Batumi is not only beaches and khachapuri at sunset, but also a great opportunity to see Adjara from the water. Walks along the Black Sea have long been an integral part of summer holidays, especially for those who want to feel the light sea breeze, see the city from a different side and take dozens of beautiful photos.

🚤 What to choose: a boat, a yacht or a pleasure boat?

On the Batumi embankment, every day, especially in season, you can find dozens of options - from short boat tours to romantic evening walks with dinner on board. There are routes to Sarpi, Gonio and even towards the Green Cape (Mtsvane Kontskhi). Prices start from 30-50 GEL per person.

📅 When is the best time to go?

Marine navigation in Batumi works from the end of April to the end of October, but the peak season is from June to September. On warm days the sea is calm, walks take place even in the morning and evening hours.

💡 Lifehacks from tourists:

• Morning flights are quieter and less crowded.
• It is better to book walks in advance on weekends.
• The most beautiful views and photos are at sunset.

It would seem, what does Georgia and the Northern capital have to do with it? But tourists from Tbilisi increasingly include St. Petersburg in their summer routes. White nights, palaces, fountains, boat trips and cultural closeness - all this makes Peter an attractive destination for those who are not on vacation on the Black Sea for the first time and are looking for new experiences.

🛂 Visa-free regime

For Georgian citizens, the 90/180 rule applies — that is, you can stay in Russia for up to 90 days within six months without a visa. This is more than enough to include St. Petersburg in your summer itinerary.

🛫 How to get there?

Direct flights from Tbilisi and Batumi to St. Petersburg are operated several times a week. You can also fly with a transfer via Moscow, Minsk or Yerevan. Travel time is from 3.5 to 6 hours depending on the route and airline.

🌆 What to do in summer besides classic excursions?

Petersburg in summer is not only museums, Nevsky and the Hermitage. It is boat trips, palace suburbs, night bridges and cozy cafes by the canals. And also - a great opportunity to ride along the Neva on a high-speed boat and in 45 minutes find yourself at the famous fountains of Peterhof.

What could sunny Batumi and majestic Petersburg have in common? At first glance, they are all different. But if you look closely, these two cities are much closer to each other than they seem.

🏖️ Resort rhythm and sea air

Both Batumi and St. Petersburg are located by the water. One is on the Black Sea, the other is on the Neva and the Gulf of Finland. Each city has its own "marine face": beaches, piers, docks, evening lights over the waves.

🚤 Boat trips are an obligatory part of a vacation

If in Batumi tourists choose boats to Mys Zeleny or Gonio, then in St. Petersburg - river boats along the canals or meteors to the suburbs. Water seems to connect them - albeit at different latitudes.

🌇 Sunsets worth seeing from the water

The sunset over the Black Sea is golden and warm. The sunset over the Neva is cold, purple, slightly mystical. Both are worth experiencing not from the shore, but from the deck, watching the city dissolve in the rays of the departing day.

Saint Petersburg is a city on the water, and to see it from a river or a canal is to discover it anew. Everything here is thought out for tourists dreaming of a leisurely stroll along the Neva, under drawbridges or to the country residences of emperors.

🌊 Along the canals - to the very heart of the city

The classic boat trip lasts about an hour and goes along the Moika, Fontanka, Kryukov Canal and, of course, the Neva. This is a great opportunity to admire the historical center, bypassing traffic jams and hustle and bustle.

🛳️ By boat to the suburbs

St. Petersburg is also unique in that you can travel out of town by water. Water routes lead not only through the center, but also to real palaces. As early as mid-May, motor ships and high-speed vessels begin to sail to the most beautiful places in the Leningrad Region.

🏰 Peterhof is the star of the route

The most popular water transport destination is Peterhof. You can get there by boat along the Neva and the Gulf of Finland - quickly, comfortably and with beautiful views. Perhaps this is one of the most spectacular ways to begin your acquaintance with the royal residence.

If you are already in St. Petersburg or are just planning a trip, be sure to include Peterhof in your route. But instead of a regular train or bus, choose a waterway. It is not only convenient, but also incredibly beautiful!

🚤 What is a meteor and why is it the best way?

Meteor is a high-speed hydroboat that will take you from the city center to the Lower Park in 35–45 minutes. It literally flies on the water, allowing you to save time and get aesthetic pleasure from the trip.

📍 Where does it leave from and how often?

The route starts from the pier near the Hermitage (Moika River Embankment, 44). During the summer season, trips are made daily, approximately every 30–60 minutes.

💸 How much does a ticket cost?

• Economy class — from 1190₽
• Business class — from 1800₽

Tickets can be purchased in advance online - it is more convenient and cheaper than on site.

🪑 What awaits you on board?

Panoramic windows, soft chairs, air conditioning and wonderful views of the Gulf of Finland. Convenience and comfort are on par with a good excursion bus, only on water.

👉 meteor from peterhof— the official way to quickly and conveniently get to the royal fountains without traffic jams and fuss.

Two seaside cities, two very different water experiences. Below is a visual comparison of sea and river cruises, so you can choose the route you like or combine both!

Planning a boat trip in St. Petersburg? Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions that will help you prepare in advance and avoid unnecessary worries on the road.