The “Fifth” borough, Staten Island really seems like it should be part of New Jersey. Just like Liberty Island (and its namesake statue) and Ellis Island, all three islands are virtually a stone’s throw from the Jersey shoreline. But New York City it is.

For most New Yorkers, Staten Island is known by its orange ferries which regularly stream back and forth 24 hours every day through New York Harbor. And their color is not the only unique characteristic about the passenger boats. Unlike the cabs and busses and subways of New York, the Staten Island Ferry is entirely free. It’s the cheapest ride in New York.

Passengers assemble in one of two terminals: either at Whitehall Terminal on the southernmost tip of Manhattan, or at St. George Station on Staten Island’s northeastern corner. Both places are modern with lots of amenities, but the experience is no different than it was a century ago (or for that matter two centuries ago). It has been running regularly since 1810.

I have lived in New Jersey since 1980. And July 20, 2026 was the first time I ever took the Staten Island Ferry. It won’t be my last.

All images in this collection were taken in black and white with the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome.