance and devote a few moments to the second-floor Story of an Icon museum.

3. Pay tribute to lost lives at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The National 9/11 Memorial is located where the World Trade Center Twin Towers once stood. It features sobering tributes to the lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, most poignantly two sunken pools with cascades of water pouring into the fallen towers' footprints. Adjacent to the memorial is a profoundly moving museum with remnants and reminders of the tragic day.

Planning tip:  The memorial is free; museum tickets are best bought online in advance.

4. Have family-friendly seaside fun at Coney Island

Jutting like a Brooklyn thumb out into New York Harbor's Lower Bay, Coney Island boasts a wide beach, a popular seaside boardwalk and a lively amusement park, all reachable by subway in about an hour from Midtown Manhattan. Popular attractions include the family-friendly New York Aquarium , Nathan's Famous hot dogs , Deno's Wonder Wheel and thrill-filled Luna Park , featuring the wooden Cyclone rollercoaster – a city and national historic landmark.

Planning tip:  Walk to nearby Brighton Beach for classic Russian and Ukrainian eats.

5. Tour the vast collections at NYC's major museums

The Met  is NYC's most visited museum for very good reasons. With 5000 years of art from all over the world, two million individual objects and 17 acres of exhibition space, it's massive, astounding and seemingly inexhaustible.

An inside tip – the Met's often bypassed uptown Cloisters were cobbled together from authentic sections of European medieval monasteries. Tickets cover three-day admission to both Met branches.

Directly across Central Park from the Met is another significant museum with a broad scope: the American Museum of Natural History , where your ticket grants you access to more than 50 exhibits and 34 million artifacts!

Art lovers will find modern masterpieces from Warhol, Pollock and more in the Museum of Modern Art ; book ahead to skip the line, particularly at weekends. Somewhat smaller and less crowded, though definitely still comprehensive, is the Brooklyn Museum .

Detour: For something much more contemporary and free of hordes, try Brooklyn's Bushwick Collective Street Art .

Use this guide to plan the ultimate museum tour of New York City

6. Hang out in Central Park

Hemmed in by buildings, Central Park serves up 843 acres of green space – meadows, groves, gardens and lakes, as well as restaurants, theaters, concert venues, fountains, skating rinks, ballfields, playgrounds and much more. Park Drive, although often crowded, is a favorite route for runners, skaters and cyclists.

Seeking some green space with fewer people? Brooklyn's Prospect Park , created by the same landscapers as Central Park, has all the same charm with far less throng.

Detour: For a leafy overview of Manhattan, consider cycling along sections of the 31-mile Manhattan Waterfront Greenway , especially the Hudson River Greenway segment.

Can't get enough of Central Park? Our local tells you where to find Central Park's best corners

7. Walk across Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Undoubtedly NYC's most beautiful river crossing, the 1596ft-long, stone-towered Brooklyn Bridge was one of the world's first steel suspension bridges when it opened in 1883. Today, a walk along its pedestrian passageway delivers delightful Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline views.

Brooklyn Bridge Park , the 1.3-mile, 85-acre green space on Brooklyn's East River shoreline, prolongs the pleasure (and the Manhattan views). Check out the waterfront, glass-enclosed Jane's Carousel and multiple revitalized pier-based leisure and activity areas.

Save these restaurants to your Brooklyn itinerary

8. Gaze upon the Manhattan skyline  

Manhattan's tumble of buildings is a mesmerizing spectacle, changing in natural and artificial light, particularly at dusk and night. Harbor cruises are a fantastic way to enjoy it, but there are also numerous land-based vantage points along the East River.

In Brooklyn, head for Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, East River State Park in Williamsburg and Transmitter Park in Greenpoint. Over in Queens, go to Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City and Astoria Park.

Planning tip:  For a once-in-a-lifetime splurge and unbeatable views, take a helicopter tour over NYC; yes, it's pricey, but it's worth it.

9. See art and architecture on the High Line and at Hudson Yards 

The 1.5-mile-long High Line is one of New York's great surprises. This art-filled, community green space – featuring gardens, events, and amazing city outlooks – was crafted from an abandoned elevated railway. It can be packed on warm evenings when the unique modern architecture on all sides is illuminated.

The northern terminus of the High Line is at the Hudson Yards , Manhattan's newest luxury development, with gourmet restaurants, upscale shops and singular attractions like Vessel , a multilevel public landmark, and The Edge , the city's highest (101st-floor) open-air observatory.

10. Visit the landmark Rockefeller Center

Perhaps best known for its winter backdrop – a world-famous ice-skating rink and New York's giant ceremoniously-lit Christmas tree – the art deco Rockefeller Center is a busy, art-filled national historic landmark all year round.

Named for its entrepreneurial developer – John D Rockefeller Jr, America's first billionaire – it claims highlights such as the 70th-floor Top of the Rock observation deck, the Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios Tours , as well as plenty of Midtown shopping and dining.

11. Be dazzled by the lights of Times Square and the Theater District

The neon lights really do shine bright on Broadway, especially in Times Square at the heart of the world's most celebrated theater district. Day and night, it provides billboarded sensory overload. In the area are dozens of marquee-fronted playhouses hosting box-office hits, alongside Madame Tussauds and National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey . Bryant Park, Midtown's small but activity-filled green oasis, and the lion-flanked entrance of the New York Public Library , a national historic landmark, are also nearby.

12. Ride the New York City Subway and Staten Island Ferry

The wheels never stop turning in NYC, aided by its sleepless subway , one of the world's biggest mass transit systems. Another iconic part of the New York transport network is the free, orange Staten Island Ferry , the cheapest way to grab pics of Lady Liberty.

For NYC urban transport history, the kid-friendly Transit Museum has climb-aboard subway cars from all eras. There's a museum annex and shop in Grand Central Terminal , a Midtown beaux-arts wonder with an unforgettably grand main concourse.

13. Support conservation at the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens

Who'd have thought the US's biggest and oldest zoo is in NYC? The conservation-minded Bronx Zoo hosts 6000-plus animals in 265 acres of specially designed habitats. Adjacent to it is the New York Botanical Garden , a 250-acre, year-round nature showcase with dozens of indoor and outdoor gardens included in your ticket.

Planning tip: Smaller but impressive alternative zoos can be found at Central Park, Prospect Park and Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens). The 50-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden is famous for its seasonally blossoming cherry trees.

14. Find art and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn

In a city that places a high premium on space, Brooklyn now claims three hip, rehabilitated industrial areas commandeered by entrepreneurs, artisanal makers, retailers, artists, start-ups and nonprofits. Industry City occupies six large warehouses on the Sunset Park waterfront.

Further south, 100-plus companies fill the vast and storied Brooklyn Army Terminal . And east of Downtown Brooklyn, the expansive, historic Brooklyn Navy Yard is a modern made-in-Brooklyn manufacturing hub.

15. Go to a game at a New York stadium

New Yorkers take outsize pride in their sports teams, so how better to absorb the city's energy than at a game? The Bronx's Yankee Stadium and Mets' Citi Field in Queens are grand open-air stadiums, while Manhattan's Madison Square Garden , home of Knicks and Liberty basketball and Rangers hockey, and Brooklyn's futuristic Barclays Center , where the Nets basketball and Islanders hockey teams play, are enclosed, so good for rainy days.

Planning tip:  If you'd prefer to see the Giants and Jets compete in the National Football League, their arenas are in nearby New Jersey .

And now for the hard part: should you go to a Mets or Yankees game? Two local experts weigh in

Keep planning your trip to NYC:

• Find out which NYC neighborhood fits your vibe
• Find the best time of year to visit
• Getting around NYC is fairly straightforward –  find out how in our full transportation guide
• Even better, read on for top tips to see New York on two wheels

This article was first published May 25, 2021 and updated Mar 23, 2024.

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Go on epic expeditions with the best adventure tours of 2024

Summer is calling, and adventure awaits at every turn. Imagine the spray of water on your face as you navigate the rapids, the thrill of reeling in a catch on a sunlit sea, or the wind in your hair as you cycle through scenic trails. This season, embrace the call of the wild with our guide to the most amazing summer activities, from serene boat tours to heart-pounding white water rafting.

To help you plan your greatest adventure yet, USA TODAY 10Best asked readers to cast their votes for the best outdoor adventures across nine categories, and the results are in.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

Best Adventure Tour Operator: Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions specializes in “amazing outdoor adventures for all women.” The company leads trips to more than two dozen countries around the globe, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, surfing, sailing, and yoga.

Full list of winners: Best Adventure Tour Operator »

Best Aerial Adventure Park: Botanical World Adventures in Hakalau, Hawaii

See Hawaii from a new perspective as you zoom across eight zip lines that run above and through Botanical World Adventures' rainforest canopy. Fly over waterfalls, pools, and flowering trees, and view exotic plants in the gardens.

The zip lines get faster and longer as you fly through the jungle, and the ride includes two side-by-side ziplines that allow you to race your friends to the finish! This experience is great for both young and old and all expertise levels of “zipping.”

Full list of winners: Best Aerial Adventure Park »

Best Bike Tour: Carolina Tailwinds

Carolina Tailwinds offers multiday, inn-to-inn bicycle tours to destinations largely around the eastern United States, with all bicycle vacations providing a nice balance between physical activity and relaxation.

From flat and easy to hilly and challenging, there are bike routes to choose from for all levels of riders. Guests stay at boutique hotels and country inns, with breakfasts and most lunches and dinners included.

Full list of winners: Best Bike Tour »

Best Boat Tour: Chicago's First Lady Cruises in Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady is led by highly trained docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you'll hear highlights of the city's history, including stories about the visionaries who shaped Chicago's skyline. Options include both daytime tours and evening cocktail cruises.

Full list of winners: Best Boat Tour »

Best Fishing Charter: Hubbard's Marina in Madeira Beach, Florida

In business since 1928, Hubbard's Marina is one of the top authorities for water-based recreation along Florida's Gulf Coast. Fishing trips range from half-day jaunts to 44-hour marathon excursions under the glow of the full moon. Beyond the realm of the reel, guests can also take part in sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and even camping trips on stunning Shell Key.

Full list of winners: Best Fishing Charter »

Best Helicopter Tour: Island Helicopters Kauai in Lihue, Hawaii

There are few things more scenic than seeing the world from a helicopter, and the splendor of Kauai provides an ideal backdrop. Experienced pilots with Island Helicopters share facts about Kauai as you enjoy a bird's-eye view of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, coastlines, and famous landmarks.

Full list of winners: Best Helicopter Tour »

Best Hot Air Balloon Ride: Grand Adventure Balloon Tours in Winter Park, Colorado

Grand Adventure Balloon Tours in Winter Park offers year-round flights above spectacular Colorado scenery. Views include the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park, with the chance to fly low and spot local wildlife or splash and dash in a nearby pond or river.

Full list of winners: Best Hot Air Balloon Ride »

Best Kayak Tour: Santa Barbara Adventure Company in Santa Barbara, California

Renowned for its balmy Mediterranean climate, Santa Barbara is the perfect city for a lengthy kayak tour. Outdoor adventure aficionados can book both wildlife and sunset excursions along the coast with Santa Barbara Adventure Company, and as an added bonus, there’s no shortage of voyages to nearby Channel Islands National Park.

Full list of winners: Best Kayak Tour »

Best White Water Rafting Tour: Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours in Durango, Colorado

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours leads rafting trips in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona, with a river for just about any thrill level and trips lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days.

Full list of winners: Best White Water Rafting Tour »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more Readers' Choice Awards.

This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: From biking to white water rafting, best adventure tours to book now

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The Mayday Call: How One Death at Sea Transformed a Fishing Fleet

The opioid epidemic has made a dangerous job even more deadly. And when there’s an overdose at sea, fishermen have to take care of one another.

Hollis Nevells aboard the Karen Nicole, a fishing vessel based in Massachusetts whose owner adopted a Narcan training program because of rising opioid overdoses in the industry. Credit... David Guttenfelder for The New York Times

Supported by

By C.J. Chivers

C.J. Chivers is a staff writer for the magazine. He reported from fishing ports in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Jersey for several months.

• June 6, 2024

The call from the Atlantic Ocean sounded over VHF radio on a midsummer afternoon. “Mayday, mayday, mayday,” the transmission began, then addressed the nearest U.S. Coast Guard command center. “Sector Delaware Bay, this is the vessel Jersey Pride. Come in.”

Listen to this article, read by James Patrick Cronin

About 40 miles east-southeast of Barnegat Light, N.J., the Jersey Pride, a 116-foot fishing vessel with a distinctive royal blue hull, was towing a harvesting dredge through clam beds 20 fathoms down when its crew found a deckhand unresponsive in a bunk. The captain suspected an overdose. After trying to revive the man, he rushed to the radio. “Yes, Coast Guard, uh, I just tried to wake a guy up and he’s got black blood in his nose,” he said, sounding short of breath on Channel 16, the international hailing and distress frequency for vessels at sea. “I got guys working on him. Come in.”

The seas were gentle, the air hot. In cramped crew quarters in the forepeak, the deckhand, Brian Murphy, was warm but not breathing in a black tee and jeans. He had no discernible pulse. Dark fluid stained his nostrils. A marine welder and father of four, Murphy, 40, had been mostly unemployed for months, spending time caring for his children while his wife worked nights. A few days earlier, while he was on a brief welding gig to repair the Jersey Pride at its dock, the captain groused about being short-handed. Murphy agreed to fill in. Now it was July 20, 2021, the third day of the first commercial fishing trip of his life. Another somber sequence in the opioid epidemic was nearing its end.

“Captain,” a Coast Guard petty officer asked, “is there CPR in progress?”

“Yes, there is,” the captain replied.

About 17 miles to the Jersey Pride’s southeast, the fishing vessel Karen Nicole was hauling back its two scallop dredges and preparing to swing aboard its catch. Through the low rumble of the 78-foot boat’s diesel engine and the high whine of its winches, the mate, Hollis Nevells, listened to the conversation crackling over a wheelhouse radio. Nevells had lost a brother-in-law and about 15 peers to fatal overdoses. When the Jersey Pride’s captain broadcast details of his imperiled deckhand — “His last name is Murphy,” he said — Nevells understood what he heard in human terms. That’s someone’s son or brother, he thought.

Nevells knew the inventory of his own vessel’s trauma kit. It contained bandages, tape, tourniquets, splints, analgesics and balms, but no Narcan, the opioid antidote. Without it, there was little to do beyond hope the Jersey Pride’s captain would announce that the other deckhands successfully revived their co-worker. Only then, Nevells knew, would the Coast Guard send a helicopter.

Murphy remained without vital signs. His pupils, the captain told the Coast Guard, had dilated to “the size of the iris.” The Jersey Pride swung its bow shoreward toward the Manasquan River, where medical examiners would meet the boat at its dock. Another commercial fisherman was gone.

Since the opioid crisis hit the United States in the late 1990s, no community has been spared. First with prescription painkillers, then with heroin after tighter prescription rules pushed people dependent on opioids to underground markets, and more recently with illicitly manufactured fentanyl and its many analogues, the epidemic has killed roughly 800,000 people by overdose since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With fatalities averaging more than 80,000 a year for three years running, it is the nation’s leading cause of accidental death.

The death toll includes victims from all walks of life, but multiple studies illuminate how fatalities cluster along occupational lines. A 2022 report by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health noted that employees in fishing, forestry, agriculture and hunting had the highest rates of all industries, closely followed by workers in construction trades. The news affirmed what was visible on these jobs. Federal data had long established that such workers — at risk from falls, equipment mishaps or drowning — were the most likely to die in workplace accidents in the United States. Now opioids stalked their ranks disproportionately, too.

In fishing fleets, the reasons are many and clear. First is the grueling nature of the job. “The fishing industry and the relationship to substance use is the story of pain, mental and physical pain, and the lack of access to support,” says J.J. Bartlett, president and founder of Fishing Partnership Support Services, a nonprofit that provides free safety training to fishing communities in the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic.

The risk is also rooted in how fishery employment is organized. Crew members on fishing vessels are typically independent contractors paid a fraction of the profit (a “share,” in industry jargon) after each trip. They generally lack benefits or support common to full-time employment on land, including health insurance, paid sick time and access to human-resource departments or unions. Physical conditions factor in, too. Offshore fishing boats tend to operate ceaselessly. Captains divide crew work into long, overlapping watches that offer little sleep and require arduous labor on slick, pitching decks, sometimes in extreme weather. The work can assume an ultramarathon character. When a valuable catch is running, as squid do in summer south of Nantucket, many boats will fill holds or freezers over several days, return to port to offload, then immediately take on food, fuel and ice and head back out, a practice known as “turn and burn” that can leave crews haggard. Stress, pain and injuries are inherent in such circumstances, including common musculoskeletal injuries and, on scallop vessels, an unusual and excruciating affliction known as “the grip” — caused by constant shucking — that can make hands curl and seize up for days. No matter the suffering, deckhands are expected to keep pace. Those who can are rewarded with checks, sometimes large checks, and respect, an intangible more elusive than wealth. Those who can’t are not invited back.

Its hardships notwithstanding, the industry is a reservoir of human drive and ocean-roaming talent, providing good wages and meaningful work to the independent-minded, the rugged, the nomadic and the traditionally inclined, along with immigrants and people with criminal records or powerful allergies to the stultifying confines of office life. On the water, pedigree and background checks mean little. Reputation is all. In this way, the vessels preserve a professional culture as old as human civilization and bring to shore immense amounts of healthful food, for which everyone is paid by the pound, not by the hour.

Taken together, these circumstances pressure deckhands to work through fatigue, ailments and injuries. One means is via stimulants or painkillers, or both, making it no surprise that in the fentanyl era fishing crews suffer rates of fatal overdose up to five times that of the general population. “This is an unaddressed public-health crisis,” Bartlett says, “for workers without a safety net.”

Commercial fishing in the United States also operates in a gap in the legal framework governing other industries running vessels at sea. The federal regulations mandating drug-testing for mariners on vessels in commercial service — including ferries, tugs and cargo ships as well as research and charter boats — exempt all fishing boats except the very largest. Some companies screen anyhow. But with no legal requirement, captains and crews are generally tested only after a serious incident, like a sinking, collision or death on deck. Toxicology tests are also performed on fishermen’s corpses, when the authorities manage to recover them. “We always find out too late,” says Jason D. Neubauer, deputy chief of the Coast Guard’s Office of Investigations & Casualty Analysis. One of Neubauer’s uncles, a lumberjack, was addicted to heroin for decades. “I take this personally every time I see a mariner dying from drugs,” he says, “because I have seen the struggle.”

None of these employment factors are new. Working fishermen have always faced pain, exhaustion and incentives to work through both. (A weeklong trip aboard a scalloper, among the most remunerative fishing jobs, can pay $10,000 or more — a check no deckhand wants to miss.) Heroin, cocaine and amphetamines were common in ports a generation ago. Veteran captains say drug use was much more widespread then, before smaller catch limits and tighter regulations forced the industry to trim fleets and sometimes the size of crews. Contraction, employers say, compelled vessels to hire more selectively, reducing the presence of illicit drugs.

If use is down, potency is up. Much of the increased danger is because of fentanyl, which the Drug Enforcement Administration considers 50 times stronger than heroin. Fentanyl suppresses respiration and can kill quickly, challenging the industry’s spirit of self-reliance. When offshore, laboring between heaving seas and endless sky, fishermen cook for themselves, repair damaged equipment themselves and rely on one another for first aid. Everything depends on a few sets of able hands. Barring calamity, there exists no expectation of further help. The ethos — simultaneously celebrated and unsettling — is largely the same over the horizon off the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts, in fisheries bringing billions of pounds of seafood to consumers each year. When the severity of an ailment or injury is beyond what crews can manage alone, a baked-in math restricts access to trauma care. Fishing vessels routinely operate eight hours or more from land, putting employees in circumstances utterly different from those of most workers in the United States, where response times for E.M.T.s are measured in minutes. The Coast Guard runs a highly regarded search-and-rescue service, but when a vessel’s location is remote or a storm howling, Coast Guard aircraft might require hours to arrive. Urgency does not eliminate distance and weather. A fentanyl overdose can kill in minutes, a timeline no Coast Guard asset can beat.

As the epidemic has claimed crew member after crew member, the death toll has been behind a push to bring harm-reduction strategies out onto the ocean. Chief among them are efforts to train crews to identify and treat an overdose and a push to saturate fleets with naloxone, the opioid antagonist, commonly administered as a nasal spray under the trade name Narcan, that can reverse overdoses and retrieve a fading patient from a mortal slide. The initiatives have made some inroads. But in a proud industry where names are made on punishing work and high-seas savvy, naloxone distribution has also faced resistance from vessel owners or captains concerned about the message carrying Narcan might send. Where proponents have succeeded, they have done so in part by demonstrating that harm reduction isn’t an abdication of fishermen’s responsibility — but a natural extension of it.

Before venturing into commercial fishing, Brian Murphy endured a run of difficult years. He separated from his wife in 2015 and moved to Florida, where he found, then lost, employment before running low on cash during the pandemic. He returned in late 2020 to his wife’s home in Vineland, reuniting their children with both parents and putting himself within an hour or so of commercial fishing docks along the shore. He hoped to find work welding for the fleet as he co-parented and put his life in order. “He was getting there,” his wife, Christina, says. “All he needed was a job.”

The deckhand position looked like the break he sought. It paid roughly $1,000 for three days at sea. The captain, Rodney Bart, seemed more than accommodating. Though he lived about 70 miles away, he agreed to pick up Murphy before the trip. Murphy told his wife he might put his wages toward a car, which could help him find a land job. Christina had reservations. She had heard stories of captains’ working crews past exhaustion and tolerating drugs on board. But she understood that her husband needed work. The back of his neck bore a small tattoo of the letter M adorned with a crown. “King Murph,” he called himself. He longed for that old stride.

What his family did not know was that the Jersey Pride, a boat that formerly enjoyed an excellent reputation, was in decline. Its hull and bulkheads were thick with rust. Its big gray-bearded captain, Bart, struggled with addiction to opioids and meth. A friend warned Murphy the vessel was “bad news,” says Murphy’s father, Brian Haferl. Murphy took the job anyhow.

On July 17, 2021, the evening before Murphy departed, he stayed up playing Call of Duty with a younger brother, Doug Haferl. Christina worked the night shift at a trucking firm. She returned home in the darkness and gave Brian a bag of bedding and clean clothes. When Bart showed up before dawn, Murphy dipped into the bedroom to say goodbye. Christina shared what cash she had — about $15 — to put toward cigarettes. “I didn’t have much else to give him,” she says. Then her husband left, off to make a check.

For two days Christina wondered how Brian was doing and whether he was getting sleep. I hope that blanket was enough, she thought. On the third day, a friend from a boatyard called. He said that Murphy was unconscious on the boat and that the Coast Guard might be flying out to help. Christina chose hope. “I figured they’d probably get the helicopter out there and revive him,” she says. About a half-hour later, a Coast Guard captain arrived at her home to inform her Brian was dead.

The captain shared what investigators gleaned at the dock: Murphy hurt his back, was pacing back and forth and had been in an argument with another deckhand. He got into a bunk to rest, and was soon found lifeless. “They just said he was acting really weird,” she says. The Coast Guard captain also said a small plastic bag had been found with him that appeared to contain drug residue. Christina was suspicious. Her husband had no money to buy drugs, and though he occasionally used Percocet pills and meth in the past, had not been using since returning home.

The same night, a police officer called Murphy’s father to notify him. Haferl was enraged. He told the officer that someone on the vessel must have given his son drugs and that he was heading to the dock with a rifle. “The guys on that boat better duck,” he said. The officer advised against this. If he caused a disturbance boatside, Haferl recalls him saying, “We’re going to be fishing you out of the river.”

Haferl could not rush to the Jersey Pride anyhow. Fishermen are paid by what they catch. Once medical examiners took custody of Murphy’s body, the vessel slipped back out the inlet to continue clamming. Murphy had boarded the boat with a duffel from home. He was carried off in jeans, socks and a T-shirt. Not even his shoes came back. When the Jersey Pride completed its trip, his family started calling Bart, the captain, seeking answers and Brian’s personal effects. Bart did not return calls. Neither did the owner, Doug Stocker. Eventually, Christina said, the friend from the boatyard dropped off her husband’s wallet and a phone. Both were sealed in plastic bags. Silence draped over the case. “No one was telling anyone anything,” Murphy’s father said.

Stocker, the Jersey Pride’s owner, relieved Bart of his position in fall 2021, then died that December. Bart died in 2023. Murphy’s family learned little beyond the contents of the autopsy report from the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s office. Its toxicology results were definitive. They showed the presence of fentanyl, methamphetamine and the animal tranquilizer xylazine in Murphy’s cardiac blood, leading the examiner to rule his death a result of “acute toxic effects” of three drugs. (Xylazine is another recent adulterant in black-market drug supplies.)

The report also revealed a surprise: Murphy’s blood contained traces of naloxone. Why he died nonetheless raised more unanswered questions. There were possible explanations. The crew may have administered naloxone perimortem, at the moment of death, too late to save his life but in time to show up in his blood. Alternately, the fentanyl may have been too potent for the amount of naloxone on board and failed to revive Murphy at all. A more disturbing possibility, which suggested a potential lapse in training, was that after Murphy received Narcan, Bart opted to let him rest and recover, and either the naloxone wore off or the other drugs proved lethal without intervention.

The last possibility was both maddening to consider and hard to fathom, given Bart’s personal experience with the sorrows of the epidemic. His adult daughter, Maureen, became dependent on prescription painkillers after a hip injury, completed rehab and relapsed fatally in 2018. Wracked with grief, Bart, who in 2017 completed an outpatient detox program for his own addiction, resumed use, one relative said. In March 2018 he overdosed aboard the Jersey Pride while it was alongside an Atlantic City dock. Narcan saved the captain that day. His pain deepened. His son, Rodney Bart Jr., followed him into clamming as a teenager and rose to become a mate on another clamming vessel, the John N. In 2020, about a year before Murphy died, Bart’s son fatally overdosed on fentanyl and heroin while towing a dredge off the Jersey Shore.

A federal wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Rodney Jr.’s family in early 2023 sketched a work force in addiction’s grip. It claimed that for more than six months before Rodney Jr.’s overdose, he complained that “the entire crew including the captain were using heroin during fishing operations”; that the captain supplied heroin to the crew, including to Rodney Jr.; that another crew member almost died by overdose on board in 2019; that Rodney Jr. nearly stepped on a needle on the boat; and that he saw “the captain nodded out” in the wheelhouse several times. Immediately after Rodney Jr.’s death, the suit claimed, the captain discussed with the crew “fabricating a story to the United States Coast Guard that decedent had died at the dock.” That night, the suit claimed, the captain falsely told the authorities that Rodney Jr. suffered a heart attack.

The parties settled early this year for an undisclosed sum. In telephone interviews, an owner of the vessel, John Kelleher, said he had zero tolerance for drug use and was not aware his crew was injecting heroin. After the death, he said, “I fired everybody that was on that boat.” Kelleher’s vessels now carry Narcan, though he was ambivalent about its presence. “It says it’s OK to have a heroin addict on the boat?” he asked. “I don’t want to promote that on the boat. We owe millions of dollars to the bank. You can’t have crews out there to catch clams driving around in circles.”

Hours after Murphy died, the Karen Nicole’s mate, Hollis Nevells, used a satellite phone to call his wife, Stacy Alexander-Nevells, in Fairhaven, Mass. The Karen Nicole is part of a large family-run enterprise in greater New Bedford, the most lucrative fishing port in the United States. Alexander-Nevells, a daughter of the business’s founder, grew up in commercial fishing. She sensed something was wrong. “Is everyone OK?” she asked.

“I just heard someone die on the radio,” Nevells said. “It was so close, so close, and I couldn’t help.”

Hearing strain in his voice, Alexander-Nevells was swept with pain. Her brother Warren Jr., a shore worker in the family business, died of a prescription-opioid overdose in 2009. She lived quietly in that shadow. Thinking of Murphy’s fellow crew members, and of other boats listening as the captain publicly broadcast Murphy’s deathbed symptoms, she felt an inner wall fall. “That was the first time I started processing how far-reaching one death could be, especially a preventable one,” she says. “For days I couldn’t stop thinking about it.”

In a conversation with a girlfriend, her friend mentioned Narcan. Alexander-Nevells knew of the drug, but thought of it as something administered only by emergency medical workers. That was no longer true. In 2018 Massachusetts authorized pharmacies to dispense Narcan without a prescription to opioid users, their families and “persons in a position to assist individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose.” The Alexander fleet, employing more than 100 people in a high-risk industry, qualified. (Last year the Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan for over-the-counter sales, removing more barriers to distribution.) Had the Karen Nicole carried naloxone, Alexander-Nevells thought, Murphy might still be alive. Still she balked. She realized she knew almost nothing about the drug. “I didn’t know dose,” she says. “I didn’t know how to use it.”

All around the harbor there were signs of need. For as long as any commercial fisherman could remember, greater New Bedford suffered from widespread substance use. Before recent pockets of shoreline gentrification appeared, some of the city’s former bars, notably the National Club, were the stuff of coastal legend. Older fishermen say there was little in the 1990s like the National during nor’easters and hurricanes, when scores of boats lashed together in port, rain and gales blasted the streets and crews rode out the weather at the bar. Booze flowed. Drugs were easy to find. And fishermen between trips often had wads of cash. “We were basically pirates back then,” one older scalloper says. “The way we lived, the way we fished. It was a free-for-all.” The scalloper, later incarcerated in Maine for heroin possession, says he stopped using opioids before fentanyl tainted the heroin supply. “I got out just in time,” he says. “It’s the only reason I’m still alive.” (His girlfriend’s son, a young fisherman, overdosed fatally the week before; to protect his household’s privacy, he asked that his name be withheld.) Capt. Clint Prindle, who commands the Coast Guard sector in southeastern New England, also recalls the era. As a young officer he was stationed in New Bedford on the cutter Campbell. The tour, he says, “was the only time in my career I was issued puncture-resistant gloves” — a precaution against loose syringes on fishing vessels.

For all these stories, the fishing industry was hardly the sole driver of the city’s underground trade, and drug use there remains widespread independent of the fleet. An investigation by The New Bedford Light, a nonprofit news site, found that one in every 1,250 city residents died of an overdose in 2022, more than twice the rate statewide. (Nationally, about one in 4,070 people died of opioid overdoses in 2022.) The report also found that about one out of eight New Bedford residents had enrolled in drug- or alcohol-addiction treatment since 2012. Such data aligns with the experience of Tyler Miranda, a scallop-vessel captain who grew up in the city. “The people who had money were drug dealers or fishermen,” he says. “When I was young, I knew a few fishermen, but most of my friends were in the other business.” These conditions helped make overdoses part of the local medical routine, prompting the city, with help from organizations like Fishing Partnership, to distribute free Narcan.

The movement has still not been fully embraced. A survey of commercial fishing captains published last year in The American Journal of Industrial Medicine suggested that skepticism about stocking Narcan persisted. Of 61 captains, 10 had undergone naloxone training, and only five said their vessels carried the drug. The survey’s data ended in 2020, and Fishing Partnership says the numbers have risen. Since 2016, the partnership’s opioid-education and Narcan-distribution program has trained about 2,500 people in the industry from Maine to North Carolina, about 80 percent of them in the last three years, says Dan Orchard, the partnership’s executive vice president. But with resistance lingering, Alexander-Nevells was unsure whether she could get Narcan on her family’s fleet. That would depend on her father, Warren J. Alexander.

Alexander is a tall, reserved man with neatly combed white hair who entered commercial fishing in the 1960s at age 13 by packing herring on weekends at Cape May. As a young man he lobstered, potted sea bass and worked on trawlers and clammers before setting out on his own with the purchase of a decades-old wooden schooner. The boat sank near Cape May while returning in a storm; Alexander tells the story of hearing its propeller still turning as he treaded water above the descending hull. Undeterred, he gambled big, having steel clamming vessels built in shipyards in the Gulf of Mexico and bringing them north. By the 1990s he was one of New Jersey’s most successful clam harvesters, and odds were good that any can of clam chowder in the United States contained shellfish scraped from the sea floor by an Alexander dredge. He moved the business to New England in 1993, weathering two more sinkings and a pair of fatal accidents as it continued to grow. In the ensuing years, he left clamming and largely switched to scalloping, and now owns more than 20 steel vessels, which he watches over from a waterfront warehouse, greeting captains and crews with the soft-spoken self-assurance of a man who has seen it all.

His daughter knew him as more than a fleet manager. He was a father who lost his son, Warren Jr., to opioids. He lived the torturous contours of the epidemic firsthand. She pitched her idea with shared loss in mind. Warren listened and ruled. “I’m not going to mandate it,” he said. “But if you can get captains to agree to it, you can give it a try.”

The Fishing Partnership’s program to put naloxone on boats and provide crews with overdose first-aid training began after Debra Kelsey, a community health worker, met a grieving fisherman at an event of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association in 2015. The man’s son fatally overdosed about six months before. “He told me his ex-wife had been instrumental in getting Narcan into the hands of the police in Quincy, where he was from,” she says. Kelsey was intrigued — first by the lifesaving value of naloxone, but also by who was trained and designated to carry it.

She lived with a fisherman. She knew the industry and admired its inviolable code: Out on the ocean, fishing boats rushed to help each other. Whether flooding, fire or medical emergency, they came to one another’s aid, and in many cases were first on the scene. “In a mayday call,” she says, “a fishing vessel will often get there before the Coast Guard.” In the particular conditions of work on the water, fishermen functioned as first responders. Kelsey wondered if this ancient trait could be harnessed to save lives in new ways. Naloxone dispensers felt like a suddenly necessary component in vessel safety kits — just like fire extinguishers and throwable lifesaving rings.

In 2017, in part at her urging, Fishing Partnership introduced overdose education and naloxone distribution into the free first-aid classes it offered to captains and crews. Buoyed by a federal grant to New Bedford, the program expanded in 2019 and found an ally in the Coast Guard, which often hosted the partnership’s training sessions at its stations in fishing ports. Its officers echoed Kelsey’s view that naloxone dispensers had become essential onboard equipment.

Naloxone still faced barriers, often from fishermen themselves. Many captains insisted that they forbade illicit drugs and that carrying naloxone functioned as a hypocritical wink, a suggestion that drugs were allowed. Stigma, too, played a role. “People were like, ‘These fishermen are drunks, they’re addicts, they’re living the wild life,’” Kelsey says. She disagreed — addiction isn’t a moral failure, she’d say, it’s a disease — and pressed her message. Stocking naloxone did not mean condoning drug use. It meant a vessel was more fully aligned with the mariner’s code.

Stigma was not the only obstacle. Fear played a role as well. The Coast Guard, for all its support, is a complicated harm-reduction partner. It operates as both a rescue and law-enforcement agency, which leaves many fishermen with a split-screen perception of the organization — appreciating the former role while bristling at the latter. Worries about inviting police action on a boat already dealing with a crew member down make some captains reluctant to report drug-related medical issues, says Captain Prindle, the service’s sector commander. “Often we’ll get a case where the master of a vessel reports they have a cardiac issue or shortness of breath or anxiety issues,” he says. “They leave out the opioids piece.”

Upon returning to the region in 2021, Prindle began attending the partnership’s Narcan training sessions, at which he assured attendees that if they made a mayday call for an overdose, Coast Guard teams would focus on saving a mariner’s life, not on searching for contraband. His message aligned with the experience of service members who patrol the waters. “I don’t think any of us on this boat, when we have an opioid overdose to deal with, want to arrest anybody,” says Petty Officer Third Class Justus Christopher, who runs a 47-foot motor lifeboat out of Martha’s Vineyard. Christopher recalls a vessel with a deckhand in withdrawal. “We got a call that a guy was afraid for his life, and it was a guy dopesick in his bunk,” he says. Other crew members, seething that the deckhand stopped working for his share, were hazing him. Someone defecated in his hat, Christopher said, and smeared Icy Hot in his bedding. The boarding team removed the man. “It never went through our minds to search the boat for drugs,” Christopher said.

With naloxone now available, converts to harm reduction are becoming plentiful around ports. Nuno Lemos, 50, a deckhand in his eighth year of abstinence, moved to New Bedford from Portugal as a teenager. While in high school he did his first commercial trip, working on a trawler and earning $1,200 in five days. On some boats back then, he said, captains dispensed stimulants and painkillers as performance enhancers. His use grew heavy. Between fishing trips, he smoked crack for days, then snorted heroin to come down. “Chasing the dragon,” he says. The habit consumed his income, so he supplemented wages by pinching cash from fellow deckhands’ wallets and hiding fish and scallops under ice below deck, then retrieving the stolen product at the dock for black-market wholesalers. His professional reputation plummeted. He spiraled at home too. Lemos had a son with a woman also battling addiction. In no condition to raise their child, they both lost access to the boy. Her parents took over his care. “I was selfish and self-centered,” he says. “The drugs ran the show.”

In 2016, Lemos hit bottom. He walked off a fishing boat that was laid up in Provincetown during a storm and binge-drank for hours, then burglarized a home to fund a bus ride back to New Bedford. That afternoon he took refuge in the unfinished basement of a bakery and injected what he thought was heroin. He collapsed. His mother, who rented an apartment upstairs, summoned paramedics, who reversed the overdose with naloxone. Lemos shrugged off his brush with death. “I was in the hospital for a few hours, and I got high right after,” he says. But the experience left its impression. He got his hands on Narcan and kept two other people alive. One was a fisherman named Mario, the other “a kid on Rivet Street,” he says, whom he barely knew. Later that year, ashamed and worried he would die without knowing his son, he checked into rehab. Months later he resumed work, first hanging drywall, then back on scalloper decks. As his sobriety lasted, he reunited with his son. His praise of naloxone now borders on liturgy. “Narcan is a God-given thing that should be part of everybody’s training, especially in the business that I am in,” he says. “It’s a pivotal tool of survival that should be on every boat.”

Another fisherman, Justin Souza, 38, started fishing at age 20 and soon was taking opioid pills to manage pain. He moved to heroin when OxyContin became scarce on the streets. When fentanyl entered underground markets, he says, it started killing his friends, ultimately claiming about 20 people he knew, a half-dozen of them fishermen. His first encounter with naloxone was jarringly personal: He was in an apartment with a friend who slipped into unconsciousness and was gargling for breath. “My buddy was dying, and I had a bag of drugs,” he said. “It was either call 911 or my buddy is dead. So I called 911, hid the stuff, and they came and hit him with Narcan.” The man survived. Souza was arrested on an unrelated possession charge in 2017. In jail he changed course. “I cried out to Jesus,” he said, “and he showed up.”

Upon release he entered treatment and has been abstinent since, for which he credits God. Reliable again, Souza was hired by Tyler Miranda, captain of the scallop vessel Mirage, who promoted him to engineer, the crew member responsible for maintaining the boat’s winches and power plant. The Mirage’s crew is a testament to the power of redemption. Once addicted to opioids himself, Miranda has abstained since 2017. He became captain two years into his sobriety, and stocked naloxone onboard shortly after.

Eight days after Brian Murphy died, Kelsey and a co-worker showed up at the Ocean Wave, one of Alexander’s scallopers, to train its crew. The instructors mixed demonstrations on how to administer Narcan — one spray into one nostril, the second into the other — with assurances that the drug was harmless if used on someone suffering a condition other than overdose. The training carried another message, which was not intuitive: Merely administering Narcan was not enough. Multiple dispensers were sometimes required to restore a patient’s breathing, and this was true even if a patient resumed seemingly normal respiration. If the opioids were particularly potent, a patient might backslide as the antagonist wore off. Patients in respiratory distress also often suffered “polysubstance overdoses,” like fentanyl mixed with other drugs, including cocaine, amphetamines or xylazine. Alcohol might be involved, too. With so many variables, anyone revived with naloxone should be rushed to professional care. In an overdose at sea, they said, a victim’s peers should make a mayday call, so the Coast Guard could hurry the patient to a hospital.

After the partnership trained two more Alexander crews, Warren heard positive feedback from his captains. He issued his judgment. “Now it’s mandatory,” he said. Within weeks of the Jersey Pride’s mayday call, Narcan distribution and training became permanent elements of the company’s operation. Alexander-Nevells credits Murphy. He spent about 72 hours as a commercial fisherman, died on the job and left a legacy. “He changed my dad’s fleet,” she says. “I know for a fact that without Brian Murphy, this program doesn’t exist.”

In New Jersey, where Murphy’s family suffered the agonies of sudden, unexpected loss, followed by the humiliation of being ghosted by those who knew what happened to him aboard the Jersey Pride, the changes to the Alexander fleet came as welcome news. His brother, Doug Haferl, recalls his sibling with warmth and gratitude. Their parents divorced when the kids were young, and their father worked long hours as a crane operator. Brian assumed the role of father figure. “He took me and my brother Tom under his wing,” he says. The thought that Brian’s death helped put naloxone on boats and might one day save a life, he says, “is about the best thing I could hope for.”

Deckhands and captains come and go. Naloxone dispensers expire. To keep the fleet current, Alexander-Nevells booked refresher training throughout 2023 and into 2024. At one class, Kelsey met the Karen Nicole’s captain and five-person crew. The group gathered in the galley. Everyone present had lost friends. Kelsey recited symptoms. “If someone overdoses,” she said, “they will make a noise — ”

“It’s a gargle,” said Myles Jones, a deckhand. “I know what it is.”

He stood by a freezer, a compact, muscular man in a white sleeveless tee. “I’ve lost a son,” he said. The room fell still.

“I’m sorry,” Kelsey said. She stepped across the galley and wrapped him in a hug. Jones managed a pained smile. “I lost an uncle, too,” he said.

Kelsey continued the class, then examined the Narcan aboard to ensure it had not expired. The boat headed to sea.

In the wheelhouse, the mate, Hollis Nevells, said that Narcan fit a mentality fishing jobs require. He shared a story of a drunk fisherman who crashed a house party years ago in his hometown on Deer Isle, Maine. To prevent him from driving his pickup truck, other guests took his keys and stashed them atop a refrigerator. Furious, the man produced a pistol, pointed it at Nevells’s face and demanded the keys’ return. Thus persuaded, Nevells retrieved them. The man drove away only to call a short while later, upset. His truck was stuck in mud. He wanted help. Several fishermen drove to him, separated him from the pistol and beat the truck with baseball bats until it was totaled. “Island justice,” Nevells said. In his view, carrying Narcan matched this rough, self-help spirit: On the ocean, crews needed to solve problems themselves, and with Narcan came the power to save a life. Nevells had lost many peers to overdoses, among them the man who leveled the pistol at his face. He remembered feeling helpless as the Jersey Pride broadcast graphic descriptions at the hour of Murphy’s death. He did not want to feel that way again.

The captain, Duane Natale, agreed. He had seen firsthand how delaying death bought time for a rescue. Scallopers tow massive steel dredges that cut furrows through the ocean bottom and snatch scallops along the way. By winch and boom, the dredges are periodically lifted above deck to shake out catch, then lowered again. The procedure is exceptionally dangerous. A swinging dredge, about 15 feet wide and weighing more than a ton, can crush a man in one sickening crunch. In the 1990s, Natale saw a falling dredge shear off a deckhand’s extended right arm. A makeshift tourniquet tightened around the stump kept the man alive until a helicopter lifted him away. Had they not been trained, the deckhand would have died. Natale saw a similar role for Narcan: a means to stop a fatality and let the Coast Guard do its work. “I like it a lot,” he said. “Last thing I want on my conscience is someone dying on my boat.”

In water 45 fathoms deep the boat steamed at 4.8 knots, towing dredges through sandy muck while the crew sweated through an incessant loop. From a hydraulic control station at the wheelhouse’s aft end, Nevells or Natale periodically hoisted the dredges and shook out tons of scallops, which slid out onto the steel deck in rumbling cascades of pink-and-white shells. Working fast, Hollis and the deckhands shoveled the catch into baskets and hustled it to sheltered cutting stations, where with stainless-steel knives they separated each scallop’s adductor muscle — the portion that makes its way to seafood cases and restaurant plates — from its gob of guts. Hands worked fast, flicking adductors into buckets and guts down chutes that plopped them onto greenish water beside the hull. Large sharks swam lazy circles alongside, turning to flash pale undersides while inhaling easy meals. Music thumped and blared: metal one hour, techno the next. When enough buckets were full of meat and rinsed in saltwater, two deckhands transferred the glistening, ivory-colored catch into roughly 50-pound cloth sacks, handed them down a hatch into the cool fish-hold and buried them beneath ice. Everyone else kept shucking.

The deckhands worked in staggered pairs: 11 hours of shoveling and shucking followed by four hours to shower, eat, sleep and bandage hands, then back on deck for 11 more hours. It continued for days. Daylight became dusk; dusk became night; night became dawn. Sea states changed. Fog and mist soaked the crew and shrouded the vessel, then lifted, revealing other boats on the horizon doing the same thing. The work never stopped. As exhaustion set in, people swayed where they stood, still hauling heavy baskets and shucking. To stay awake they downed coffee and Red Bull, smoked cigarettes and spoke little. One man wore a T-shirt stenciled with a solitary word. It read as both a personal statement and command to everyone else: Grind. Early on the fifth day, the Karen Nicole reached its 12,000-pound federal trip limit. Natale turned the boat toward New Bedford, almost a 24-hour steam away, and cooked everyone a rib-eye steak. The crew showered, ate and slept a few hours, then woke to scrub the boat. On shore two days later, each deckhand received his share: $9,090.61.

Within a year of its mayday call, the Jersey Pride entered a transformation. After the death in 2021 of the vessel’s owner, Doug Stocker, the boat passed to the family of his brother, Clint. A recently retired detective sergeant from the Middle Township Police Department, Clint Stocker was not affiliated with the Jersey Pride when Rodney Bart was its captain, and he knew little of what happened to Murphy, whom he never met. His view on opioid use was clear. “I tolerate none of that,” he says. He also needed no introduction to Narcan, having administered it as a police officer. The boat carries dispensers, he says, “just in case.”

In the midnight blackness this spring after the Jersey Pride returned to port, the vessel’s mate and deckhands described a job-site turnaround. The mate, Justin Puglisi, joined the crew about two months after Murphy’s death. His personal history in commercial fishing began with a loss that resonated through the industry: His father was taken by the sea with the vessel Beth Dee Bob, one of four clam boats that went to the bottom over 13 days in 1999, killing 10 fishermen. As a teenager Puglisi claimed his place in the surviving fleet. The Jersey Pride, he said, was in rough shape when he signed on. The bunk where Murphy overdosed remained unoccupied, the subject of vague stories about a deckhand’s death. Rodney Bart, still the captain, was using fentanyl onboard. “It was blatant,” Puglisi said. “He was leaving empty bags in the wheelhouse.” Two deckhands were heavy users, too. One wandered the boat with a syringe behind his ear. Puglisi had slipped into addiction himself. He was 32, had been using opioids for 15 years and was regularly buying and snorting fentanyl and crystal meth, which he bought in bulk. “I started with pills like everyone else, then switched to the cheaper stuff,” he said.

Bart was fired in fall 2021. But it was after Clint Stocker’s family took over that the operation markedly changed. Clint and his son Craig, who managed the boat’s maintenance, hired new crew members, invested in new electronics and implemented a schedule that gave crew members a week off work after two weeks onboard. They replaced the outriggers and eventually had the boat’s twin diesel engines rebuilt. Puglisi stood at a wheelhouse window. Around him were signs of attentive upkeep: new hoses, valves and a hydraulic pump; fresh upholstery on the wheelhouse bench; a new computer monitor connected to a satellite navigation system. The owners planned to repaint the boat, Puglisi said, but focused on more important maintenance first. “They put their money where it matters,” he said.

The overhaul was more than mechanical. In summer 2022, Puglisi fell asleep in the galley after getting high. When the Stockers heard, they helped find him a bed at rehab for six weeks, then gave him time to attend 90 Narcotics Anonymous meetings in 90 days. “They were like, ‘Go, and your job will be here when you get back,’” he said. When he returned, they put him straight to work. “It was all business,” Puglisi said. He rolled up his left sleeve to reveal a forearm tattoo — “One day at a time,” it read — and described the Jersey Pride as a good boat and fine workplace, unlike when Murphy was invited aboard. “I’ve worked for a lot of owners,” he said, “and this is the best boat I have been on. They take care of their crew.”

It was 1 a.m. A cold April wind blew hard from the northeast. Below Puglisi, three deckhands labored methodically under spotlights to offload catch. One, Bill Lapworth, was a former opioid user also in recovery now. His story matched countless others: He started with pills for pain relief, switched to heroin when the pills became harder to find and almost died when fentanyl poisoned the supply. He was revived by Narcan twice: first by E.M.T.s in an apartment, then by a friend as he slumped near death in a pickup truck. His friend had picked up free Narcan through a community handout program. Smoking a cigarette in the gusts as a crane swung metal cages of ocean quahogs overhead, Lapworth flashed the mischievous grin of a man pulled from the grave not once but twice, then offered a three-word endorsement of the little plastic dispensers to which he owed his life: “I got saved.”

Read by James Patrick Cronin

Audio produced by Elena Hecht

Narration produced by Anna Diamond

Engineered by Quinton Kamara

C.J. Chivers is a staff writer for the magazine and the author of two books, including “The Fighters: Americans in Combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.” He won the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing in 2017 for a profile of a former Marine with PTSD. David Guttenfelder is a photojournalist focusing on geopolitical conflict and conservation.

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Randy Wayne White survived Hurricane Ian. Now it's Doc Ford's turn in new book

The wind howled and the floodwaters crashed ashore like a raging river as Hurricane Ian ripped through Sanibel Island.

And the whole time, Randy Wayne White kept shooting video on his phone and taking notes.

The bestselling novelist didn't want to miss a thing.

"I told myself, if I'm going to ride this out, I'm going to pay special attention this time," says White, who had lived through many previous hurricanes, including a couple of close calls. "I wanted to get it down before it was gone. ... It was a historic event."

White and his wife survived Ian on Sept. 28, 2022, and then escaped their damaged Sanibel house with the help of their son and his Navy SEAL friend.

Only later did White start thinking about what he'd do with all those notes ― some written in a notebook, some typed into his phone and some just filed away in his brain.

Eventually, he had his answer: This would be his next Doc Ford book.

Doc Ford's next adventure, 'One Deadly Eye'

The resulting novel, "One Deadly Eye," hits store shelves and online booksellers Tuesday, June 4 . And White's new book tour ― his first since COVID-19 ― visits Southwest Florida that same week with stops in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Punta Gorda and Sanibel Island.

The story involves a hurricane tearing through Sanibel Island, a serial killer called the Vulture Monk and an organized gang of Russian mercenaries looting millionaire's houses during the hurricane chaos.

It’s the 27th book in White's hit series about marine biologist/ex-NSA agent Marion “Doc” Ford. And White says it's the best thing he's ever written.

"This book, I thought, 'I'm gonna get this right,'" White says. "'I want it to be lyrical, literate ― maybe even literary ― and I want it to be clean.' And I came darn close, I think."

White says he looks forward to returning to Southwest Florida, both for the book tour and ― hopefully soon ― to move back into his Sanibel house.

"I adore the place, adore the people," he says.

He and his wife, singer-songwriter Wendy Webb , have been living in the Florida fishing village of Terra Ceia, near St. Petersburg, while their three-story Sanibel home is being repaired. The house ― built on stilts ― suffered major water damage during Ian.

"I’m coming back," White says. "It's been almost two years. The house will be liveable in probably a few weeks."

Why Randy Wayne White stayed home for Hurricane Ian

White says he got "a lot of crap" on social media about their decision to stay home during Hurricane Ian. But he didn't make it lightly.

He based the decision on Sanibel's history and also their previous experiences with hurricanes. He's seen a lot of them in Florida, going back decades.

Their former Pine Island house got a "direct hit" from Hurricane Charley in 2004, he says. "I didn't think anything could be worse than that hurricane. It was terrible. The house next to me imploded. The house across the street collapsed."

So when Hurricane Irma happened in 2017, they followed evacuation orders, packed up everything and drove inland to what they thought would be safe ground: A former gun club near Punta Gorda that White rents as a writing retreat.

But that didn't turn out so well for them, either. At the last minute, Irma turned and came right to their front door.

"The eye of the storm went right over us," White says. "We drove right into the freakin' hurricane."

Part of the club's roof came off, he says. And it took them two or three days to cut their way out of the place with chainsaws and tractors. Then authorities wouldn't allow them back on Sanibel Island anyway.

"That was a key experience," White says. "And (then there was) the idea of being trapped on I-75 driving north in a hurricane ― as many people were ― no gas stations, no hotel rooms between Homestead and Atlanta."

As an amateur historian, he says, he knew Sanibel hadn't flooded since 1926. So they weighed their options and ended up staying home on Sanibel during Ian.

"We rode it out," he says. "And it was by far, far worse than the hurricane of 2004."

Surviving Hurricane Ian on Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island wasn't even in the forecast cone when they decided to stay, White says. They got maybe 12 hours' notice that the storm had turned and would hit farther south. The eye ended up making landfall on Lee County's Cayo Costa, about 18 miles north of Sanibel Island.

As the storm raged outside, the floodwaters kept rising outside their three-story house, White says. The house was raised on stilts to about 12 feet above the ground ― and still the water almost reached the first floor.

"It got close," White says. "It got very close."

That storm surge was something terrible to behold, he says.

"When that storm surge started, it was like being at the mouth of a mountain river," he says. "It was a torrent. If you had stepped into it, you'd have been swept away. …

"The water was black and filthy and loaded with trash and detritus and rats ― swimming rats."

White knew they might be in trouble when he saw his new Ford Raptor truck get swept away by the current.

"It floated down the road and I thought wouldn't see it for a long time," he says. "Then suddenly the surge switched directions, like an incoming tide, and the truck floated right back to the damn driveway."

Despite all that, White says they were too busy to be scared. He monitored his ham radio (a skill that came in handy after the storm, when he helped coordinate helicopter rescues), took notes, shot video and roamed the house looking for leaks.

"We weren't afraid," he says. "We didn't have time to be afraid. It was just so intense."

When it was all over, much of White's house was covered in a "foul, brackish gunk" made of sand, pesticide, petroleum and who knows what else. The flooding destroyed White's collection of rare, signed first editions, many of his weapons and much more.

"I lost ― I don't even want to think about all I lost," he says. "(But) I'm not gonna moan about all that we lost. People lost a heck of a lot more than I did."

After the storm, their son and two of his friends (including a Navy SEAL) showed up at their door unexpectedly to rescue them from the hurricane-ravaged island. They'd put a boat in the water at Punta Rassa and piloted it around to the beach side of the island, near the lighthouse.

Together, they all trudged through the debris and muck to get back to the boat and off the island.

"Hiking through that muck was miserable, but we were very close to the beach," White says. "I had a couple of bad falls and it screwed up my back. I've had back surgery and I'm gimpy ― still very gimpy."

White remembers one especially startling thing about the aftermath: It was dark. Really, really dark.

He couldn't see the lighthouse from his house, like he usually could. Or any other illumination at all.

"There were no lights," he says. "None. It really was the darkness of a thousand years."

Writing 'One Deadly Eye'

White wasn't sure what he'd do with all those Hurricane Ian notes, at first. He'd just wanted to document the historic event and hadn't thought any farther ahead.

His next book, in fact, wasn't supposed to be a Doc Ford novel at all. It was a non-fiction work about former Cuban president Raul Castro and a collection of Castro's handwritten love letters to a girlfriend. White had acquired that collection ― about 120 letters in all ― and had arranged to personally return them to Castro in Cuba.

Then Ian happened, and all those historic letters were badly damaged.

So White retreated to his former gun club and started writing about Doc Ford and Hurricane Ian, instead.

A lot of what White experienced during Ian made its way into "One Deadly Eye." Animals, dead or dying, covered in toxic gray sludge. Historic buildings destroyed. People crying for help on his ham radio during the hurricane (including one women swept out her front door by the storm surge).

"It was heartbreaking," White says. "Heartbreaking."

He was surprised to see that, contrary to folklore, the island's animals didn’t run away from the storm. They all seemed to stay: Pelicans and other birds, rats, snakes, reptiles and more.

"They didn't flee, and so much wildlife was killed," White says. "The trees were decorated with the white feathers of ibis and snowy egrets and pelicans and ospreys."

Russian mercenaries looting Sanibel Island

For "One Deadly Eye," White combined that real-life experience with a fictional story about Russian mercenaries looting hurricane-struck cities in the chaotic hours before emergency officials arrive.

White based those bad guys partially on Russia's Wagner Group mercenaries, the country's infamous Black Dolphin Prison and one of its worst prisoners, a cannibal serial killer that became his character the Vulture Monk.

Writing "One Deadly Eye" was a welcome distraction from their house repairs and insurance headaches, he says. "Starting on that book really gave me something to do, something that I didn't have to fret about."

White poured a lot of time and energy into the book, weaving in hurricane science, history and what he's learned over the years from conversations with Florida "old timers."

"I wanted this to be not just a fast-reading thriller novel," he says. "I wanted to be a historical document, and I think it is."

Hurricane Ian's influence is all over "One Deadly Eye." But White never once mentions the storm by name.

That was intentional, he says.

"I wanted the book to be bigger than one event," he says. "I wanted to tie in the historic hurricanes of the past, the present and presumably the future."

All those Ian details helped make "One Deadly Eye" his best book, White says. But he says he wouldn't do it a second time.

Next time a huge hurricane comes, he says, they're hitting the road and evacuating.

"It was intense," he says. "I would not do it again. And I don’t recommend anyone stay if you're told to evacuate."

Learn more about Randy Wayne White at randywaynewhite.com .

Randy Wayne White's book tour in Fort Myers, Sanibel

Sanibel Island's Randy Wayne White is bringing his new book tour to Southwest Florida.

SW FL authors' books run the gamut: Mom's arrested, heroism, 'original snowbird,' more

‘Bad Monkey’ to ‘Sanibel Flats’: 11 Florida crime writers and their best beach reads

The New York Times bestselling novelist will meet fans and sign copies of his new Doc Ford crime thriller, "One Deadly Eye," at these locations:

• Players Circle Theater in Fort Myers (6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4)
• Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda (3 p.m. Wednesday, June 5)
• Barnes & Noble i n Fort Myers (6 p.m. Thursday, June 6)
• Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille just off Fort Myers Beach (noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 8)
• And Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel Island (noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 16).

All events are free. For more information, visit docford.com/events .

— Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 (for tickets to shows, call the venue) or email him at [email protected] . Follow or message him on social media: Facebook ( facebook.com/charles.runnells.7 ), X (formerly Twitter) ( @charlesrunnells ), Threads (@crunnells1) and Instagram ( @crunnells1 ).