Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise in New York
New York, United States

Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise

Outty Ranking 55 3.7 · 209 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $69

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

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From, per person$69
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Outty Ranking

55/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.7/5

Based on 209 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise worth booking?

Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise is a 8-hour experience in New York, United States, from $69 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 209 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
55 / 100
Rating
3.7/5 (209)
Duration
8 hours
From
$69 per person

Experience the ultimate autumn getaway on the water with a scenic 50 mile voyage through the Hudson River Valley straight to Bear Mountain State Park. Surrounding you are brilliant fall foliage colors combined with an au

What you get

  • Relax on spacious outdoor decks or inside our climate-controlled cabins
  • Restrooms are available throughout the vessel
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Enjoy Live Music
  • 8-Hour Bear Mountain Cruise
  • Oktoberfest theme experience

About this experience

Experience the ultimate autumn getaway on the water with a scenic 50 mile voyage through the Hudson River Valley straight to Bear Mountain State Park. Surrounding you are brilliant fall foliage colors combined with an authentic Bavarian festival atmosphere right on the deck. Traditional German Fare: Feast on classic comfort dishes including Pork Schnitzel, savory Bratwursts, and warm oversized Bavarian Pretzels. Craft Beer Selection: Sip premium pours from collectible souvenir mugs, featuring authentic German brews like Warsteiner and Spaten alongside seasonal Pumpkin Ales and Sam Adams Octoberfest. Live musical performances throughout the journey, while award winning local guides share fascinating history about the passing landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy two full hours of free time to hike stunning forest trails, relax by the lake, or visit the local trailside zoo before embarking on the relaxed return trip to Manhattan.

What's included

Included

  • Relax on spacious outdoor decks or inside our climate-controlled cabins
  • Restrooms are available throughout the vessel
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Enjoy Live Music
  • 8-Hour Bear Mountain Cruise
  • Oktoberfest theme experience
  • Free admission to Bear Mountain State Park

Not included

  • Food and beverage for purchase

What you'll see and do

  1. Bear Mountain State Park

    Get off the boat and walk around, enjoying a beautiful mountain lake and easy to walk trails.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

    This dual-span twin bridge was completed in 2018 at a cost of nearly $4 billion connecting Westchester and Rockland counties.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. Palisades

    The Palisades are a line of steep cliffs rising up from the Hudson River to about 540 feet.

    Pass by without stopping

  4. The Cloisters

    This museum is in Fort Tyron Park in northern Manhattan. Pieces were brought over from Europe and it was completed in 1939 .

    Pass by without stopping

  5. George Washington Bridge

    The world’s busiest suspension bridge spans the Hudson River and carries over 103 million vehicles per year. You'll pass under the George Washington Bridge

    Pass by without stopping

  6. Hook Mountain State Park

    This mountain rises 689 feet up from the Hudson River. It was known as Verdrietige Hook, "Tedious Point", to Dutch settlers.

    Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

New York

Pier 83

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

Pier 83

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Sat, Sun
Group size
Up to 15 travelers per booking
Operated by
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Know before you go

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Boarding is at 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM departure; the boat returns at approximately 5 PM, depending on tides and weather conditions.
  • Our onboard Oktoberfest menu brings German classics with a Hudson Valley twist. No outside food or beverage allowed.
  • The hike begins with a steep walk up a hill that can be very difficult for some guests. The area between the dock and entrance to the park sometimes floods. Please wear appropriate foot wear - hiking shoes are recommended
  • The pathway from the dock to Bear Mountain State park begins with a .6 mile hike uphill. This pathway is not ADA compliant or wheelchair accessible.
  • If we have to cancel a cruise due to foul weather, we'll provide you with a refund or the opportunity to re-book for another date.
  • Food and drinks are NOT allowed to be brought on board
  • For children/infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge.

Photos

Bear Mountain CruiseBear Mountain CruiseSee the Picturesque Fall ColorsSailing past the magnificent PalisadesSailing Under the George Washington BridgeSailing under the Mario Cuomo Bridge

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 209 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

Food and drink

5 mentions

The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

Photo opportunities

3 mentions

The views and photo stops come up again and again.

Value for money

2 mentions

Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

Traveler reviews

209 verified traveler reviews for Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
76
4 star
62
3 star
29
2 star
20
1 star
22
Sort
Bernice_G · November 2025

A Fall Day to Remember: Circle Line Cruise to Bear Mountain

If you’re looking for the perfect fall day trip from New York City, the Circle Line cruise to Bear Mountain is a must. The ride itself is absolutely beautiful — surrounded by vibrant fall foliage that paints the Hudson River in golden, red, and orange hues. On board, there’s plenty to enjoy: great music, friendly faces, and lots of food and drink options. I especially loved the apple cider mimosa — it was the perfect fall treat. For $45, you can even grab a refillable cup and enjoy beer throughout the journey, both going and returning. Once we reached Bear Mountain, the scenery was breathtaking, though there weren’t many food concessions open. Still, the peaceful walk, crisp air, and photo-worthy landscapes made it worth it. A quick tip: the best seats are on the top level, right-hand side, near the big window — second row. The views there are unbeatable. Just note, the seats are simple folding chairs, close together, so come prepared for comfort. It was truly a day full of laughter, music, and unforgettable views — a perfect escape with my coworkers and a reminder of how magical New York’s fall season can be. 🌿🍂

via Viator

GoPlaces813131 · October 2025

GREAT DAY WITH FRIENDS and Family

the boat ride was great the food was excellent and the staff was amazing loved the different Beers price of the Beer cup in reasonable

via Tripadvisor

Al_M · November 2024

Bad

Security guard was very rude with us…that’s not good… but the tour was good …it’s really enjoyable….

via Viator

Nora_A · November 2024

Amazing encounter with Mother Nature 😊😊

Wonderful day so beautiful and relaxing We enjoyed the view is a memorable experience. We will go again next year.

via Viator

Ana_K · November 2024

I will do it next year

We had a great time, it was a very organized event. Everyone was having fun and enjoying the weather. Alexa was wonderful. I missed the polka’s band.

via Viator

Good to know

Duration
8 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
3+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Sat, Sun
Price range
$69 to $89
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
73
Verdict
Worth a Look

Why this scores 55

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)13
Review evidence (18% weight)68
Booking momentum (14% weight)63
Value for money (12% weight)100
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)0
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.

How much does Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise cost?

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Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise take?

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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.

Is Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 209 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise?

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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 8-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise?

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Around 73 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in New York?

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New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Grand Canyon VIP Helicopter Tour, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit New York?

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September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in New York?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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