The best boat trips in Manchester

City Centre Cruises operates a variety of cruises around the waterways of Salford and Manchester. You can see the sights and savour a three-course meal on one of the refined Sunday lunch cruises or travel to Old Trafford by boat on match days with other fans. This company also offers boats for private hire, ideal for a memorable event.

You can journey around Manchester Ship Canal, Salford Quays, and the River Irwell with Manchester River Cruises. Affordable sightseeing boat tours are on every day and let you see the city from a new perspective. There are also exciting live music cruises featuring talented tribute acts and genres like soul and swing.

Manchester Sightseeing Tours & Day Trips offers various ways to see the city, including walking tours, bus tours, themed tours, and boat tours. Relaxed river cruises between Manchester city centre and Salford Quays are available, with refreshments and a bar on-board, plus commentary from a knowledgeable tour guide.

Discover the picturesque and historic Bridgewater Canal on a boat trip with Bridgewater Cruises. This award-winning tour company is family-run, offering relaxed lunch and afternoon tea cruises aboard its restaurant boat. Festive seasonal cruises also take place throughout the year, plus private hire is available.

Explore the waterways of Wigan on a boat trip with Kittywake Canal Cruises. A variety of cruises are on offer here, including summer boat parties, meal cruises, and themed cruises for special occasions like Mother's Day and Christmas. Private hire is available, as are gift vouchers to treat someone else to a cruise.

Heaton Park Boat Hire allows you to take a trip around Heaton Park Lake at your own pace. A variety of boats are available to hire including rowing boats and pedalos. This makes for a fab activity for groups and families – buoyancy aids are available for children, plus you're welcome to bring your dog onto the boat.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a boat trip with Salford Watersports Centre. This modern centre offers kayaks for hire, offers powerboating courses, and runs a number of different sailing activities, including dedicated one-to-one coaching. Whatever your level of boating experience, you'll be able to find an enjoyable activity here.