The Beast returns to NYC waters this summer with high-speed thrills and waterfront dining

The Beast, the high-speed jet-powered New York City speedboat that takes guests past the Statue of Liberty, returns Friday, May 9, 2026, for the 2026 summer season. This year, the ride is launching from two Manhattan locations, and Circle Line’s companion waterfront restaurant ‘BEAST’ro’ reopens days later with a new drink menu.

The Beast is Circle Line’s high-speed thrill ride on the water, blasting riders through New York Harbor on a 30-minute adrenaline rush packed with music, sharp turns, and splashy fun. The current neon green boat, which debuted in 2011, features a fierce shark-inspired design with giant teeth and a bold eye inspired by vintage WWII fighter plane artwork.

Next to the West Side departure point at Pier 81, BEAST’ro brings the energy shoreside with casual waterfront dining, themed bites, frozen drinks and summer vibes overlooking the Hudson River.

The Beast returns to New York Harbor on May 9

The Beast runs from Friday, May 9, 2026, taking guests on a 30-minute trip past the Statue of Liberty and back at high speeds on the Hudson River.

According to the official Beast website, the ride launched at the South Street Seaport in spring 1998 with a bright yellow design featuring orange tiger stripes, teeth, and an eyeball inspired by WWII fighter jets. A red second Beast followed in 1999 and operated from the Seaport while the yellow original moved to 42nd Street. The original yellow BEAST retired in 2007. The current bold green Beast launched in 2011 and was christened at Pier 83 on June 7 of that year. It is built from aluminum with jet drives and twin 16-cylinder MTU diesel engines.

The site credits the ride to Michael “Mad Dog” Duffy, Circle Line’s senior port captain. He pitched a high-speed New York City thrill ride with rock music, sharp turns, and roller coaster-style maneuvers in 1997 after riding a dolphin-watch speedboat at the Jersey Shore.

“I wanted something loud, fast, and unforgettable,” Mad Dog says on the site.

An exciting summer for New York City

This summer is an especially exciting time to visit New York City as the city begins building momentum toward America’s 250th anniversary celebrations with special events, patriotic experiences, and major waterfront energy across Manhattan. Adding to the spectacle, the famous Times Square ball will drop eight times on July 3, leading into July 4 as part of a special Independence Day countdown celebration.

Riders can now depart from Midtown or the Seaport

For 2026, Circle Line is operating The Beast from two New York City departure points:

• Pier 83 at West 42nd Street and 12th Avenue, on Manhattan’s West Side
• Pier 16 at the South Street Seaport, in Downtown Manhattan

The two-location launch gives guests a Downtown alternative to the West Side departure at Pier 83.

BEAST’ro reopens with waterfront dining near Pier 81

BEAST’ro, Circle Line’s casual waterfront restaurant at Pier 81 on the West Side, reopens for the season on Friday, May 15, 2026. The themed menu plays into the Beast identity, with options like Monster Margherita pizza, Kraken Nachos, Hydra Hummus and pita chips, Rip Roarin’ Pretzels, paninis branded as Beastwiches, and a hot dog named The Mad Dog after the boat’s creator. The kids’ menu is branded Lil’ Beast Feasts. Frozen treats include slushies and soft serve.

The 2026 season also marks the first time BEAST’ro has adult drinks. The new beverage menu includes:

• Cocktails on tap: Classic Margarita; Rocket Fuel (spiced rum, coconut rum, pineapple, citrus); Speeder’s Spritz (Aperol, vodka, prosecco); and Midtown Mule (watermelon, lime vodka, ginger beer)
• Beer and seltzer: Stella Artois, Coney Island Pilsner, Goose Island IPA, Michelob Ultra, Sun Cruiser Vodka Iced Tea, and Nutrl Hard Seltzer
• Wine: Cabernet, Pinot Grigio, and Rosé
• Non-alcoholic options: Athletic Run Wild IPA, Aplos Chili Margarita, and Lyre Amalfi Spritz

For tickets, departure times, and the full BEAST’ro menu, visit thebeastnyc.com/the-beast-midtown.