Governors Island Corporate Volunteer & Team Building Experience
Give your team a day out of the office that actually does some good. Our Governors Island social impact experience combines hands-on volunteering, sustainability education, local food and a guided exploration of one of NYC’s most unexpected green spaces.
Things to know
- Tour Type: Social Impact Experience
- Location: Governors Island
- Season: Tours run May through October, when the island is open to visitors
- Duration: 3 to 6 hours including ferry time
- Tour Includes: Experienced tour guide who will travel with you to and from Governors Island and provide a guided walk between all tour stops. Tour can include a volunteer experience at Earth Matter and lunch with drinks on the island!
- Tour Capacity: 10 people min / 60 people max
- Starting From: Custom pricing based on group size, tour length, and add-ons like the volunteer experience or lunch. Groups start at 10 people. Contact us for a quote and we'll build a package that fits your team and budget.
- Click here to contact us to book.
Featured Stops
What Is Governors Island?
Governors Island is a 172-acre island located in New York Harbor, just south of Manhattan. The island has undergone extensive redevelopment since 2011.
The Governors Island Social Impact Tour is an opportunity for groups of 10 or more people to explore Governors Island and go behind the scenes with three impactful organizations that are helping to transform the island into a vibrant community.
Learn about the issues of food waste, organic farming and regenerative farming. This includes an urban farm, oyster farm, composting complete with goats and chickens, and even a lavender field! Experience the beauty of Governors Island and learn about the important role it’s now playing in the NYC community.
Governors Island has become one of NYC’s most exciting places to explore sustainability in action. Your team can learn how New Yorkers are restoring the harbor ecosystem and see how local organizations are tackling food access and climate resilience. It’s all just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan.
Instead of another conference-room offsite, your group gets fresh air, shared purpose, and a tangible way to give back to New York City.
This is climate education you can taste and touch. You’ll see a teaching garden that shows New Yorkers how to grow their own food, and hear directly from the people doing this work every day. The tour turns big ideas into something your group can see, do, and understand in a single day.
What does Social Impact mean to us?
On our tours, “social impact” isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a commitment. We believe exploring like a local means connecting with the people and causes shaping our communities. That’s why we partner with inspiring, grassroots organizations and highlight their work along the way. Just as we carefully choose the food and spots you’ll experience, we also choose partners who are making a real difference. By joining our tours, you’re not just seeing the city, you’re helping it thrive.
See it in action: Read how a 40-person New York Public Library team spent a day volunteering, eating and connecting on Governors Island. Case Study →
Additional Tour Highlights
Lunch Options
🌮 Taco Vista: A favorite for groups, Taco Vista serves tacos, burritos, and bowls with unbeatable waterfront views.
🥘 Makina Cafe: An Ethiopian cafe full of bold, authentic flavors and vegetarian-friendly options.
🦪 Six Coasts by Smorgasburg: Located next to Soissons Landing, Six Coasts brings together flavors from six coastal regions across the Americas, from Nova Scotia and Baja to Bahia and the Caribbean. Expect seasonal seafood, tropical cocktails, and events and activities for all ages.
🍻 Little Eva’s Beer Garden & Grill: Enjoy craft beer, grilled eats, and a laid-back setting, perfect for winding down after a morning of volunteering.
We’ll help coordinate orders and ensure dietary needs are met. All options include plenty of seating and outdoor ambiance.
Art, Nature & Inspiration
After volunteering and lunch, your team can opt for added time to explore Governors Island’s seasonal art exhibits and installations. From interactive sculptures to creative pop-ups, there’s always something new to discover.
Stroll tree-lined paths, visit historic forts, or simply relax in a hammock with a view of the Statue of Liberty. It’s a refreshing change of pace, and a great way to wrap up a day of purpose-driven work.
Governors Island Team Building and Volunteer Experience
The Governors Island Social Impact Day goes past a standard volunteer event. It builds team morale, connects your group with NYC’s sustainability community, and gives you a full day in one of the city’s best outdoor spaces. If your team wants more options, pair it with our corporate team building tours or browse our other social impact experiences.
Whether your group is big or small, hands-on or more laid-back, we’ll work with you to create a custom experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the volunteer activity involve?
Your group spends part of the day with Earth Matter, a zero waste facility on Governors Island. Volunteering centers on their composting and urban agriculture work, hands-on tasks tied to how they grow crops like lettuce, kale, and herbs while turning food scraps into finished compost.
Is the ferry included?
Yes. Your guide travels with you to and from Governors Island, so the ferry is built into the day.
Where does the group meet?
Your host provides the exact meeting point, along with timing and logistics, ahead of your tour date. It’s near the Manhattan ferry terminal for Governors Island.
How physical is the volunteering?
It’s light to moderate, similar to gardening. Expect standing, some bending, and hands-on tasks like helping with compost or garden beds. No heavy lifting or special fitness level is needed.
What happens if it rains?
Tours run rain, snow, or shine, so dress for the forecast. In extreme weather, the team reaches out directly to reschedule for a safer time.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. The team coordinates lunch orders around your group’s dietary needs and preferences ahead of time.
Is the experience accessible?
Accessibility needs are handled as part of the planning process. Share any requirements when you book so the team can accommodate them.
What group sizes can you handle?
This tour works for groups of 10 to 60 people. If you’re smaller, you can pair up with another team to hit the minimum, and larger groups can be split across multiple guides so it still feels personal.
How far in advance should corporate groups book?
The earlier the better, especially for prime spring, summer, and fall dates, which fill up fast. Reserving a few weeks to a couple months out helps lock in your first-choice date.
Can we do a half-day versus full-day experience?
Yes. Tours run 3 to 6 hours including ferry time, and the itinerary (volunteering, lunch, add-on time for art and nature) is built around your group’s schedule, so both half-day and full-day formats work.