⭐ York tours · independently compared

River cruises in York

York is compact and best explored on foot, but the right format depends on whether you want history, folklore, the River Ouse or a full day in Yorkshire. These are city cruises on the River Ouse, not sea trips. Most are short sightseeing sailings; self-drive boats and food cruises are separate products.

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Most reviewed · 2026

The most reviewed tours

Compare York walks, ghost tours, River Ouse cruises, tickets and day trips by verified reviews and current prices.

9 tours available · Sorted by number of verified reviews. Prices and availability come live from GetYourGuide.

York: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Commentary
Bestseller

York: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Commentary

⏱ 45 minutes · 4.2 (2,976)

Join a relaxing cruise on the River Ouse and see the sights of York from the water with live commentary! Book a slot, but join any cruise departing between 10:30 and 15:00 each…

from €17 per person

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York: 60-Minute 'Happy Hour' Cruise For All Ages

York: 60-Minute 'Happy Hour' Cruise For All Ages

⏱ 1 hour · 4.2 (956)

A happy hour like no other! Soak up the stunning views of York, grab a discounted drink from the bar, and listen to our live commentary, with activity sheets to keep the little…

from €19 per person

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York: Self-Steer Boat Rental

York: Self-Steer Boat Rental

⏱ 1 hour · 4.7 (840)

Try your hand at skippering your own boat by hiring one of these nippy little self-steer boats in York. Rent a boat that is fun, safe, easy to pilot, and suitable for up to 5 pa…

from €54 per group up to 5

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York: Strawberries & Cream River Cruise + Drink Cruise

York: Strawberries & Cream River Cruise + Drink Cruise

⏱ 1 hour · 4.0 (621)

Enjoy a tranquil cruise along the river, with a complementary drink and a classic pairing of strawberries and cream, accompanied by a calming acoustic soundtrack of timeless tunes.

from €27 per person

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York: Fish and Chips Cruise

York: Fish and Chips Cruise

⏱ 45 minutes · 4.2 (339)

Enjoy the finest and freshest fish and chips as you sail through York and into the surrounding countryside. Unwrap your fish and chips on board then sit back, relax, and take in…

from €35 per person

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York: Party Cruise with Drink, Dinner, and DJ

York: Party Cruise with Drink, Dinner, and DJ

⏱ 2.5 hours · 3.4 (44)

Dance the night away to live DJ music on this party boat river cruise. Savor a 2-course buffet dinner and start your night off right with a welcome drink of sparkling wine.

from €57 per person

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York: Festive River Cruise With Mulled Wine & Mince Pie

York: Festive River Cruise With Mulled Wine & Mince Pie

⏱ 1 hour · 3.6 (35)

Enjoy a relaxing and festive sightseeing cruise along the River Ouse in York. Sip on a warm drink and enjoy a mince pie as you take in the views and landmarks of York.

from €20 per person

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York: Evening Escape On The Ouse Cruise

York: Evening Escape On The Ouse Cruise

⏱ 1 hour · 4.2 (20)

Unwind on a tranquil evening cruise along the River Ouse in York. Enjoy a complimentary drink, listen to a calming soundtrack, and admire the illuminated skyline and scenic rive…

from €21 per person

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York: Santa Experience River Cruise with Gift

York: Santa Experience River Cruise with Gift

⏱ 1 hour · 5.0 (2)

Join a festive river cruise in York and meet Santa on-board after exploring his North Pole Grotto. Enjoy a magical atmosphere with twinkling lights with kids receiving a goody b…

from €19 per person

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How to choose

Use review totals as well as star ratings. Short walks fit easily around York Minster and the Shambles; regional trips normally take most of a day.

The city centre has cobbles, steps and busy narrow streets. Check accessibility and age limits with the operator rather than assuming every historic route is step-free.

Good to know: Check the exact meeting point and duration. Day trips leave the city; York itself has no beach, seaport or mountains.

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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book ahead?

Popular weekend, evening and summer departures can sell out. Booking ahead is sensible when a specific time matters.

York tours from €17.28 · available today

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