The Secrets of Governors Island Scavenger Hunt
Governors Island, NY
2 Hours | Step Outside the City
Health & Safety
Face coverings must be worn at all times aboard the Governors Island ferry.
Leave the City Behind…
…and embark on a unique adventure that’s just a ferry ride away but feels like a world away. You’ll search for old munitions dumped beneath a Revolutionary fort, find the cells of a Civil War prison, visit an eerily abandoned movie theater, and explore the landmark buildings of Colonels Row. But that’s not all! When our clues lead you to the right spot, you’ll collaborate with your team to answer tricky, humorous questions about what you find.
Participants use their own smartphones to access the game, via our browser-based app.
Highlights Include…
- Fort Jay, a star-shaped fort dating back to 1776
- Castle William, aka the Cheesebox, a pre–War of 1812 fort that held Confederate prisoners during the Civil War
- Wild contemporary sculptures commissioned specifically for the island
- Assorted exhibits in the buildings of Nolan Park
- The best views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge you’ll ever see
No prior knowledge of Governors Island or history is necessary to play—or to win. You just need to pay attention to the details, use your wits, and work with your team.
The hunt is the perfect excuse to visit this out-of-the-way spot, but once you’re there, stay awhile! You can grab lunch, rent a bike, enjoy a picnic, and further explore the island on your own.
How the Hunts Work
- On most of our hunts, you and your teammates are not collecting objects (drop that pigeon!)—you’re searching for answers to tricky, humorous questions about the amusing things and cool places you discover. No previous knowledge is required: you just need a sharp mind and comfy shoes. The best teams quickly learn that they must use the strengths of everyone in the group.
- The hunts are conducted by our live, in-person Hunt Hosts and assistants. We do not offer do-it-yourself games. We want to be on hand to make sure you have fun.
- The hunts are not races, and running disqualifies you. The hunts are a test of your wits and your teamwork, not a test of physical fitness. We don’t want anyone to feel embarrassed or excluded—and we don’t want to distress your lawyer (or ours, for that matter). The people who live at the gym won’t necessarily win.
- Each member of the winning team receives a Watson Adventures medal, similar in appearance to an Olympic medal, suitable for draping over your neck and wearing with pride (and a bit of gloating). We don’t provide prizes like tablets or a brand-new car or a trip to Europe for one reason: we find that the more valuable the prize, the more incentive people have to cheat. And we’re not offering that kind of game. The object of the game ultimately is not to win—it’s to have fun with your teammates.
Duration
2 hours
What to Bring
- A ticket for the Governors Island ferry. Reserve your tickets here
- At least one fully-charged smartphone per game
- Good shoes for walking
- Weather-appropriate clothing