Things to Do, Attractions, Family Friendly, Great Outdoors
City Cruises York - Self-Drive Boat Hire
About Us
Fancy being the skipper of your very own boat? Of course you do!
- Max. 1-Hour Self-Drive Boat Hire
- Holds Max. 5 Passengers
- Safety Briefing From Crew
Pre-Booking Advised!
We advise pre-booking your cruise on our website - it's a great way to plan your visit to York!
Take the (very Instagram-able!) opportunity to captain your very own self-drive motor boat...
Accommodating up to five people, the self-drive boats provide plenty of room for you and your best mates, your family or even just you and that special someone to head out on your own adventure, navigating the same river that brought the Vikings to our beautiful city!
We have fourteen Self-Drive Boats: Alice-May, Angie, Ellen, Emma, Heather, Josephine, Kathryn, Leonie, Lucy, Penny, Rebecca, Sarah, Tina, and Yvette - and our 'girls' are waiting for you! You'll receive full instructions on how to operate your motor boat along with our safety and river rules, whilst life jackets will be provided for children.
Walk-Ups Welcome!
We reserve tickets for walk-ups... Visit us at the far end of King's Staith Landing!
Our Self-Drive Boats are available to hire from 10:00. There isn't a set closing time - it is dependant on weather and light conditions and often much later during school holidays and busy periods.
A returnable security bond of Min. £40 is required for all hires and must be paid by card or cash upon arrival at the landing. Failure to comply with T&Cs and the rules of the river could result in the loss of the security bond.
Also from City Cruises York...
Watch the professionals! Let one of our Captain's take you Sightseeing down the river!
Fancy a bite? Why not try a Fish & Chips Cruise!
We WON Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award (2024)
We are SHORTLISTED Visit York's Experience Of The Year (2025)
We are SHORTLISTED Visit York's The Best Of York Award (2025)
We were SHORTLISTED Yorkshire Post's Dog Friendly Attraction Award (2023)
We are MEMBERS of the Good Business Charter.
We create amazing experiences and will take great care of you from boarding to disembarking!
Opening Times
Sailing between 15th February to 2nd November
Availability is on the City Cruises website...
Facilities
- On-Site Refreshments
- Mobile Ticketing
- Instant Confirmation
- Groups Welcome
- Facilities For Corporate Hospitality
- Nearby Parking (With Charges)
- Regional Tourist Board Member
- Coach Parties Accepted
Location
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