York: Self-Steer Boat Rental

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
647 reviews
Activity provider:
City Cruises York
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York: Self-Steer Boat Rental
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
647 reviews
Likely to sell out

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 passengers.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times
Skip the ticket line
Instructor
English
Private group

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
D
Daniel – United Kingdom

The staff were very helpful. The engine stopped and they quickly responded and got us on our way with no problems.

5
5 out of 5 stars
J
Josie – United Kingdom

Very well organised. Got into our boat within minutes. One hour route clearly laid out and was really easy to navigate, and lots of fun!

Select participants and date

Highlights

  • Steer your own motor boat on the same river that the Vikings travelled on
  • See the picturesque sights of York's riverscape at your own pace
  • Bring a hamper and non-alcoholic drinks with you, and enjoy a picnic on board

Full description

Enjoy a leisurely one hour hire, exploring York from the helm of your own self-steer motorboat. Become a captain and explore the sites of York’s riverside in style.

Your private boat can accommodate up to 5 people and will provide plenty of room for you all to head out on your own aquatic adventure, exploring the same river that brought the Vikings to this beautiful city.

You will receive full instructions on how to operate your motor boat along with safety and river rules, whilst life jackets will be provided for any children. Your boat operating area is along a route that will along you to take in the whole city from the river within the one hour.
Additionally, on a half hour hire you can operate within this area and will be able to take in most of the built up section of the Ouse, or make your way down stream to the Millennium Bridge and back to the moorings again.

Please note that the boats cannot be taken past Clifton Bridge or the Millennium Bridge. You are not allowed to moor the boat up and disembark at any point on the river other than at the at King’s Staith (where your hire first began).

Includes

  • Life jackets (compulsory for children aged 10 and under)
  • Full instructions on how to drive the boat, the area of operation and the rules of the river
  • £40 cash security deposit (you will need to bring this with you on the day)
  • Drinks or snacks (but you are welcome to bring these with you with the exception of alcohol)

Meeting point

City Cruises Self-Drive Hire Point, King's Staith, Tower Gardens, York, YO1 9SN

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Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Cash

Not allowed

  • Smoking
  • Alcohol and drugs

Know before you go

  • Hires will begin on the hour from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays and at either 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM on weekends and Bank Holidays (there may be a wait of up to 15 minutes during peak times). The person hiring the boat must be at least 18 years old and be able to provide a valid means of ID
  • People under the influence of alcohol are not permitted on board and no alcohol is to be taken on board
  • You are more than welcome to bring a picnic and soft drinks along with you to enjoy on board
  • You will then be required to bring a cash security deposit with you on the day of travel (minimum £40)
  • Once you have pre-booked online with GetYourGuide, you will still be required to meet the conditions of hire on arrival at the jetty. NOTE: If you do not meet the conditions of hire you will be refused
  • You are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks on board
Likely to sell out

From $47 per group up to 5

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5
4.6 out of 5 stars

based on 647 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

+8
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5
5 out of 5 stars
D
Daniel – United KingdomJuly 10, 2025 – Verified booking
The staff were very helpful. The engine stopped and they quickly responded and got us on our way with no problems.
5
5 out of 5 stars
J
Josie – United KingdomJuly 6, 2025 – Verified booking
Very well organised. Got into our boat within minutes. One hour route clearly laid out and was really easy to navigate, and lots of fun!
5
5 out of 5 stars
L
Laura – United KingdomJuly 5, 2025 – Verified booking
Was given a briefing before going out, there's a set route you go on and back. It was nice to do something different when visiting a city. Easy to use and nice hour on the river.

Product ID: 132348

Activity provider:
City Cruises York

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