Enjoy Liverpool’s ultimate sightseeing experience on our 50-minute daily River Explorer Cruises. Learn more about the fascinating history of the River Mersey, and see incredible views of Liverpool's world-famous waterfront from the deck of the famous Mersey Ferry.
See Liverpool and Wirral's most iconic sights aboard the world-famous Mersey Ferry. Our 50 minute River Explorer Cruise offers stunning views of Liverpool's skyline and the River Mersey.
#DidYouKnow that Edward III granted the ferries a Royal Charter in 1330 and The Beatles performed four times on The Royal Iris at The Cavern Club’s famous Riverboat Shuffle Cruises in 1961 & 1962
Find out lots more interesting facts about city's rich musical heritage, learn how the ferries played their part in the First World War and hear more about Liverpool’s maritime history from the expert recorded commentary, which plays throughout the cruise.
All you need to do is sit back, relax and take in the views. You'll be captivated as the rich and fascinating history of our world-famous waterfront unfolds before you.
You can take a bike on the ferry, and we do allow dogs on the 50-minute cruise. Please note we only accept card payments at the terminals.
Do you want to combine you river cruise with a Liverpool open top bus tour? Please click here for details
Book online with Mersey Ferries and get maximum flexibility!
We encourage you to book online before your visit. Online ticket(s) can be used on any date or time of your choice allowing you maximum flexibility. You do not have to select a date or time when buying your online tickets. Your ticket(s) are valid for 12 months from date of purchase as per our T&Cs. You do not need to show your ticket(s) at the ticket desk, saving you time! Our staff at the entry gate will verify you ticket(s) on boarding. During weekends, school and public holidays, we encourage visitors to travel on the earlier daytime sailings if possible. Please arrive at the terminal ready for boarding 15 minutes before the departure time.
If you need further information about your cruise, please see our useful FAQs section below or email [email protected]
Planning a trip on the ferry? Why not hop off at either one of our terminals (Liverpool Gerry Marsden or Seacombe) and turn your 50-minute cruise into a full day out for all the family!
There’s lots to see and do in Wirral, from the historic Birkenhead Park with its open meadows and lakeside walks, to the seaside fun of New Brighton which is packed with fairs, shops and restaurants to Port Sunlight, the beautiful garden village. All of these attractions are only a couple of stops away by bus, which you can catch from outside Seacombe Ferry Terminal.
Also, at Seacombe Terminal, you will find the newly opened Eureka! Science + Discovery centre. Explore how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics influence and shape our lives - connecting the everyday with the extraordinary. A River Explorer Cruise is an ideal way to make the journey to and from Eureka! Science + Discovery and Mersey Ferries is offering Eureka! Science + Discovery ticket holders a 20% discount on River Explorer Cruise tickets*.
To enjoy Wirral’s newest attraction book tickets in advance on the Eureka website.
Hop off the ferry at Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal and enjoy a delicious coffee from the Fab4 Cafe. Explore Liverpool’s fascinating architecture and history, with a live guide on the City Explorer Liverpool open top bus, including stops at the Royal Albert Dock, the Cavern Quarter and the Chinese Arch. You can save money by buying a ticket for a River Cruise & Sightseeing Bus Tour
If you're interested in music, The Beatles Story, is just around the corner from Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal. The award winning museum is the world largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to telling the story of the lives and times of The Beatles. Enjoy discounted prices on both attractions with our River Explorer & The Beatles Story combination ticket.
With all this and lots more to do on both sides of the river the ferry is the best way to see and experience Liverpool and Wirral with your loved ones.
See you onboard soon!
Ferry ‘cross the Mersey on our 50-minute River Explorer Cruise for a unique view of Liverpool and Wirral’s spectacular waterfronts on the world-famous Mersey Ferry. Then visit 14 of Liverpool’s most famous landmarks from the City Explorer Liverpool open top bus, including the Royal Albert Dock, the Cavern Quarter and the Chinese Arch.
You can save money and buy a joint ‘River Cruise & Sightseeing Bus Tour’ ticket.
Eureka! Science + Discovery is located at Seacombe Ferry Terminal, Wirral which is a short trip over the River Mersey from Liverpool City Centre. Mersey Ferries offers hourly departures from its Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal located at the Pier Head to Seacombe Ferry Terminal in Wirral.
Book advance to explore how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics shape our lives.
Become a Day Tripper with this joint ticket which includes two iconic Liverpool experiences; a River Explorer Cruise and a visit to The Beatles Story.
Set sail on a 50-minute River Explorer Cruise from Pier Head or Seacombe Ferry Terminal and see the historic and picturesque waterfronts of Liverpool & Wirral. Then head to The Beatles Story at the Royal Dock to immerse in the rich history of The Fab Four.
Booking Your River Explorer Cruise
Will I need to pre-book a ticket for a River Explorer Cruise?
We encourage customers to book their tickets online before they visit. Tickets can be booked online on the day of your visit. Ticket(s) booked online can be used on a date and time of your choice allowing you maximum flexibility! Tickets are valid for 12 months from date of purchase as per our T&Cs. You do not need to show your ticket(s) at the ticket desk, saving you time! Please arrive at your departure point at least 15 minutes before your selected cruise time and have your booking confirmation ready to show to our staff member at the boarding gate (digital or printed version). One complete cruise trip is permitted per ticket.
During school and public holidays, we encourage visitors to travel on the earlier daytime sailings if possible. Check out our River Explorer Cruise timetable here.
How do I book a ticket?
Visit our River Explorer Cruise web page to buy your cruise tickets. Tickets can be booked anytime online including on the day of travel.
Can I buy a ticket at the terminal on the day that I would like to travel?
Yes, you can buy tickets at the ferry terminal on the day. Tickets are limited and are subject to availability.
Please note we only accept contactless payments at the terminals.
Can I get off the ferry at Liverpool Gerry Marsden, Liverpool or Seacombe, Wirral during my River Explorer Cruise?
Yes, with a River Explorer Cruise ticket you can break your 50-minute River Explorer Cruise by getting off the ferry at either Liverpool Gerry Marsden, Liverpool or Seacombe, Wirral. You can also stay on the ferry for the entire 50-minute cruise, the choice is yours.
How do I get a refund if the ferry does not operate due to weather or other operational issues?
Mersey Ferries has an excellent reliability record and operates in most weather conditions throughout the year. If in the unlikely event that Mersey Ferries cannot operate, please check our Terms & Conditions and speak with our team at the ferry terminal.
I’m now unable to travel on the date that I’ve booked, what should I do?
River Explorer Cruise tickets booked online are completely flexible allowing you to choose another date and time for your cruise. Tickets are valid for 12 months from date of booking.
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets for River Explorer Cruises are non-refundable.
Can I book a group visit?
You can make a group booking online and a discount will be applied if your group is 20 or more. You can book online for groups up to 30 people. If your group size is 31 people or more or you need to contact us regarding your group booking, please email [email protected]
Find out more about our group trips here.
Can I book a school trip?
To book a school trip, please visit our dedicated school visits web page and complete the booking form.
If I have a Merseytravel ticket or concessionary travel pass, can I use the ferry for cross-river travel?
The use of Merseytravel tickets and concessionary travel passes to cross the river during River Explorer Cruise sailing times is subject to availability. Merseytravel tickets and concessionary travel passes are not valid for the full 50-minute River Explorer Cruise; they can only be used for cross-river travel.
How do I use my Tesco Clubcard vouchers for a River Explorer Cruise?
Please see the Tesco Clubcard webpage for details:
https://secure.tesco.com/clubcard/vouchers/mersey-ferries
Are Dogs Allowed on the Ferry?
Dogs are allowed on our Commuter and River Explorer Cruises as long as they are on a short lead. We do not allow dogs on our longer cruises such as Manchester Ship Canal Cruises, Liverpool Bay Cruises or Evening Cruises.
Why is Woodside Ferry Terminal, Wirral closed?
Woodside Ferry Terminal, Wirral has temporarily closed for major refurbishment works.
Is U-boat Story Open?
Please note U-boat Story is currently closed - please see further details here.
Is Café Cross the Mersey open on the Ferry?
Café Cross the Mersey will be open during your cruise, so you can buy drinks and snacks. A licensed bar selling a range of alcoholic drinks is also available on board.
Are Woodside Ferry Village, Fab 4 Café and Matou at Liverpool Gerry Marsden open?
Please check the individual websites for opening hours and further information.
Are the toilets in the terminals and on the ferries open?
Yes, toilets in the terminals and on the ferries will be open for customer use.
Are the Mersey Ferries accessible?
Yes, both ferries are fully accessible on their main decks. Please see our accessibility web page for more information.
