The magnificent East River of New York is a 14-nm-long body of water that separates the boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx from Brooklyn and Queens. The river flows under eight major bridges, each an architectural marvel against the Manhattan skyline. Starting from the historic Battery, where Lower Manhattan meets the sea, to the bustling Long Island Sound, the journey is nothing short of picturesque. The Brooklyn Bridge, with its Gothic arches, stands as a testament to human ingenuity, while the modern aesthetics of the Williamsburg Bridge frame the ever-evolving city backdrop.
Winding its way from the Battery in New York Harbor to Long Island Sound, the East River is one of only two rivers in the world with two mouths and no source, according to local lore. The other such river is the Harlem River at the north end of Manhattan. Technically, both of these "rivers" are estuaries.
Commercial Traffic
The East River is heavily traveled by commercial traffic including tugs with tows, deep-draft ships, sightseeing vessels and large power boats that kick up great wakes. In its lower reaches near New York Harbor, the East River is dominated by large commercial ships heading to and from the docks on the Brooklyn shore. These ships maneuver awkwardly, hook up with tugs and are troubled by the strong current so you must stay out of their way! Ships in these waters monitor VHF Channel 13 and you should definitely contact them if you have questions or concerns about their course.
Ferry Traffic
Staten Island and Governors Island ferries can also be particularly troublesome as they cross the river frequently and at high speeds. Cross their wakes just after they have crossed the channel. Do not cut close to a docked ferry. If its powerful propellers are not throwing a monstrous wash into the channel, the ferry might be about to leave its slip and enter the channel with remarkable speed. In either case, you do not want to be nearby.There are also many small high-speed yellow water taxis and blue ferries, as well as the well-known Circle Line tourist boats to negotiate. The safest course of action is to be aware of all traffic since these commercial vessels are working on a schedule. If you wish to communicate with any commercial traffic in the East River, use VHF Channel 13. Additionally, it is important to be watchful of floating debris on the East River, especially on the outgoing tide.
Caution!
There are significant security regulations in effect on the river that are continually updated and changed by the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard. Skippers should always be alert to security changes before transiting the East River. While transiting the East River and other waters of New York City, note that the marine division of the New York Police Department monitors VHF Channel 16 and is available for assistance in an emergency.
The Battery to Hell Gate
Transiting the East River from the Battery in New York City to Long Island Sound or from Long Island Sound to the Battery in New York City can be a wonderful, exciting experience. The river is deep, well marked and easy to follow. The buildings of Lower Manhattan rise to the west and Wall Street runs right down to the water below Pier 15. Fulton Ferry Landing is a wonderful park under the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge. This is the site of Bargemusic, which presents music year-round. There is no dockage here but the yellow ferries that run across the East River are accessible from the New York side.
Bridges on East River
Brooklyn Bridge: Built in 1883, this bridge has 127-foot fixed clearance.
Manhattan Bridge: 134-foot fixed vertical clearance.
Williamsburg Bridge: 133-foot fixed vertical clearance.
Queensboro Bridge: Also known as the 59th Street Bridge, this bridge crosses the East River on both sides of Roosevelt Island with 131-foot fixed vertical clearance.
Roosevelt Island Bridge: 40-foot closed vertical clearance. Here you have three options: (1) Call the NYC DOT Bridge Operator on VHF Channel 13, (2) call the Bridge Operations Office at 212-839-3740, or (3) call the Communications Center at 718-433-3340. The bridge will open on signal if at least 2-hour advance notice is provided. Openings may be delayed up to one-half hour. Consider the tide and current as you make arrangements for an opening.
Caution: While the Roosevelt Island Bridge has a published open clearance of 100 feet, it does not always open fully for passage of vessels. We have received reports of boats being dismasted at this bridge. Exercise caution (or opt for the West Channel) if you need more than 40-foot vertical clearance at the bridge.
Dockage on East River
Browse more nearby marinas in Waterway Explorer.
The East River's combination of urban beauty, architectural marvels, and navigational challenges makes it a unique cruising destination.
Learn more about navigating the East River and New York Harbor in Chapter 4 of the Waterway Guide Northern Edition, available in print & digital.
Have a subscription? View the chapter here.
- 4,000 Marinas
- Thousands of anchorages
- Updated Charts
- Mile-by-Mile Navigation
- Highlighted Alerts & Cautions
- Full-Color Aerial Photographs
The Waterway Guide App Makes it easy to leave reviews, use our explorer, and view waterway guide materials all on the go!
