Boat Tours in York: 4 to Book Before You Go

1.Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,618 reviews · 45 min · from $20Our pick

See York from the River Ouse on a 45-minute sightseeing cruise, with the chance of a one-hour route depending on weather and demand. An English-speaking captain or guide, including familiar names such as Andy, Sophie, and Dave, provides live stories about York’s Roman, Viking, port, and flood history. Boats have a heated saloon, upper deck, restroom, and bar.

“The boat ride was very smooth and the person doing the commentary of the buildings etc around us was very knowledgeable, very articulate and easy to understand”

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2.Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,256 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $20

Board at King’s Staith for a relaxed 45-minute York river cruise, with some sailings lasting about an hour. Your captain covers York’s Viking past and city landmarks while you view Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, medieval walls, bridges, and riverside buildings. Sit on the open deck or inside, and buy drinks and snacks on board.

“Good view of the city not possible by foot. Very relaxing and informative. Interesting information given by the crew about York”

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3.60-Minute ‘Happy Hour’ Cruise For All Ages

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 852 reviews · 1 hour · from $17Best value

Cruise the River Ouse from King’s Staith for one hour, passing York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, York Guildhall, and nearby countryside. An English-speaking captain provides live facts and jokes, while you can sit in the heated saloon or head upstairs for open-air views. The onboard bar offers discounted drinks, snacks, and soft drinks.

“Very informative and interesting. The guide had a lot of knowledge of York. Great value for the money.”

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4.Self-Steer Boat Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 620 reviews

Hire a small motorboat from King’s Staith and pilot it along York’s River Ouse for one hour. You’ll receive safety instructions, river rules, and life jackets for children aged 10 and under. Bring snacks and soft drinks, but no alcohol. The private boat holds up to five people and returns to the same mooring.

“Plenty of time to discover the river sights in an hour.”

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