Cruise the Bay of Gdansk — Which One to Choose?

Trójmiasto has two very different answers to the question “what to take a boat trip on”—a pirate ship sightseeing tour from Sopot and a galleon cruise from Gdańsk to Westerplatte. They sound similar, but they’re different routes, durations, and reasons for boarding in the first place. Below are the differences so you don’t end up buying a ticket for something you weren’t expecting.

Galeon na Westerplatte — a cruise that’s part of the sightseeing

Seasonal scenic cruises depart from the quay by Bramy Zielonej and Targ Rybnego in Gdańsk, heading directly to Westerplatte. The route follows the Motława river, passing the iconic Żuraw (the Crane) and Wyspa Spichrzów (Granary Island), before opening up onto the estuary and the Bay of Gdańsk — the cruise itself is part of the attraction, not just a means of getting there. The one-way journey takes approximately 40–50 minutes.

It’s a good option if you’re planning to visit Westerplatte anyway and aren’t in a hurry — instead of a 30-minute bus ride, you get a scenic water route. We’ve detailed a full comparison of all transportation options (bus, car, cruise) along with schedules and an itinerary for visiting Westerplatte itself separately → Westerplatte from Gdańsk: how to get there.

Pirate Ship from Sopot — the Cruise Itself Is the Attraction

A completely different offering departs from the pier in Sopot—a pirate-themed sightseeing ship that doesn’t go to Westerplatte but instead circles the Bay of Gdańsk around Sopot and Gdynia. The cruise lasts about 40 minutes and offers a unique perspective on the bay: ships entering and leaving the port, beaches seen from the sea, and sailboats during the season. This is a cruise as an attraction in itself, not a means of transport to a specific destination.

The pirate theme makes this a natural choice for families with children—because for them, the cruise itself, rather than a final destination, is the main reason to board the ship.

How much does it cost

Prices vary between operators and change from year to year—recent seasons have seen increases, so don’t treat any specific amount as guaranteed. In practice, you’ll find one-way tickets priced between approximately 60 and 80 zł, with discounts for children and school-aged youth. Before booking, check the current fare list directly on the website of your chosen operator—differences between providers can be significant, and seasonal promotions appear and disappear frequently.

When to Sail

Both types of cruises operate seasonally, roughly from April–May to October, and depend on weather conditions—cruises are sometimes canceled without prior notice during strong winds or storm warnings. If you have a strict schedule tied to a specific cruise, check the timetable and weather forecast on the same day in the morning, preferably before leaving your apartment—the operators usually announce cancellations on their websites or by phone.

Morning cruises tend to be calmer with less crowded waters compared to those during midday, especially during peak holiday season.

Which Cruise for Whom

• You’re interested in history and are going to Westerplatte anyway → a galleon cruise from Gdańsk, as it combines transport with sightseeing.
• You have small children and are looking for attractions on their own → a pirate cruise from Sopot, shorter and without historical context.
• You’re already in Sopot and have an hour to spare → the pirate cruise is a natural addition to your day at the pier and beach, with no extra travel needed.
• You want the cheapest option to get to Westerplatte → regular bus 106 or seasonal 606 is cheaper than a cruise — details in our guide on getting to Westerplatte.

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Planning a day with a bay cruise? Check out apartments near the waterfront or contact our concierge — we’ll help you combine the cruise with the rest of your sightseeing plan.