Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise
New York City, USA
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Upstate New York is beautiful in fall, but driving there yourself can be a hassle if you’re staying in New York City. Simplify your day on this Oktoberfest-themed fall foliage cruise up the Hudson River to Bear Mountain State Park. Enjoy German food specials and Oktoberfest beers (both own expense), and a German music as you admire the views. Then, disembark at the park to enjoy the view or go for a hike.
- Pass under the George Washington and Mario Cuomo bridges
- Celebrate the German festival with bratwurst and pork schnitzel
- Includes admission to the state park, where you can go for a hike
- Sit outside on the spacious decks or cozy up inside the boat
What's Included
- 8-Hour Bear Mountain Cruise
- Free admission to Bear Mountain State Park
- Oktoberfest theme experience
- Relax on spacious outdoor decks or inside our climate-controlled cabins
- Restrooms are available throughout the vessel
- Enjoy Live Music
- Free Wi-Fi
- Food and beverage for purchase
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises - Midtown83 North River Piers West 43rd Street and, 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
Pier 83
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Start time.9:00 am
Itinerary
Discover the beautiful fall foliage of Upstate New York, just hours from the hustle and bustle of New York City, during this full-day round-trip cruise up the Hudson River to Bear Mountain State Park. Take in fabulous river views accompanied by German food specials and Oktoberfest beers (both available for purchase).
Start your day in the morning by making your way to Pier 83 in Manhattan, departing by boat as you head north up the Hudson. During the ride you’ll cruise past such landmarks as the high cliffs of the Palisades, the Cloisters medieval garden and the George Washington Bridge. See the golden and orange-hued trees that line the riverbanks. If you’re feeling hungry, grab some German beer or food (own expense).
Once you're at the park you'll be able to get out, hike around, enjoying the Bear Mountain Lake and many trails.
The cruise ends back at the departure point at Pier 83.
Start your day in the morning by making your way to Pier 83 in Manhattan, departing by boat as you head north up the Hudson. During the ride you’ll cruise past such landmarks as the high cliffs of the Palisades, the Cloisters medieval garden and the George Washington Bridge. See the golden and orange-hued trees that line the riverbanks. If you’re feeling hungry, grab some German beer or food (own expense).
Once you're at the park you'll be able to get out, hike around, enjoying the Bear Mountain Lake and many trails.
The cruise ends back at the departure point at Pier 83.
Bear Mountain State Park (Pass By)
Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (Pass By)
Palisades (Pass By)
The Cloisters (Pass By)
George Washington Bridge (Pass By)
Hook Mountain State Park (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Boarding is at 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM departure; the boat returns at approximately 5 PM, depending on tides and weather conditions.
- Our onboard Oktoberfest menu brings German classics with a Hudson Valley twist. No outside food or beverage allowed.
- The hike begins with a steep walk up a hill that can be very difficult for some guests. The area between the dock and entrance to the park sometimes floods. Please wear appropriate foot wear - hiking shoes are recommended
- The pathway from the dock to Bear Mountain State park begins with a .6 mile hike uphill. This pathway is not ADA compliant or wheelchair accessible.
- If we have to cancel a cruise due to foul weather, we'll provide you with a refund or the opportunity to re-book for another date.
- Food and drinks are NOT allowed to be brought on board
- For children/infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 400 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
It was a beautiful day and the ride up the Hudson was gorgeous. The information from the narrator was interesting and informative. The band was great. There was a nice balance of giving us info and enjoying the music.
Reviews
3.7
based on 209 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
If you’re looking for the perfect fall day trip from New York City, the Circle Line cruise to Bear Mountain is a must. The ride itself is absolutely beautiful — surrounded by vibrant fall foliage that paints the Hudson River in golden, red, and orange hues.
On board, there’s plenty to enjoy: great music, friendly faces, and lots of food and drink options. I especially loved the apple cider mimosa — it was the perfect fall treat. For $45, you can even grab a refillable cup and enjoy beer throughout the journey, both going and returning.
Once we reached Bear Mountain, the scenery was breathtaking, though there weren’t many food concessions open. Still, the peaceful walk, crisp air, and photo-worthy landscapes made it worth it.
A quick tip: the best seats are on the top level, right-hand side, near the big window — second row. The views there are unbeatable. Just note, the seats are simple folding chairs, close together, so come prepared for comfort.
It was truly a day full of laughter, music, and unforgettable views — a perfect escape with my coworkers and a reminder of how magical New York’s fall season can be. 🌿🍂
Security guard was very rude with us…that’s not good… but the tour was good …it’s really enjoyable….
Wonderful day so beautiful and relaxing
We enjoyed the view is a memorable experience.
We will go again next year.
We had a great time, it was a very organized event. Everyone was having fun and enjoying the weather. Alexa was wonderful. I missed the polka’s band.
That was a very harmonious, and beautiful day. I was suspicious about this trip if i have to go or not. Many ppl in the comments have written that they didn't like it because of October fest or because of loud music, or someone wanted to walk more on the mountain.
My feeling is:
1) First of all, the weather was amazing. Fresh November day. Just dress accordingly and be comfortable
2) Music. If you do not like music, you simply go to the other deck. Music was played on the second deck, and it is absolutely ok.
3) Tour guide was amazing, crew was amazing
4) October fest. People were happy, some drinking, some not. It was absolutely ok, people were happy, some were dancing, some singing. I was happy to see happy people. Everything was absolutely fine.
5) If you need to walk more you can stay overnight there. For me it was enough:
9am-12.30pm - from NY to mountain
12.30-15.00 walking free time on the site
15.00-17.20 - back to NY
6) There was two food courts: tea and muffins on the first deck, and warm food on the second deck. I had coffee on the first deck, i did not eat on the second deck because i am vegetarian. I ate in a café in the mountain itself. They sell different oatmeal, i had bagel with cream cheese.
Very very good day. Thanks to the team!
Love going under the bridges and being on the boat. I would have the music playing throughout the boat.
Taking a boat ride with friends is wonderful fun because you can drink, eat & laugh without worry about driving & going to a beautiful destination is even better. The food aboard was very good & very reasonable. The bathrooms started out clean but was messy at the end. I had an extra ticket but I couldn’t sell it back & circle line would not refund me🥲
My experience was incredible. Everyone was amazing. The crew from the bartender Jose on the second floor to Shadde from the food restaurant on first deck was sooo nice and accommodating. It was very enjoyable experience.
George the “tour guide” was an idiot. Just babbled and tried to add lib. Sounded / looked really stupid
Nothing to do at the state park in Bear Mountain. Though the entertainment on the cruise was good.
The cruise staff can't answer passengers' question about what to expect at the state park.
It was a beautiful day and the ride up the Hudson was gorgeous. The information from the narrator was interesting and informative. The band was great. There was a nice balance of giving us info and enjoying the music.
What a super trip! We had an excellent day. Despite being unable to stop at Bear Mountain because of the weather and high tide (Warned about in advance) still lots to see, along with the knowledgeable and amusing commentary. All the staff were so friendly. The catering was excellent and very reasonably priced ($15 a plate) as was the drinks. Would highly recommend.
Excellent trip! Attentive staff, fun music band, too. However, people should be allowed to bring food on board. Not everyone can afford the concession stand prices for a full day. And and too many drunk people on board. It would be wiser to stop selling beer for return trip. Some of those people couldn’t even walk.
The tour guide was amazing. He’s knowledgeable, friendly, & entertaining. Grateful for learning more about the history, people, culture of New York.
Bear Mountain is a must see.
Love the bits of information to read along the hiking trails, the animals, birds, flowers, etc. are beautiful.
Listening to the Street Band on our way back to Pier 84 is a nice addition to the Bear Mountain Cruise
I ♥️ New York
It such a wonderful trip, beautiful weather, great cruise! My friend and I enjoyed the views, the drinks and the fall foliage was stunning.
The food and drinks are pricy but it is what you would expect in New York. Food is subpar.
It was a good day and experience
Staff and crew were very friendly.
The foliage was perfect and a nice sunny and cool day
This trip up the Hudson was great and the gentleman who talked about the area going up the Hudson was fantastic. I don't remember his name but we were so glad he was there giving us details about the history of the surrounding area.
The beauty of the colors and scenery. The band Divining Rod on the way back was awesome!!!! We really enjoyed them
Perfect guide, absolutely amazing band, good food and service! Beautiful and fun! Love it! Will go again with my friends
This is a nice day cruise. It gets rowdy for Oktoberfest because they do a $39 refillable cup. Bear Mountain is beautiful. The tour guide is knowledgeable and fun. The band is only ok.
The Tour guide was very informative. Views were great just felt to Early because trees hadn’t changed. Even though I enjoyed it food was not great on boat ie roasted potatoes and potatoe pancakes was cold. My Friend could not eat because latex gloves were used she’s allergic. That was difficult because we were not allowed to bring food. No food was available Bear Mountain I still would recommend for 1st timers
The moment we hopped on the Boat, I felt comfortable. The crowd was really nice & welcoming. The environment inside the boat was really warm, like we were with our family. No one smoking, no drugs smell, all were enjoying food & drinks with surrounding fall foliages. Great experience
It was a pleasent putting. There was nice fall foliage and Bear Mountain was beautiful sSi was the ride up
The service and the journey was excellent with wonderful weather, thanks for the cruise we did for the first time from Manhattan to nearby areas that we had not known until now as tourists.
The most memorable parts of my trip were reading that no food would be provided and I packed a romantic lunch for my husband and I Anniversary picnic and being told by crew to discard $50 worth of food away !!! Also having a racist woman tell me I can’t sit in chairs that were empty next to her . Also the rude crew member that said he didn’t care that I had to throw my food away !! Waste of my time! I’ll would like a full refund . I didn’t have a tour guide , just someone yelling on the intercom and terrible German music, I had to BUY food that was not fresh it was frozen TV dinner food ! I’m very angry about how this trip was terrible !!!
Didn’t go. Boat trip cut short. No getting off at state park. Requested refund from circle line and Viator.
This was the complete opposite of what we expected and it was completely dangerous. Barely anyone was wearing a mask and the servers were not wearing masks or gloves. People were way to close to us. We found this to be such a horrible experience that we took an Uber home. The tour guide said it would cost $150 and I just didn’t care. It turned out to be a lot less. We want a full and total refund and Circle Line really needs to review their policies during a pandemic. It was a totally miserable experience for us.
The hike was a nice surprise. The breakfast sandwich was not made with real eggs and the burgers at the concession stand was edible but not good even with some hot sauce. The Inn had no restaurant available for the hikers unless you are a guest. The boat ride was great we enjoyed the live music and learned a bit of history.
Fun trip. Nice reprieve from the city. Goodies view of NYC's landmarks from the Intrepid at 42nd street up to Riverside Drive. Lovely view up the center of the Hudson Rover. Lots to do at Bear Mountain: Hiking, picnics, canoeing, the zoo and inn. Lovely day.
Relaxing ride smooth sailing comfortable too enjoyed the view will recommend go friends price is very reasonable
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