St Petersburg Cruises
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Welcome to St Petersburg Essential Guide - Your Best Travel Guide to Russia

Our St Petersburg cruises give you unforgettable views of our beautiful Venice of the North and its most famous historical sites. Find out more!

Taking a boat to cruise the rivers and canals of the imperial city and weave through the islands and districts that make up Saint Petersburg Russia can be a fun way to discover some of the main city's attractions and its famous landmarks.

If, and when you take a riverboat trip you will be drifting on the banks of the Neva, Moika, and Fontanka River in the central part of the city, and pass by some of the main city's attractions such as the Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Issac's Cathedral, The Summer Palace of Peter the Great, and the Old Stock Exchange on Vasilyevsky Island. Also, depending on which canal route you go, you'll be able to cruise through several magnificent small or large bridges, and for example, pass by the famous Yusupov Palace – location of Grigory Rasputin's demise and home to the Rasputin exhibit - as well as other interesting palaces.

As you know there are lots of ways to see Russia's Northern Capital, but only with our range of St Petersburg cruises offered by our partner you can get a completely different view of the city, relax, and have fun without limits. Only when going by water you can understand why the city of St Petersburg is also called the Venice of the North.

top ST PETERSBURG CRUISES you can book now


If you're looking for a unique way to discover St. Petersburg, then without any further due we recommend taking a look at our list of St Petersburg Cruises below. To get started just click on the links below or scroll down the page to learn more about each of them.

CITY boat tour on the Neva


Start your visit with a circular route along the central rivers and canals of St. Petersburg and get a closer view of the attractions of the city. Take this tour and sail along the bank of the central Neva River, Moika River, and Fontanka River and enjoy unique views of St. Petersburg's best landmarks. Admire an urban landscape of the 18th and 19th centuries, pass under countless charming bridges and take amazing photos. Definitely, this is one of the most comprehensive St Petersburg cruises nobody should miss.

Itinerary: This is a popular boat excursion that lets you sail along the rivers and canals in the heart of the city with several stops at some of the main attractions of Saint Petersburg.

Sights covered on the boat tour:  The Fabergé Museum, St. Michael's Castle, The Anichkov Bridge, The Kazan Cathedral, The Moskovsky railway station; Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (the Kunstkamera), The Menshikov Palace, Quay with Sphinxes, Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art.;The cabin of Peter the Great, The State Museum of Political; History of Russia, Saint Petersburg Mosque; The Winter Palace, Palace Bridge, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, «The Bronze Horseman» monument, The Central Pier "Pier with the lions"; The Peter and Paul Fortress, The Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps, The Leningrad Zoo.

Boat stops: Fabergé Museum; Museum Kunstkamera; Hermitage State Museum; Peter and Paul Fortress; Cruiser Aurora;

Ideal for: Family with kids, seniors, solo travelers, couples, friends or small and large groups of people.

Note: When taking this boat tour you will be joining other people unless you rent a boat independently. Excursion with possibility of access to any route’s stops throughout the day. The shipping company reserves the right to change the route due to the weather. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

See the map route!

TOUR DETAILS


Departure Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2; or Pier «Faberge Museum»
Fontanka emb, 21.

Returning Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2; or Pier «Faberge Museum»
Fontanka emb, 21.

Departure Time: From 11 am to 8 pm on daily basis and according to their schedule

Duration: 2 hours; or one or two days depending on what type of tickets you buy. Hope on/Hop off ticket service is available.

When: From the end of April till November

Seats Available: Up 50 People

Available Languages by Audio Guide: Russian, English, Chinese, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Korean and Japanese.

Inclusions:

  • Audio guide commentary;
  • A full day hop on/hop off ticket;
  • A city map for free;
  • There are umbrellas, plaids and other facilities on board.

Exclusions: Food and Drinks on board from the cafe.

Price: Ask

Reservation Request: From 7 to 60 days in advance

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faberge canal boat tour

Book this tour after your visit to the famous Faberge Museum and enjoy a boat trip along the Neva river and some of its famous lowest bridges of St. Petersburg. This boat tour will take you through the heart of the city giving you a chance to admire the architectural beauty of the historical center of Russia's Northern Capital from a different angle.

Itinerary: This excursion is similar to the city boat tour but without allowing you to stop somewhere for taking some photos. Plus, the boat tour starts from the Faberge Museum and goes to a different route in order to pass by additional places such as the Summer Palace of Peter I, Yusupov Palace, The Church on the Spilled Blood, or the Mariinsky theater.

Sights covered on the cruise: Winter Canal; Petrovskaya Aquatoria; Peter and Paul fortress
Marble palace; The Summer Palace; The cruiser Aurora; St. Michael's Castle, and much more.

Ideal for: Families with kids, seniors, solo travelers, couples, friends or small and large groups of people.

Note: When taking this boat tour you will be joining other people unless you rent a boat independently. The shipping company reserves the right to change the route due to the weather. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

See the map route!

TOUR DETAILS


Departure Location: Pier in front of Faberge Museum, Fontanka river emb., 21

Returning Location: Pier in front of Faberge Museum, Fontanka river emb., 21

Departure Time: Everyday from 10:30 am to 20:00 pm.

Duration: 1.15 hours

When: From the end of April till November

Seats Available: Up 50 People

Available Languages by Audio Guide: English, Chinese, Spanish, and German.

Inclusions:

  • Boat Tickets.

Exclusions: Food and Drinks on board from the cafe.

Price: Ask

Reservation Request: From 7 to 60 days in advance.

INTERESTED?

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city evening boat tour


Start your evening with a romantic dinner on an evening boat tour. Taste a delicious four-course buffet dinner and enjoy live music while sailing along the city's rivers and canals. Admire the beautiful cityscape draped in warm colors by the setting sun. Step aboard one of the best boat restaurants in St. Petersburg, and fall into the unique atmosphere of the evening promenade of St. Petersburg.

Itinerary: During this evening excursion you can relax onboard the ship and see all the main attractions of the city without the need to walking somewhere. You'll sail along the famous Neva River and drawbridges while enjoying European cuisine (not included in the cost of boat tickets) and listen to wonderful live music such as jazz or piano. This is a cruise for those who want to see the main sights of St. Petersburg by night.

Sights covered on the cruise: St. Isaac Cathedral; the Bronze Horseman; Summer Garden; the Peter and Paul Fortress; Winter Palace; Smolny Cathedral; Palace Bridge; Troitsky Bridge; Liteyny Bridge; Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge; Alexander Nevsky Bridge; Sampsonievsky Bridge; Blagoveschensky Bridge; The Egyptian Sphinx.

Ideal for: Seniors, couples, friends or small and large groups of people interested in experiencing a dinner with music on board a boat while cruising around the city.

Note: No audio commentary available. You can choose between a VIP table or a standard table. Cruise crew with restaurant and cafe on the board. The shipping company reserves the right to change the route due to the weather. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

See the map route!

TOUR DETAILS


Departure Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Returning Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Departure Time: Everyday from 6 pm;

Duration: 1.45 hours

When: From the end of April till November

Seats Available: Up to 150 people

Inclusions:

  • Boat Tickets for the evening program.

Exclusions: Food and Drinks on board (a-la carte menu).

Price: Ask

Reservation Request: From 7 to 60 days in advance

Please Note: If you wish to have your dinner included on your tickets you can buy a dinner package standard or premium or order a-la-carte and join the Dinner Cruise across the Northern Islands starting at 7 pm every day; duration 2hrs; live music jazz onboard. Ask for more info!

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MIDNIGHT river cruise


Step aboard our popular midnight river cruise, sit back, and enjoy breath-taking night city views. See our Russian city when it is all lit up, and watch the famous seven bridges across the Neva River raise up late at night to let the cargo ships get through from the Gulf of Finland. St. Petersburg drawbridges’ opening and closing is a magnificent show, spectacular and captivating. Experience the magic atmosphere of St. Petersburg after midnight and feel the romance and festivity of our city with this tour.

Itinerary: During this night excursion, you can watch all the main drawbridges on the Big Neva River opening from the water. Among these drawbridges, there are Palace Bridge, Trinity Bridge, Liteiny Bridge, Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge, Alexander Nevsky Bridge, Sampsonievsky Bridge and Annunciation (Lieutenant Schmidt) Bridge. This tour is for those who would like to experience this popular local show of the drawbridges on board of a comfortable boat. Definitely, this is one the most unique St Petersburg cruises, which nobody should miss.

Sights covered on the cruise: Admiralty Building; Winter Palace; Peter and Paul Fortress;  Cruiser Aurora; St. Petersburg TV tower; Cathedral Mosque; Nakhimov School; Palace Bridge; Troitsky Bridge; Liteyny Bridge; Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge; Alexander Nevsky Bridge; Sampsonievsky Bridge; Blagoveschensky Bridge.

Ideal for: Families with kids, seniors, solo travelers, couples, friends or small and large groups.

Note: Please note that this is not a tourist attraction, but a purely technological procedure, the fact which adds flavor to the experience. The shipping company reserves the right to change the route due to the weather. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

See the map route!

TOUR DETAILS


Departure Location: Palmira - Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Returning Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Departure Time: Everyday from 00:50 am

Duration: 1.5 hours

When: From end of April till November

Seats Available: Up to 50 People; up to 100 People; up to 130 People; up to 150 People.

Available Languages by Audio Guide: English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Russian.

Inclusions:

  • Boat Tickets.

Exclusions: Food and Drinks on board (a-la Carte menu).

Price: Ask

Reservation Request: From 7 to 60 days in advance

INTERESTED?

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Cruise of the Northern Islands of the Neva River


Jump on board this unique boat tour and start cruising through the largest stretches of the Neva River to see the most popular sights. Cruise around the largest Vasilievskiy island and Petrograd side, and see Saint-Petersburg Stadium – Gazprom Arena that was built to resemble a space ship or Europe's tallest skyscraper – Lakhta Centre, including the longest footbridge. Watch out for Krestovsky island or the famous Cruiser Aurora and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Itinerary: During this excursion you'll be sailing through the Bolshaya Neva (Big Neva) and the Malaya Neva (Small Neva), as well as a small part of the Gulf of Finland. You'll see several cultural highlights of the modern part of the city some of which are considered off the beaten path such as Kamenny Island, Krestovsky Island and Yelagin Island. A photo stop at the famous Cruiser Aurora is included.

Sights covered on the cruise: Winter Palace; Peter and Paul Fortress; Palace Bridge; Blagoveshenskiy Bridge; several monuments of naval glory of St Petersburg; Ice Breaker "Krasin"; monument to Admiral Krusenstern; modern and old Russian ice breakers; Lakhta Centre; Cruiser Aurora; Krestovsky island; Saint-Petersburg  Stadium; Marine Facade Sea Port; Petrovsky Stadium; Yelagin Island; Kamenny Island.

Boat stops: Cruiser Aurora;

Ideal for: Families with kids, seniors, solo travelers, couples, friends or small and large groups of people.

Note: When taking this boat tour you will be joining other people unless you rent a boat independently. The shipping company reserves the right to change the route due to the weather. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

See the map route!

TOUR DETAILS


Departure Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Returning Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Departure Time: Everyday from; four times a day starting at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm.

Duration: 1.45 hours

When: From the end of April till November

Seats Available: Up to 130 People

Available Languages by Audio Guide: English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Russian.

Inclusions:

  • Audio guide commentary;
  • 1 stop according to the boats schedule at the Cruiser Aurora;
  • A city map for free;
  • Boat tickets.

Exclusions: Food and Drinks on board (a-la Carte menu).

Price: Ask

Reservation Request: From 7 to 60 days in advance

INTERESTED?

Send a Request Today!

cruise to KRONSTADT


Take this tour and cruise to Kronstadt, a Russian town situated on the small Kotlin Island. Sail across the Gulf of Finland and spend a day out from Saint Petersburg visiting rusting warships, naval symbols, the Byzantine style St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral, the military stone fortresses, as well as other remains of the imperial and Soviet naval glory. Wander around the village, take photos and enjoy a fascinating tour of the Gulf of Finland including the views of the fort. Definitely this is one of the most interesting and off the beaten track St Petersburg cruises!

Itinerary: During this excursion, you'll be traveling to Kronstadt aboard a high-speed hydrofoil on the Gulf of Finland near the ancient water trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks. Upon your arrival, you can choose to tour the city on your own or join a walking tour of Kronstadt. The final goal of the cruise will be a guided walking tour of Kronstadt to the main attractions and a visit to the Naval Nikolsky Cathedral!

Sights covered on the cruise: Neva River; St. Isaac Cathedral; the Bronze Horseman; Hermitage, Palace Bridge; Anchor square; Blagoveshenskiy Bridge; Gulf of Finland; St Nicholas Naval Cathedral; Wooden lighthouse at the Petrovsky Canal (19th century); Smelt monument; the Kronstadt Tide Gauge (On the area of former USSR people measure absolute heights from its zero mark); the Military Fortress.

Ideal for: Families with kids, seniors, solo travelers, couples, friends or small and large groups of people.

Note: Depending on the type of your ticket, you can walk around the city on your own or go on an exciting two-hour tour of Kronstadt accompanied by a professional guide. After the walking guided tour, you will have some free time before the departure of the hydrofoil. On the ship you can watch an introduction video about the city of Kronstadt, get some snacks and drinks, and enjoy a panoramic view in the bow. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

See the map route!

TOUR DETAILS


Departure Location: Kunstkamera Pier: Universitetskaya emb., 3

Returning Location: Kunstkamera Pier: Universitetskaya emb., 3

Departure Time:  From Thursday to Sunday at 12:30 pm; returning time 18:00 pm.

Duration: 5 hours (Variable)

When: From the end of April till November

Seats Categories:

  • Standard class: comfortable seats in the central of middle saloon and stern.
  • Comfort class: comfortable seats in the central saloon of hydrofoil by the window.
  • Business class:  located in the bow of hydrofoil and it has panoramic windows.

Available Languages by Audio Guide: Video brief information about Kronstadt and forts in Russian language only; Walking Tour guide upon arrival available in English and Russian.

Inclusions:

  • English or Russian Speaking Guide for the walking tour (Depending on the ticket you buy and the price vary);
  • Boat Tickets.

Exclusions: Tips to the Guide; Food and Drinks; Entrance Tickets to the sites (The majority are free of charge).

Price: Ask

Reservation Request: From 7 to 60 days in advance

INTERESTED?

Send a Request Today!

PETERHOF BOAT TRIP BY HYDROFOIL


Get to Peterhof faster and spend a day out immersed in the most beautiful and popular Tsar residence of Saint Petersburg. Ride one of these high-speed hydrofoils and cruise across the water of the beautiful Gulf of Finland. Stop for a visit at the Grand Palace, take photos, and enjoy a pleasant stroll in the nearby park, well known for its trick fountains, pyramid fountains, marble sculptures, and other impressive sights.

Itinerary: If you are planning to go to Peterhof to see the Grand Palace and its famous parks and gardens, then we recommend taking this popular high-speed hydrofoil. It will be faster and fun! You can choose to go on your own or hire a tour guide, up to you. At the end of your visit, you can return to the city the same way.

Sights covered on the cruise: the Neva River; the Gulf of Finland; Peterhof Grand Palace and Parks with its monuments, buildings, and museums on site.

Ideal for: Families with kids, seniors, solo travelers, couples, friends or small and large groups of people.

Note: When taking the hydrofoil you will be joining other people. Also, if you hire a local tour guide the ticket for the guide is on you. Please also note that when taking the hydrofoil you must comply with the time schedule given. Entrance tickets to Peterhof parks and gardens are not included. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

TOUR DETAILS


Departure Location: Your Hotel (We can pick you up at your hotel if you hire a tour guide); or you can take the hydrofoil from the Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Returning Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Departure Time: Every 30 minutes - from 9:30 am till 6 am on a daily basis;

Duration: 30 minutes for traveling from St Peterburg to Peterhof by boat. The same travel time to return.

When: From the end of April till November

Seats Available: Up to 30 People

On Board Services: Comfortable panoramic lounges; Soft and warming drinks; VIP ticket price includes snacks; Souvenirs with symbols of the company; Maps and guides.

Available Languages: English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Russian (If you don't book a private tour but book only the tickets, multi language audio guides will be provided).

Inclusions:

  • Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off (If you hire a tour guide - Minimum time required for a guided tour to Peterhof is 4hrs);
  • Entrance Tickets to Grand Palace and Park (If you hire a tour guide);
  • Hydrofoil Tickets;
  • Headphones for large groups only.

Exclusions: Tips to the Guide; Food and Drinks;

Price: Ask

Reservation Request: From 3 to 60 days in advance

INTERESTED?

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PRIVATE BOAT RENTALS & TOURS


Rent a medium or large modern boat for yourself and enjoy a day sailing along the rivers and canals of the city with your family, friends, or your loved one. Learn about the history of the city and its landmarks with a local tour guide. Cruise, relax, and have fun with our customizable boat tours. Together we can design a unique boat tour to make your St. Petersburg sightseeing experience on the water comfortable and memorable.

Itinerary: By renting a boat for your self you can cruise the city's rivers and canals at your own pace of life, and see all the city's attraction and famous landmarks from the comfort of the boat. Among all our St Petersburg cruises presented on this page, we believe this option is the best one to add on a city guided tour.

Sights covered on the cruise: All the attractions of the historic center of the city;

Options:  You can rent a boat from 10 am until 9 pm.

Ideal for: Families with kids, seniors, solo travelers, couples, friends or small and large groups of people.

Note: If you need, you can ask us to arrange a car transfer from your Hotel to the departure point of the boat tour, and the way around. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

TOUR DETAILS


Departure Location: To be given upon the booking

Returning Location:  Same place as of your departure

Departure Time: To be agreed

Duration: 1 hour

When: From May till November on a daily basis

Group Size: From 8 to 50 People (We have boats of any size).

Available Languages: English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Russian.

Inclusions:

  • Modern small or large boat with captain;
  • Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off (upon request only);
  • Tour Guide (upon request only).

Exclusions: Food and drink, Tips to the guide; any extras.

Price: Ask

Reservation Request: From 14 to 60 days in advance

Note: No audio guide commentary is provided on our boat tours. Also, no stops are available with our boat tours as we provide a general sightseeing canal boat trip across the main city's rivers and canals. We usually recommend combining a canal boat tour with a guided tour of the city. Ask for more info!

INTERESTED?

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