Hudson River Adventures

Enjoyed the ferry ride & the guide was very informative and interesting. Such a great trip so close to home! I should have taken the ferry from Beacon which was on my side of the river.

Always was interested in this destination, but wasn't aware there was a way to get to the island. After hearing about the tours, was very excited to learn that there was a way to explore the island. The trip to the island was very organized, staff seemed passionate and knowledgeable contributing to the experience.... kevin

A very stunning and unique structure with an intriguing history, in a gorgeous location on the Hudson River. The whole tour was enjoyable - taking the ferry out on the river, learning about the castle and exploring the island.

Very professional and efficient crew. The trip is a taped narration on a gorgeous stretch of the Hudson river with lots of interesting and historical tidbits. A friendly crew member circulated and was available for specific questions. Our cruise was small so there was ample room on the upper deck - there are several tables up there and we had brought a picnic with us. The weather was lovely so we were outside the whole time but there were several groups that stayed below and thoroughly enjoyed their trips as well. The cruise is two hours and that was perfect. The only thing I didn't like was for about the last 20 minutes of the cruise there was a party CD playing - that would have been entirely appropriate for a "booze cruise" return of 20-30 somethings. I have already highly recommended this trip to other "locals" (CT/New Yorkers who don't spend nearly enough time enjoying the great outdoors!) The town of Newburgh hosts George Washington's HQ and that was worth a visit after our boat trip.

We had a very pleasurable experience. The crew, staff & guides where so curteous, friendly & so very knowledgeable. We did it as a day trip and had a fine waterfront late lunch at one of the really nice local establishments. We would highly recommend to all ages, really had a great time!

very good time the guides were very good

You have got to go! If you like architecture, oddities, or just going someplace unique, Bannerman's Island is for you. Unfortunately, there is not too much left of the castle but what remains gives you an idea of how beautiful the castle and home once were. The boat ride to the island was only 30 minutes and the crew was extremely friendly and helpful. The boat was clean and comfortable. There was a short film on the history of the island played on the boat. We had a great tour guide, Rob, who was very knowledgable and passionate about the island. You could tell that Bannerman's Island was special to him and that he cared about preserving it. There are some steps and the pathways are not paved, but the walk was not difficult at all. Proper walking shoes, bug repellant, sunscreen, and water are all necessary. The history of the island is very interesting, and the fact that Mr. Bannerman built this "castle" in the middle of the Hudson is fantastic. The views/photos of the Hudson from the island are fantastic - bring your camera!!! Absolutely worth the $30 price tag. After the tour we stopped by George Washington's headquarters which is only blocks from the marina and only cost $4.00 per person - another great tour. I first learned of Bannerman's Island 10 years ago and said "I wish I could go there and explore." I was thrilled when I saw that tours were available - this tour lived up to my hopes. There was a lot of information and history shared, plenty of time for picture taking, and a nice boat ride up the Hudson. Go and enjoy. It is an experience that not everyone has.

The staff on the boat was great. Very helpful. It was nice as not a crowded tour. Went on schedule as well, nothing ran late. Interesting tour and helpful, knowledgeable tour guides. We enjoyed it.

I liked the tour and the excellent tour guide Garry, however I would expect to see more than just the casstle walls, ideally a museum as well, and the island in general to be more civilized and tourist friendly.

The tour was good the guide a little boring

I was disapointed the thought it would be a nice boat ride over to the island, in stead it was a sort of water taxi. Looked like a buss inside we were unable to get up and move around and no bathrooms. Once on the island we were not allowed to explore and relax and enjoy the sights we were hearded like school children in a history class around.. It was a beutiful view it is a shame that the tour could not have been make more relaxed and the boat ride more enjoyable.

We were all very excited about visiting Bannerman's Island, and seeing the castle. It's a shame that after the initial explosion that damaged the warehouse, that Bannerman didn't fix it then. Hopefully the house can be repaired and turned into a museum. Only criticism is that the walking paths need to be cleared better.

wonderful relaxing trip

I have never heard of Bannerman's Castle prior to the tour. However, it is a historical relic that is worth preserving. The thoughts and culture of the time period are well reflected in the architecture and surroundings. The island retains much of the history of New York that has been erased in the city.

In the last 20 years we have seen many times the castle from the top of its neighbor hills: Sugarloaf, Storm King and Breakneck Ridge, and were very intrigued by it, and at the same time, very unhappy that we did not know how we could visit it. Luckily, I found recently, by chance, a notice on the Web about the Bannerman cruise and some pictures of the castle, and immediately bought the tickets.