Finland · ARCHIPELAGO CRUISES
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 archipelago cruises worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Set out from Market Square with Royal Line for a 2.5-hour evening cruise through Helsinki’s islands, past Suomenlinna, coves, cottages, and seaside districts. Choose the outdoor sundeck or indoor seating, and buy drinks or reserve the onboard buffet separately.
“A wonderful, peaceful way to see the stunning and enormous archipelago. Especially recommended the evening cruise if the weather is good, the sunset was spectacular.”
From Market Square, spend 90 minutes cruising Helsinki’s harbor and nearby islands in summer, or 60 minutes indoors off-season. See Suomenlinna, ice breakers, Korkeasaari Zoo, Eira, Katajanokka, and Kruununhaka with multilingual audio commentary.
“I enjoyed the trip. The route was good as you see a mixture of the city coastline and then the nearby islands. The audio commentary in English was good and explained different places such as the history of the Sea Fortress. Being in Helsinki for only 24 hours, this was a good trip to do.”
Join Stromma Finland at Market Square for a 1.5-hour cruise along Helsinki’s urban shorelines. You’ll pass Suomenlinna, Korkeasaari Zoo, Kaivopuisto, the ice breakers, Eira, Kalasatama, and Kruunuvuorenranta, with commentary in four languages and written information in 12.
Meet your guide at Helsinki’s Kiasma museum, then ride 50 minutes to Porkkalanniemi for an easy 2.5 to 3 km forest and coast walk. Guides such as Alex, Jeff, Max, and Maria point out wildlife and plants before serving a Finnish lunch with dessert and a drink by the Baltic Sea.
“A great day spent exploring the forests of Finland. Tour was beautifully organized and we had a great time. And, a thankful shout out to the tour company who made special food items to accommodate my sons food allergies. Everyone should experience Finland outside of Helsinki and this is the company to choose for your experience. You won’t regret it.”
Travel from central Helsinki in a Taiga Times van with an English-speaking wilderness guide such as Alex, Didi, Jeff, or Helena. Walk 2.5 to 3 kilometers through forest and exposed bedrock, then enjoy a homemade Finnish lunch beside the Baltic Sea. Small groups are limited to eight.
“Our guide Didi was amazing! she is perfectly organized, very kind and explained us lot of curiosities about finnish culture. The tour was very nice and the place is so beautiful; last but not least, the lunch that we had with typical finnish food prepared by her was delicious :)”
Board Royal Line near Helsinki’s Market Square for a coastal cruise past Suomenlinna, Eira, island communities, old fortifications, and the icebreaker fleet. Expect English and Finnish announcements, plus a smartphone audio guide in 28 languages. The cruise lasts about 90 minutes from May through September, and about 60 minutes off-season.
“It was great to see so many people enjoying the summer out on the water. The commentary was very informative with regard to the history of the archipelago. The staff on the SS Helsinki were excellent and looked after us very well.”
Meet Kenneth, Anders, or Henrik at Senate Square for a guided 20 to 30 km snowmobile safari through Helsinki’s winter archipelago. You’ll get full cold-weather gear, ride two adults per machine, stop for hot drinks and campfire lunch, and try ice fishing or kick sledding.
“Fantastic knowledgeable and kind hosts; beautiful countryside - just breathtaking. Eveything was perfect from the pick up, warm gear, briefing, route and lunch! Best thing we did. Thank you!”
Join a guide such as Szabi, Sami, or Nikolai for a five-hour outing from central Helsinki to Porkkalanniemi. Walk forest trails beside the Baltic Sea, learn about Finnish plants and culture, and enjoy campfire snacks, homemade berry juice, and a light meal.
“Excellent and fun tour. Szabi was fantastic and very knowledgeable. Made everyone comfortable and shared his knowledge and experience with everyone. Highly recommend.”
Meet Aavameri at Satava Kayak & SUP for a 3.5-hour guided sea-kayaking trip through Turku’s islands. You’ll learn basic paddling skills, use provided equipment, and follow a weather-based route suited to your group. The small maximum of seven keeps the outing personal.
“Disfrutar de las vistas a las islas desde el kayak fue muy especial. El archipiélago de Turku cuanta con paisajes hermosos, que lucen mucho en esta época del año, con el sol de medianoche y unos cielos espectaculares. A pesar de la gran cantRead more”
Meet Olli, Olle, Marko, or another Redrib guide at Café Marina Bay for a fast, scenic RIB trip east of Helsinki. You’ll hear about Finnish nature, walk a recreational island, eat an outdoor snack lunch, and have time for a public sauna or sea swim.
“Amazing! Our guide Ollie was informative, knowledgeable, passionate and safe. The weather was a little rough but sometimes the best experiences are the challenging ones. Thanks Ollie for a great lunch (and Redrib Experiences)! Definitely recommend.”
Join skipper Matti for a private three to four-hour boat trip through Tammisaari’s archipelago and Ekenäs Archipelago National Park. You’ll cruise narrow channels, watch for seals and white-tailed eagles, hear about local nature and history, and stop on an island for a quiet walk and snacks at your own cost.
“Matti is an excellent guide. We had a great time. The archipelago is a beautiful place for everyone that enjoys nature.”
Spend about an hour aboard m/s Elviira, cruising from Savonlinna passenger harbor past Olavinlinna Castle and into the archipelago. You’ll see lakeside cottages, traditional saunas, and possibly a Saimaa ringed seal. Audio guidance, toilets, WiFi, and a café-bar are available onboard.
“Reitti oli kaunis ja opas kertoi kivasti yksityiskohtia ohittamistamme alueista. Kalasääskin pesä oli kiva nähdä vaikkakin kaukaa.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Vuosaari Paddling Center for a three-hour kayak outing through Eastern Helsinki’s rocky islands, clear water, and sandy beaches. Stable kayaks, safety gear, a snack, and rain jackets are included. No prior kayaking experience is needed.
Join Natura Viva for a beginner-friendly winter kayak trip from Vuosaari Paddling Center to Kallahdenniemi Beach. Guides, including Tinna on some departures, provide drysuits, safety gear, instruction, hot juice, biscuits, and a calm route through Eastern Helsinki’s archipelago.
“Michele and I took leave of our ocean cruise to kayak the Finnish Archipelago. Of all our experiences while visiting 10 countries during 20 days abroad, this was a Top 3 highlight! The setting was unforgettably beautiful. And it was so serene on the water. Natura Viva provides the best equipment. Our guide, Tinna, made sure we knew how to use it. Good thing, as we went out WAY farther and longer than I expected. Who gets to do this? We did!”
Meet guide Gabriel and a group of no more than 10 at Satava Kayak & SUP, 20 minutes from central Turku. Learn basic sea kayaking, paddle among the Turku and Naantali islands, and stop for lunch on a wild island. No experience is needed.
“It was a great trip including nice conversations with our guide Gabriel. We can highly recommend this tour. Thank you for the unforgettable experience.”
Pick a town, a machine, or a fire to sit beside.
