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Photo: J. Hermansson

Sea Kayaking Skills Camp in Bohuslän (Sweden)

Learn to sea kayak or develop your knowledge on a paddle course in beautiful West Sweden with optional tour extensions

  • Guided
  • Easy-Med
  • From £/person
  • May-Sep, 4-7 days
  • Adults (min. age 15), Groups, Solo

Highlights:

  • One of Sweden's premier kayaking areas
  • 1-day course + 2 kayak day tours in the archipelago
  • Add extra instruction or guided tour with wild camping
  • Suitable for beginners or more experienced paddlers
  • Multi-activity option including mountain biking and climbing
  • Comfortable hostel or hotel accommodation

Description »

Learn to kayak then practise your skills with a choice of tour options

The Bohuslän archipelago in West Sweden is a wonderful area for kayaking and the ideal location to discover the excitement and adventure of sea kayaking or to hone your existing skills if you're already a convert!

Five different itineraries are available depending on your preferred duration and the activities you would like to include. All include the Core Elements programme, which features a day of instruction followed by two guided day tours.

Instruction course at the kayak camp

The instruction course gives you an excellent grounding in paddling techniques and safety procedures. Photo: J. Hermanssson.

To this, you can add optional extensions - additional days of higher level instruction, a guided multi-day kayak tour, or a multi-activity option including climbing and mountain biking.

You will be based at a choice of hostel or hotel standard accommodation next to the kayak centre, with the addition of wild camping in the archipelago if you choose to add a kayak tour to the core itinerary.

Four itinerary options to improve your skills and confidence

Sea Kayaking Skills Camp in Bohuslän gives you a number of choices to create your own personal adventure among the beautiful archipelago landscape of Sweden's west coast.

Option 1: Core Elements (4 days/3 nights)

This forms the basis of your trip. Arrival the day before the programme begins (accommodation included) followed by three days of activities. You begin with an introductory course for beginners but suitable also for those with paddling experience (the level of tuition can be adapted to a certain extent depending on your level). With a choice of hotel or hostel standard accommodation right on the water as your base, you begin with a one-day course followed by two guided day tours to practise your skills, gain confidence and explore some of the beautiful archipelago region, including paddling to visit a nearby colony of harbour seals!

If you wish, you can end your experience here, or choose one of the follow extended itineraries:

Guided day kayak tours in the archipelago

The Core Elements itinerary includes two guided day tours to practise and consolidate your skills. Photo: J. Hermanssson.

Option 2: Develop Your Skills (extra 2 days, total 6 days/5 nights)

Core Elements as above with the addition of two days of higher level instruction, with an intermediate-level course including some coaching on your particular areas for improvement, giving you the chance to really develop your knowledge of paddling further and consolidate what you have learned. Accommodation as for Option 1.

Option 3: Guided Exploration (extra 3 days, total 7 days/6 nights)

Core Elements as above followed by a 3-day/2-night guided kayak tour with wild camping. Take advantage of your guide's local knowledge to discover special gems of the archipelago area and of course you can always ask for more tips to further hone your paddle skills!

Option 4: Water, Rock and Wheels (extra 2 days, total 6 days/5 nights)

This itinerary begins a day earlier. Your first activity day is a day of guided mountain biking, followed by the Core Elements programme and ending with a day of guided climbing outdoors. The crags offer climbing routes for different abilities from novice to more experienced. In addition to offering world-class opportunities for sea kayaking, Bohuslän is also well-known for its climbing and biking possibilities. This option gives you the chance to discover some of this beautiful region off the water and add extra variety to your trip!

 ...

Itinerary »

Arrival

NB: For all nights where accommodation is at hostel/hotel, breakfast is included and lunch is taken outdoors during the activities. Dinner is not included - there there are two restuarants close by, or bring provisions for self-catering in the accommodation facilities.

Check-in to your accommodation is from 16.00. If you arrive before 17.00, feel free to pop into the kayak centre to say hello and have a free coffee! Relax and settle in before your paddle adventure begins.

Following Days

Days 2-4 are the same for all itinerary options. NB: Option 4: Water, Rocks and Wheels begins a day earlier than all other options.

Option 1: Core Elements

Tuesday

Breakfast at your accommodation. At 09.00, you meet at the kayak centre for a day's course covering the basics of kayaking include paddle technique, safety and rescue drills. Ideal for beginners but also suitable for participants with previous experience. As far as possible, the level of instruction will be adapted to suit your ability. Accommodation back at the hostel/hotel.

Wednesday

The first of two guided day tours, heading out to paddle in the area around the island of Bassholmen. Accommodation at hostel/hotel.

Thursday

If you are ending your experience after the tour today, check out of your accommodation. You can store your luggage free of charge at the kayak centre.

Today's guided day tour takes you into Havstensfjord in search of seals. There are around 50-60 harbour seals in this area, and with luck you will see them (though sightings can of course never be guaranteed). They may be very curious to see who's come to visit! Accommodation at hostel/hotel.

You will be back around 17.00. If you have chosen Option 1 (Core Elements only), it's time for departure (unless you've chosen to add an extra night at the hostel/hotel as an optional extra to enjoy a last evening by the water!).

Extensions

Option 2: Develop Your Skills

Friday

On Thursday of the Core Elements itinerary, you have accommodation that night at the hostel/hotel.

Your training then continues with an intermediate level course to further develop your skills. Accommodation at hostel/hotel.

Saturday

A final day of coaching with a greater focus on the particular area you personally need and wish to develop as a paddler. By the end of your course, you should have much greater confidence on the water and be justly proud of your improvements!

You end around 17.00. Unless adding an extra night at the hostel/hotel, it's time for departure.

Option 3: Guided Exploration

Friday-Sunday

On Thursday of the Core Elements itinerary, you have accommodation that night at the hostel/hotel.

The next morning after breakfast, you check out of your accommodation. You can store luggage at the kayak centre. You begin a 3-day/2-night guided kayak tour led by local guide, taking you further into the archipelago with opportunities to continue developing your skills. You spend two nights camping wild on islands along the way.

On Sunday, you will be back at the kayak centre around 17.00 followed by departure (unless you have added an optional night at the hostel/hotel after your tour).

Option 4: Water, Rock and Wheels

Sunday (before Core Elements)

You arrive a day earlier than for the other options, with accommodation on Sunday night at the hostel/hotel.

Monday

A day of guided mountain biking. Accommodation at the hostel/hotel and Core Elements itinerary as normal.

Friday

On Thursday of the Core Elements itinerary, you have accommodation that night at the hostel/hotel.

Breakfast followed by a day of guided climbing. Climbing is suitable for beginners.

You will end around 17.00 for departure (unless you have added an optional night at the hostel/hotel).

Dates & Prices»

Dates 2024

Extra night(s) in hostel or hotel accommodation can be added to any of the itineraries as an optional extra.

Arrival days between May and September as follows:

  • Option 1: Core Elements (4 days/3 nights, arrival Mondays)
    • Arrival every Monday from 27th May to 2nd September 2024 (last start 4th September).
  • Option 2: Develop Your Skills (6 days/5 nights, arrival Mondays)
    • May: 27.05.24
    • June: 03.06.24, 10.06.24, 24.06.24
    • July: 01.07.24, 08.07.24, 15.97.24, 22.07.24, 29.07.24
    • August: 05.08.24, 12.08.24, 19.08.24, 26.08.24
    • September: 02.09.24
  • Option 3: Guided Exploration (7 days/6 nights, arrival Mondays)
    • May: 27.05.24
    • June: 10.06.24, 24.06.24
    • July: 08.07.24, 22.07.24
    • August: 05.08.24, 19.08.24
    • September: 02.09.24
  • Option 4: Water, Rock and Wheels (6 days/5 nights, arrival Sundays)
    • May: 26.05.24
    • June: 02.06.24, 09.06.24, 23.06.24, 30.06.24
    • July: 07.07.24, 14.07.24, 21.07.24, 28.07.24
    • August: 04.08.24, 11.08.24, 18.04.24, 25.08.24
    • September: 01.09.24
  • Prices 2024

    Note that for hostel option, bedding and towels are not included as standard but can be added as optional extra. Unless travelling as a solo traveller, hotel accommodation is the recommended option.

    Single supplement applies only if choosing Hotel standard (note that all single hotel standard rooms have shared WC/shower). For Hostel standard, solo travellers will have single room (subject to availability) at no extra charge.

    Standard Prices (per person) 
    Option 1: Core Elements 
    HostelGBP
    Hotel (based on 2 persons sharing)GBP
      
    Option 2: Develop Your Skills 
    HostelGBP
    Hotel (based on 2 persons sharing)GBP
      
    Option 3: Guided Exploration 
    HostelGBP
    Hotel (based on 2 persons sharing)GBP
      
    Option 4: Water, Rock and Wheels 
    HostelGBP
    Hotel (based on 2 persons sharing)GBP
      
    Single supplement for all Hotel options (per person per night)GBP
    Optional Extras (see description below) 
    Bedding and towels/person (hostel options only)On request
    Extra night in hostel before or after tour/personGBP
    Extra night in hotel before or after tour/person (based on 2 persons sharing)On request
    • Bedding and towels: If choosing hostel standard accommodation, bedding and towels are not included. These can be hired as an optional extra, or alternatively you are welcome to bring your own (sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner and towel). Please specify on booking if these are required.
    • Extra nights in hostel/hotel: You are welcome to add extra night(s) in the hostel or hotel accommodation before and/or after the main itineraries, for example if you wish to overnight locally after the tour before onward travel. Includes breakfast. Note if choosing hostel that, if your extra nights are not continuous with the rest of your stay (for example if doing a tour and returning to the hostel after the tour), additional charge for bedding and towels applies if these are required.

What's Included »

Included

Accommodation:

The location of the accommodation is the same, adjacent to the kayak centre, whether choosing hostel or hotel standard - the accommodation there offers a choice of two standards.

If choosing hostel standard, accommodation is normally in shared 2-4 person rooms with communal WC/bathroom facilities. Solo travellers choosing hostel standard will have single room (subject to availability) at no extra charge.

If choosing hotel standard, accommodation is in 2-person room either with en-suite WC/shower (if possible subject to availability) or with shared bathroom facilities. Single supplement applies for solo travellers choosing hotel standard - note that all single hotel rooms have shared bathroom facilities.

  • All options: end cleaning of hostel/hotel room on departure. Note that for hostel option, bedding and towels are not included as standard but can be added as optional extra.
  • Option 1 (Core Elements): 3 nights' accommodation in hostel or hotel standard depending on option chosen (arrival Monday, check-out Thursday).
  • Option 2 (Develop Your Skills): 5 nights' accommodation in hostel or hotel standard depending on option chosen (arrival Monday, check-out Saturday).
  • Option 3 (Guided Exploration): 4 nights' accommodation in hostel or hotel standard depending on option chosen (arrival Monday, check-out Friday). Two nights' wild camping during tour (camping equipment included).
  • Option 4 (Water, Rock and Wheels): 5 nights' accommodation in hostel or hotel standard depending on option chosen (arrival Sunday, check-out Friday).

Meals:

  • Hostel/hotel days (except arrival day): Lunch is included, taken outdoors during the activity. Please let us know any dietary requirements in advance. Breakfast packages and dinner can be purchased from restaurant adjacent to the accommodation, or you are welcome to bring your own provisions for self-catering using the hostel kitchen (there is a supermarket within walking distance along the beach promenade).
  • Option 3 (Guided Exploration): As Core Elements + all meals during 3-day/2-night guided tour extension (lunch on Friday to lunch on Sunday).

Equipment:

  • All necessary kayaking equipment: single rotomoulded sea kayak with paddle, buoyancy aid, spray skirt, bilge pump and paddle leash. For tour component options, double kayaks can also be arranged on request.
  • Wetsuit is included for use during "Core Elements" and if required for other instructional components.
  • Option 4 only: climbing equipment and mountain bikes (inc. helmets).

NB: Please be careful with the kayak and the rest of your equipment! If some part of the equipment should break as a result of misuse or carelessness, you may be charged for the damage caused. Please note that equipment must be returned in the same condition as rented. At the end of the tour, the equipment should be cleaned and rinsed with fresh water at the kayak centre.

Instruction/guiding:

Services of local instructors/guides as per itinerary chosen.

Not Included

  • Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
  • Dinner during hotel/hostel nights. There are two restaurants near the accommodation or buy own provisions for self-catering at accommodation facilities.
  • Meals apart from those specified: When staying at the hostel/hotel, there are two restaurants to choose from locally for dinner, or you are welcome to use the self-catering facilities. There is a small supermarket 2km (about 20 mins' walk) from the accommodation.
  • Dry bags (can be purchased on arrival if required).

Good To Know »

Required

Health requirements/experience:

All participants must be able to swim. Min. age 15 years.

No kayaking experience is required, but you should be comfortable in the water and with the elements of the course including capsize drills, etc. The Core Elements programme is ideal for novice paddlers but is also suitable for participants with previous experience.

For Option 4 (Water, Rock and Wheels), no previous climbing or mountain biking experience is required.

If choosing a shared accommodation option, you should be used to living in proximity with others.

What makes this "Easy-Medium"?

The tour is a very flexible experience with the opportunity to vary the duration, types of activity and level of challenge depending on your interests and level of ability. There are no significant tides or currents in the archipelago, but in windy conditions the water can be choppy.

NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.

Ticks and TBE:

Note: Ticks occur mostly in grassy areas.

As in the UK and other areas, there are ticks in the Nordic forests which can carry diseases such as Borrelia. You should check for ticks at the end of a day in the outdoors. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible by pulling the tick out straight, carefully and slowly, with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Ensure that you do not leave any of the insect's mouth parts attached to your skin. Wash the bite area with soap and water. In the unlikely event that you feel unwell or notice anything unusual around the area of the bite in the coming days, consult your doctor.

As in large areas of mainland Europe, in some small, localised areas of the Nordic countries (mostly in the Stockholm Archipelago), the ticks are known to carry TBE, or Tick-borne encephalitis, and locals spending extended periods in affected areas often choose to vaccinate themselves. For more information and latest updates, please see Zecken. For current advice on TBE and inoculations for the area you are visiting, please consult your doctor or see Travel Health Pro.

Equipment/clothes needed:

For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".

A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.

NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.

Preparing for your trip:

For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.

Minimum number:

  • Options 1, 2 and 4: Minimum total 2 persons are required for tours to be confirmed to run. You are of course welcome to book as a solo traveller.
  • Option 3 (Guided Exploration): As this itinerary includes a multi-day guided tour, a higher total number of persons may be required before tours can be confirmed.

Combine This With

This experience makes a good combination with the following:

Groups

Max. group size 8 persons (for dates with particularly high demand, in some cases two groups may operate in parallel).

This experience is very suitable for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Eco Info

This provider has received a prestigious Swedish Ecotourism quality mark for its commitment to high standards to cultural and environmental sensitivity.

Bohuslän:

Bohuslän is an area noted for its rocky coast and with a long history as a centre for herring fishing offers some of Sweden's best sea kayaking.

The archipelago consists of about 3,000 islands and 5,000 islets or skerries in total, and makes up the northern section of the Gothenburg archipelago. The largest of the islands are Tjörn and Orust.

In the past, the many reefs and submerged rocks along the coast were known as a considerable hazard to shipping, and there were a number of wrecks in the area.

Getting There »

Getting There

See below for a summary of travel options. To learn more about how to travel to this experience, please get in touch!

Detailed information on travel will be provided in response to your enquiry. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.

NB: Please ensure that you make a booking with us first and wait for confirmation that your spaces are reserved before making any travel arrangements.

Travel Summary:

By Air:

Fly to Gothenburg for train to Uddevalla (approx. 1 hour).

Without Flying:

Ferry Dover-Dunkirk or Newcastle-Amsterdam for onward train connections to Uddevalla.

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