St. Petersburg is best discovered from the water: cruises through historic canals, nighttime rides under drawbridges, hydrofoil excursions to Peterhof, or even nights spent on floating houses. In this practical guide, I explain all the options, prices, and how to book with a foreign card.
St. Petersburg is a city made to be seen from the water. Cruising along its rivers and canals gives you a better sense of its history, beauty, and its nickname as the “Venice of the North.” A boat ride along the Neva River or the Griboedov and Moika canals lets you see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks from a completely different perspective. Best of all: there are options for every taste—from classic panoramic tours to evening dinner cruises or fast hydrofoil trips to Peterhof or Kronstadt.
However, keep in mind that it’s currently not possible to book these kinds of activities on major Western platforms like GetYourGuide or Civitatis using foreign cards. That said, you can purchase them online through the Russian website Nevatrip, which accepts foreign cards and also PayPal. Below, I’ll explain the various options available so you can choose the one that best fits your trip.
1. Sightseeing Cruises on the Canals and the Neva
These are the most popular choice for a first-time experience of St. Petersburg from the water. The tours depart from various piers in the city center and sail along the main rivers and canals, offering views of bridges, palaces, and iconic churches.
You can choose between three main types of cruises: classic tours through the historic city center canals, panoramic rides into the Gulf of Finland on larger boats, and exclusive small-group yacht experiences. Let’s go over each option in more detail.
1.1. Classic Panoramic Tours
These routes pass through the historical heart of the city on cruises lasting about 1 hour and 45 minutes, sailing through the main canals and offering a great introduction to St. Petersburg for first-time visitors.
The classic river and canal tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, covering the central waterways of St. Petersburg: the Moika, Griboedov, and Fontanka canals, as well as the Neva River. Along the way, you’ll enjoy unique views of the Winter Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Admiralty, and many other landmarks. It’s the perfect way to start your trip—helping you get oriented while enjoying the city’s top sights in a relaxed setting. Boats run frequently, especially on weekends, and prices start at around 1150 ₽.
1.2. Cruises with Views of the Gulf of Finland
These tours combine a city cruise on the Neva River with open-water stretches heading into the Gulf of Finland. They’re conducted on larger boats with open decks and services like audio guides or onboard restaurants—perfect for those seeking a more scenic and leisurely experience.
One great option is the cruise along the Neva and into the Gulf of Finland, also lasting about 1 hour and 45 minutes. These tours take place on large vessels with open-air decks and audio guides. You’ll sail along the wide Neva toward the Gulf, taking in panoramic views and modern cityscapes like the Lakhta Center and port areas. Many of the boats on this route also double as floating restaurants, so you can enjoy a meal or drink while on board. Prices are slightly higher, around 1390 ₽.
1.3. Exclusive Yacht Experiences
For those looking for something more exclusive, there’s the option to take a private yacht tour into the Gulf of Finland, lasting around 3 hours. These small-group tours (up to 6 people) offer a relaxed cruise on a sailing or motor yacht, where you can even bring your own food and drinks. It’s an ideal option for couples or small groups looking for a peaceful experience, amazing views, and no crowds. Prices start at around 3490 ₽, but the experience is entirely different from standard tourist boats.
2. Night Cruises and the Drawbridge Show
During St. Petersburg’s famous White Nights (May to July), night cruises become a must. As evening falls, the city takes on a magical atmosphere with illuminated streets and reflections of landmarks on the water. But the real highlight of these cruises is the moment the drawbridges over the Neva rise—a mechanical, elegant, and perfectly timed ceremony that’s best viewed from the water.
Night cruises with drawbridge openings last between 1.5 and 2 hours and sail under four of the most iconic drawbridges on the Neva. Boats depart nightly around 1:00 a.m., giving you a front-row seat to this spectacular event. If you’re visiting in summer, it’s truly an unforgettable experience. The price is around 1490 ₽.
For an even more complete experience, you can opt for the night cruise with dinner and live music, which lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes. In addition to sailing under the raised bridges, it includes an onboard dinner in a boat-restaurant and live musical performances. It’s one of the most elegant and complete plans to enjoy St. Petersburg at night, with prices starting at around 2550 ₽.
3. Hydrofoils (Meteors) to Peterhof, Kronstadt, and Oreshek
If you’ve already explored St. Petersburg and want to take a day trip, hydrofoils (known as “meteors”) are a convenient water-based transport option to visit attractions outside the city. They offer fast and comfortable access to places like Peterhof, Kronstadt, or Oreshek, without the hassle of traffic or long road trips. Departing from central piers (Palace or Admiralty), these rides also offer scenic views of the Gulf of Finland.
- Peterhof (45 min)
- The fastest and most scenic way to reach the famous palaces and fountains.
- Price: from 1290 ₽ (one-way).
- Kronstadt (1h – 1h 30 min)
- Excursion to the historic port town with its impressive naval cathedral.
- Price: from 2050 ₽.
- Oreshek Fortress (1h 30 min)
- Visit a 13th-century fortress on Shlisselburg Island.
It’s recommended to buy tickets online in advance to secure your seat and skip the lines.
4. Private Boat Rentals
Traveling with a group or celebrating something special? You can also rent a private boat in St. Petersburg. There are options for all tastes and budgets:
- Speedboats (up to 15 people)
- Luxury yachts (up to 16 people)
- Sailboats (up to 8 people)
- Single-deck boats (up to 55 people)
- Double-deck boats (up to 130 people)
Pricing depends on the type of boat, duration, route, and additional services such as a private guide, catering, live music, etc. You can organize everything from birthday parties to weddings, corporate events, or bachelor/bachelorette parties.
5. Floating Houses: Sleep on the Water in St. Petersburg
An increasingly popular (though still relatively unknown) option is to rent a floating house or houseboat as accommodation in the city. These are fully equipped rentals with kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and terraces, located in prime areas like Krestovsky Island. Some of the advantages include:
- Unique experience with direct water views and total privacy.
- Central location, ideal for exploring the city.
- Fully equipped: kitchen, sauna, jacuzzi, terraces.
- Can accommodate 8 to 12 people (depending on the model).
- Not cheap. Prices start from 25,000 ₽ per night.
Conclusion
If you’re visiting St. Petersburg between April and October, don’t miss the chance to discover the city from the water. Whether it’s a panoramic cruise, a hydrofoil excursion, or a romantic night beneath the drawbridges, the memories will be unforgettable. You can book tickets through Nevatrip to avoid lines and pay easily with a foreign card or PayPal.
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