A motorboat in Tri-City costs from about 250 PLN a day, and you can be on the water the same afternoon. The question we hear most often isn't about prices, though. It's about licenses: can I drive one without a permit? Short answer: on the Gulf of Gdańsk, probably not on your own, but there's an easy way around it. Here are the current prices, the rules, and a few honest notes on which boat to take.
When you need a license
Polish law draws one line: engines up to 10 kW (13.6 hp) can be driven with no license at all. Anything stronger requires a motorboat helmsman's license (patent sternika motorowodnego). The catch is that a 13 hp boat makes little sense on the Gulf of Gdańsk, you need power against the waves. Practically every motorboat worth renting here is over that limit.
That leaves two options. First: a skippered trip. A licensed skipper drives, you sit at the stern with your family. Most Tri-City offers work this way, and for a one-off trip it's simply more comfortable. Second: get the license. The course plus exam takes a weekend, and after that you can take boats out on your own.
One warning about jet skis: a license is always required, regardless of engine power. That's why rental jet skis operate with staff supervision. We covered the legal details in our guide to renting a boat without a license in Tri-City.
What it costs
Prices from current Salty7 listings, as of July 2026:
| Boat | Location | How it runs | From (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SeaDoo Spark Trixx 2024 (jet ski) | Gdynia | with staff | 250 PLN |
| Axopar 28, 300 hp | Sopot | self-drive, license required | 526 PLN |
| Atlantic Marine 750, 200 hp | Gdańsk | skippered | 529 PLN |
| Jeanneau Merry Fisher 795 | Gdańsk | skippered or self-drive | 912 PLN |
Add fuel (usually billed after the trip, by actual use) and a refundable deposit, typically 1,000–3,000 PLN depending on the boat. In July and August weekend slots go first; weekdays are quieter and sometimes cheaper.
Where to go
The classic run is Sopot from the water: the pier looks completely different than it does from the beach, and the trip from Gdańsk or Gdynia takes under an hour each way. The second direction is Hel, about 40–50 minutes by motorboat from Gdynia, fried fish in the port, back before evening. From Gdańsk, it's worth taking the Motława river past the medieval Crane and out to the gulf by Westerplatte. You see more of the city's history from that deck than from any museum.
Longer route descriptions are in our guide to Gulf of Gdańsk routes, and mooring options in the piece on the marinas of Hel, Sopot and Gdynia.
Which boat to pick
For a family afternoon, the easiest choice is a skippered boat like the Atlantic Marine 750 in Gdańsk. Nobody needs a license, and the skipper doubles as a local guide. If you hold a license and want the boat to yourself, the Axopar 28 in Sopot is easily the most striking boat in the local fleet: 300 hp and a hull that handles the gulf chop well. The Merry Fisher 795 has a cabin with two berths, so it works for dawn fishing or a night on the water. And if you want an hour of adrenaline, there's a jet ski in Gdynia.
How to book
All Tri-City boats are in the Salty7 search. Pick your dates, send a request, the owner confirms and you agree on details: pickup point, fuel, deposit. The Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot pages show boats from each marina.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a motorboat without a license?
Yes, if the boat comes with a skipper. Self-drive is only legal for engines up to 10 kW (13.6 hp), which you won't realistically find for rent on the gulf.
How much does a day cost?
In Tri-City, from 250 PLN (jet ski with staff) to around 900 PLN for a larger cabin boat. Fuel and a refundable deposit come on top.
Is the Gulf of Gdańsk safe for beginners?
In good weather, yes, but the gulf is open sea water: check the forecast and avoid winds above 5 m/s. A licensed skipper takes this problem off your hands.
What about fuel and the deposit?
Fuel is usually paid by actual use after the trip. The deposit is refundable and comes back once the boat is returned undamaged. Agree on both with the owner before confirming.
