South Street Seaport Museum to Launch 2026 Summer Sailing Season on Pioneer and W.O. Decker
The South Street Seaport Museum will offer a range of seasonal on-the-water experiences aboard its historic vessels from May through October.
South Street Seaport Museum has announced the 2026 sailing season for the 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker, beginning May 29 and running through October. Tickets range from $5-$70 to sail New York Harbor and are on sale now!
The South Street Seaport Museum will offer a range of seasonal on-the-water experiences aboard its historic vessels from May through October, including public sails, tugboat rides, and private charters in New York Harbor.
Guests aboard the 1885 schooner Pioneer can take part in daytime, sunset, and themed sailing programs while viewing landmarks including the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and Ellis Island. Passengers may participate in raising sails or relax on deck during the excursion. Food and beverages, including wine, are permitted onboard.
The museum will also offer 75-minute rides aboard the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker, the last surviving New York-built wooden tugboat of its kind. The harbor tours feature views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Battery, and Governors Island. The vessel was previously named “Tugboat of the Year” by the Steamship Historical Society of America.
In addition to public programming, the Seaport Museum offers private charters aboard both Pioneer and W.O. Decker for celebrations, group outings, and corporate events. Pioneer charters accommodate up to 36 guests and range from $2,000 to $3,750 for two- or three-hour sails. W.O. Decker charters are available for up to 14 guests at $1,100 for a two-hour ride.
Education Programs on the Water
Through K-12 educational programming the South Street Seaport Museum teaches New York City students the story of how New York's great natural harbor gave rise to the metropolis we know today: the story of the ships, the people who sailed them, the cargoes they carried, and the businesses that served them. With programs that can be tailored to meet the age and curricular goals of each group, students are invited to sail New York Harbor aboard the historic 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker for subject matter that can focus on life science, physical science and math, social studies, and sailing skills. On board, students help raise sails, see the Statue of Liberty and other Harbor landmarks, observe a variety of ships and waterborne commerce, and engage in exciting hands-on activities. seaportmuseum.org/group-programs-on-the-water
Discount for Seaport Museum Members
Seaport Museum memberships include unlimited admission to Museum exhibitions, invitations to special events, and great discounts year-round, including 20% off on individual sailing tickets for Pioneer and W.O. Decker. Memberships start at $65 and help support Museum's exhibitions, preserve the ships and the collections, grow public programs, and serve over 5,000 students through education initiatives. seaportmuseum.org/member
Pioneer Tickets
https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org/1885-schooner-pioneer/
W.O Decker. Tickets
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