Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comFull Day Bear Mountain Cruise
based on 14 reviews
Duration: 9 hours (approx.)
Location: New York City, New York
Product code: 2800BMC
14 reviews of Full Day Bear Mountain Cruise
Read what other Viator.com travelers think about the Full Day Bear Mountain Cruise. What they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved, it's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
Last time I took this trip was 31 years ago for my senior trip, and at that age you don't realize the history and the beautiful scenery that the Hudson River has. It was a rainy day, but our captain made the best of it; we were told the history of some things that were important, and we had music plus his jokes in between had us laughing. We could not get off at our destination, but we went further up the Hudson, and I personally was happy I got to see West Point and a few more historic places. Can't wait to do it again. I was still able to capture some beautiful pictures even thought it was rainy and foggy.
Reviewed by: Gladys C, United States, November 2007
A good chance to recreate oneself after a whole week in New York City! The Bear Mountains are a really nice place.
Reviewed by: Frank E, Germany, October 2007
We had a wonderful time and it was perfect! We will do it again next year!
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States, October 2006
Wonderful trip, we had a great time. The cruise down the Hudson is the best part, I learned more about NY in those few hours than what I knew from living here my entire life. Scenery is postcard pretty bring a camera and take many pictures. The circle line is a bit worn, I suggest you bring a sweater and blanket and your own food. The food was the worst part and highly overpriced, I'm talking 4 for a hot dog. Be prepared for alot of uphill walking once you arrive at Bear Mountain. The Oktoberfest requires a hike and is pretty boring but you will appreciate the 20 beer once you get there. All in all an enjoyable day excursion, more for couples than family, alot of places to snuggle with a fiery fall backdrop. Bring your camera and again pack your own lunch, and possibly a chair cushion, the seats on the circle line are hard.
Reviewed by: Melissa B, United States, October 2007
I enjoyed the day out on the Hudson; any time of year would be nice on the Hudson. My only disappointment was there really were no fall colors to be seen, and it being a fall cruise, I had hoped to see more colors. Obviously no one is to blame here; this year had a long summer. I guess I would have taken the cruise in November instead of October to see more colors, but the cruises stop in October.
So all in all, it was nice, perhaps a little more time at Bear Mountain. Why are prices always so expensive for drinks on boats? Surely profit can be made with lower prices for coffee, water, etc. Beer actually seemed to be the best thing to buy for most people; I saw quite a few people buying it.
One last thing, which bears on the staff of the tour operator. The attendants at the shop were far from friendly; in fact, one woman really looked like she hated her job and wished no more customers would annoy her!! It's a customer service job, and if they don't like the job, why are they hired in the first place? And better still, why don't they quit if they really don't want to be friendly and helpful to passengers?
I enjoyed the trip, though I would have enjoyed a little more time at Bear Mountain. I was annoyed with the instructions on getting there early with the prepaid voucher. I arrived 45 minutes early as instructed, but the ticket window didn't open until a little after 8 o'clock and then moved extremely slowly. They didn't even start boarding people until after 8:30, by which time I had been there well over an hour.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States, October 2007
The weather was absolutely lovely and the scenes breathtaking. It did seem rushed at Bear Mountain though as you arrive there at 1230 and we boarded ship at 245. It was nice because there was an Oktoberfest at Bear Mt but not enough time to enjoy it.
Reviewed by: James S, United States, October 2007
This cruise was very enjoyable. The view was scenic and the atmosphere was relaxed. The good thing about being on a cruise is that you can walk about on the boat and not sit cramped up like on a bus. I only wish that the line was shorter when we got the tickets.
Reviewed by: Lisa K, Malaysia, October 2006
The views as you travel up the river Hudson are great but what we found very disappointing was that when we got to Bear Mountain we could not get off the boat because the jetty was flooded, given that the cruise up the river takes 3 hours I would have expected some to have pumped the water away by the time we got there - very disappointing and on our trip not value for money!
Reviewed by: Ian H, United Kingdom, November 2007
The trip was okay, but first off, the boat was overloaded. My family and I didn't have much time to walk around, as we were limited to just two hours. The parking was promised to be twenty dollars on the Viator website, but in reality it was thirty.
Reviewed by: Lyudmila P, United States, November 2007
We were told a restaurant was open on Bear Mountain; it closed 3 years ago. We weren't told that there was a 2 hour layover on the mountain and the overpriced concession stand on the boat would be closed while there. We were told parking cost $20; it cost $30. The 8:30 departure actually left at 9:10.
Reviewed by: Jacky R, United States, October 2007
There should have been some kind of transportation from the boat to the Octoberfest at Bear Mountain. A lot of older people and people with baby carriages had a very hard time. I won't do this again or recommend it.
Reviewed by: Joseph B, United States, October 2007
It was difficult to find answers to questions during the booking procedure. The registration process at boarding was convoluted. The three-and-a-half hour ride each way would have been more exciting had passengers been warned to bring entertainment, such as a deck of cards. We were told no food could be brought on board, yet there were no restrictions. At least having some food would have made the long ride less boring. There was no warning about the steep trail to the Oktoberfest area. Some passengers were physically unfit to make the walk and had to wait over two hours by the boat. A few adjustments and this could have been a much more enjoyable trip.
Reviewed by: Chris C, United States, October 2007
Not enough time on the mountain.
Reviewed by: Robert R, United Kingdom, October 2007
