Coastal Resiliency Boat Tour

How is New York City protecting waterfront neighborhoods from the impact of sea level rise and severe storms? Join Open House New York for a boat tour and hear from urban infrastructure leaders at NYC Economic Development Corporation, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, NYC Department of Design and Construction, and the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice.

Since the devastating storm surge caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, city agencies have been working to develop and implement various infrastructure projects to adapt the built environment to the new realities of climate change. In Lower Manhattan, an area particularly vulnerable to flooding, the city has made and continues to plan significant investments—from raised shorelines to floodgates—that not only protect residents, businesses, and cultural assets, but also upgrade recreational spaces and increase waterfront access.

On this sunset tour, learn about the implementation of the city’s resiliency plans along the shorelines of Lower Manhattan, East River, and Red Hook, and hear about the complexity of planning, designing, and building these infrastructure projects that will shape the waterfront for generations to come.

• Rohit T. Aggarwala, New York City Chief Climate Officer and Commissioner, NYC Department of Environmental Protection
• Kai-Uwe Bergmann, Partner, Bjarke Ingels Group
• Laurian Farrell, Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Coastal Resilience, NYC Department of Environmental Protection
• Elijah Hutchinson, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice
• Joe Lione, Associate Commissioner for Coastal Resiliency Construction, NYC Department of Design and Construction
• Max Taffet, Senior Vice President, Ports, Waterfront and Transportation, NYC Economic Development Corporation
• Becky Yurek, Chief Strategy Officer, NYC Department of Design and Construction

What happens in inclement weather?

Boat tours are rain or shine. The boat has indoor seating in the event of rain. Bring a poncho or a rain coat—open umbrellas are not allowed on outdoor decks. Except in the very rare instance when the cruise must be cancelled entirely, there will be no refunds for inclement weather.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

No, Circle Line’s policy prohibits outside food and beverages. There is a snack bar with options including hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads, and a full bar and non-alcoholic beverages on board.

Does my child need a ticket?

All persons, including children and infants, require a ticket to board the boat. Email info@ohny.org for information on purchasing discounted ($25) tickets for children 12 and under.

May I bring my pet?

Animals are not permitted on Circle Line boats, except for certified service animals. Service animals in training cannot be accommodated per Circle Line policy.

Can I cancel my ticket?

All ticket sales are final. There will be no refunds for bad weather, tardiness, unforeseen route modifications, or any other reason except in the extremely rare instance where the cruise must be cancelled entirely. If you have purchased a ticket but can no longer attend, we can donate your ticket to a community partner.

Is smoking permitted?

No smoking or vaping is permitted aboard the boat.

Guests utilizing wheelchairs can access the first level of the boat. Other levels are accessible by stairs only. The tour narration will be audible on speakers throughout the boat. Please email info@ohny.org with any questions about accessibility.