Cruises on the Motlawa River by a luxury catamaran – Gdask from the water side

Gdansk, Poland, is a city known for its vibrant history, colorful architecture, and lively waterfront. For those wanting a different view of this historic port, a 45-minute luxury catamaran cruise offers a relaxing way to see the highlights from the water. The tour, priced at just over $19 per person, promises a smooth, comfortable ride with a cap of only 12 travelers—perfect for small groups who crave an intimate experience.

What we love about this cruise is the way it combines comfort and insight—the boat’s sleek design makes for a pleasant ride, and the audio guide ensures you don’t miss the stories behind the sights. Plus, the close-up views of icons like the Crane from the 15th century and the Granary Island make for fantastic photo opportunities. Another plus is the relaxed pace, where you can absorb the scenery without feeling rushed.

However, it’s worth noting that if you’re expecting a highly personalized tour with a live guide, this cruise’s recorded commentary might feel a little impersonal. It’s not a deep dive into every detail but rather a quick, scenic overview with some historical context. This experience best suits travelers seeking a leisurely, visually rich introduction to Gdansk’s waterfront, especially those who appreciate a smaller crowd and a good value.

Key Points

• Small Group Setting: Cap of 12 travelers for an intimate experience.
• Iconic Landmarks: Close-up views of the Crane, SS Soldek, and Wyspa Olowianka.
• Audio Guide: No need for background research—stories are narrated as you pass each site.
• Photo Opportunities: Perfect spots for memorable photos of Gdansk’s waterfront.
• Comfort & Convenience: Relaxing ride with blankets available for colder days.
• Price & Duration: At around $19.35 for nearly an hour, it offers good value for a scenic water tour.

Exploring Gdansk from the Water: A Detailed Look at the Cruise

Starting Point and Overall Atmosphere

The cruise begins at the Green Bridge (Stara Motawa), right in the heart of Gdansk’s historic waterfront. From the moment we stepped aboard this luxurious catamaran, we appreciated the sleek design and spacious seating. The small group size (only 12 people max) meant we felt more like guests than just passengers—a big plus when you’re looking for a relaxed experience.

The boat is equipped with comfortable seats and even blankets, which came in handy on a slightly chilly day. The crew, especially the captain, was friendly, accommodating, and happy to answer questions. This personal touch, highlighted in reviews, makes the experience more enjoyable and less sterile than larger tour boats.

The Itinerary in Depth

Stop 1: Motlawa River Embankment (Dlugie Pobrzeze)
Our journey kicked off with an overview of the remains of the Teutonic Castle wall, a reminder of Gdansk’s medieval past. We then passed by the Long Seacoast (Dlugie Pobrzeze), famous for its water gates that historically led into the city. The highlight at this stop was the 15th-century Crane (Port Crane)—Europe’s largest medieval crane—an engineering marvel and one of the most photographed landmarks. Our guide’s narration brought its history alive, explaining its role in Gdansk’s trading empire.

Stop 2: The Crane
This giant machine, with its massive wooden arms, is impressive even from afar. Its presence really anchors the city’s maritime identity. A reviewer noted, “You see the largest medieval crane in Europe,” which makes it clear why it’s a must-see from the water.

Stop 3: SS Soldek
This ship was the first Polish vessel built after World War II, adding a layer of post-war resilience to the scenery. Its intact structure makes it a compelling photo op, and you can imagine the bustling port life it once embodied.

Stop 4: St. John’s Church (Kosciol sw. Jana)
From the boat, the tall towers of St. John’s Church dominate the skyline, along with the town hall. Behind the church, you might glimpse the world’s largest brick church—an imposing structure that’s worth researching further if you’re interested in architecture.

Stop 5: Wyspa Spichrzow (Granary Island)
This area is a favorite among visitors for its preserved granary walls, a reminder of Gdansk’s historic trading role. The sight of the long wall of the granaries gives a sense of the city’s commercial past.

Stop 6: Wyspa Olowianka
This island offers a fascinating intersection of urban history. Originally connected to the Teutonic Order, it served as an economic hub. The narrow, winding streets and old buildings provide a tangible link to Gdansk’s medieval roots.

Stop 7: Długi Targ Square and the Fish Market
While the tour doesn’t stop here for a land visit, the boat passes by these iconic areas. It’s a quick reminder of the vibrant market life that still characterizes Gdansk today.

Stop 8: Brama Stagiewna
The final highlight is the crossing of the Stagiewna Street, starting at the Green Bridge. From the water, the approach feels almost like peering into a living museum of Gdansk’s maritime and architectural heritage.

Authenticity and Experience

Multiple reviews mention how the audio commentary provides a good overview, especially for first-time visitors. One reviewer pointed out that “it’s fairly informative and quickly see sights,” which is ideal if you’re short on time but want a taste of the city’s landmarks.

Another traveler appreciated that the captain allowed them to rearrange the trip time when running late—a sign that, despite the small group size, the crew is flexible and attentive.

Pros and Cons

While the value for money is high, some travelers felt the tour lacked a personal guide or deep storytelling. A review pointed out, “No personal touch of a tour guide, just a recorded message,” which might leave those craving detailed history a bit wanting. But if you’re comfortable with a narrated overview, it works perfectly.

The duration of 45 minutes feels just right—a quick, scenic jaunt that leaves you wanting more but still provides a satisfying experience. For those wanting a longer or more in-depth tour, additional options may be worth exploring.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxing, scenic introduction to Gdansk’s waterfront without a hefty price tag. It’s also excellent for those who prefer small, intimate groups and don’t mind recorded commentary over a live guide. If you’re looking to get a quick sense of the city’s maritime past or snap some great photos, this cruise delivers.

This luxury catamaran cruise offers a charming, easy way to see several of Gdansk’s most iconic sights from a water perspective. It’s a calming, well-paced experience that balances comfort and education, especially suited for travelers who want a value-packed, scenic introduction to the city’s waterfront.

While it might not satisfy those craving a deep historical storytelling or a guide-led experience, it compensates with intimate group size, comfort, and excellent photo opportunities. Whether you’re passing through Gdansk for a short visit or looking to add a relaxed, water-based activity to your itinerary, this cruise is a charming choice.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick yet scenic highlight of your day in Gdansk.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Green Bridge (Stara Motawa) and returns there at the end of the trip.

What is included in the tour?
You get a comfortable boat ride with an audio commentary that points out key sights along the way. Blankets are available if it’s chilly.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, as it’s a relaxed water ride with no strenuous activity involved.

How many people are on each cruise?
The maximum group size is 12, ensuring a more intimate, less crowded experience.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What sights will I see during the cruise?
Highlights include the Crane, SS Soldek, St. John’s Church, Olowianka Island, and views of the Granary Island and Długi Targ Square.

Is the tour suitable for photographers?
Absolutely. The cruise offers many excellent opportunities for capturing Gdansk’s skyline, historic buildings, and waterfront scenes.

Do I need to do any research beforehand?
Not necessarily—an audio guide provides background, making it easy to enjoy without prior knowledge. However, if you’re interested, you might find additional details about the sites later on.

This water-side tour in Gdansk strikes a nice balance between comfort, scenery, and storytelling, making it an excellent option for those seeking an authentic, relaxing look at this historic port city.