A gleaming monster is cruising the waters of New York Harbor. Each day, Circle Line Downtown's great white (and blue and green) SHARK carries off hordes of giddy, screaming people, young and old. Lurking in plain sight, the SHARK is capable of bringing grown men to tears -- tears of laughter that is.
 
Step aboard the SHARK Speedboat and take a tour with teeth! The 30-minute thrill ride speeds around the horn of southern Manhattan giving riders a rush of wind and splashing water.
 
Passengers breeze by the Statue of Liberty, stop for a photo op and zip by again to catch once-in-a-lifetime views of famed landmarks including the historic Battery Park, the World Financial Center and Ellis Island, the gateway to America for millions of immigrants.
 
Music and fun interactive crews enhance the entire jaw-dropping experience.
 
The sleek vessel races all the way up the Hudson River past Tribeca and Soho, long enough to catch a glimpse of decades-old cast-iron buildings. On the return trip you'll pass by Governors Island, the former military outpost, and head into the mouth of the East River. Cruising under the Brooklyn Bridge gives a rare view of the magnificent structure: when completed back in 1883 it was the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world.
 
The splashy tour features music and fun for up to 135 passengers. Student and corporate groups welcome.
 
While you're on Pier 16, be sure to keep an eye out for Sharkie, the speedboat's 7' tall cuddly mascot available for group hugs and photos.
 
Sharkie says:
• You must be 40 inches tall to ride.
• Children must be able to sit in their own seats.
 
SHARK Facts!
You might be surprised to learn that back in the 19th century, more than one real shark found its way into the Hudson River. Old newspaper reports tell of at least two separate instances of sharks being caught by local fisherman. One man-eater weighed 400 pounds and measured nearly 9 feet long.
 
Are there any real sharks in local waters today? As a matter of fact, yes! Dogfish, sand-tiger and sandbar sharks, usually harmless to people, can be found swimming in the waters off New York and New Jersey.
 
The 30-minute SHARK ride departs and returns at Pier 16 at South Street Seaport in Downtown Manhattan on weekends in May (hourly from 12pm through 5pm) and daily from June through mid-September (hourly from 12pm through 7pm).
 
For tickets and more information, please visit www.circlelinedowntown.com/shark.asp, call 866-9CLINE1 or visit the Circle Line Downtown Ticket Booth at South Street Seaport, Pier 16. Adults: $23, children 12 and under: $16, seniors 65+: $20.