Description »
Kayaking and wild camping in one of Sweden's top paddling areas
As a close-to-nature experience, sea kayaking is hard to beat. With the gentle slap of the water and the cries of seabirds to keep you company, the archipelago stretches out before you, a hypnotic landscape of remote granite and gneiss islands floating on a blue sea. Life's possibilities seem as limitless as the wide skies above.
Sweden's west coast is a world-class location for sea kayaking, attracting paddlers from far and wide with its dramatic rock formations of gneiss and Bohuslän granite.
You will be camping wild during your tour, possibly on your own island! Photo: J. Hermansson.
The flexibility of a self-guided tour with detailed information provided
This experience offers the ideal combination of the freedom of a self-guided tour and the convenience and confidence of an organised tour. You will be provided with a map of the area and recommended route, including suggestions for the places to pitch camp for the night and even small restaurants and local stores along the coast if you would like to stop off for refreshments and supplies.
Your self-guided sea kayaking tour takes place in the Bohuslän archipelago, a lovely area with a picturesque landscape of dramatic cliff formations, inviting sandy beaches and a coastline dotted with small fishing villages and offering world-class kayaking possibilities.
The archipelago is made up of thousands of islands and forms part of the Gothenburg archipelago, Sweden's second largest archipelago.
The area is rich in birdlife, with a number of seabird colonies, and you may also meet some of the archipelago's Common Seals - they are curious as well as endearing, and you may find one following your kayak!
Choice of challenge levels from novice to advanced
Self-guided Sea Kayaking in Bohuslän is suitable for a wide range of levels of ability. If you are an inexperienced or novice kayaker and would like to brush up on your technique and get a feel for life on the water before you set off, there is an option to add a 1-day sea kayaking course or shorter 2-hour private lesson before your self-guided tour begins.
More experienced kayakers can choose to extend the route and explore further into the network of islands, rocks and skerries.
The Bohuslän archipelago is a beautiful landscape known for its rock formations. Photo: J. Hermansson.
This is an experience to be taken at your own pace and enjoyed in your own way, and is ideal for couples or groups of friends (families with older children, min. age 15, are also welcome). Self-guided sea kayaking allows to you create your very own voyage of discovery!
The tours are based on wild camping, and there is no shortage of islands to choose from, many of which are completely uninhabited. Camping on your own private island is a unique experience!
There are two itineraries to choose from, both with flexible durations 3-7 days:
Option 1: End Orust or Tjörn
This is an option suitable for all levels (novice kayakers are strongly recommended to choose optional instruction course before the tour).
Beginning from the kayak centre just outside Uddevalla, in the sheltered fjord landscape of the inner archipelago, you head west/southwest depending on route chosen into the more open landscape of the outer archipelago to explore the varied scenery ending with pick-up on the island of Orust (for tours 3-4 days) or Tjörn (for longer tours 5-7 days).
For those with less experience, or when wind and weather conditions are challenging, this itinerary offers the flexibility to paddle much of the time if you wish in relatively sheltered waters, while those with greater experience and confidence have the opportunity for kayaking in more open water, with beautiful wide horizons.
When your sea kayaking adventure ends, you will be met at the designated end point for return transfer.
Option 2: Start Smögen or Lysekil
For those with previous experience of multi-day self-guided kayaking in more open water and a range of conditions, this option explores the northern Bohuslän archipelago region, known for its iconic red-tinged granite formations, formed in the ice age and worn smooth over the millenia by wind and waves.
This tour begins with transfer from the kayak centre (approx. 1 hour) to one of two start points depending on the tour duration. Tours 3-4 days begin near the popular island settlement of Smögen, while longer tours 5-7 days start near the pretty coastal peninsular town of Lysekil.
As with Option 1, there is a good deal of flexibility to vary the route, distance and level of challenge, but kayaking in this more exposed region does require greater experience and confidence in a range of conditions.
The tour ends with pick-up at Grebbestad for return transfer to the kayak centre.
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Itinerary »
For both options, standard 3-4 day route has minimum distance to cover approx. 50km, while standard 5-7 day route has minimum distance to cover approx. 80km. There is great flexibility to extend the minimum distances depending on time available, level of experience/fitness and wind/weather conditions. The nature of the archipelago landscape means that taking detours to explore particular islands or sections of the coast is an integral part of the experience. These minimum distances are therefore not an indication of actual distance paddled, which can be extended almost indefinitely.
Option 1: End Orust or Tjörn
Start
The experience begins at the kayak centre at 09.00.
NB: Please note that it is not possible to start this experience later than 09.00. You will need to arrive in Sweden the day before to overnight locally before your tour.
You begin with a short introduction to the equipment and basic kayak technique, then set off directly from the kayak centre. The first part of your tour takes you out through the coastal fjord landscape, beginning in a green and relatively sheltered inner-archipelago landscape.
Following Days
The landscape changes as your tour takes you into the more open outer archipelago.
The area offers wonderful opportunities for wild camping on the islands of the Bohuslän archipelago. Depending on weather and wind conditions and your own energy levels/ability, route and distance covered is flexible. Please plan your itinerary to ensure you reach the designated pick-up point in time for transfer on the end day.
End
Pick-up at the designated end point (depending on the duration of your tour and chosen options) at 15.00 for return transfer (approx. 1 hour) to the kayak centre. Please be ready to load equipment at 15.00. Please clean and return your equipment before departure.
Pick-up for tour durations 3-4 days is at Hälleviksstrand on the island of Orust. Pick-up for tour durations 5-7 days is at Rönnäng on the island of Tjörn.
NB: It is not possible to offer pick-up earlier than the standard time of 15.00. If travelling by public transport and wishing to return to Gothenburg that evening, you would then be back in central Gothenburg typically by around 20.00 at the earliest. We recommend that you plan to overnight in Gothenburg or Uddevalla after your tour.
Option 2: Start Smögen or Lysekil
Start
The experience begins at the kayak centre at 09.00.
NB: Please note that it is not possible to start this experience later than 09.00. You will need to arrive in Sweden the day before to overnight locally before your tour.
You load the trailer before transfer to the start point (approx. 1 hour) to begin your tour.
Tours of duration 3-4 days normally begin from Hasselösund, just north of Smögen. Longer tours duration 5-7 days normally begin from Norra Grundsund, a little to the north of Lysekil.
The exact start point may vary depending on weather and wind conditions at the time of your tour, in order to offer the most enjoyable and appropriate experience for you. Details will be confirmed on arrival at the kayak centre.
Following Days
You paddle northwards, with a lovely network of islands to explore, camping wild each night in the archipelago. The paddling here can be more exposed than for Option 1 and requires previous kayaking experience.
End
Pick-up at end point Grebbestad at 15.00 for return transfer (approx. 1 hour) to the kayak centre. Please be ready to load equipment at 15.00. Please clean and return your equipment before departure. You will normally be ready to leave the kayak centre by around 17.00.
NB: It is not possible to offer pick-up earlier than the standard time of 15.00. If travelling by public transport and wishing to return to Gothenburg that evening, you would then be back in central Gothenburg typically by around 20.00 at the earliest. We recommend that you plan to overnight in Gothenburg or Uddevalla after your tour.
Dates & Prices»
Dates 2026
Start/end any day by arrangement between 1st May and 30th September except:
- No starts/ends on 19th-20th June 2026, though tours are possible spanning these dates.
Tour duration flexible between 3 days/2 nights and 7 days/6 nights.
Prices 2026
| Standard Prices | |
|---|---|
| Option 1: End Orust or Tjörn | |
| 3 days/2 nights per person | GBP |
| 4 days/3 nights per person | GBP |
| 5 days/4 nights per person | GBP |
| 6 days/5 nights per person | GBP |
| 7 days/6 nights per person | GBP |
| Option 2: Start Smögen or Lysekil | |
| 3 days/2 nights per person | GBP |
| 4 days/3 nights per person | GBP |
| 5 days/4 nights per person | GBP |
| 6 days/5 nights per person | GBP |
| 7 days/6 nights per person | GBP |
| Optional Extras (see description below) | |
|---|---|
| Camping package/person 3-day tour | GBP |
| Camping package/person 4-day tour | GBP |
| Camping package/person 5-day tour | GBP |
| Camping package/person 6-day tour | GBP |
| Camping package/person 7-day tour | GBP |
| Sleeping bag package/person 3-day tour | GBP |
| Sleeping bag package/person 4-day tour | GBP |
| Sleeping bag package/person 5-day tour | GBP |
| Sleeping bag package/person 6-day tour | GBP |
| Sleeping bag package/person 7-day tour | GBP |
| 1-day kayak course/person | GBP |
| 2-hour private lesson/person (max. 2 persons) | GBP |
| Wetsuit or kayak jacket/person 3-day tour | GBP |
| Wetsuit or kayak jacket/person 4-day tour | GBP |
| Wetsuit or kayak jacket/person 5-day tour | GBP |
| Wetsuit or kayak jacket/person 6-day tour | GBP |
| Wetsuit or kayak jacket/person 7-day tour | GBP |
| Equipment cleaning at end of tour (per kayak) | GBP |
- Camping package: Price is per person and must be chosen by min. 2 persons in a group. Includes high quality 2/3 person Vaude tent, sleeping mattress (Thermarest inflatable), camping chair adaptor for Thermarest, cooking stove (Trangia-style gas stove), camping gas, meal kit (Light My Fire), toilet spade. Note that package is priced per person (must be chosen by min. 2 persons in a group). Tents and stoves are supplied one per two persons (odd-numbered groups will receive extra tent and stove, for example, a group of 3 persons would received 2 x tent + 2 x cooking stove). NB: Please note that sleeping bag is not included.
- Sleeping bag package: Sleeping bag is not included in the standard camping package but can be hired separately. Sleeping sheet/liner is included.
- 1-day course or 2-hour private lesson: It is possible to do 1-day (public) or 2-hour (private) introductory courses before your tour and this is strongly recommended, especially for novice or inexperienced
paddlers. NB: 2-hour private lessons are offered on request. 1-day courses are offered only on certain dates but additional courses can be offered for min. 4 persons, subject to availability. Please contact us for details of course dates running around your chosen period. If a 1-day course is not available on your chosen day, 2-hour private lesson may be available as an alternative.
- 1-day course: Full day (tuition component 4-5 hours), please bring food for lunch. Public courses are offered on specific dates - please contact us for details. For groups of minimum 4 persons, day courses at standard prices can also be arranged on other dates. The course begins at the kayak centre at 09.00 with instruction until around 13.00. Participants then have the opportunity to practise the techniques taught until around 17.00. Course is ideal for novice paddlers and corresponds to European Paddle Pass Level 1 (Yellow). If you are doing a 1-day course before your normal start day, you are welcome to keep the kayak equipment after the course, allowing you set off early for your tour if you wish and effectively adding an additional night to your tour free of charge. If you have hired the camping package as an optional extra, you can also use the equipment for the night following your course at no additional charge. Camping in the immediate area of the kayak centre is not permitted, but you can kayak a short distance to camp for the night.
- 2-hour private lesson: Offered subject to availability. Price per person for up to 2 persons. Normally takes place in the morning of your start day (typically 09.00-11.00) and you will begin your tour straight after. NB: If choosing a private lesson, we recommend minimum total tour duration of 4 days/3 nights, as the lesson will take up some of the time on the first day and therefore reduce available paddling time to reach the end point.
- Courses include all necessary kayak equipment. A wetsuit will normally be required for the courses (depending on water temperature) and can be hired on site for around 100 SEK (about £10)/person.
- If you require accommodation for the night before your course or would like accommodation for the night following the course, there is a comfortable hostel adjacent to the kayak centre.
- Wetsuit or kayak jacket: You may wish to use a wetsuit or kayaking jacket during your tour, especially if paddling during the cooler parts of the season. Please provide sizes in advance (S-M-L-XL-XXL) and specify on booking whether you require wetsuit or kayak jacket.
- Equipment cleaning at end of tour: 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. If you are not able to do this (e.g. because you have a return flight on the evening of your last day and time is short), it is possible to arrange for your equipment to be cleaned and returned for you.
What's Included »
Included
Equipment:
- All necessary kayaking equipment: single rotomoulded sea kayak with paddle, buoyancy aid, spray skirt, bilge pump and paddle leash, bag for drinking water (one 6l bag per person). Double kayaks can also be arranged if required (especially suitable for novices as double kayaks are the most stable option).
- Map package with recommended route, possible camp sites, restaurants and small stores to purchase supplies.
- Transfer from kayak centre to start point (required for Option 2 only).
- Transfer from end point to kayak centre.
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. If you have a return flight on the evening of your last day, it is possible to arrange for your equipment to be cleaned and returned for you (see Optional Extras).
Introduction:
For Option 1, you will be given a 30-minute introduction to the equipment and basic technique before launching at 09.00 on your start day. For Option 2, which requires previous experience, there will be basic introduction to the equipment. For novice and less experienced paddlers, a 1-day kayaking course or 2-hour private lesson before your self-guided tour begins can be added as an optional extra and is strongly recommended.
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.
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.
- Meals: Self-catering. Camping stove can be hired as optional extra. We recommend that you bring essential supplies for your tour with you from the start. Uddevalla has a wide range of food stores. There are also small stores along the route to purchase additional supplies, though we do not recommend that you rely on these for essentials as you may arrive outside opening hours.
- Camping equipment (can be hired as optional extra).
- Dry bags (can be purchased on arrival if required).
Good To Know »
Required
Health requirements/experience:
Minimum 2 adults (18+) required for safety reasons. Recommended minimum age 15 years. For younger participants, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
You should be used to and enjoy the outdoor life and be able to swim. The experience is completely self-guided and it is important that you are comfortable on the water in different weather conditions. There are no strong tides or currents in the West Coast archipelago, though in windy conditions the water can be choppy.
Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions regarding your suitability for the tour.
- Option 1 (Orust and Tjörn): Previous experience of kayaking is recommended. Novice or inexperienced paddlers without knowledge of rescue and safety techniques are strongly advised to add the optional kayaking tuition before your tour begins. Novices may also prefer to request double kayaks, which are the most stable option.
- Option 2 (Smögen and Lysekil): Previous experience of multi-day self-guided kayak tours in open water in a range of conditions is required. This landscape is more open and exposed and there are fewer options to vary the route to keep to more sheltered waters.
Note that water can be very cold if paddling early/late in the season and we recommend you have additional experience/confidence on the water for tours at this time.
What makes this "Medium"?
The tour is a self-guided experience in a marine environment with wild camping each night. In windy conditions the water can be choppy. The water can be very cold if paddling early/late in the season. Depending on the itinerary option chosen, distance covered and duration of the tour, the level of challenge can easily be varied from moderate to hard depending on weather conditions and level of experience/fitness. Option 2 itinerary has Medium-Hard level of challenge.
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.
Combine This With
This experience makes a good combination with the following:
- Canoeing in Dalsland's Lake District (4 or 7 days, 1.5 hours by bus)
Groups
This experience is suitable for groups of up to max. 8-12 persons (provided at least some double kayaks are used). Please contact us to discuss your requirements. Groups larger than 8 are recommended to choose the Option 1 route, as there will be a greater choice of suitable camping locations.
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.
Where Is It...?
Reviews »
You can also see customer photos from this experience in the Nature Travels Facebook Gallery.
Media Coverage:
"Sweden's western coastal waters and archipelago of 8,000 islands offer some of the best locations in Europe for kayaking. This self-guided adventure (maps provided) will take you around the Bohuslän archipelago, wild camping every evening." The Telegraph recommends our kayak tours in West Sweden as one of its "50 Adventures to Try in your Lifetime".
"The best arm workout you'll do all year." Men's Health magazine recommends Self-guided Sea Kayaking in Bohuslän as one of its "Greatest Adventures on Earth".
"Head into the wilds for a sea kayaking adventure around the Bohuslän archipelago in Sweden." Recommended by AOL Travel.
"Offshore Heaven - Paddle into the sunset on a self-guided sea kayak tour among the Bohuslän archipelago in west Sweden." Recommended by The Daily Telegraph.
"Sweden is great territory for nature-based trips." The Independent recommends our sea kayaking holidays in Sweden as part of its "Canoe & Kayak Holidays in Europe" feature.
"If you've ever fantasized about gliding silently through the water on a kayak, camping on deserted beaches, spotting seals and soaking up the spirit of the sea, you'll find no shortage of experiences here." Recommended by CNN International.
"A six-day self-guided sea kayaking tour of the Bohuslän archipelago." The Independent on Sunday recommends Self-guided Sea Kayaking in Bohuslän as one of its "Top 10 Royal Wedding Escapes".
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Customer Reviews:
"The best part was being self-supported and having the freedom to decide the route and camping options. The info the team provided at the start on routes and camping was really helpful." Tim, June 2025
"Such a beautiful part of the world." Adam, May 2025
"It was a great trip and I endorse the setup you have. It's excellent!!" Ken, July 2024
"The day we kayaked from a small island in the fjord to Gullholmen was the best part. That island is a little gem. We had a fabulous day there looking around and going to the cafe for lunch." Emma
"Pre-departure service was simple, efficient and friendly. We were there in May for the bird breeding season. Evenings were spent watching a cabaret of seabirds in their hundreds wheeling, interacting and raising their young." Dil
"The highlight was the freedom camping on small remote islands with beautiful sunsets." Richard
"You offered the self-guided activity we wanted at a good price. Good flexibility in terms of length of activity and using some of our own camping gear. Getting to some more remote islands and wild camping there was a highlight." Alice
"Wild camping was great fun. [We chose Nature Travels because of] quality of website, responsiveness to enquiries, and reasonable value for money." Rob
"We enjoyed Sweden very much. The best part was the opportunity to experience an environment where much greater freedom in outdoor activities is possible that you can find in the UK." David
"Thanks - this was the perfect holiday for us and will definitely be looking at another trip with you. Everything was perfect, camping on the islands such good fun. Local host in Sweden was brilliant and equipment good too." Dan
"It was all great, with great information on the website. The best part was finding an island and setting up camp without meeting any other people." Raphael
"The camping spots were beautiful." Paloma
"Thanks for the awesome trip and very clear guidance before. Good value for money, strong range of options. Superb kayak company, very clear briefing, great coffee and a good service." Zoe
"Pre-departure services was very informative, responsive and accommodating, very impressed! Staff in Sweden were very helpful and friendly, great kayak equipment, atmosphere out at sea amongst the islands, free camping. A great trip, thanks for your help with arrangements." Jenny
"It was all great! Excellent kayaking centre in Sweden - super helpful pre-trip briefing and excellent kit. Fantastic camping locations." Katie
"Everything was perfect, thank you! We already did the same trip 3 years ago. But there is nothing better than kayaking and exploring all the little islands! Thanks for all." Deniz
"The best part was the complete freedom to explore the islands. Everything was clearly communicated and the couple of questions we had were answered very quickly. [I chose Nature Travels because] I had prior experience and knew that you get good quality equipment and professional service." Tobias
"The wild camping on the islands was heavenly. I wasn't prepared for how breathtaking the experience would be. Setting up camp on the water's edge. Sitting by the fire in the evening. Listening to crackling of burning wood and the sound of the sea. Pure bliss. And THANK YOU this was a holiday my brother and I will always remember and cherish. You're wonderful!!!" Liam
"Alix and I are back from our adventure. Just wanted to let you know that we absolutely loved the centre - our favourite one yet! The weather wasn’t always on our side but it gave us a real chance to practise our skills. Thanks again for all your support with the booking of it all." Jenny
"I would definitely recommend the trip to other people. Nature Travels provided the trip in the area we wanted to explore and thought it gave good value for money. The folks at the kayak centre made us feel very relaxed about our trip as we had never done anything like this before as a family." Amelia
"The kayak centre was excellent. Friendly tuition and advice prior to setting off was just right. Equipment and kayak were of good quality. [The best part was] wild camping on outer islands of the archipelego (in great weather)." John and Jenny
"Was a wonderful experience! Thank you." Aeneas
"[The best part was] the warm welcome we received at the kayak centre. Each night we had our own 'hotel' in nature." Barbara and Evert
"Helpful info throughout and competitive prices. [Our favourite part was] having your own 'private' island each night!" Luke
"Overall we were very happy. [Information provided] was all as good as we could have wanted." Christine
"It was just well organized - in terms of booking, preps, info. Navigating, getting lost and found in the narrow passages through the islands. Raspberries, blueberries, geese, swans,...and peace & tranquility." Rok
"[The highlights were] feeling completely free and enjoying being alone on islands and wild camping! Truly letting go of everyday life. Challenging ourselves with navigating the winds. Probably one of the best and most relaxing holidays we've had. Thank you!" Danni
"The kayaking was a pleasant way of traveling. We had a lovely evening by the campfire. Even the rain couldn't bring us down we just took a lovely swim." Lucas
"It was easy to book, lots of detailed information. Sweden is a beautiful country! We loved the camping and exploring and whilst the wind picked up by day 3 and made it a little harder to paddle it wasn't so difficult we couldn't do it - it was just slower progress! The kayaks were really stable, the gear was good quality and the local contacts at the kayak centre were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful throughout. I cant recommend this experience highly enough! Loved it." Liz
"You were wonderfully helpful every step of the way. The information sheet we received after booking was incredibly helpful! We had the most incredible time on our holiday, the whole process was so easy and well organised, and the kayaking was stunning. We want to do it all over again." Bryher
"A great trip out in Bohuslän. Lots of wind, rainy nights, wet clothes and getting a little bit lost couldn't stop us from enjoying the beautiful rocky coast, great camping spots and silence. Our host was very knowledgeable, friendly and warm and this definitely added to the experience." Eline and Jessica
"Couldn't really be happier! We were well instructed, the gear was in good nick, the maps worked out and the coffee was good! [Dan] I really enjoyed every minute of the trip and it lived up to the expectation [Jurien]. Personally I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and can't think of any way it could have been improved. I happily recommend it to anyone and would happily book again [Rob]." Rob
"Fantastic nature, fantastic people." Dirk and Jo
"My friends found Nature Travels and when I saw how environmentally aware this company is and how ethical and conscious of our place in nature and our potential impact on it and it on us I knew it would be the right choice for me. I would just like to say thank you to the team for making the trip such a memorable and hassle-free experience and for all the follow up emails and info and check list which was invaluable. The diversity of landscape we encountered from sheltered bays to gorgeous rocky inclines on our camping spots, all of which were unspoilt. I loved camping wild. It was my first time and I have been wanting to do it for so long that this far exceeded my expectations. Rich habitats, warm waters to bathe and play in. The welcome we received was fabulous and very informative, down to weather charts and being given the confidence that we would be fine on the water and could be picked up from several destinations if we didn't make it to the end destination. That really made the trip feel relaxed and carefree. Being with two friends who looked out for me and I for them was a very bonding experience I will never forget. At every point of the booking process I felt informed and taken care of so well, even down to the coffee when we arrived." Virginia
"We had a fab time in Sweden and would love to travel through Nature Travels again. I have lots of photographs and I am in the process of writing a blog. I would be very happy to review the trip for your website should you wish me to." Cate
"Excellent weather made the sea kayaking trip first class. [We chose Nature Travels because] all of our requirements were met for a kayaking trip." Alex
"[The best part was] the paddling! Especially when we spotted a seal just outside of Gustavsberg. The independence and self sufficiency of carrying all our gear for 4 days unsupported. How the local provider was welcoming, informative and helpful and not too overbearing in our preparations; he offered the perfect amount of advice and support whilst letting us get on with it. Following our experience and because your partnership with the local providers and link to Sweden is so good I would certainly come to you first for my next experience." Alex
"Good level of contact from you. It was always fairly prompt and helpful. Being out on the water was great. Seeing and visiting the coastal areas north of Gothenborg was amazing. Visiting small fishing villages and camping on deserted islands." Matt
"The information you sent when the booking was confirmed was very detailed and useful. Keep up the good work! The self-guided kayak tour in the beginning of May is such a great experience. It was too soon for the sun, swimming and touristic activities, but we were able to see lots of animals during our trip, which was absolutely fantastic. If we're searching for an outdoor activity in the future, we'll definitely take another look on your website." Frauke
"[We really enjoyed] being totally self sufficient for 6 days in a beautiful area." Richard
"I found the pre-departure service very good and all the relevant information was given. The best bit of the trip were the islands we were able to camp on each night. It was wonderful - the only improvement would have been to have avoided the thunder/lightening/hailstorm which occurred in the middle of our trip (whilst we were in the middle of the sea as well!!)." Jemma
"Doing an activity that we enjoy, paddling in a new place - the archipelago is interesting - enjoying the solitude of camping out. We were very well looked after by the company at Gustafsberg - from the first meeting until the very end. The staff and their organisation of our trip were great. The kayaks and gear were suitable for the expedition, the camping equipment was very good. The main nautical map provided was excellent (and essential!). On the last day, the weather deteriorated and we were like drowned rats when we landed (we were OK out on the water as we had taken our own kayaking jackets but being on land was different!!). However, we had been able to keep in contact with Joharim in the last few hours, and he arrived with hot coffee." Jean and Allan
"[Nature Travels] were very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic to help. The wild camping in Sweden was an ultra good experience. The kayaking people were very helpful and good equipment." Andrew
"After the initial briefing, it was good being left to our own devices and being able to self-navigate to different islands. I have already recommended the trip to various colleagues." Kim
"[The best part was] camping on Valerö. The ocean at our back, a brillant driftwood fire and the prospect of paddling from Karingön to Krakensund in some peaking swell. A fantastic experience. Prompt responses to queries. Very hassle free. Reliable company. Well represented by its staff." Luke
"The whole thing was great. This was our first trip out of our home country of Canada and experiencing Sweden in this way was fantastic. We felt safe because of the little villages all around us but yet very free on the water. We do wilderness camping here at home so to do it in Sweden was great! We wanted to go sea-kayaking and when looking for a place to go Nature Travels seemed to have the most organized and well laid-out plans. My initial questions were answered within a few hours and it was very easy to communicate. Very professional. We had a great kayaking experience and we will definitely be back. Your company and the kayak centre were great to deal with. Everyone was friendly and excited for us and wanted to hear about our trip. It was nice to feel that warmth of strangers when we were so far away from home. The waters we paddled were beautiful and we have a lot of great memories to look back on. Thanks for a great trip! Our trip was in June, sorry it took so long to give you our feedback!" Tanya
"We had a great trip and came back with many memories! We are already talking about going back either next year or the one after that. We wanted to thank Nature Travels for making our experience so easy and exciting for us. Thank you! Hopefully we will meet again in the future." Tanya
"Thank you for an excellent and efficient service - we had a brilliant holiday. Thank you also for arranging a double kayak for the trip at such short notice. The best part was pottering around the islands and finding remote camping spots and the opportunity to be self-guided as it gave us more freedom and flexibility." Eleanor
"Beautiful and varied scenery, camping on deserted islands, cooking fresh fish over an evening campfire, lovely sunshine (we were very lucky with the weather), great wildlife and having the world to ourselves. It was a great holiday." Hannah
"The trip was great! We are definitely sold on sea kayaking. Thanks for your help sorting everything out - we will certainly be recommending the trip to our friends. Just the ease with which you can camp on the islands is awesome. The trip has a good sense of remoteness but you are never too far from a town to re-supply with food or get a coffee!" Ben
"Just to let you know that we had a blast. Mostly nice weather, the nature was magnificent and the Swedish very friendly. A once in a lifetime experience." Nele
"The kayak trip was a real experience of being independent on the water. The trekking was a chance to see wild Sweden. Your choice of provider for both was excellent. Please pass our thanks to them if you have a chance. They made our holiday really great. We would thoroughly recommend Nature Travels." Stephen.
"We absolutely loved the trip - thanks! The beautiful camping spots. The amazing silence!" Clare
"We had a great time on our trip and would like to thank the staff at the kayak centre who couldn't do enough to help us." David
"Everything went swimmingly well. Debi and I particularly loved the kayaking - awesome, pretty good weather.and the most beautiful and peaceful settings." Danny and Debi
"[The best part was] the freedom of the adventure and challenge and environment." Roland
"Firstly, this was a truly amazing experience in a beautiful part of the world - it will be an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. Having looked around many companies that offer sea-kayaking, this is one of the few trips which allows you to be self-guided, and we really appreciated having this opportunity. The self-guided element meant that we were allowed to travel at our own pace, something that was particularly useful on our trip, as although I have quite extensive canoeing experience, my wife did not, and it allowed her the opportunity to 'learn the ropes' at her own pace. The hire company were great - extremely helpful and genuinely nice people - there was no pressure placed on us, and Ulrika was particularly helpful - we left on our first morning feeling very reassured and comfortable with the 3 days ahead. This was extemely helpful, as we had bad weather forecast for the second day, and she reassured us that all would be fine, and that if we felt the water was too choppy, then we could give the day a miss, and could call to arrange collection from another point. I also have to thank Bob for all his help - every time we had a query or question, he came up with an answer - amazing! I would thoroughly recommend you to my friends and family and we look forward to booking another trip through you in the near future. In terms of advice for other people travelling on this trip - remember to get some water for the trip - depending on which way you travel through the fjords it may be difficult to get hold of en route, get hold of some good midge repellent, and finally - book this trip! Thanks again for a great experience." Bryony and Craig
"The wild camping each night was great. The service we received in Sweden was far beyond what we expected, nothing was too much trouble and we were made very welcome. Obviously with any hire company we weren't sure what would be waiting for us when we arrived but we were both impressed by the equipment provided. Proper charts in Ortlieb waterproof cases really showed how professional they were. We'll be back again, maybe in doubles with our partners, fantastic." Timothy
"Too many [highlights] to choose from. Definitely be up for sea kayaking again." Iain
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"The best part was being self-supported and having the freedom to decide the route and camping options. The info the team provided at the start on routes and camping was really helpful." Tim, June 2025
Recommended by Men's Health magazine as one of its "Greatest Adventures on Earth".
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Did You Know...?
- We also offer kayak courses in Bohuslän.
