Gdańsk boat tours: See the city from the water

Gdańsk cruises offer a unique way to explore the city’s maritime soul, gliding past medieval gates, restored granaries, and the iconic Crane along the River Motława. From short Old Town loops to scenic journeys out to Westerplatte and the Baltic, these boat trips reveal both the city’s heritage-rich centre and its bustling port. It’s a relaxed, photo-worthy perspective on one of Poland’s most storied waterfronts.

Things to know before booking your Gdańsk cruise

  • Choose your style: Options range from open-deck sightseeing boats to catamarans with breakfast service, historic wooden galars, or themed cruises with tastings. Match the boat type and onboard amenities to your pace and comfort preferences. 
  • Time of the day: Mornings mean quieter quays and softer light, afternoons offer busier river scenes, and evenings bring illuminated facades. Book sunset cruises with drinks for a more social or romantic vibe. If you’re looking for a quiet sail with plenty of photo-ops, aim for early daylight departures.
  • Boarding points: Most departures are from central Gdańsk, while seasonal trips from Sopot start at the Sopot pier and sail into Gdańsk, combining beach and riverfront views.
  • Accessibility: While larger catamarans often have ramps and wider decks, smaller historical boats may require stepping down into the vessel. Check access details if you’re traveling with strollers or mobility aids.
  • Book ahead in peak season: Summer weekends, festivals, and public holidays see boats fill up quickly. Online booking at least 3 days in advance secures your preferred departure time and boat type, especially for themed or food-focused cruises.

Which Gdańsk boat trip should you choose?

Sunset cruises with Prosecco

These timed evening departures let you see Gdańsk’s riverfront as it transitions from daylight to night lighting. As you sip chilled Prosecco, you’ll glide past the Crane, St. Mary’s Gate, and the twinkling facades of Długie Pobrzeże. From Sopot, the route adds open-water Baltic views before arriving in Gdańsk’s Old Town for a grand riverside approach.

Morning & food cruises

For early risers, breakfast cruises on a catamaran offer fresh pastries, fruit, and hot coffee while the Motława is still quiet. The route takes in both banks of the river and the Ołowianka Island waterfront before most tours even start. Later in the day, pierogi tasting cruises swap coffee for Poland’s famous dumplings,  served with various fillings as you pass the city’s historic granaries, lifting bridges, and less-frequented port areas.

Historical boat cruises

Step aboard a wooden galar, the type once used for transporting goods along Poland’s rivers, or a replica of a historic sailing boat. With low decks and a slow pace, you can pass under lifting bridges, approach the Crane from water level, and hear the creak of timbers as you learn about the Hanseatic trade routes. These cruises often cover stretches of the river most modern boats skip, making them a favourite for history enthusiasts and photographers.

Top Things to See on the Gdansk Cruises

Medieval Teutonic brick castle with towers and trees in foreground.

Teutonic Castle

The ruins of the 13th-century Malbork Castle, which draws over 700k visitors annually.

The Wooden Crane
Post of Gdansk
Wisłoujście Fortress
Westerplatte

Gdańsk boat trip boarding points

Premium Yachting: Sopot Pier, Sopot

A central departure spot for coastal cruises, Sopot Pier is the longest wooden pier in Europe and offers direct access to the Baltic Sea. Perfect for catamaran and yacht trips combining sea views with nearby beachside attractions.

Nearest landmark: Sopot Pier, Grand Hotel Sopot
Nearest stop: Sopot PKP (train station)

Premium Yachting: Wartka, Gdańsk

Located on the Motława waterfront, this boarding point is ideal for cruises exploring Gdańsk’s historic quays, shipyards, and nearby coastal waters. It’s close to key attractions, making it easy to combine with sightseeing on foot.

Nearest landmark: Green Gate, Long Market
Nearest stop: Gdańsk Główny (main station)

Plac Zdrojowy 2: Sopot

A short walk from the beach, this central location in Sopot is perfect for quick boarding before setting off on sea-bound cruises. It’s surrounded by cafes, shops, and seaside promenade views.

Nearest landmark: Sopot Lighthouse
Nearest stop: Sopot PKP (train station)

Galar Gdański: Dokowa 1, Gdańsk

This riverside dock is home to traditional wooden Galar boats, offering heritage-style cruises along the Motława and surrounding canals. Its location provides a quieter start compared to busier central piers.

Nearest landmark: Polish Baltic Philharmonic
Nearest stop: Gdańsk Główny (main station)

Yard.Cafe: Dokowa 1/Y, Gdańsk

This boarding spot combines a cafe with direct pier access. Perfect for a relaxed coffee before boarding, it serves as a laid-back alternative to larger cruise terminals.

Nearest landmark: Marina Gdańsk
Nearest stop: Gdańsk Główny (main station)

Plan Your Visit

Timings Gdansk Cruise
  • From Gdańsk: Motława River cruise with Pierogi tasting: 11am to 5pm
  • Sunset cruise with Prosecco: 6pm
  • Breakfast cruise on a Catamaran: 9:30am
  • From Gdańsk: Cruise on a historical Galar boat: 10:30am to 4:30pm
  • From Gdańsk: Sunset cruise on a historical boat: 6:40pm

The best time to visit Gdansk and enjoy a Gdansk Cruise is during the summer months from June to August. The weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city's charming streets and cruising along the beautiful Baltic Sea. This period also offers a vibrant atmosphere with various cultural events and festivals taking place. On the other hand, the worst time to visit Gdansk is during the winter months from December to February, when temperatures are chilly, and the city experiences cold winds and occasional snowfall, limiting outdoor activities and cruise opportunities.

Best Time to Visit
  • Most cruises are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
  • Washrooms 
  • Full kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Music system
  • Drinking water
  • Inner and external deck (depending on the cruise)
Person fastening a life jacket buckle for Black Boats Tours.
  • Book your Gdańsk river or bay cruise in advance, especially from May to September, when seats often sell out. Online booking secures your spot and provides an e-ticket for easy boarding.
  • Most cruises welcome families with strollers, and assistance dogs are generally allowed. If you have mobility needs, check in advance, as boarding ramps vary between operators.
  • Gdańsk weather can change quickly. Wear layered clothing and bring a light jacket, since evenings on the water can be breezy.
  • Double-check your ticket for the correct boarding point, as several piers operate in different parts of the city.
  • Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to choose your seat. The bow (front) offers the most open views, while mid-deck seats are steadier if the boat encounters small waves.
  • Food and drinks are available on some cruises, but menus may be limited. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, notify the crew when boarding.
  • Follow all crew safety instructions and avoid leaning outside the boat railings. While the Motława River is generally calm, bay cruises may encounter stronger winds.

Frequently asked questions about Gdańsk boat tours

Do cruises operate year-round in Gdańsk?

Most sightseeing cruises run from spring to early autumn, when the weather and daylight hours are more favorable. Winter sailings are rare and usually limited to special events.

Are there themed or special-event cruises in Gdańsk?

Yes, seasonal options may include sunset jazz cruises, pirate-themed rides for families, or holiday sailings. Availability depends on the time of year and operator schedules.

Are Gdańsk cruises pet-friendly?

Small, well-behaved dogs are allowed on certain open-deck boats, but usually not on dining or luxury yachts. It’s best to confirm pet policies in advance.

Is there Wi-Fi on board?

Not all vessels offer Wi-Fi. Luxury yachts and some private boats may have it, but most standard sightseeing cruises focus on the views rather than connectivity.

Can I hop on and off at different stops during the cruise?

No, Gdańsk sightseeing cruises generally operate as round-trip journeys from a fixed boarding point. For flexible travel, water trams (separate from cruises) may be a better option.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

Cruises usually still operate in light rain, with covered seating available. Severe weather or strong winds may cause delays or cancellations, in which case operators typically offer rebooking or refunds.

Will I see the Gdańsk Shipyard during the cruise?

Many river routes pass near the historic shipyard, offering views of its cranes and docks. Some cruises even provide commentary about its role in the Solidarity movement.

Do Gdańsk cruises visit Westerplatte?

Yes, several longer cruises travel down the Martwa Wisła to Westerplatte, the historic peninsula where World War II began.

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