What is the difference between the HyrdroFoil and the canal Trip in St. Petersberg?

[OurDogCisco]

I don't think the tour guide is understanding my question about it. I was told the Hyrdrofoil is a short cut between downtown and Peterhof while the canal boat ride is just scenic tour through downtown. So, the private highly recommends the hydrofoil to avoid the possible 2 hours in traffic between downtown and Peterhof. Are their any benefits fo the canal tour? Would you do the canal tour or is it waste of time? Does it save any time from traffic? Thanks, Tina

[sbhdmh]

The canal tour is just a way to view the city from the canals - it does not take you anywhere. I believe you were the poster who said you have only 1 1/2 days. If it were me I would for sure skip the canal cruise to see other things. It is very nice but very low key. IMHO you would be much better off adding additional sites. The hydrofoil is a great time saver for getting to or from Peterhof. It leaves from right in front of the Hermitage so you may be able to combine the 2 with very little time lost driving.

[OurDogCisco]

Yes... we only 1 1/2 days in St. Petersburg. Thanks for info.

[Giantfan13]

I agree. I do think most of the tour groups offer the hydrofoil ride as a big time saver. We boarded it at Peterhof and it took us back into town. While we were touring Peterhof, the bus makes it's way back to the city and you time everything right, the hydrofoil meets you there. It is a huge time saver.

The canal boat ride, again, as was said, is a very nice addition to a hectic day, as you just cruises thru the canals of St Petersburg and you can see some of the things you saw during the day, now from a different prospective. It is a very relaxing way to tour.

For us, especially my DW, who just loves these type of 'rides' that is why we chose to tour with sPB as they included that in their package. Others charge extra for it. So, that sort of sealed the deal.

 

A few pix we took on the Canal Boat cruise

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster772.jpg

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster771.jpg

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster783.jpg

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster760.jpg

 

And a shot and a short video of the Hydrofoil. (that boat really moves along the water)

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster756.jpg

 

http://s834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/?action=view&current=europemaster843.flv

[jkw3tx]

We did the canal ride at the end of our first day and it was a way to slow down and relax.

We even were served some champaign along the way. Listening to the tour guide tell us about sites with helped as well. If you enjoy canal rides do it. We enjoy these trips- did one in Copenhagen as well.

But as mentioned the hydro and the canal ride are two totally different trips.

Recomend the hydrafoil but avoid the back end- I was getting alittle naucious ubntil I went up to the open deck and stood. From then on I had a great ride and different view coming into downtown.

[TLCOhio]

We did the canal ride at the end of our first day and it was a way to slow down and relax.

We even were served some champaign along the way. Listening to the tour guide tell us about sites with helped as well. If you enjoy canal rides do it. We enjoy these trips- did one in Copenhagen as well.

But as mentioned the hydro and the canal ride are two totally different trips.

Recomend the hydrafoil but avoid the back end- I was getting alittle naucious ubntil I went up to the open deck and stood. From then on I had a great ride and different view coming into downtown.

 

Our Central Ohio neighbor and others sum up well the differences on the two "boat" tours. We did both, enjoying each for the different reasons cited. The hydrofoil does save time and it is a very, very "cool" way to enter this historic city, seeing the fountains in front of the Hermitage, etc. The canal ride was a very relaxing and nice way to sit down and enjoy the sights and sites. We were able to see this great city in the way the rich did as they went to a party or dinner at the grand home of another member of the upper crust in Russia. You will get some views from walking at street level, but the canal views are very grand and nice. Less traffic and noise. Below are some visuals examples from what we did and saw from both water options.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

From the dock at the Peterhof, here is the hydrofoil approaching before we started our trip into St. Petersburg:

 

 

 

From the hydrofoil, here is the Hermitage exterior and the water feature:

 

 

 

From the canal boat, this is a view of an original palace built by Peter in St. Petersburg:

 

 

 

An example of the many buildings and bridges you will see on the canal boat tour:

 

 

 

Another royal structure seen on the canal boat tour:

 

 

 

An example of bridge details you will see on the canal tour: