Winter is a different Gdansk. On this 2.5-hour winter kayaking trip on the Motława River, you see the shipyard, the Old Town, and the islands of Olowianka and Granary from the water, wrapped in winter gear. I especially like the chance to watch the city move quietly in the cold, and the way you get to those photo-worthy spots without fighting crowds. The main drawback is that you’ll need English to follow the guide, plus everyone has to be able to swim.

You’ll also love the care put into staying warm. You paddle a tandem kayak with a spray skirt, slip on paddle muffles, and climb into a drysuit with boots and a life jacket, so cold hands and surprise splashes are handled for you. It’s not a casual stroll, though: people with back or heart problems, low fitness, or anyone hoping for a fully cushioned experience should think twice.

Key points before you go

• Motława + Radunia views: shipyard cranes, Old Town churches and apartment blocks, and canal turns that look best from the water.
• Warmth is the whole plan: drysuit, spray skirt, and paddle muffles work together to keep you dry and working your arms comfortably.
• Small group, up to 6: more time with your guide and less waiting around in cold weather.
• Hot chocolate stop: a real warm-up break at mid-tour, with soy milk available if you can’t drink dairy.
• Tandem kayak setup: you’re paired in a stable boat, built for a guided winter experience.
• Rules are strict on purpose: no jewelry, smoking, or alcohol/drugs, and you must be able to swim.

Winter stillness on the Motława and Radunia canals

Gdansk in winter has a calm edge to it. There are fewer people on the streets, the air feels sharper, and the river takes on a quieter rhythm. That’s exactly why winter kayaking works here: the city’s most iconic waterfront features don’t disappear, they just look more dramatic from a lower viewpoint.

I like that this tour doesn’t just say you’ll see the Old Town. You’ll actually glide along the Motława River, then travel into the tighter twists of the Radunia canal, so the scenery changes as you paddle. You start near the shipyard side, then move through the Old Town area, then out toward the islands—so the ride doesn’t feel like one long, repetitive loop.

One more thing I appreciate: the tour runs rain or shine and is only canceled in dangerous weather. That means you’re not stuck waiting for sunshine, but you do need to dress for cold, wet, and wind as if it’s going to be winter kayaking for real.

What you’ll paddle past: cranes, churches, and the Olowianka footbridge

This is a sightseeing tour where the best views are happening where most people never stand: on the water. From the kayak, you’ll get towering shipyard details that look almost oversized, especially the green cranes you pass on the Motława. From the street, cranes can feel distant. From the river, they feel close enough to count rivets.

Then you shift into Old Town territory. You’ll see churches and brightly colored apartment blocks—the kind of façades that look great in any season, but especially in winter light. The water reflection doesn’t always cooperate in cold weather, but the color still pops, and your low-angle perspective makes the architecture feel taller and more layered.

Your route also includes the restored red-brick granaries on Olowianka and Granary Island. These buildings are the sort of waterfront details you can miss on a walk, because you’re too busy covering ground. From the water, they’re framed naturally by the islands and waterways, and you can take in the shapes without leaning over railings.

And then there’s the part that really feels like a Gdansk moment: cruising under the Olowianka Footbridge. A lot of bridges are just something you pass under. Here, you’re doing it during a winter paddle, with the canal narrowing around you, and that changes the mood fast.

After you’ve worked up a bit of appetite (and probably a bit of cold nose), the tour includes a cup of hot chocolate before heading back.

Drysuit setup and paddle muffles: staying warm the right way

Cold weather kayaking isn’t just about a thick jacket. It’s about keeping water out and keeping hands usable. This tour is built around that reality.

Here’s how it typically comes together: you meet your guide, get fitted with a life jacket and a drysuit, and then step into a tandem kayak. The kayak is fitted with a spray skirt, which helps keep water from getting into the boat. Then you slip your hands into paddle muffles, which are basically insulated covers designed to protect your hands from the cold.

I like this system because it addresses the three things that ruin winter paddles for beginners: cold hands, cold torso, and unexpected spray. You’re not relying on luck or hoping your gloves stay warm enough.

One detail that matters a lot: you’re asked not to wear jewelry. That means bracelets, watches, earrings, and rings need to come off before the drysuit goes on. It’s not being fussy. Jewelry can snag seals or get uncomfortable fast once the suit is zipped and pressed snug.

What to bring is just as important as what’s provided. Plan on warm clothing, including thermal layers, a hat, and a long-sleeved shirt. Bring a change of clothes too, because even with great gear, you’re still getting wet from winter conditions and transfer points.

Tandem kayaks and the feel of a calm 2.5 hours

The tour runs about 2.5 hours, which is a sweet spot for winter. Long enough to feel like an experience, short enough that you’re not stuck battling cold for most of the day.

Because you’ll be in a tandem kayak, you’re paired up rather than going solo. That usually helps with confidence, especially if you haven’t kayaked in the cold before. You’ll still paddle and steer through real turns in the waterway, but it’s paced and guided so you’re not constantly figuring things out on your own.

I also like the structure of the stops along the route. There are short breaks where you can regroup, warm hands, and take in what you’ve just passed—especially helpful when your brain is busy keeping warm and watching the boat at the same time.

From the guide side, the vibe seems to be reassurance plus practical facts. In particular, Szymon comes up as someone who explains what’s happening and keeps things comfortable while you’re out there in winter conditions. That matters because cold makes everyone more sensitive to discomfort. A guide who helps you focus on small, doable steps can turn a scary thought into a fun memory quickly.

Finding your kayak start point near the yacht club

You’ll meet at AroundGdansk Kayak Tours & Adventures. Look for the red shipping containers and walk by the yacht club, toward the white dome tent. It’s one of those meeting points that’s easy to miss if you’re rushing, so give yourself a few extra minutes to get your bearings.

This matters more than usual in winter. You want time to get kitted up without standing around in the wind. The tour is designed for a smooth gear-up, then an organized paddle out.

Price at $48: when winter gear makes the math work

The price is listed at $48 per person, and for a winter kayaking setup, that’s the kind of figure that often decides if you try it or keep watching from shore.

Here’s why the value makes sense: the price covers a guide, tandem kayaks and paddles, life jacket, drysuit and boots, paddle muffles and spray skirts, a waterproof bag, and a hot chocolate break. Winter sports can get expensive fast once you factor in equipment rental and instruction. This tour wraps the important parts into one ticket price.

It’s also capped at a small group size of up to 6 participants. Fewer people usually means you get more attention during fitting and technique checks, and less time waiting in the cold.

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, consider this as a guided, all-in winter activity, not just a scenic cruise. You’re paying for the equipment that actually makes the cold manageable, and the time with a guide that helps you enjoy it instead of just survive it.

Who should book, and who should skip it

This tour is best for people who can handle winter conditions and want to see Gdansk from a fresh angle. It also helps if you’re comfortable following instructions and communicating in English, because the tour is led in English.

You must be 15+ (the drysuit sizes limit bookings to persons aged 15 and above). Anyone under 18 has to be accompanied by an adult. You also have to be able to swim, and you’ll want a fitness level that supports paddling for the full 2.5 hours.

There are some clear no-fits:

• Not recommended for serious medical conditions
• Not suitable for back problems or heart problems
• Not suitable for wheelchair users
• Not suitable for non-swimmers
• Not suitable for low-level fitness
• Weight limit is 110 kg
• Not suitable for people under 155 cm

If you’re the type who likes active travel and doesn’t mind winter being part of the deal, you’ll probably have a great time. If you’re looking for something gentle and fully seated, this isn’t that kind of outing.

Weather, safety, and the non-negotiables

Winter water changes quickly. That’s why this tour takes place rain or shine, but it will be canceled in dangerous weather conditions. If that happens, you’re offered an alternative date or a full refund.

I like that the rules are explicit, because they set expectations: everyone can swim, everyone must remove jewelry before suiting up, and you shouldn’t plan on bringing alcohol or drugs. Smoking isn’t allowed either.

You should also think ahead about milk. If you’re vegan or can’t drink milk for any other reason, the hot chocolate will be prepared on soy milk. That’s a small detail, but it’s the kind that makes the warm-up feel welcoming instead of awkward.

One final practical note: dress for wind and wet, not just cold. Even with drysuits, you’ll feel the air while moving around at the start, and it’s easier to stay comfortable when your layers are already doing their job.

Should you book this winter kayaking tour?

Book this if you want an active, guided winter way to see Gdansk’s top waterfront sights, including shipyard cranes and Old Town façades, from the Motława and Radunia waterways. It’s also a strong pick if you like structured experiences with equipment that actually protects you from the cold.

Skip it if you can’t swim, aren’t comfortable paddling in winter conditions, or you have back/heart issues or other serious medical concerns. And if you don’t want to follow rules like removing jewelry and dressing in layers, this won’t feel right.

If you match the requirements, this tour is a rare combination: city sightseeing, real time on the water, and winter gear handled for you, so the cold doesn’t get the final word.

FAQ

How long is the winter kayaking tour?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at AroundGdansk Kayak Tours & Adventures, near the red shipping containers by the yacht club toward the white dome tent. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?

A guide, waterproof bag, tandem kayaks and paddles, paddle muffles and spray skirts, life jacket, drysuit and boots, and hot chocolate are included.

What should I bring for winter paddling?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, a change of clothes, and thermal clothing (plus a long-sleeved shirt). You’ll also want to plan for wet conditions even with the gear.

Is it only for experienced kayakers?

It’s suitable for most travelers, but it isn’t recommended for people with serious medical conditions. The tour also requires that everyone can communicate in English and can swim.

What are the age and height limits?

Bookings are accepted for people aged 15 and above. People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. It is not suitable for children under 15, and it’s not suitable for people under 155 cm.

What if I can’t have dairy?

If you’re vegan or can’t drink milk, the hot chocolate will be made with soy milk.

Do I need to speak Polish or any other language?

No. The tour is in English, and all participants have to be able to communicate in English.