Gdask: Boat Tour on the Motawa

Exploring Gdansk often means wandering its charming streets, but viewing this historic port city from the water offers a fresh perspective. The Boat & Bike tour on the Motawa River promises an hour-long adventure where you can drive a boat without a license—a perfect blend of fun and discovery. Since we haven’t tried it ourselves, this review is a careful look at what makes this experience a compelling option for travelers seeking something different.

What draws us most are the self-driving element, the chance to see iconic sights like the Green Bridge and Imperial Shipyard from the water, and the small group size that ensures an intimate experience. We like that it’s fully equipped with safety gear and an audio guide, making it accessible and informative. One potential consideration is that the activity operates in all weather conditions, so you’ll want to dress appropriately, especially in cooler or rainy weather. This tour is best suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of hands-on fun—perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager for a different view of Gdansk.

Good To Know

• Unique Water Perspective: Offers sightseeing from the Motawa River, including views of the Green Bridge and the historic shipyard.
• No License Needed: You get to pilot the boat yourself after a safety briefing, making it more engaging than typical boat tours.
• All-Inclusive Equipment: Fully equipped vessels with safety gear and an audio guide ensure a safe, educational experience.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 4 participants, creating a personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Flexible & Convenient: Starts at a central location, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Pet Friendly: You can bring your furry friends along, adding to the inclusive vibe.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Gdansk Motawa Boat Tour

Starting Point and How to Find It

The tour kicks off at Powronicza 13/15, a spot right on the Gdansk waterfront. You’ll recognize it easily by the colorful pedal boats and leisure vessels moored nearby, giving the area a lively, inviting feel. When you arrive, just ask the staff at the rental area—they’re friendly and ready to help you get set up. The meeting point is conveniently located across from the Maa Sztuka cocktail bar, making it easy to combine your tour with a drink or snack afterward.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides an audio guide app, which helps you identify the sights as you glide past. Safety equipment, including a life jacket, is included to ensure peace of mind during your boat operation. The brief safety and operational training prepares you to handle the vessel confidently, so even complete beginners can enjoy the experience.

However, it’s worth noting that food and drinks are not included, so consider bringing a bottle of water or some snacks if you want to stay refreshed. Also, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transport to the meeting point accordingly.

The Itinerary: Sights and Stops

The core of the tour revolves around a guided route along the Motawa River, with stops near Gdansk’s historic Main Town and the Imperial Shipyard—a site of immense historical significance as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement.

Stop 1: The journey begins at the waterfront, where after the safety briefing, you’ll hop into your vessel, ready to take the wheel. The route then takes you past the Green Bridge, one of the most recognizable symbols of Gdansk, known for its unique architecture and the scenic views it offers.

As you navigate the river, you’ll enjoy close-up views of the main town, with its colorful facades, historic architecture, and bustling quays. The Imperial Shipyard looms in the background—a place that played a pivotal role in Poland’s history and industrial development. The guides, praised for their knowledgeable commentary, help you understand the significance of these sights, adding depth to your water-bound adventure.

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The Experience Itself: What to Expect

This tour is designed to be both fun and informative. After a brief safety training, you’ll be given control of the boat, guided by the instructions of the staff and the audio guide app. Many reviewers, including a traveler who called it “Great,” appreciated how easy and safe the experience felt, even for first-timers.

The vessel is fully equipped, ensuring safety at every turn. You’ll be encouraged to take your time cruising past landmarks, with the opportunity to snap photos of the city’s skyline, bridges, and historic shipyard. The small group setting ensures that you’re not rushed or lost in a crowd, making it perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

• Self-Piloting Aspect: Unlike typical boat trips, here you take the wheel, which adds a layer of excitement and personal achievement.
• Authentic Views: Seeing Gdansk from the water reveals details often missed on land—like the intricate architecture of the Green Bridge and the industrial beauty of the shipyard.
• Safe & Guided: The safety briefing prepares you well, and the vessel’s equipment makes sure you’re comfortable and secure.
• Environmental Considerations: Operating in all weather conditions, this tour is adaptable, but bring appropriate clothing to stay comfortable.

The Value for Money

At about an hour long, the experience offers a balanced mix of active engagement and sightseeing. The price includes all safety equipment and the audio guide, which adds educational value. Given the small group size and the opportunity to drive yourself, many travelers find it a good value for a personalized, memorable experience.

Since the tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund, it offers flexibility—especially useful if weather conditions shift unexpectedly. For a modest fee, you get an hour of hands-on fun combined with insightful commentary.

Real Traveler Insights

One reviewer simply said “Great!”, highlighting how straightforward and enjoyable the experience was. They appreciated the knowledgeable guides that helped ensure everyone felt comfortable behind the wheel. Others mentioned that the boat itself felt secure and that the briefing was thorough, making even complete novices feel confident.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This activity is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to add an active element to their sightseeing in Gdansk. It’s perfect for small groups, couples, or solo explorers looking for a fun, personal experience. Pet owners will appreciate that it’s pet friendly, allowing you to share the fun with furry friends.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour on the Motawa River offers a refreshing way to see Gdansk—by taking the wheel and getting up close to some of the city’s most iconic sights. The combination of self-guided navigation, safety focus, and intimate group size makes it stand out among other water-based activities. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a bit of hands-on fun, this experience fits the bill.

While it operates in all weather conditions, dressing appropriately will keep you comfortable during your adventure. It’s a great choice for those who want an active, authentic, and memorable way to explore Gdansk from the water.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Anyone eager to drive a boat without needing a license will find this especially appealing. It’s also well-suited for small groups wanting a more personal experience, or travelers curious about the industrial and historic areas along the river. If you’re after a different perspective of Gdansk, this tour delivers both scenery and a sense of achievement.

FAQ

Do I need a license to participate?
No, you don’t need a license. The vessel is fully equipped and you’ll receive a safety briefing before taking control.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts about 1 hour, depending on availability and weather conditions.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions, but dressing appropriately is advised.

Are pets allowed on the boat?
Yes, the tour is pet friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along.

What should I bring?
Bring suitable clothing for the weather, and consider a camera or smartphone for photos. Food and drinks are not included, so pack some snacks if desired.

This Gdansk boat tour offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a chance to experience the city actively and personally. If you’re after a fun, safe, and authentic water adventure, this could be just the thing to add to your Gdansk itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: