Why go
A ferry can be both transport and an orientation tool. The Staten Island crossing connects Lower Manhattan with the borough while opening views across New York Harbor and toward the Statue of Liberty. Other routes reach waterfront areas in Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey. It suits a day with time for the water, not a tightly timed transfer between distant attractions.
The full story
New York's harbor is easiest to understand from the water. The Staten Island Ferry crosses between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island and carries passengers and bicycles, placing the Statue of Liberty and the harbor skyline in the same frame. It is a useful alternative to a purely Manhattan day, particularly when combined with St. George or a Staten Island outing. Other ferry services connect the city to waterfront points in Brooklyn and Queens and to New Jersey across the Hudson. Their routes turn a borough crossing into a chance to see bridges, piers, and the city’s changing shoreline. Ferries are exposed to weather and schedules, so check the operator's current timetable before going. For a return trip, allow time for terminal movement rather than assuming a boat will wait for a connection.