Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our kayaking tours, kayaks, canoes and travelling to beautiful Stockholm Archipelago. You are always welcome to contact us as we are happy to help and there is no such thing as a silly question!
General questions about rental
Address: Skärgårdens Kanotcenter
Resarövägen 10, 185 51 Resarö/Vaxholm, Sweden
Our kayak center is located on Resarö island, about 30 min by car from Stockholm and is accessed all year round by public transport. Please visit our Contact page for a detailed map.
Our kayak center is located about 30 min by car from Stockholm and it is easy to get here with public transport. Take subway T14 towards Mörby Centrum, on station Danderyds sjukhus go to bus terminal F and switch to bus 670. Our nearest bus stop is 100m away and is called Engarn.
You can also choose the ferry and we highly recommend this option before or after your kayaking trip. The ferry will take you from Stockholm city center (stop name Strömkajen or Slussen) to Vaxholm. The ferry schedule can be found on the operator’s website www.waxholmsbolaget.se. The easiest way to get to us from Vaxholm is by bus 670 (runs every several minutes).
There is a free public parking in front of the kayak center.
Guided tours are available all year round. Rentals are usually open from May through September, but opening hours change depending on water temperature, daylight and conditions. Please check our detailed opening hours →
We are renting kayaks, canoes and SUP for 3 hours up to multiple days. We have a wide variety of rentals available – single and tandem day-touring kayaks, canoes, SUP, camping gear and safety kayaking equipment. Check the full price list →
We absolutely recommend booking to avoid disappointment. Especially multi-day rentals and overnight packages should be booked well in advance. While drop-ins are welcome, we do sell out regularly on busy weekends so it is always best to book online by our website.
Reservations made on our website are paid immediately at the time of booking by debit / credit card. Depending on the length of your booking we charge a deposit or total payment at the time of booking. For day tours and day rentals, we charge a full amount. For multiday rentals and packages, a deposit between 500 – 1,000 SEK is due at time of booking, the balance of your trip cost is due 14 days prior to departure. A reminder email will be sent automatically a few days before the due date.
You can also pay by paypal – in these case please contact us.
When you drop-in, we accept cards and swish at our kayak center. In most establishments in Sweden, even on islands, you will be able to pay with card. There is no need to bring cash as many businesses are cash free.
Please read carefully our terms and conditions and cancellation policy.
You can pick up and return reserved kayaks, canoes and other equipment in the kayak center during our working hours. Please visit our Contact page for a detailed map and working time.
If you booked 1-3 hours option it’s important that you arrive 5-10 minutes before your time slot. On busy days there may be people booked after you so your rental time may be reduced.
Call us at +46 8 541 377 90 as soon as you know you are going to be late and we will try to move your reservation, however on busy days there may be people booked after you so your rental time may be reduced.
The weather in Stockholm Archipelago tends to be slightly better the further you get from the mainland. Often when it is pouring in Stockholm there is brilliant sun in the outer skerries. In Sweden we say ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes’. You will be surprised how fun it is to paddle in rain. Make sure you wear the right outdoor clothing (no jeans or cotton). During thunderstorms or very strong winds we may have to re-schedule or cancel activities for safety reasons.
Make sure you always stay aware of the weather forecast when planning your trip. We recommend to download SMHI app on your mobile. Local weather forecast →
You must show a valid ID-card or passport to sign the rental contract at the reception.
Dress outdoor clothes for the weather! Avoid cotton, look for quick-drying fabrics or wool instead. Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts, thermal top and wetshoes or sandals with proper straps (shoes you don’t mind getting wet) will work well. Don’t forget a rain jacket and a fleece just in any case. Remember about a bottle of water, sunscreen and sunglasses with strap. If you wear prescription glasses we also recommend using a strap.
Due to the safety reasons we always recommend to paddle with friends or join our guided tour. Solo paddlers should know a solo capsize and re-entry technique to paddle unaccompanied. If you cannot do so, you may be able to join our guided tour or rent a stand up paddleboard instead.
The kayaks we use are stable and designed for comfort. For those a little concerned, the double kayaks are slightly more stable than the singles. If you don’t have much kayaking experience, we recommend a tandem kayak.
Learn about safety tips and how to make buddy rescue before you rent kayaks with friends on your own hand. The T-rescue (or buddy rescue) offers a quick way to get a capsized kayak partner back in their boat. Learn about safety tips & rescue →
When you arrive to our kayak center we will provide safety briefing. Together we will have a look on the map and will discuss the current weather and route with you. You can also get inspired by checking some of our recommended routes →
Remember that your route will be determined by weather and wind as well as your and your friends’ paddling skills. Avarage paddling speed with a sea kayak is about 4 – 5 km/h (but depends also on wind speed and direction). Learn more about how to plan paddling distance →
We provide you a short introduction about equipment and route prior to going out on the water. If you are particularly nervous or need a full lesson we recommend our tours or courses.
We recommend leaving your valuables at home/in your car. If you arrive by foot or bicycle, there is an area to leave clothing/shoes but we don’t take responsibility for things left in our kayak center. A small drybag is provided with your rental if you’d like to take your valuables with you (mobile, car keys, documents etc.).
Multi-day rentals and overnight packages
Absolutely! Our kayak center specializes in multiday kayak rentals and kayaking holidays. We have a selection of single and double expedition kayaks as well as top notch camping gear included in our self-guided tour packages. If you feel comfortable paddling on your own we’re happy to outfit you with the gear you need to explore Stockholm Archipelago.
When you rent multi-day option, storage of your empty suitcase/backpack is included. We also provide a small drybag if you’d like to take your valuables with you (mobile, car keys, documents etc.). Please note that we don’t take responsibility for things left in our kayak center.
Canoes are designed to stay closer to the land and explore the inner, sheltered waters without traffic of ferries and other vessels. We recommend canoes for short trips for 1 – 3 days.
If you are planning the trip for longer than 3 days and want to discover more distant islands, you should book one of our expedition kayak. We use expedition single and double kayaks designed to cover long distance. Our kayaks are equipped with roomy hatches to fit your camping gear, food and water supply for multiday kayak trips. Learn more about our kayaks →
If you wish to book only for 24 hours you need to pick up the gear at 17:30 before we close the rental and return the next day before 17:30. Please book the equipment in our booking system only for 1 day (the following day) and write in the comment that you will pick up the gear in the evening.
In general you will need paddling clothes and on shore outdoor clothes, camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, mattress, cooking gear, personal items, food and water supply. Most of this equipment is already included in our wild camp packages. Please go through our detailed packing list →
You will also need a map for navigation (1:50.000 will be enough) which includes fairways, sea mark, and landmarks such as buoys and lighthouses. You can bring your own map or rent/buy one at our kayak center.
You should be also consider having spare kayaking equipment and safety gear for the worst-case scenario. If you lose or break a paddle somewhere in remote part of archipelago, you could be in serious trouble without a spare one. Please check the full list with prices for extra gear you may need for your kayaking adventure.
In Sweden we have the unique Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) which gives you the freedom to paddle and camp wherever you like with the obligation to respect and protect the wild and others. You can put up a tent for up to two nights as long as you stay away from dwelling and respect the natural environment. Show that you care about nature so that we all can continue to enjoy and access the outdoors. Learn about Right of Public Access →
When you arrive to our kayak center we will provide safety briefing. Together we will have a look on the map and will discuss the current weather and route with you. You can also get inspired by checking some of our recommended routes →
Remember that your route will be determined by weather and wind as well as your and your friends’ paddling skills. Avarage paddling speed with a sea kayak is about 4 – 5 km/h (but depends also on wind speed and direction). Learn more about how to plan paddling distance →
We use expedition single and double kayaks designed to cover long distance. Our kayaks are equipped with roomy hatches to fit your camping gear, food and water supply for multiday kayak trips. Depending on particular kayak model the hatch openings you’ll be packing into are about 24 – 40 cm across. So baggage limits. Just like the airlines. We recommend that you pack most of your kit into small drybags (about 5 – 10 litres), especially clothes and electronic devices.
Remember that all the food and water also need to fit into the kayaks. Double pack all of your goods into drybags and then into the hatch to protect against the risk of getting wet. Learn more about our kayaks →
We recommend that you take with you 1,5l bottles of water which fit well in kayak hatches (please note we don’t have running water in the kayak center, you can buy water in the nearest shop about 2,5 km away from us).
You should calculate about 2 liters of water per person per day and you should take water supply for at least 3 days. You’ll be able to refill water after few days. We will discuss possibilities during safety briefing in our office.
There are two local grocery stores ICA close to our kayak rental base. Both shops are about 2.5 – 3 km away and you can get there with a bus or our bike (upon availability).
On many of the bigger islands you can find shops, groceries, cafes and restaurants. However most establishments and stores in archipelago are usually open only during the high season (from Midsummer at the end of June until the third week of August). Therefore, we recommend to get almost whole food supply for your adventure, especially dry food like rice, pasta, canned food, muesli etc. Please read more and check map of grocery stores in archipelago in our planning resources.
If you are planning a multi-day kayaking trip it is important to plan your food. You can buy outdoor freeze-dried food, use local restaurants or cook yourself your favourite outdoor meals using common sense. Our expedition kayaks have roomy hatches where you can pack all your camping gear, stove, pots and food for your kayak trip. In general, use your imagination and common sense.
Meals: rice, pasta, muesli, porridge, dry sausages, tinned food, sandwiches, eggs
Snacks: banana, apple, nuts, raisin, dark chocolate, muesli bar
Guided tours and courses
For the safety reasons we have limited spots for each tour. To join our guided tours you need to book ahead, both for your own sake, but also so that our staff can prepare equipment in advance in the best way.
We meet the group at our kayak center about 30 min by car from Stockholm. Address: Skärgårdens Kanotcenter, Resarövägen 10 Resarö. Please visit our Contact page for a detailed map.
Our kayak center is located about 30 min by car from Stockholm and it is easy to get here with public transport. Take subway T14 towards Mörby Centrum, on station Danderyds sjukhus go to bus terminal F and switch to bus 670. Our nearest bus stop is 100m away and is called Engarn.
Please make sure to arrive at least 5 minutes before meeting time. Tours and courses have to run when scheduled but do call us at +46 8 541 377 90 as we may be able to accommodate you depending on the circumstances.
Outdoor clothes according to the weather forecast. Avoid cotton, look for quick-drying fabrics or wool instead. Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts, thermal top and wetshoes or sandals with proper straps (shoes you don’t mind getting wet) will work well. Don’t forget a rain jacket and a fleece just in any case. Remember about sunscreen and sunglasses with strap. If you wear prescription glasses we also recommend using a strap.
Winter temperatures vary in Sweden so layers are the key! You will be provided with the drysuit and boots which will keep you dry but you still need good layers under to stay warm. Avoid cotton and seek for synthetic and thermal clothing. Wear warm thermal underwear as a base layer and tights and fleece as a middle layer. Remember to keep your feet and head warm – wear double socks, preferably wool and a warm hat.
You should also have sunglasses on a sunny day. If you wear prescription glasses we also recommend using a strap.
In Sweden we say ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes’. You will be surprised how fun it is to paddle in rain or snow. Make sure you wear the right outdoor clothing (no jeans or cotton).
For winter tours we will provide you dry suit to keep you dry and warm, and our boots are big enough to fit two pairs of warm socks. During thunderstorms or very strong winds we may have to cancel or re-schedule tours for safety reasons.
Most of our tours are beginner friendly and prior kayaking experience is not necessary. Good general physical condition, ability to swim and taste for adventure is enough to join the group.
During day tours we will paddle in the very heart of Stockholm Archipelago to share with you some of our favourite places and hidden gems. Our guides choose the route before departure, based on their knowledge of the archipelago, weather forecast, the sea conditions and group skills.
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Skärgårdens Kanotcenter
Resarövägen 10, 185 51 Vaxholm, Sweden
info@kanotcenter.com
+46 8 541 377 90
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