Winter kayaking in Gdansk feels unreal. I love the quiet winter river views and the way proper drysuits actually make cold-time kayaking feel doable, but you should know it’s still serious cold-weather time and you’ll need to swim and communicate in English.

In a small group (max 6), you’re kitted up on-site and guided along the Motława and Radunia by a host like Szymon, who keeps things calm and clear. The best part is you get iconic sights from the water without rushing through them, then you warm up with hot chocolate as you head back.

Key things I’d focus on

• Small-group coaching (up to 6 people) so you get personal attention during gearing up and on the water
• Drysuit plus paddle muffles so your core stays warm and your hands don’t freeze solid
• Tandem kayaks with spray skirts to help keep you dry while you paddle around city waterways
• Motława + Radunia route that links the shipyard, Old Town, and the islands of Olowianka and Granary
• Hot chocolate break with an option made using soy milk if you need it

Entering the Motława River: Gdansk from water level

This tour is built for people who want a new angle on Gdansk, not just another stroll through Old Town. Paddling in winter changes how the city feels: you trade crowds and street noise for a calmer rhythm on the water, with buildings and bridges appearing in layers as you move.

You’ll start on the Motława and glide past major points that are usually seen from land. From a kayak, cranes, church towers, and colorful apartment blocks don’t just look nice in photos; they feel close. Even on a cold day, the route has a steady flow—stop briefly for context, then keep moving.

And yes, this is a real winter activity. The value comes from how the provider handles the cold with full gear, not from pretending the weather won’t bite.

Drysuits, paddle muffles, and staying warm for real

Winter kayaking works only if the cold plan is solid, and this one is. You’re outfitted with a drysuit plus boots, a life jacket, and a spray skirt for the tandem kayak. That spray skirt matters because it helps prevent water from getting into the kayak while you paddle.

For your hands, you’ll wear paddle muffles, which cover and protect your grips so your fingers stay usable. That’s the difference between enjoying the ride and constantly worrying about numb hands. You also get a waterproof bag, which is handy since you’ll likely be bringing a change of clothes and warm layers that you don’t want to soak.

What you bring matters too. Bring warm clothing, a hat, thermal layers, and a long-sleeved shirt. I also like the idea of bringing a change of clothes because even with good gear, you’re going to be outside in winter weather for long enough that fresh clothes feel like a small reward.

The Motława to the shipyard: cranes, churches, and color blocks

After you meet your guide at the start point, you’ll be fitted with your gear and then hop into your tandem kayak. The tour runs rain or shine, so don’t plan on sunshine. Instead, plan on staying comfortable in the kit you’re given.

Once you’re on the Motława, the shipyard area takes center stage. You’ll pass towering green cranes that loom over the river, a visual that’s very Gdansk—industrial, tall, and unmistakable from the water. This is one of the strongest moments of the trip because the angle makes the scale feel dramatic without needing a long hike.

From there, you move toward the Old Town viewpoints. You’ll see churches and the well-preserved apartment blocks with bright, colorful facades. Seen from a kayak, these buildings aren’t just pretty backgrounds; they become part of the water scene, wrapping around the riverfront as you paddle.

The experience pacing helps here. You’re not staring at a single landmark for an hour. You get short segments of paddling, then a quick narrative pause, then back out onto the water—enough context to make the sights make sense.

Radunia canal twists: romantic scenes you can actually follow

The route continues to the Radunia, where the scenery starts to feel more intimate. This canal section includes twists and turns, so your path feels active rather than straight-line sightseeing. You’ll “discover” scenes as the canal changes direction and reveals new angles of buildings and banks.

This is also where smaller historical touches land better. The guide’s explanations help you connect what you’re seeing—why certain structures exist where they do and why the river system shaped the city’s growth. With a small group, it’s easier to hear the story and still focus on what you’re doing with your paddle.

If you’ve only seen Gdansk from streets, this is the part where your mental map updates. You start thinking in waterways, not just neighborhoods. That shift is one of the real benefits of doing this in winter: fewer distractions, and more clarity about how the city is laid out around water.

Olowianka and Granary Island: granaries, footbridge, and a slower moment

On the route, you’ll reach Olowianka and Granary Island, where red-brick medieval granaries come into view. These buildings have been restored, and from the water they look sharp and substantial—more tangible than if you’re glancing at them from a bridge.

As you cruise around this area, you’ll also go under the Olowianka Footbridge. That under-bridge moment is simple but memorable. It helps you feel the waterway scale and gives you that classic “I’m right here under it” perspective.

Then comes the hot chocolate break, timed so your body gets a reset before you head back. This pause is practical: winter paddling burns energy, and warming up makes the return feel easier. The hot chocolate is included, and if you need soy milk, they’ll prepare it that way.

Tandem kayaking and what the guide really does

You’ll paddle in a tandem kayak, which is a big help for first-timers. Tandem means two people sharing one boat, so the experience is more about teamwork than solo control. You still steer and paddle, but you’re not thrown into a full solo-kayak learning curve while everyone else watches.

The guide role is one of the strongest reasons this tour gets such high marks. Szymon is specifically mentioned as reassuring, and that matters in cold conditions. When you’re in a drysuit, you can’t always feel your balance the way you normally would, so guidance on what to expect and how to move smoothly keeps nerves down.

During short stops, you get information about what you’re seeing and why it matters. That turns the tour from scenic paddling into actual understanding. You leave with more than a photo set; you leave knowing what each part of the river system connects to.

Price and value: why $48 can make sense in winter

At $48 per person for about 2.5 hours, this price can feel like a bargain if you break down what’s included. You get a full guide, tandem kayaks and paddles, life jackets, drysuit and boots, spray skirts, paddle muffles, and hot chocolate. You’re also getting a waterproof bag, which is small but useful.

Winter gear rental alone can be expensive in many places, and this tour bundles it all with instruction and city-focused routing. The small-group size (limited to 6) also matters for value because it usually means better attention and smoother time on the water.

The trade-off is that you’ll spend money on the experience, not on getting there via included transportation—there’s no hotel pickup. If you live or stay near the start point, great. If you’re farther out, plan your own ride so the meetup time stays stress-free.

Practical prep: what to wear and what to skip

Bring the warm clothing they recommend: hat, thermal layers, a long-sleeved shirt, and a change of clothes. A hat helps a lot because heat loss is real when you’re outside and moving slowly on water. Thermal layers under the drysuit setup also make it easier to stay comfortable instead of just tolerating the cold.

A few rules help keep the gear safe and functional:

• Don’t wear jewelry. You’ll need to remove bracelets, watches, earrings, and rings before putting on the drysuit.
• No smoking, and no alcohol or drugs.
• You’ll be asked to remove jewelry because it can be uncomfortable, risky with seals, or simply not compatible with tight gear fit.

Also note the activity requirements. Everyone has to be able to swim, and the tour is not for people with low fitness or serious medical conditions (and it specifically mentions back and heart problems). There’s also a weight limit of 110 kg.

If any of those constraints apply to you, it’s worth thinking twice. This tour isn’t a casual paddle in light jackets. It’s a winter water sport with real safety requirements.

Who this winter kayak tour suits best

This fits best if you want a different kind of city sightseeing—one where the “walking route” becomes a river route. I’d also recommend it for people who like learning while they move, since the guide gives context during the paddling and stops.

It’s a smart choice if you’re:

• Comfortable with water and can swim
• Able to follow instructions in English
• Happy to wear protective gear for a full cold-weather session
• Looking for a small-group experience rather than a large crowd outing

It may not suit you if you’re dealing with back or heart issues, if you use a wheelchair, if you’re under 15, or if you’re under the stated minimum height. The drysuits are sized for adults and teens 15 and up, and anyone under 18 must come with an adult.

Should you book the Gdansk winter kayaking tour?

Book it if you want a top-tier winter sightseeing experience that feels well run and uses real cold-weather equipment. The biggest reason is the gear system: drysuit, boots, spray skirt, and paddle muffles aren’t just listed—they’re the core of how you stay comfortable. Add in the small group size and the focus on iconic water views, and the value is strong.

Skip it if you’re not able to swim, can’t communicate in English, or you’re concerned about medical limits like back or heart problems. If you’re okay meeting the requirements and you’re excited by the idea of seeing Gdansk from the Motława and Radunia, this is the kind of outing that turns a winter day into a memorable story.

FAQ

How long is the Gdansk winter kayaking tour?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Around Gdansk Kayak Tours & Adventures. Look for the red shipping containers and walk by the yacht club, toward the white dome tent.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a guide, waterproof bag, tandem kayaks and paddles, paddle muffles and spray skirts, life jacket, drysuit and boots, and a hot chocolate break.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Everyone has to be able to swim.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, thermal clothing, long-sleeved layers, and a change of clothes. The tour is rain or shine.

Who can join the tour?

The tour is only for people aged 15 and above. Everyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. You also need to be able to communicate in English.

What happens if the weather is dangerous?

The tour runs in rain or shine, but it will be canceled in dangerous weather conditions. You’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.