Sweden · ARCHIPELAGO CRUISES
Thirty thousand islands start twenty minutes from the city hall, and the boats differ more than the water does. These 15 compare the guided cruises, the all-day runs out to the outer skerries and the Gothenburg equivalent on price, length and how much of it is spent moving.
See Stockholm from a classic archipelago ship while a live guide explains the islands, landmarks, and local history in English and Swedish. Choose 1.5, 2.5, or 3 hours. You’ll find indoor and limited outdoor seating, a café with snacks and drinks, toilets, and free WiFi onboard.
“4xA Amazing views Amazing guide Amazing fun Amazon time ❤️”
Spend two hours cruising from Skeppsbron through Stockholm’s island world. An English-speaking guide such as Joel, Natalie, or Jonatan shares stories about Swedish history, royal life, local customs, and the boat. You pass Djurgården Canal, Fjäderholmarna, Stora Höggarn, and Tegelön, with indoor seating, an upper deck, blankets, and a small onboard bar.
“I found the self guided tour really interesting. The technology worked well and I felt I learned a lot about Swedish history that I wasn’t aware of.”
Cruise Stockholm’s waterways and inner archipelago to Vaxholm and back in about 2.5 hours. A live English guide, indoor and outdoor seating, blankets, and drinks make this an easy way to see waterfront homes, islands, and historic sights without leaving the boat.
“Great narration but with some breaks so you could enjoy and peace and quiet. The boat has indoor (warm) and and outdoor seating. Blankets available.”
Set out from Lilla Bommen for a 2.5-hour guided cruise through Gothenburg Harbor, past Älvsborg Fortress and into the southern archipelago. You will travel aboard M/S Carl Michael Bellman or M/S S:t Erik, with Swedish and English commentary, outdoor deck seating, indoor areas, restrooms, and a café serving snacks and drinks.
“Absolutely superb trip, highly recommended. Lots to see and enjoy, from the old shipyards out to the islands on the archipelago. The English commentary was very informative too.”
Meet your English-speaking captain at Strandvägen kajplats 19 for a fast, scenic ride through Stockholm’s archipelago. Guides such as Adam, PJ, Anders, and Anton combine local history with sharp boat handling. Warm overalls, wind jackets, beanies, and insurance are included, but leave large bags behind.
“Adam was amazing. Excelent guide and a great spirit. Thank you.”
Meet at 9:00 am in Stockholm, ride to Dalarö, and spend the day paddling among pine-covered islands. Your guide provides kayak instruction, gear, a drybag, Swedish snacks, and a campfire lunch. Guides may include Marcus, Andrew, Lucas, Daniel, Oscar, or Jacob. Expect beautiful views, wildlife, and a real workout.
“We had a truly perfect day--the tour takes place in a stunning section of the archipelago, and our guide, Andrew, was incredibly knowledgable about the surrounding islands, flora and fauna (especially the birds!), and the Baltic Sea overall. 10/10 would do this again.”
Join an English-speaking guide such as Max, Jessica, Teresa, or Florian for a small-group sea-kayak trip from Skärgårdens Kanotcenter. Paddle past red cottages and Vaxholm Fortress, stop for fika or a BBQ lunch, and swim from a quiet island. No kayaking experience is needed, but you should be fit enough for several hours on the water.
“I was a solo traveler & Theresa our guide was amazing. It was such a beautiful day. The instructions were very thorough and as a first time kayaker I did fairly well. The views were beautiful. And the stop for Fika was awesome. I would highly recommend this tour if you need something to do in Stockholm. It’s also a great workout!”
Ride a fast RIB boat from Strandvägen through Stockholm’s archipelago to Vaxholm and back. Your English-speaking guide, including captains such as Adam, Anders, or William, handles the boat and shares local history. Warm overalls, hats, goggles, and life jackets are supplied. Expect a lively, compact trip for up to 12 people.
“Definitely a must do tour in Stockholm. From start to finish Adam, our guide was fantastic, telling us all the history about the archipelago Islands. A real adrenaline rush when the rib was going full speed, a real feel good feeling! Had a fantastic time, a great end to our city break!”
Leave central Stockholm by minivan for a full day of sea kayaking among the archipelago’s islands. You’ll get instruction, safety gear, lunch, Swedish fika, and a small group capped at eight. Guides such as Ben, Patrick, Jasper, and Tigho have led relaxed trips with island walks, bird sightings, and thoughtful local stories.
“Excellent guide, high quality kayaking equipment, the meal was delicious. Very convenient way of seeing some of Sweden's natural beauty!”
Join an English-speaking skipper at Strandvägen for a fast 2-hour RIB ride through Stockholm’s waterways and archipelago. You’ll pass the Nationalmuseum, Gröna Lund, the Vasa Museum, and Waldemarsudde before reaching Fjäderholmarna and Vaxholm Fortress. Waterproof gear, life jackets, and a Swedish fika with a soft drink and pastry are provided.
“Best activity I have ever been!!! Great speed, you have to hang on really! Beautyful surroundings!!”
Kayak the calm waters around Vaxholm with a guide such as Sam, Carl, Jenny, or Iben. Expect a small group of eight or fewer, sea kayaks, island stops, local history, wildlife, and a fika break with coffee, tea, snacks, and pastries. You need good fitness and the ability to swim.
“We had a wonderful time kayaking. Sam was a superb guide and planned a great route for us. He gave us kayaking tips, told us relevant geographical and historical information about the area, and pointed out interesting sights. Lunch on an island was a great break. Excellent way to get out of the city and get a different experience in Sweden. After the tour we used the sauna on site (additional cost and need to ask if it is available, but well worth it!) which helped ease the muscle aches.”
Spend eight hours aboard a comfortable yacht exploring Stockholm’s outer islands from Vaxholm. Your English-speaking captain may let you steer, serves lunch and snacks, and stops for swimming when conditions allow. The group is limited to 10, children must be 12 or older, and you should bring warm layers, sun protection, and rubber-soled shoes.
“Overall was amazing! Even if the weather wasn't great at first, we enjoyed every second of the ride! The food was also great! Thank you for this amazing journey!”
Meet The Green Trails at its central Stockholm office, then ride by minivan to the archipelago for a full day of guided kayaking. You’ll learn the basics, paddle among rugged islands, eat lunch ashore, hike to viewpoints, swim or cliff jump, and finish with Swedish fika. Guides such as Malou, Stevie, Tigho, Viktor, and Pierre have led recent outings.
“Magic learned a lot real feel good day. Instructors very good”
Set out from Lilla Bommens Hamn at 11:30 am for a 2.5-hour guided cruise through Gothenburg harbor and the southern archipelago. You’ll pass Älvsborg Fortress, Styrsö, Fiskebäcksbadet, and Oscar II’s Fort. The guide speaks Swedish and English. Upgrade for reserved indoor seating with traditional fika or lunch.
“Great ship staff and wait staff in the dining room. We enjoyed eating a leisurely lunch as we viewed the beautiful islands of the Gothenburg archipelago.”
Spend five days kayaking Sweden’s Saint Anna Archipelago with a guide and a maximum of eight people. Paddle among forested islands, seals, sea birds, Harstena village, and Häradskär Lighthouse. Quality kayaks, camping gear, cooking equipment, food, drinks, and transport from Norrköping are included.
“This was one of the best trips I have ever taken! The guides were incredible, the gear was top notch, the food was UNBELIEVABLY good. The group I had on the trip was so fun. Really relaxing yet fun adventure. Cannot recommend Do The North enough!”
Pick an island, a century or a sled.
