We Don’t Need No Stinking Dolphins (Stinking Creeks On The Other Hand . . .)!

More proof that New Yorkers will pay for virtually anything:

A typical passenger might expect to see certain things when spending $50 for a two-hour cruise, like a wonder of the world, or a leaping dolphin or two.

But yesterday, a two-story taxi boat was almost full to capacity with people who spent about that much for a tour of one of New York’s most polluted waterways, Newtown Creek.

Cameras flickered away and passengers gawked as the industrial buildings, recycling plants and toxic sites that flank the creek slid by.

“The $50 is a lot, but it’s worth it,” said Gene Pizzolo, 60, one of the 64 people on the boat.

. . .

Some of the creek is accessible by foot, but most of its banks are private property, so the best way in is by water.

At least one passenger said she detected an oily smell.

An explosion in 1950 leaked an estimated 17 million gallons of oil and gasoline, more than the Exxon Valdez spill, into the creek and its banks, and lawsuits seeking a faster cleanup continue today.

During heavy rains, the city’s sewer system overflows and dumps raw sewage into the creek, among other places.

. . .

Many passengers walked back and forth on the boat trying to find the perfect camera shot.

“I consider it money well spent,” said Liza Drake, 59, enjoying the view from the top deck. “I can’t think of any other way to get on the creek for cheaper.”