Sightseeing Cruises

York: 45-Min Sightseeing Cruise

4.6/5(33)

Brian W

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

The process of buying tickets was so simple. Do NOT forget your jumper - lol! Staff was amazing. Dave, our skipper and guide, was wonderful and funny. The cruise itself was tranquil and scenic. Couldn't have had a better time!

Asif G

Solo

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The River Ouse, what a wonderful trip, great staff & the views of the beautiful trees ether side of the river is just magical. Cruised 3 times in one week. 👍

Ann W

Group

Verified booking

Aug 2026

The cruise was great, it lasted about an hour, it was very hot and umbrella's was supplied, we got to learn some interesting facts about York, we didn't go for the fish and chips but everyone else enjoyed them, drinks can be purchased from the bar, all the staff was lovely and nothing was too much trouble.

Andrew N

Group

Verified booking

Aug 2026

it's was a very relaxing excursion also the man driving the boat and doing the commentary was brilliant very informative about the areas and Yorkshire history also added a little comedy wich made it very enjoyable his name was Andy

Anthony M

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

The commentary was very well delivered and although there was dining available we didn't partake the cruise itself was very nice and peaceful and the sites were amazing would recommend it to everyone

Joanne M

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

The scenery was lovely and the commentary amusing, however, I missed a far bit of the cruise as I was overcharged for a drink, (the staff were aware but did nothing about it until I complained) so it took a while to sort out refunds and me having to pay again. It just tainted the experience.

Explore York on your own terms with a flexible River Ouse sightseeing cruise ticket that lets you hop on any of the frequent daytime departures from King's Staith Landing.

Discover York’s iconic riverside landmarks and hidden medieval gems from a unique water-level vantage point away from the city crowds.

Forget pre-recorded tapes; enjoy live, witty, and informative commentary from our local skippers, packed with tales of York’s Roman and Viking past.

Relax in style with a fully stocked bar, comfortable heated indoor seating for chilly days, and an open-top deck for soaking up the Yorkshire sun.

45-min River Ouse sightseeing cruise

Boarding from King's Staith Landing

Live on-board commentary

Knowledgeable local skipper

Onboard bar (local beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks)

Semi-open boat

Food and drinks

TOTAL DURATION45 minutes - 1 hour
FREQUENCYEvery 30-45 mins
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Timeline
Map
1 Boarding point
King's Staith Landing
Get direction
Sights covered
Clifford's Tower
York Minster
Millennium Bridge
York Museum and Gardens
Marygate Landing

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

33 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Brian W
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The process of buying tickets was so simple. Do NOT forget your jumper - lol! Staff was amazing. Dave, our skipper and guide, was wonderful and funny. The cruise itself was tranquil and scenic. Couldn't have had a better time!
Asif G
Solo
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The River Ouse, what a wonderful trip, great staff & the views of the beautiful trees ether side of the river is just magical. Cruised 3 times in one week. 👍
Kim L
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The boat cruise was good. A little but longer duration would have been better. Our captain and guide was very nice. Enjoyed it.
Carol W
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Seeing York from a different angle. The old buildings, the on board audio description by the captain and the friendly staff.
Andrew B
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Very enjoyable fun cruise,great for sightseeing very educational

What to bring

Bring your booking confirmation (printed or digital) to present at the boarding point.

Dress appropriately for the weather, as the upper deck is open-air. Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, especially in cooler months.

What’s not allowed

Outside food and drinks are not permitted on board.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed on the vessel.

Accessibility

The River Palace and River Duchess boats are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the River Duchess features a wheelchair-accessible restroom.

Wheelchair access is available at the King’s Staith Landing. Please call 01904 628324 before your visit to confirm the sailing times of wheelchair-accessible boats.

For your convenience, your guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Additional information

The cruise operates subject to river conditions. In the event of high water levels or adverse weather, sailings may be cancelled for safety reasons.

The duration of the cruise may vary between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the day’s conditions and demand.

On rare occasions, cruise times may change by up to 15 minutes. If this occurs, the operator will contact you using the email address or phone number provided at the time of booking.

There are four guaranteed cruises from King's Staith Landing: 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Many more trips operate, sometimes departing every 30-45 mins - times are displayed at the landings and online!

If you book a ticket for an 11am, 11:10am, 12:30pm, 12:40pm, 2pm, 2:10pm, 4pm or 4:10pm sailing, departure may be up to 15 minutes later to suit operational requirements.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on board the daytime sightseeing cruises at no additional cost as long as they are kept on a leash.

Facilities: restroom onboard

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.