Disclaimer and Info: All customers must speak and understand English for safety concerns. Pilots / Drivers must all be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Alcohol and other substances are strictly prohibited before and during the flight / tour.
Please see below for more detailed information.
Our Craft
You will be piloting a Hovercraft manufactured by the British Hovercraft Company, one of the most respected names in the hovercraft industry.
Can I rent a Hovercraft even if I have never driven one before?
Yes, we fully instruct you on how to safely operate a hovercraft. You will fly in our designated riding area with our trained guides to keep you safe and show you the sights.
Where are we located?
15 Marin Blvd, Jersey City NJ. You should arrive at your reservation time. If you arrive early please be patient and our guides will check you in as soon as they are back from their current tour. Public transportation options listed below are extremely easy, safe, cheap, and quick.
Parking is available for a $10 fee paid to the marina office. Please see our Contact page for a map of the marina for the main office, parking, and where we are located on the property.
Ferry from Pier 11/Wall Street runs to the Liberty Harbor Marina at Marin Blvd, please see the link below for current schedules and pricing.
https://www.nywaterway.com/LbryHarMarin-Pier11WallStRoute.aspx
NY/NJ PATH Train from NYC runs to Grove Street in NJ, only 6 blocks from the marina. Schedules and maps are linked below.
https://www.panynj.gov/path/en/schedules-maps.html
The LIGHT Rail is also only a couple of blocks away.
Will we be able to see New York City?
Yes! Enjoy views of the Freedom Tower, downtown New York, the Brooklyn Bridge, Governor’s Island, the Verrazano Bridge, and get up close with magnificent views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
What if I want more than an hour flight?
If an hour of flying a hovercraft isn't enough for you, feel free to book back to back sessions or spread them out. We will come back to dock, rest and relax for a moment while we refuel, then fly right back into the fun!
Can I take a passenger on a hovercraft with me?
Absolutely! This is fun for the whole family. We have options for solo pilots go tandem. 400lbs(200kgs) weight limit applies.
Can we switch pilots?
You may also switch pilots as long as they are 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license! Tell the guide beforehand you wish to share piloting and the guide will tell you when it is safe to do so.
Is there an age limit?
Pilots must be 18 with a valid driver’s license or passport to pilot solo.
The passenger age limit is 8 years old.
ID's are required for everyone.
Can I take my phone on the hovercraft?
YES! We have phone lanyards for you that will be tethered to your life vest. Please make sure your phone is waterproof otherwise please store it in the dry storage.
Only passengers may take photos, pilots are strictly prohibited from taking photos and driving for safety concerns. Tag us on social media to share your experience with friends and family.
The hovercraft are also equipped with GoPro mounts, feel free to bring you GoPro to capture the experience.
Hover NYC Inc. is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Are photos and videos available?
Yes! Photo and video packages are only $25. We take photos on each excursion and they will be made available to you for download by the end of the day, in some cases immediately.
The hovercraft are also equipped with GoPro mounts, feel free to bring you GoPro to capture the experience.
Hover NYC Inc. is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Will I get wet?
It’s very possible. We encourage you to bring a day bag with a change of clothes, small towel, and anything else you think you might need.
Should I know how to swim?
You do not need to know how to swim. You will have a life jacket and our guides will make sure you are safe.
How safe are hovercraft? What if the engine stops?!
Hovercraft are very safe! If the engine stops it will still float. In fact there are portions of the tour where we may shut the engines off for better photo opportunities.
What if I am running late?
Please call us if you are running later than your reservation time. If you run into another customer’s reservation time we may have to reschedule you and you may incur a rescheduling fee. There also may be others in your tour group, late arrivals without notification may be left behind to keep our schedule running on time so as not to inconvenience others.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. They are quick and easy to make, just click Book Now on any page. We strongly encourage you to book in advance.
Should I arrive early to my appointment?
If you arrive early we ask that you patiently wait for our guides to return from the tour they are likely on. We will get you checked in and prepared for your hovercraft flight as soon as we are able.
What to expect upon arrival.
Please arrive at your designated session time, preflight for your tour consists of a safety orientation, instruction on piloting the hovercraft, the route we will take, and getting fitted for a life vest.
Can we take the hovercraft anywhere we want?
No. You cannot not go off on your own, this is strictly forbidden. Law requires that any hovercraft tours must stay with our highly trained guides for your own safety, it’s a very busy area with a lot of boat traffic!
Should I tip the guides/instructors?
If you enjoyed your tour and found your guide to be friendly and helpful we encourage you to show your appreciation. Tipping is always optional but always appreciated.
Do you provide life jackets?
Yes, we provide life jackets. We have sizes ranging from Adult 3XL down to Adult Small, and a few children’s life vests that can accommodate children between 55-88 lbs (24 to 40 kgs).
Do I need a Boat License to rent a hovercraft?
No, you will operate under our company's license and permit accompanied by our guides on a designated route.
What should I wear?
Dress for the day’s weather. Whatever you feel comfortable wearing. There are public locker/bathrooms for you to change. The hot summer months you may want to don a bathing suit to soak up some sun, in the cooler months longer sleeves may be more comfortable. Flip flops or sandals are recommended for the walk to and from the dock but sneakers will serve just as well.
Are there rules on the water?
The guides will brief you during your preflight how to stay safe and what rules and laws must be followed. Deviation from the rules may result in your sessions being terminated and the remainder of your time being forfeited. Please read our Safety & Rules page.
Will there be somewhere I can secure my belongings?
Yes, we have an area where you can secure your valuables. But if possible, keep as much as possible in your vehicle if you drive to us.
What should I bring with me or my group?
This is very important and detailed further on the requirements page of this site and in the confirmation email. But as a quick break down:
1) Photo ID's for everyone
2) Fill out our digital waiver at check out on the booking page for each participant.
3) Arrive on time.
What if it rains?
Mother nature has her own schedule and we sometimes have to follow her lead. While rain does not affect the hovercraft we understand rain, fog, and other weather conditions may take the enjoyment out of sightseeing. We keep a close eye on the weather and if we feel it may impact your tour we will reach out to you to reschedule or offer a refund. We will try to reach out a day in advance if the weather is forecasted far enough in advance to make the call, we may reach out via email to let you know we are watching conditions but your session is still on. If you have concerns please feel free to contact us and ask.
What is the best time of day to go on a hovercraft tour?
We are often asked this question and it really depends on you. Each time of day offers something special.
Mornings are typically calmer water and the sun really lights up the face of the Statue of Liberty, giving her a lovely glow.
Afternoons are always busy on the river for boat and air traffic, this gives perspective to your size and speed lending to the adventure.
Late afternoon things begin to calm down, the sun is hitting the Freedom Tower and other buildings making them glisten, and the Statue of Liberty has beautiful lighting once again.
What if I accidentally damage the hovercraft?
On the booking check out page there is a short list of damages that can be incurred.