Galleon cruise in Gdynia and Gdańsk – where is the best?
- Damian Brzeski
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
Dreaming of a journey through time and a true sailing adventure, straight out of old tales? 🏴☠️ Both Gdynia and Gdańsk offer unforgettable galleon cruises that will transport you to the atmosphere of 17th-century sailing ships.
In this guide, I'll present specific cruise offers, tell you exactly what you'll see from the deck, and explain what the famous Gdańsk Galleon actually is. Relax, let's set sail!
Galleon cruise in Gdynia - offer for cruises and attractions
The Dragon Galleon – a stylized cruise ship resembling a 17th-century warship – is one of the city's greatest maritime attractions. Each year, the Port of Gdynia hosts two spectacular galleon-style ships : the aforementioned Dragon and the Regina.
Both are meticulous reconstructions of ancient sailing ships from the Age of Discovery and the Golden Age of Pirates. Just imagine: tall masts, carved sides, and figureheads – everything to evoke the atmosphere of maritime adventure from centuries past.
Today, these impressive replicas attract tourists with their picturesque appearance and offer a journey back in time to an era when sails ruled the seas.
Galleon Dragon in Gdynia
The Galleon Dragon , or rather M/S DRAGON , is moored at the Southern Pier, right next to the representative Kościuszko Square .
Outside the summer season (September–June), regular cruises around the Port of Gdynia are organized. Each cruise lasts approximately one hour and requires a minimum of 10 participants.
In practice, this means that you will enjoy a leisurely tour of the port of Gdynia and its basins, during which you will get a close-up look at warships (often from the nearby Naval Shipyard ) and powerful merchant ships.
It is also a great opportunity to see the famous sailing ship-museum "Dar Pomorza" and the destroyer ORP "Błyskawica" from a completely different perspective.
From April, tourist cruises also begin – the Dragon ship then becomes a floating tavern with a bar, and cruises take place whenever the weather allows.
Gdynia cruises on board the Galleon Regina
In summer, the city invites you to take open-sea cruises on the galleon " Regina ." In July and August, the "Regina" departs the harbor every hour between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., taking you on an approximately 40-minute cruise around the Bay of Gdańsk .
The route runs along the coast, offering a fantastic opportunity to view the entire Tricity area from the water. On a clear day, you'll see panoramic views of Gdynia, Sopot, and distant Gdańsk on the horizon.
A cruise on the Regina offers magnificent views of the picturesque Redłowo cliffs and the Orłowski cliff (one of the area's landmarks), the cranes in the port, including in the area where the Eastern Port is located, as well as the modernist coastline and sandy beaches of Sopot.
If there is a good turnout, special sunset cruises are also organized – the passenger ship then sails further out into the bay so you can admire the sun setting below the horizon and the romantic panorama of the Tricity lights reflected in the water.
Attractions available on board the Galleons
Both galleons ensure that no one is bored. From the moment you step aboard, you'll feel the pirate atmosphere – the crew is dressed in period costumes, greeting passengers in nautical style.
A pirate cruise is a blast! During the journey, you can sample local specialties from the onboard buffet, grab a drink (there are even drinks inspired by pirate legends 🍻), and listen to live sea shanties.
Themed games are often organized for the youngest – children learn to tie sailor's knots, search for "treasures" or listen to the captain's colorful stories.
The entire journey is filled with stories of sailing and ancient pirates, so you can learn a bit of the region's maritime history along the way. It's no wonder that a galleon cruise in Gdynia is a hit with families with children and anyone craving maritime adventures.
Practical information and Galleon sailing dates
They occur from spring to autumn (April–September). You can buy tickets on site before the cruise or in advance online. And what are the ticket prices ? The cost is around 50–60 PLN per person for a standard, approximately 50-minute cruise – quite affordable, considering the number of experiences.
During the summer season (July-August), it's worth arriving early or booking tickets, as there are often many people interested. The ship docks at Kościuszko Square (next to the "Dar Pomorza").
Parking in the area can be crowded, so consider walking from the center or taking public transportation. And remember – even in summer, the sea can be chilly, so bring something warm to make sure nothing spoils your fun 😉.
Galleon cruise in Gdańsk - sightseeing in the port and the Bay of Gdańsk
The Black Pearl Galleon on the Motława River in Gdańsk – one of two stylized sailing ships plying the route to Westerplatte. If you're visiting Gdańsk, you also have the opportunity to feel like a seaman. Two galleons sail on the Motława River and its port canal: the famous Black Pearl and the Lion Galleon .
Both take tourists on cruises around Gdańsk – from the Old Town to Westerplatte, the historic peninsula where the first shots of World War II were fired. These stylized 17th-century sailing ships sail daily from spring to autumn, on a fixed schedule.
During the summer season, they depart approximately every hour from Długie Pobrzeże. The starting point is easy to find – right next to the Crane and the promenade, you can usually see the masts and pirate flags of waiting galleons.
What is the voyage like on board the Galleon?
The cruise begins with a leisurely departure from the heart of Gdańsk's seaport on the Motława River. Immediately after takeoff, you'll pass the medieval Crane – the largest historic port crane in Europe and a symbol of the commercial power of old Gdańsk.
You'll also pass the SS Soldek museum ship (the first post-war ship built in Poland) and rows of historic granaries on Granary Island. The galleon then heads towards the mouth of the Martwa Wisła River, passing the shipyard grounds.
The onboard guide (often speaking in several languages) vividly explains the sights you pass – from the famous Gdańsk Shipyard, the cradle of Solidarity, to the still-operating Ship Repair Yard with its docks full of ships. In the distance on the left, you'll even spot the amber-colored Energa Stadium (PGE Arena).
The biggest historical attraction on the route is the Wisłoujście Fortress – a massive fortress that once guarded access to the port and which tells the story of ancient battles (the fortress was never taken by assault!).
After about a 30-minute journey, the cruise ship arrives at Westerplatte. There, a small dock awaits you – disembarking is optional.
A round-trip ticket entitles you to disembark, visit the Westerplatte area (approx. 800 m walk to the Monument to the Defenders of the Coast) and return on one of the later trips.
This is a great option if you want to explore the remains of the historic Military Transit Depot on your own.
If you choose to stay on board, the ship will depart after a short break on its return voyage, which will take a slightly different route, circling the peninsula from the sea. This makes the entire trip approximately 90 minutes.
What is the climate and atmosphere like on board the Gdańsk Galleon?
The Gdańsk galleons also provide plenty of entertainment. On the way to Westerplatte, the guide shares interesting facts and legends related to the monuments you pass, sometimes weaving in maritime anecdotes or legends about Gdańsk pirates 🏴☠️.
The return journey is a time of relaxation – there's often live sea shanties playing on board! Shanties float across the water, and the crew encourages singing along, giving the cruise a unique atmosphere.
You can visit the onboard bar during this time – the menu is extensive, from soft drinks to something "for the brave" that will give you a pirate's edge 😉. The "Black Pearl" and "Lion" are large and stable ships, so even those with a lower tolerance for rocking should feel comfortable. There are restrooms, covered cabins, and open sundecks on board.
Practical information about cruises from Gdańsk
Cruises from Gdańsk to Westerplatte depart from spring to autumn. In peak summer, the first departure is around 10:00 AM, the last around 6:00 PM (approximately every hour, with two ships running alternately).
You can buy a ticket at the ticket office on the quay – current prices for a round-trip ticket are around 90 PLN for adults and 70 PLN for children (children under 3 travel free). You can also buy a one-way ticket (which costs around 70 PLN/55 PLN).
During peak season, it's recommended to arrive 15-20 minutes early ; it can get crowded, and booking tickets in advance (e.g., online) is a really good idea. The galleons depart from Rybackie Pobrzeże 11 (the marina's address).
The closest water tram stop is operated by Żegluga Gdańska , but you can walk there in just a few minutes from the Neptune Fountain. It's worth bringing something windproof and... a camera – the views will be spectacular!
What can you see from the deck of a galleon?
Wondering what you'll actually see on such a sea voyage? The perspective from the deck of a ship is absolutely unique, and both cities offer completely different, yet equally fascinating, spectacles for your eyes. Prepare for a veritable feast of views!
Here's what awaits you on each route:
During the cruise from Gdańsk – a journey through centuries of history:
Icons of the Main City: You'll see the heart of Gdańsk from the water, including the famous, colorful tenement houses on Długie Pobrzeże and the majestic, medieval Crane – a symbol of the city's commercial power.
The industrial landscape of the Gdańsk Shipyard: You'll sail past the birthplace of Solidarity. It's a living industrial museum, with a forest of historic and contemporary cranes, docks, and ships under renovation.
The mighty Wisłoujście Fortress: You'll be treated to a perfectly preserved brick fortress that guarded the harbor entrance for centuries. It looks like a castle on water!
Historic Westerplatte: From the sea you will see the symbolic peninsula, the place where World War II began, with the Monument to the Defenders of the Coast towering above the trees.
During a cruise from Gdynia – a meeting of nature and modernity:
Modern city panorama: Right after leaving the port, you will see the symbol of modern Gdynia – the soaring Sea Towers, which make an incredible impression from the water.
A bustling commercial port: This is an opportunity to see up close the gigantic container ships and powerful cranes that prove that Gdynia is still one of the most important points on the maritime map of Poland.
The breathtaking Orłowo Cliffs: This is undoubtedly the highlight! You'll see a picturesque, steep cliff dropping straight into the sea – a sight that will linger in your memory for a long time.
A wide panorama of the Bay of Gdańsk: On the horizon you will see the famous pier in Sopot and the golden beaches of the resort, admiring the entire Tricity bent into a picturesque arc.
As you can see, each route offers a completely different experience. Gdańsk offers a fascinating outdoor history lesson, while Gdynia offers a perfect blend of the power of nature and modern architecture. Regardless of your choice, you'll see familiar places from a completely new perspective and capture unique photos that your friends will envy.
What is the Gdańsk Galleon? (A few words of history)
The word galleon is associated with pirates and the Spanish treasure fleet – but did you know that Gdańsk also had its own galleons? ✨ In the 16th and 17th centuries, these were modern sailing vessels, serving as powerful warships or large merchant vessels.
They were characterized by tall castles, several gun decks, and an impressive number of masts. Rich and beautifully decorated, they were a symbol of naval power. Gdańsk, as the most important port city of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, also built them.
An example is the Polish galleon "Wodnik", which became famous in the Battle of Oliwa in 1627, contributing to the sinking of the Swedish ship "Solen".
Today, the original galleons are no longer visible. However, maritime history enthusiasts can still admire them on a smaller scale. At the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk, you'll find magnificent models of ancient sailing ships, including replicas of galleons crafted with extraordinary attention to detail.
The Polish Navy Museum in Gdynia also boasts such gems – among other things, the exhibition features an intricate model of the "Wodnik" galleon. These miniature galleons offer a close-up look at the construction of ancient ships and are a great way to learn more after a voyage.
Is it worth taking a cruise on the Gdańsk Galleon?
If you're wondering where to go on a galleon cruise —Gdynia or Gdańsk— the answer is: both are worth trying. Gdynia offers a shorter, more leisurely cruise with beautiful natural views—perfect for a family getaway.
Gdańsk is a longer trip full of historical curiosities, with the monumental Westerplatte as its destination – perfect for those who want to combine sightseeing with relaxation. Regardless of your choice, a wonderful adventure awaits you aboard a fabulous galleon. Feet of water under the keel – and have a wonderful voyage!
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