Gdansk Guided City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat

Gdansk waterfront boat tour slipping past cranes into old town channels

A guided city cruise on Gdansk's Motława River aboard a wooden replica of a traditional Polish river boat, carrying 12 passengers and a live guide in English or Polish. The route starts at the former Imperial Shipyard, follows the Old Town embankment past the Teutonic Castle ruins and 15th-century crane, then loops through Ołowianka Island and Granary Island. The small boat size lets you reach places unavailable to larger vessels, and a blanket is provided for the journey.

Step-by-step itinerary

Gdansk city cruise on historical boat

• Start cruise at former Imperial Shipyard
• Cruise along Motlawa river Embankment
• See Teutonic Castle ruins and Water Gates
• View 15th century Crane and city gates
• Explore Olowianka Island landmarks
• Pass Granary Island and historic granaries

The Experience

The boat departs from the post-shipyard area, where you'll see active Gdansk cranes, specialized vessels and the industrial atmosphere that still defines this stretch of water. From there the cruise follows the Motława embankment, the historic heart of the Old Town. You pass the remains of the Teutonic Castle wall with the Swan tower, the Water Gates that once controlled entry to the city, and the wooden crane from the 15th century—the most recognizable landmark on this stretch. The guide points out the St. Mary's Gate and the Green Gate as you drift past charming old tenement houses and their modern reconstructions.

The route then takes you to Ołowianka Island, where the Polish Baltic Philharmonic, the Royal Granary and the National Maritime Museum sit alongside the Stonemason's Bridge. Across the Green Bridge lies Granary Island, named for the storehouses that once filled it; you'll see the remains of old granaries, including the Blue Lamb—the best preserved of them—alongside the post-war reconstructions that now occupy the space. Throughout the journey, the 12-seater wooden boat lets you see details and reach angles that larger tour vessels cannot: you're close enough to read the architecture, small enough to slip into the narrower channels where the water's perspective on the city opens up differently.

The cruise runs about 70 minutes. A blanket is provided, and the guide speaks either English or Polish depending on which departure you choose. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap; service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• A live guide in English or Polish.
• a blanket for the journey.
• access to places on the water unavailable to larger tour boats.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Galar Gdański

Is this one for you?The small wooden boat accesses narrow channels and closer views of the castle ruins and 15th-century crane that larger vessels cannot reach.

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Top questions

What is the 15th-century crane I'll see on the Motława?

The wooden crane from the 15th century is one of Gdansk's most recognizable monuments, built to load and unload cargo from ships. It stands on the Old Town embankment and is visible from the water as the boat passes along the Motława.

Can I bring my infant on this boat cruise?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller, or sit on an adult's lap during the cruise. The boat is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What makes this boat different from the larger tour boats in Gdansk?

This is a replica of a traditional Polish river boat designed for 12 passengers, which lets it reach places unavailable to large ships—narrower channels, closer views of the architecture, and angles on the water that bigger vessels cannot access.

Will I see the Gdansk Shipyard on this cruise?

Yes, the cruise starts from the former Imperial Shipyard area, where you'll see active Gdansk cranes, specialized vessels and the working shipbuilding industry that still operates there—places that were closed to visitors for over 170 years.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise runs approximately 70 minutes, starting from the post-shipyard area and looping through the Motława embankment, Ołowianka Island and Granary Island before returning.

Is a guide included, and what language do they speak?

A live guide in English or Polish is included with every cruise; you choose the language when you book your departure.