Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York

Overview

Available languages

English

45 minutes

Mobile ticket

Welcome aboard our daytime sightseeing trip in York, where travellers embark on an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and natural beauty. Our daytime sightseeing trip in York promises a memorable experience filled with breath-taking sights, intriguing tales, and moments of tranquillity along the historic River Ouse. It's the perfect way to explore the essence of York in a leisurely and immersive fashion.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dogs are permitted on this cruise.

Two boats in the fleet are accessible, there may be a short wait until one arrives

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Toilet Facilities

Live Captain's Commentary

Scenic River Ouse Views

Drinks & Snacks (Ranges from £1 to £6)

What To Expect

York

Historic Landmarks: Travelers will marvel at the rich history of York with the chance to see iconic landmarks such as York Minster, Clifford's Tower, and the medieval city walls from a unique perspective. Stunning Architecture: Panoramic views of York's stunning architecture. Travelers can capture postcard-perfect snapshots of the city's skyline against the backdrop of the meandering River Ouse. Natural Beauty: York is steeped in history and surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty. See riverside greenery, quaint riverside pubs, and scenic waterfront parks, offering glimpses of the city's idyllic setting. Local Insights: Our guides will share fascinating stories and insights about York's past, present, and future. Travelers will learn about the city's Viking heritage, its role in shaping English history, and its vibrant cultural scene. Relaxation & Comfort: Travelers can relax on the open-air deck or cosy up inside the boat, savouring refreshments and snacks available on board.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

King's Staith

Reviews

4.26

1,252 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

759

248

124

Great fun.
Daft B,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Enjoyable commentary from skipper Andy, accompanying lovely boat trip along the Ouse… reasonably priced drinks on board too
Lovely setting to see a different part of the city
maziejane,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We braved the upstairs on half term. The crew were great regaling good stories to us. There is a bar on board for snacks and drinks. Well worth it.
River cruise York
victoriatX2529CF,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
Not a huge section of river , but did enjoy seeing the bridges and historical buildings. Was rather disappointed that our 45 minute cruise was cut to 35 minutes due to the the driver reaching his quota of legal driving time.??? So we had to get off at an earlier stop, we were not informed of this prior to purchasing our ticket or given a discounted ticket.
Lovely boat trip
jmcd2013,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
All the staff at City Cruises were lovely. We had a very enjoyable trip on the River Ouse with Scott as captain. The commentary was informative and fun. The cost was acceptable, boat was busy but it was comfortable and we were happy to sit outside. We love a boat ride and this was perfectly acceptable. My only slight negative is that there isn’t that much to see from the river. Enjoyable nonetheless.
Weather dependent
tpbel,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
This was a pleasant way to spend an hour because the Autumn afternoon was sunny and dry. There’s not much of a view from the river - you can’t see the Minster for example. But you can see the city from a new angle which is interesting. Efficient operation and choice of jetties to disembark.
Not good value
Jane M,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
This was a pleasant enough experience but very much over priced. A very short section of river gave no real view of the city. All rather disappointed.
Not ideal for disabled people
213wendye,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
As a disabled person using a wheeled walker, this wasn't ideal. I couldn't hear the commentary at all from the open deck where I boarded the boat, due to the engine noise, so I had to climb up onto the top deck, which wasn't easy for me. Once I was there, I enjoyed it, although I didn't think there was that much of interest to see. The most interesting bit was seeing just how high the floods had reached earlier in the year, and how soon the river took us out of the city into the countryside.
Fab experience!
staciew497,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was our first trip to York, and this was such a great experience to add to the itinerary. Our skipper, Andy, fantastic! If you love jokes, great sense of humour while learning at the city of York, you need to go! The prices are reasonable, and I would definitely recommend!
Boring, and not really recommended .........
julie n,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
Really not much to see at all. Slow cruise up the river Ouse to a turning point, then back down to where we boarded, then a slow cruise a bit further down the river and then back to landing point. Few bridges to see, a ruin and not really much else apart from the renovated 'mill buildings' which you can see from shore! We did have a commentary however, due to the noise from the boats engines, it was quite hard to hear - muffled and unclear, and we were sat near to a speaker (and no, our hearing is normally perfect!). Wouldn't book again ........
Funny boat ride and factual
Jordan C,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was so fun to see all of the parts of York. The tour guide was all so not funny but how he wasn't funny kind of made Hume funny and I liked that and their was a lot of facts he told us, will come back. I also got to see all of the swans too