About
Sailing daily from the City Centre!
Fancy driving your very own boat?
Try your hand at skippering your own vessel by hiring one of our nippy, self-steer motorboats. It is a fun and safe way to explore York from a different perspective. Whether you are with family, friends, or a partner, you can enjoy the river at your own pace, away from the busy footpaths on the shore.
The perfect amount of time to see the city sights. Available to pre-book online now.
Plenty of room for your whole crew on our easy-to-pilot motorboats.
Full instructions and life jackets are provided by our crew to keep you safe.
Your four-legged friends are more than welcome to join your adventure.
Pre-booking is highly advised to avoid missing out.
Book Your 1-Hour Hire NowFull Description
Enjoy a leisurely one-hour hire exploring York from the helm of your own self-steer motorboat. You become the captain and discover the landmarks of York's riverside in style. You will steer your boat on the exact same river that brought the Vikings to this beautiful city centuries ago.
Your private boat accommodates up to 5 people and provides plenty of room for your crew to head out on your own adventure. Before setting off, you will receive full instructions on how to operate the vessel along with safety guidelines and river rules. Our team is dedicated to ensuring health and safety are at the highest level so you can relax and enjoy the ride. Life jackets are provided for both children and adults.
Meeting Point
City Cruises Self-Drive Hire Point, King's Staith, Tower Gardens, York, YO1 9SN.
View on Google Maps
What3words: ///props.ideal.grew
Important Information
- Security Deposit: A returnable security bond of a minimum of £40 is required for all hires.
- Payment: This must be paid by card or cash upon arrival at the landing.
- Rules of the River: Failure to comply with instructions could result in the loss of your security bond.
Don’t just take our word for it!
"Amazing experience we had with my family at this lovely boat we hired. The people were fantastic and helpful. Health and safety at highest level! Definitely will visit them again!"
— Nikos, Google Reviews
Also from City Cruises York...
- York City Cruise - York's No. 1 sightseeing tour.
- York Fish and Chips Cruise - Enjoy fish and chips as you sail.
- Alive After Five Cruise - The happiest hour of the day on the river.
- Evening Escape on the Ouse - Includes a free boarding drink.
- Party Nights Afloat - York’s ultimate floating nightclub.
- Private Hire! - Book your own unforgettable event.
Self-Drive Boat Hire in York Opening Hours
Operating Dates:
Weekends only: 14th February - 28th March
Daily: 28th March - 3rd November
Opening & Closing Times
Opening: 10:00AM
Closing: Our finish times vary based on daylight and weather. We stay open later during school holidays and peak summer periods.
Availability is on the City Cruises website...
