Big Apple Charters, a private yacht charter company based at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan, has announced a special Independence Day charter experience on July 4, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The charter will take guests aboard a private yacht through New York Harbor, offering close-up water-level views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The route follows the same waterway that welcomed millions of immigrants to the United States, providing a historically significant vantage point for the national milestone known as the semiquincentennial, often shortened to America 250.

July 4, 2026, marks exactly 250 years since the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. Communities across the country are planning observances for the occasion, and New York Harbor holds particular significance as one of the nation's most recognized symbols of freedom and opportunity. The Statue of Liberty, dedicated in 1886 as a gift from France, and Ellis Island, which processed over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954, stand as two of the most visited national monuments in the United States.

"We wanted to offer a way for people to experience this national anniversary from the water, surrounded by the landmarks that represent what this country has meant to so many families," commented Amal Salameh, Owner of Big Apple Charters. "There is something different about seeing the Statue of Liberty from a yacht on the harbor rather than from the shore. On the 250th anniversary of the nation, that perspective carries additional weight."

Big Apple Charters operates private yacht charters out of Chelsea Piers at Pier 59 in Manhattan. The company offers a range of experiences on the water, including sunset cruises, corporate outings, and event-based charters. The July 4th charter will depart from Chelsea Piers and travel south through the harbor, passing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island before returning. Guests will be aboard during the evening hours, with front row views of Independence Day fireworks from the water.

Salameh added, “Seeing NYC from the harbor reminds you of the magic and history of New York. The possibilities and empires that have been built here and those yet to come. A place for dreamers and doers. This will be the greatest celebration in America's history and tall ships from around the world will be coming to honor what this nation stands for. Those of us who will witness this event from the water will be a part of history.”

The July 4th charter will include an upscale catering menu along with a selection of optional add-ons available for booking at the time of reservation. The curated food and beverage offerings are designed to complement the on-water setting, and additional enhancements can be arranged for groups seeking a more personalized experience. Full details on the catering menu and available add-ons are provided upon inquiry.

The America 250 commemoration is a federally recognized initiative established by Congress in 2016 through the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. The program has set a goal of engaging all 350 million Americans in the anniversary through local events, volunteer service, and shared celebrations. New York City, as one of the original centers of American independence, is expected to host a range of observances throughout the summer of 2026.

Availability for the July 4th charter is limited due to vessel capacity. Interested parties can contact Big Apple Charters directly to inquire about booking and group accommodations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoj27Ey6e5c

Big Apple Charters is a woman-owned private yacht charter company located at Chelsea Piers in New York City. The company provides private boat rentals for personal celebrations, corporate events, and sightseeing excursions on New York Harbor. Charters include views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. For more information, interested parties are encouraged to visit bigapplecharters.com.

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For more information about Big Apple Charters, contact the company here:

Big Apple Charters
Amal Salameh
212-401-4031
captain@bigapplecharters.com
59 Chelsea Piers
New York, NY 10011