Although we have been through the East River enough times to not worry too much about current (although we do pay attention to when it runs which direction)... and we don't worry too much about the amount of traffic... although we are always impressed by the amount of stuff going on. This photo is off the end of the runway for LaGuardia Airport.

The busiest place on the water is off the South Street Sea Port which is just east of the Battery. At one time, there are at least three helicopters in the air, two float planes making landings, the Staten Island Ferry coming in, several high speed taxi boats, several high speed East River Ferries, a 100' classic tour boat, several "cigarette" Boats doing at least 40 mph, and three or four locals out in their little sailboats plinking along.

Of course, this is with the backdrop of Manhattan on the west, Brooklyn to the East with all the associated car traffic, bikers, walkers and people hanging out on their porches or lounging in one of the parks along the water. Oh, and there was the Caribbean Princess, a 951' long cruise ship that was getting underway.

Our regret was that we didn't leave up a sail to steady us when the wakes rolled us as all these boats passed us on all sides going all directions...