Gdansk Cruises: Top Sailing Tours Reviewed (2025)

So, you’re thinking of seeing Gdansk from a different angle, huh? Like your thinking of gliding across the water, taking in those stunning sights without the crowds? I get you! Gdansk is that cool city with a load of history, a waterfront that’s very something else, and enough charm to keep you snapping pictures all day. But let’s get real seeing it from a boat? Well, it is just a level up, that is for sure.

1. Galeon Lew: A Pirate Ship Adventure on the Motława River

Okay, so picture this: You’re stepping onto a ship that feels like it sailed straight out of a storybook, and that very ship? Yeah, it’s the Galeon Lew. It’s not that usual boat tour; it’s almost an event. It is almost like you’re becoming a pirate for a day, but very comfortably, that is.

The vibe? It’s something else. Like your chilling on board this pretty epic replica of a pirate ship, with wooden decks that creak just the way you want ’em to. The views as you cruise down the Motława River are like postcards coming to life. That fancy architecture, that landmark Crane, and the historic dockyards all float past as you relax. The trip usually gives you about an hour to enjoy seeing it all from the water’s perspective.

That route tends to showcase some pretty iconic sights. Think about the Green Gate, St. Mary’s Church’s tower in the skyline, and those old warehouses lining the riverbanks. Each landmark comes with a little bit of history thrown in by the crew, which is nice! Very informative but in a chilled-out way, and that. What’s really kind of neat is sailing past the Westerplatte peninsula, getting very close to where WWII began; a somber thought, yet a totally key piece of Gdansk’s story.

2. Olivia Star Boat Tour: Skyline Views and Relaxation

Next up, think about trading that pirate vibe for something very modern with the Olivia Star Boat Tour. So this cruise is kinda cool as you get some prime skyline action. Like imagine gliding along the water, the sun setting (fingers crossed!) behind that silhouette of Olivia Star, and you’re just there, soaking it all in.

The ship? You see, it’s often a modern catamaran, pretty stable and very roomy. So the seating is usually comfy, with indoor and outdoor spots. It is almost a very chill atmosphere as there is usually music playing, but nothing too loud so that you can’t chat with your friend. I have got to say it really seems catered to both the tourists and residents who want a break.

Now, that route they take tends to really show off Gdansk’s waterside spots. Think of that view towards Sopot, a little coastal town known for it’s very lively pier and beaches, and too, a good angle of Gdynia’s port. You are likely to pass shipyards and maybe, just maybe, see some of the bigger ships coming in or going out. There tends to be sunset cruises on offer too, which honestly is a great touch. Getting that cityscape all lit up with the evening light is very beautiful, in a way.

3. Traditional Wooden Boat Tour: Gdańsk History Up Close

How about jumping back in time with that tour, then? So this is all about a boat that looks it belongs very well in Gdansk’s story, a wooden boat that, too, probably has got some cool stories of its own.

What makes it a good tour? The look! They tend to be crafted in the kind of old way, wood and ropes and that sort of aesthetic, taking you back to when boats actually built Gdansk, very naturally, you see. It feels that much better that it is very small too so that it can only take a handful of people at once.

The trip heads down the smaller channels, you know? Past spots a big tour bus very much could never reach, is that cool. Places like the old harbor and around Granaries Island (Wyspa Spichrzów). Like your very close the old architecture and can hear all the local guides when you glide by. It kinda almost brings Gdansk’s history right up to you, you see? And as a result, everything feels, just very personal. Seeing Gdansk with just a couple of other people, and in such an evocative spot to do it in very special. So you are thinking of doing a historic themed activity? Check this out!

4. Sunset Cruise on the Motława: Romantic Evenings on the Water

Very romantic? Now we are talking. Picture very soft light dancing on the water as you are sailing down the Motława, the sky that really gorgeous, you are there with the one you love, very serene and content. Very, isn’t it? Those sunset cruises often end up filling up super quick.

A lot of those sunset tours give you options. It usually tends to be that modern type of catamaran again, or a stylish yacht. And then, so some offer some cool extras like wine tasting onboard, too. And a few play some live music which could work or, and it could just be too noisy; depend on personal choices of the type of setting.

Then, there is a certain kind of moment about drifting back as those city lights start to reflect that the water. It kinda shows all that cool waterfront stuff very nicely. Think that Crane that turns all pretty under that night sky and, maybe so, all those bridges glowing just a bit; a totally very romantic time!

5. Westerplatte Cruise: A Historical Voyage

If you’re more very curious than that regular traveler, then I really would get your ticket on the Westerplatte Cruise! So this one does not just take you around Gdansk, that tour brings Gdansk’s history right up close to you, particularly focused on WWII.

You tend to be setting sail in a very comfortable boat, something kinda small enough not to be overly ‘touristy’ yet is stable in the water. What you’re all hoping to see from that onboard viewpoint, however, it’s a moment!

Going to the Westerplatte Peninsula is often powerful. So that place where Germany fired the initial shot in the War, I mean so many places now it’s that peace, but at that time? Crazy and to kind of soak that and just appreciate that location. Often so you will get local insights from your skipper/guide as well about local happenings. That trip kinda encourages respect about Poland’s past; pretty key for any stay in that region actually!