Cedar canoe tour in Klaipeda - ideal for Cruise Ship travelers.

Overview

Available languages

Russian

English

Mobile ticket

Explore Klaipeda from a different perspective. Take a look at the city's industrial part, discover the old Memel fortifications and get up close and personal with the Meridianas sailing ship.

This city tour is suitable for travelers with tight schedule. It is also a great introduction into paddling and an opportunity to experience a real cedar strip canoe in action.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age is 16 years

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Bottled water

Hand made cedar strip canoe,

Hand made wooden canoe paddle, PFD, dry bags.

Professional English speaking guide

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Jono Kalnelis

Under the guidance of the engineer Charles Rose, the city was to be encircled in the manner of Holland-type fortifications, eastward from the former church of the St. John. Moulds and bastions measuring about 3.5 metres high were formed, and outer ditches (moats) were dug. Because of their size, the citie's fortifications are categorized as being amongst the great royal castles. The works were finished only in the late 17th century-early 18th century. Later, the moulds were reconstructed in the mid-18th century. The fortification system of Klaipėda at the time was complex. Because the city was surrounded by bastion fortifications in the East and South and secured by the Naujoji Danė River in the North, the only access was via three gates named after their main objects: Tiltas (Bridge), Kūlių (of Stones) and Malūnų (of the Mills). The latter two were built upon earthen ramparts. During the wars in the 18th century, the maintenance of the fortress was neglected, the gateways were starting to be disassembled for their bricks, the ramparts were torn-up, the ditches were filled with soil; in the 20th century, only small fragments of the former complex fortification system remained. Today, the former fortification system can be best observed at the end of Turgaus Street, from the bastions referred to in the historical records as the Geldern and Purmark. In front of the bastions, the water-area of the defensive ditch/moat, and the only surviving ravelin can be seen. The remains of these defensive fortifications were restored in 1994-1997 (author of project V. Šliogeris).

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Meridianas

The educational vessel Meridian was built in 1948 in Finland in a Turku (Finland) shipyard as a contribution to the soviet union after the second world war, along with 48 other similar ships. Very few others remain. The ship that went to Estonia was perhaps the luckiest, as it is currently being displayed in Talin. Meridian, that went to the Klaipeda Navigation School, was the first vessel for many future postwar captains and helmsmen. Meridian as an educational vessel closed its doors in 1967 and opened up as a restaurant on the Dane river quay. In Autumn 2012, the ship changed hands, and the new owners (Aidas Kaveckas and Aloyzas Kuzmarskis) had it repaired, restored and returned on November 9th, 2013. The newly renovated Ship offers a marine exposition, in which you can learn about the history of Meridian, its journeys at sea, structure of the ship and various maritime gadgets.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Cedar canoe tour in Klaipeda - ideal for Cruise Ship travelers.

Pickup included

Reviews

4.81

21 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Nice tour
au rav760,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We sailed along the Wilhelm Canal to Dreverna. We had the opportunity to admire the beautiful autumn nature. The route is calm and picturesque, especially when approaching Dreverna. The handmade canoes caught the eye of many people. The guide was helpful, pleasant, an enthusiast in his field. Amazing that he himself made the canoes we paddled.
A must go experience for Klapeida
SergeL923,
Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Janis is a great dude. He took us along the canal in Klapeida, it’s a very easy ride. There is not much to see in the town, but Janis manages to make it exiting and lively. I would definetly engage him again for a tour in the region or ask for his advice, he has been around and is happy to share. Btw, i booked for a specific day but the weather wasn’t looking great so Janis reached out proactively by text and was flexible to plan another day. I found it very professional.
AnnKoe210721,
Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a great experience to paddle through Klaipeda. Also the weather was perfect and our guide was very nice. We've learned a lot about Klaipeda.
Excellent excursion! We...
Kathleen D,
Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent excursion! We were picked up at the port as promised. Given safety equipment and a lesson in canoeing. Enjoyed every minute on the handmade canoe and our guide. Perfect way to learn about Klaipeda, its history and Lithuanian life. Most highly recommend.
This is a SCAM do not book
Kendra M,
Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
This was horrible. Quick to take out money and they never showed up. We waited over 30 minutes. There was no form of contact to let us know they were cancelling and no one would answer or respond to any messages. Such a huge waste of our time
High recommendation
juleej2025,
Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was such a fun way to explore this city. The guide also is the one who built all the boats. He grew up here and really knows his history of the area. Highly recommend.
Beautiful canoes and scenery
Kera M,
Jun 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tour guide is an actual local which we feel really helps the authenticity of the tours. He literally made the canoes himself during the winter months!
Great experience!
Melanie K,
Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a great canoeing experience! We were picked up at our port and driven a short distance to the starting point. We were shown the proper way to canoe and overall it was a great experience! I would recommend this tour for cruisers. It was a short walk back to the boat.
Very interesting
uliasizova,
Jun 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was great, I really liked it! Janis himself makes very beautiful canoes and conducts excursions. We sailed along the river through the whole of Klaipeda, it was interesting to look at the city from the water.
Go for it!!
Kyle C,
Jul 2, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a fantastic experience and unique way to learn about the city. Also, the canoes are handmade and extremely high quality. I recommend booking this activity!