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

Exploring Gdansk from the Water: A Review of the Luxurious Motlawa River Catamaran Tour

If you’re visiting Gdansk and want a different perspective of this beautiful city, a cruise on the Motlawa River by luxury catamaran might just be the perfect option. It’s a quick way to see some of the key sights without tiring your legs or fighting crowds. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it looks like a relaxing, enjoyable experience that offers good value.

What really catches our eye about this tour is how it combines comfort and convenience—a small group capped at 12 means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the audio guide ensures you learn about the city’s landmarks without needing to do your own research. Plus, the chance to capture photos of iconic sights like the Crane and Granary Island makes it appealing for those wanting to document their trip.

However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a long or highly personalized tour—it’s more about quick sightseeing from the water with a focus on scenery and landmarks. If you’re after a deep dive into Gdansk’s history or a more intimate guide experience, this might not be the ideal choice. Still, for a laid-back, scenic overview, it suits many travelers well, especially those with limited time or who prefer a more relaxed vibe.

This tour is especially good for visitors who want a taste of Gdansk from the water without breaking the bank, and it’s a solid option if you enjoy being on the water with some light commentary. Now, let’s break down what you can expect, what’s great about it, and some considerations to keep in mind.

Key Points

• Comfortable, small-group experience with a cap of 12 travelers for a more intimate feel
• Affordable price point around $19.35 per person for 45 minutes on the water
• Scenic views and photo opportunities of major landmarks like the Crane and Granary Island
• Audio guide included, so no need for personal guides or extra research
• Convenient and accessible starting point at the Green Bridge in downtown Gdansk
• No major crowds and a chance to see the city’s highlights from a relaxed setting

What the Tour Offers: An Overview

This cruise isn’t about elaborate luxury or long sightseeing marathons. Instead, it’s about enjoying a comfortable, scenic ride with some light storytelling. It’s a quick snapshot of Gdansk that suits those wanting a relaxed experience without the fuss of a full city tour. With a duration of about 45 minutes, it’s perfect for fitting into a busy schedule or as a breather between other activities.

Starting at the Green Bridge, the vessel cruises along the Motlawa River, treating passengers to glimpses of historic sites, maritime landmarks, and beautiful cityscapes. The small group size ensures a cozy environment, which many reviews appreciate. The boat itself is a luxurious catamaran, offering a smooth ride along the water, and the inclusion of blankets in colder weather adds a touch of thoughtfulness.

Pricing-wise, at just over $19 per person, it’s quite reasonable, especially considering the convenience and the views. While it’s not a comprehensive tour, that’s part of its charm—it’s a bite-sized, scenic experience rather than an exhaustive history lesson.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Stop 1: Motlawa River Embankment (Dlugie Pobrzeze)

This is where the tour kicks off, offering a chance to see the remains of the wall of the Teutonic Castle, along with historic structures like The Long Seacoast with its water gates. You’ll also get a view of the famous Crane from the 15th century, which is one of Gdansk’s most iconic symbols. The embankment is lively and picturesque, making it an ideal starting point, and the commentary will point out Olowianka Island and Granary Island.

What you’ll notice: The blend of water, history, and current city life. It’s a solid introduction to Gdansk’s maritime heritage.

Stop 2: Crane

Here, you get a close-up view of Europe’s largest medieval crane. This structure is an engineering marvel from the 15th century and was once used for loading cargo. Being so close to it from the water makes for some fantastic photos, and you can really appreciate its size and historical significance.

Reviewers mention: “The crane is very impressive,” and it’s a “great photo opportunity.” It’s a highlight that many visitors appreciate seeing from the water, where the scale is more evident.

Stop 3: SS Soldek

This is Poland’s first post-WWII ship, and it’s docked on Granary Island. Watching the SS Soldek from the water gives you a sense of Gdansk’s post-war recovery and maritime history. The ship’s story is a neat piece of the city’s industrial past, and the view of it from the boat adds a layer of context that photos alone can’t capture.

Stop 4: St. John’s Church (Kosciol sw. Jana)

From the boat, you can glimpse the towers of St. John’s Church, which is the largest brick church in the world. Its towering presence from the water really emphasizes its massive size, and it offers a great photo backdrop. The church’s history as a key religious site in Gdansk adds depth to your sightseeing.

Stop 5: Wyspa Spichrzow

This island is home to the preserved wall of the Long Way granary, showcasing Gdansk’s storied trading history. The sight of historic storage buildings and the waterway creates a scenic mix of architecture and water.

Stop 6: Wyspa Olowianka

Olowianka Island is a fascinating spot where different threads of the city’s past intersect. Originally part of the Teutonic Order’s territory, it served as the economic hub for the commander’s castle. From the water, you’ll see how this area links the past to the present.

Stop 7: Dlugi Targ Square

You’ll pass by Długi Targ, Gdansk’s main town square, famed for its beautiful merchant houses and lively atmosphere. The view from the water is a different way to appreciate the square’s historic charm, and it’s a brief but memorable stop.

Stop 8: Brama Stagiewna

The final highlight is Stagiewna Street crossing the Granary Island, starting at the Green Bridge. It’s a less obvious but interesting part of the city’s layout, offering a final visual of Gdansk’s urban structure.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

Reviewers consistently mention the friendly crew and relaxed environment. One noted that the captain was accommodating when they were running late, which is always appreciated. Several reviews praise the value for money, describing it as “fairly informative” and “cozy,” with some highlighting the good commentary and photo opportunities.

Some reviews are more critical, noting that there’s no personal guide—just a recorded message pointing out landmarks. One reviewer mentioned that it’s “nothing luxurious,” but for most, that’s part of the appeal: a simple, comfortable cruise rather than a fancy, guided tour.

What to Expect Regarding Atmosphere and Comfort

Passengers often note the comfortable seating and the availability of blankets on colder days. The small group size creates a more personalized feel, and the boat’s smooth ride makes for a pleasant experience. The audio commentary means you don’t need to constantly watch your surroundings or do extra research, which adds to the ease of the trip.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Timing

At approximately 45 minutes, this cruise is ideal if you’re short on time or want a quick overview of Gdansk’s water-based sights. It starts at the Green Bridge, a central location easily accessible via public transportation.

Price and Value

Priced around $19.35 per person, this experience offers good value. For a scenic, sightseeing cruise with a knowledgeable crew and small group size, it’s quite affordable. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for a laid-back activity that doesn’t cost too much but still delivers scenic views and some local history.

Group Size and Booking

Limited to 12 travelers, the group size allows for a more relaxed experience. It’s best to book ahead, especially during busy seasons, to ensure a spot.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Since the tour is weather-dependent, poor weather might lead to cancellation or rescheduling. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance, which gives you some flexibility if the forecast looks bad.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This cruise is a great pick for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic overview of Gdansk from the water. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want to see key sights like the Crane, Granary Island, and the old port. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy a small, cozy group and appreciate some light commentary without feeling overwhelmed by a guide.

It’s probably less suited for those seeking in-depth historical insights or a highly luxurious experience. Families with older children or groups looking for a quick, fun activity will find this particularly appealing. But if you’re after a full-day tour or a guide-led deep dive into Gdansk’s history, you might want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

For just over $19, you get a comfortable, scenic 45-minute ride with views of some of Gdansk’s most iconic landmarks. The small group and onboard audio guide make this a pleasant, easy way to get a taste of the city’s waterways without much hassle. While it’s not a highly personalized or luxurious experience, it’s a solid, value-packed option for many visitors.

If your goal is to capture photos, enjoy a relaxing water ride, and learn some tidbits about Gdansk’s maritime past, this cruise will serve you well. It’s especially good for those who want an effortless way to see a lot without dedicating hours or navigating busy streets on foot.

In summary: if you’re after a laid-back, scenic water experience with friendly crew and a good dose of local sights, this cruise is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a short but sweet water tour.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the Green Bridge in Gdansk, a central and accessible location.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a small group of 12 people, which helps keep it intimate and relaxed.

Is there an audio guide?
Yes, an audio commentary is provided to tell you about the landmarks passing by, so no need for a personal guide.

What sights will I see?
You’ll see the Motlawa River Embankment, the Crane, SS Soldek, St. John’s Church, Wyspa Spichrzow, Wyspa Olowianka, Długi Targ Square, and Stagiewna Street.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Bad weather might cause cancellation, but you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is this activity suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the relaxed nature and scenic views make it suitable for most travelers. However, check age restrictions if traveling with very young children, as the tour involves sitting on a boat for 45 minutes.

This cruise offers a simple, charming way to see Gdansk from the water, with plenty of photo ops and storytelling. For a leisurely overview and some beautiful views, it’s worth adding to your Gdansk itinerary.