Guided Sea Kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago (Sweden)

Double kayaks are used as standard, which are stable and perfect for beginners or those who like to share the work with a paddle partner. Single kayaks are also available on request at no extra charge for participants with some experience.

The tours are ideal for solo travellers (solo travellers will have own tent as standard) and also for families with older children (min. age 14 for public tours).

Not "just" a kayak tour!

There are so many aspects of a kayaking tour in the archipelago to enjoy. During your adventure, you'll be exploring some of the 30,000 (or 50,000 depending on who's counting!) islands that make up the Stockholm Archipelago network under the leadership of an experienced local guide.

There is no fixed route. Archipelago kayaking offers great flexibility to vary the route taken and distance covered depending on wind and weather conditions. Exactly where you will paddle during your tour varies and will be chosen to offer the best experience depending on conditions.

Lots (and lots) included! Stable and comfortable double kayaks are standard for the tour, with single kayaks available on request. Photo: KT.

The emphasis is on enjoyment and experiencing the archipelago landscape, and there will be time to stop and soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the natural beauty of the area along the way.

One of the great joys of a Swedish summer is "wild swimming" (the Swedes just call it swimming!) and the archipelago has hundreds of beautiful swimming spots where you can take a dip. In May and September, spending more than a few minutes in the water may be only for the brave, but in summertime the water is often a balmy 20 degrees or more.

There is also a wealth of wildlife in the archipelago. With luck, you may see one of the true kings of the skies - the mighty White-tailed Sea Eagle, or the majestic Osprey. Grey Seals sometimes make their way in from the outer archipelago islands, following the herring, so look out for a grey head breaking the surface of the water and regarding you curiously! You may see roe deer grazing the lush meadows of the islands, and perhaps even come across a tree gnawed by a beaver (the waters of the Baltic are only slightly salty, so even the freshwater-loving beaver has taken up residence in parts)!

The Stockholm Archipelago contains tens of thousands of islands, from larger islands with permanent habitation to small rocks and skerries, offering a varied and beautiful landscape to explore. Photo: KT.

Wild camping is the ultimate way to experience archipelago life

The Swedish Right of Public Access is a rare privilege, and allows for wild camping within certain guidelines. There's no better way to experience an archipelago sunset than from your campsite on a deserted island, skin tingling from your dip in the cool, clear waters of the Baltic and watching the steam rise from the cooking pot as you wait for supper.

Camping chairs are just one of the "little luxuries" included to maximise your enjoyment of the trip. Photo: Jo O'Hara.

High-quality camping equipment, including sleeping bag with inflatable mat, is provided. Weatherproof kayak jacket, hat and neoprene gloves are also included, along with some "little luxuries" such as camping chair (perfect for relaxing on a rock and watching the sun go down) and an eco-friendly "outdoor spa kit" to make those evening dips even more special.

Food will also be a highlight of the trip, with high-quality ingredients provided for the group to prepare meals together with a Swedish theme - food tastes so much better when enjoyed outdoors in beautiful surroundings after an active day!

There's no tastier meal than a meal enjoyed outdoors after a day on the water! Photo: KT.

Whether kayaking is your main reason for visiting or an extension to other adventures, do not come to Sweden without experiencing a kayak tour in the Stockholm Archipelago. You'll want to return for more, we're certain of it!

Included

Kayak equipment:

• Sea kayak. Double kayaks are used as standard. For guests with previous experience, single kayaks may be available on request - please specify on booking if you would prefer single kayak. Single kayaks are normally Seabird Expedition LV (Standard/Long) or Seabird Discovery (Beginner). Double kayaks are normally Prijon.
• Paddle, buoyancy aid, spray skirt, bilge pump, spongle and cloth for cleaning and removing water.
• Water-resistant case for smartphone.
• Kayak map, compass, torch and First Aid Kit.
• Dry bags for personal items. You are welcome to take as many as you wish.

Kayak clothing:

• Kayak jacket (wind and waterproof).
• Neoprene gloves.
• Waterproof hat.

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.

Camping and cooking equipment:

• Sleeping bag and liner. Comfortable inflatable sleeping mat + foam mat, pillow and camping chair.
• Tent. Tents are normally shared one per two persons (when travelling together). Solo travellers will have own tent. Own tent is also available for guests travelling together who prefer solo occupancy. Please specify your preference on booking.
• Cooking equipment and eating utensils including camping plate/cutlery/mug, washing up liquid, sponge.
• Rubbish bag, toilet spade and toilet paper.
• An "outdoor spa kit" with eco-friendly hair/bodywash, conditioner and mosquito repellent (provided one set per two persons).

Meals:

NB: Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements.

• All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3, including snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks.

Guiding and instruction:

• Services of local guide throughout the tour.
• Instruction briefing at the start of the tour and tips/instruction on improving paddling technique during the tour.

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.
• Alcoholic drinks.

Required

Health requirements/experience:

All participants must be able to swim 200m. Min. age 14 years (when accompanied by adult). For private tours, younger participants may be possible by arrangement. Max. weight 120kg.

No kayaking experience is required. Stable double kayaks are used as standard (single kayaks are available on request for adult guests with previous experience or for extra person in odd-numbered group).

What makes this "Easy-Medium"?

The tours are intended both for novice participants with no previous kayak experience and for those looking to improve their skills. As a guided tour, you will have initial instruction/briefing from the guide and additional tips on improving your technique, etc, during the tour.

Double kayaks are used as standard and are very stable. The archipelago has no tides or currents, though of course the water can be choppy in windy conditions.

The emphasis is on enjoying the archipelago and experiencing the natural environment. There is no set distance to cover and the route will be chosen to offer the best experience based on wind and weather conditions at the time.

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 localised areas of the Nordic countries, 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 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:

Tours require total minimum 2 persons to be confirmed to run. You are welcome to book as a solo traveller.

Combine This With

This experience makes a good combination with any of our summer experiences in Sweden which involve travelling via Stockholm. See Inspiration - Close to Stockholm for details.

Groups

Max. group size 8 persons.

In addition to public tours, private tours for groups can be offered by arrangement. Please contact us for details and prices.

Eco Info

This provider has a written ecotourism policy.