Items | Hell Gate: New York’s Forgotten Islands Walking Tour
Hell Gate: New York’s Forgotten Islands Walking Tour
(16) Reviews
New York City
About
Explore the history and hazards of Hell Gate, one of New York’s most notorious waterways. This guided walking tour reveals the perilous East River stretch between Manhattan and Astoria, where hidden reefs, violent tides, and legendary whirlpools claimed countless ships. As you walk along Randall’s Island, hear stories of river pirates, explosive disasters, and bold engineering feats. Discover how this small section of river shaped the city’s maritime history and left behind eerie remnants of quarantine hospitals, prisons, and vanished communities.
Highlights
2 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
All Fees and Taxes
Coffee and/or Tea
Meeting Points
Departure
Randall’s Island Athletic Field #83
Randall's Island Park (the collective name for Randall’s Island to the north and Wards Island to the south) at the Wards Island end of Wards Island Bridge (also known as 103rd Street Footbridge). The Wards Island Bridge connects the island to East Harlem in Manhattan.
Return
Randall's Island Field #41
The tour will end at Sunken Meadow, close to the M35 bus stop, which will take you to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue. At this stop, transfer is available for the 4, 5 or 6 subway trains. Additionally, your guide can walk you to the various pedestrian exits off the island.
Important Information
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Hell Gate: New York’s Forgotten Islands Walking Tour
(16) Reviews
New York City
Select Date & Travelers
From
$42.00
Price varies by group size
About
Explore the history and hazards of Hell Gate, one of New York’s most notorious waterways. This guided walking tour reveals the perilous East River stretch between Manhattan and Astoria, where hidden reefs, violent tides, and legendary whirlpools claimed countless ships. As you walk along Randall’s Island, hear stories of river pirates, explosive disasters, and bold engineering feats. Discover how this small section of river shaped the city’s maritime history and left behind eerie remnants of quarantine hospitals, prisons, and vanished communities.
Highlights
2 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
All Fees and Taxes
Coffee and/or Tea
Meeting Points
Departure
Randall’s Island Athletic Field #83
Randall's Island Park (the collective name for Randall’s Island to the north and Wards Island to the south) at the Wards Island end of Wards Island Bridge (also known as 103rd Street Footbridge). The Wards Island Bridge connects the island to East Harlem in Manhattan.
Return
Randall's Island Field #41
The tour will end at Sunken Meadow, close to the M35 bus stop, which will take you to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue. At this stop, transfer is available for the 4, 5 or 6 subway trains. Additionally, your guide can walk you to the various pedestrian exits off the island.
Itinerary
1
Wards Island Park
Vantage point to view Hell Gate, Mill Rock, and Roosevelt Island.
15 minutes
2
Randalls and Wards Islands
A vantage point to Astoria Park and the Triborough Bridge, and features of Wards Island.
20 minutes
3
Randalls and Wards Islands
At the Wards Island end of Hell Gate Bridge, tour attendees will hear about the unusual engineering of an iconic bridge as well as the plot to blow it up.
15 minutes
4
Randall's Island Park
Tour attendees will see the remainder of Little Hell Gate that separated the islands, the truss bridge over the covered strait, and classic film locations. Will see the northern part of Hell Gate from Sunken Meadow, the former islands adjoined to Astoria, and the power plants of the East River.
A vantage point of Rikers Island, North and South Brother Islands, and the biggest prison barge in the world.
