Kayaking Gdansk: Sunset paddle through historic canals

Two hours on the water: the Crane, working shipyard, and the city lit by sunset

Kayak Gdansk on a guided 2-hour paddle through the Motlawa River, launching from jetties near the Old Town and returning as the sun sets behind the harbour cranes. You'll paddle past the 15th-century Crane (a symbol of the city's medieval trading power), and Granary Island, see the active Remontowa Shipyard, and finish with views of the sunset from the water. Small groups, a live English-speaking guide, spray skirts, and lockers for valuables are included. Children from age 12 can join with an adult in the kayak.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided kayak tour and sunset viewing

• Launch from specially designed jetties
• Paddle through canals past the Crane
• Pass by SS Sołdek ship
• Explore Granary and Olowianka Islands
• View Gdansk Remontowa Shipyard activity
• See Main City from the water
• Return to shipyard area for sunset

The experience

You launch from specially designed jetties and paddle 5+ km through the canals that shaped Gdansk's history. The Crane, built in the mid-15th century as part of the city's largest double-towered gate, could hoist 2,000 kg by human power alone: the biggest crane in medieval Europe. From the water, you see it at eye level, and you pass Granary Island and the Old Town waterfront from a perspective ferries cannot reach. The guide points out how water routes (the Vistula, Radunia, and Motlawa rivers meeting at the Baltic) determined where the city grew and how it lived.

The Remontowa Shipyard is still working, and paddling past it means watching ferries and cargo ships in different stages of repair or construction. Men work on the vessels while you move through the water. It is a different Gdansk than the one you see from the streets. Spray skirts keep you dry, and a waterproof bag holds anything you want to protect. The tour ends as the sun dips behind the harbour cranes: the moment the title promises, and the reason most people book this time of day.

What’s included

• Personal flotation device, spray skirt, double kayak and paddles.
• waterproof bag and locker for valuables.
• live English-speaking guide.
• small group size and mandatory safety briefing before launch.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 24 Apr 2027

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Around Gdansk | Kayak Tours & Adventures

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the pace manageable and the guide's attention close, so beginners and experienced paddlers both get what they need. The fixed sunset timing means you'll finish with the light you came for, not miss it waiting for the group to regroup.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Crane and why does it matter to Gdansk?

The Crane is a 15th-century structure built as part of the city's largest double-towered gate on the shoreline. It was a human-powered device that could hoist loads up to 2,000 kg, making it the largest crane in medieval Europe. It represents what remains of Gdansk's great trading age and is one of the city's defining symbols.

What do I wear and what gear is provided?

A personal flotation device (PFD) and spray skirt are provided to keep you dry and safe. Bring clothes you don't mind getting wet. A waterproof bag holds valuables, and lockers are available at the launch point for anything else.

How does the tour route work through the city?

You paddle through the Motlawa River and its canals, passing the 15th-century Crane, Granary Island, and the Old Town waterfront. The route also takes you past the active Remontowa Shipyard before returning to the launch area as the sun sets behind the harbour cranes.

Is this tour suitable if I've never kayaked before?

Yes. The tour welcomes beginners and experienced paddlers alike. A live English-speaking guide leads small groups and conducts a mandatory safety briefing before you launch. The 2-hour paddle is designed to be active but safe for all fitness levels.