Explore the Stockholm Archipelago on a private, full-day kayaking adventure — just you and your group, with your own guide and a pace that fits you. You’ll paddle through beautiful island scenery just outside Stockholm, with views around Vaxholm and the surrounding waterways, before landing on a more remote island for a BBQ-style lunch in nature. To finish, you can add a traditional seaside sauna — the perfect Swedish reset after a day on the water.
Meet your private guide at Skärgårdens Kanotcenter, or choose the optional pick-up from Stockholm (Tekniska Högskolan metro). At our kayak base, you’ll have time to change into paddling clothes, pack what you want to bring into a drybag (provided), and store any extra belongings securely on-site.
We’ll start with a warm welcome, a quick gear check and fitting, and a clear overview of the route and conditions for the day — then we head out when you’re ready.
Before launching, your guide will walk you through the essentials on land: posture, strokes, steering, and safety. Once on the water, we’ll practice close to shore until everyone feels comfortable.
This tour is designed to be approachable, but because it’s a longer day with potentially windier stretches, some prior kayaking experience is recommended — especially if you prefer a single kayak. Your guide can also adjust the route to match your comfort level and the day’s conditions.
Once we’re underway, you’ll explore a mix of sheltered bays, narrow passages, and a few more open stretches — always chosen to suit the weather and your group. Over the day, we usually cover around 10–15 km, keeping a steady, enjoyable pace with plenty of time for short stops, photos, and quiet moments on the water.
As the scenery shifts from forested islands to rocky shoreline, you’ll pass traditional summer cottages and calm channels, with views toward the iconic Vaxholm Fortress. Along the way, your private guide shares local stories — island names, history, and what life in the archipelago looks like today.
We’ll also keep an eye out for wildlife: seals, oystercatchers, and — if we’re lucky — white-tailed eagles or ospreys gliding above the water.
During the day, we’ll take a short fika break (coffee and a sweet snack) either on the water or on a nearby island, depending on conditions. Later, we’ll land on a more remote island for a longer stop: a relaxed BBQ-style lunch prepared by your guide, with time to swim, explore, or simply unwind in nature at your own pace.
We typically return via a different route for fresh views and a new perspective on the islands. Keep your eyes open — this is often a great stretch for spotting seals and birdlife.
If you’ve added the sauna, you’ll finish with a calm session in our wood-fired seaside sauna — the perfect Swedish finale after a day on the water.
Dress for the weather! We recommend comfortable outdoor clothing and a windproof jacket. We provide paddling jackets for extra warmth if needed. There’s a beach at the end where you can swim, so don’t forget your swimsuit and towel!
This full-day tour is beginner-friendly, and your guide will give you a short introduction before we start. However, if it’s your first time kayaking and you’re unsure, you might want to consider our shorter 4-hour Kayak & Fika or Sunset Tour instead. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.
We mainly use 2-person kayaks as they’re easy to paddle and perfect for most participants. If you’re paddling solo and have experience, you may be given a 1-person kayak. In case of an odd number of participants, we may pair up people to ensure everyone has a great experience. Our guide will assist with this! 😊
Hotel pick-up isn’t included by default, but for private tours we can arrange a transfer on request (subject to availability and an additional fee). Most guests find it easy to reach us by metro + bus — and once you’re on your way, the adventure starts. 🚣♀️✨
Getting here is easy and eco-friendly. Our kayak center is just a short, scenic trip from Stockholm by public transport.
Step 1: Take subway line T14 to Danderyds sjukhus
Step 2: Change to bus 670 and get off at Engarn (100 meters from us)
Ticket costs around 43 SEK (valid for 75 minutes). Tap your card or phone to pay. More info at sl.se
Optional return: Take a ferry from Vaxholm to Stockholm. It’s just a short bus ride from us. Timetable at waxholmsbolaget.se
Find us on Google Maps: Skärgårdens Kanotcenter, Resarövägen 10
You can take bus 670 from Engarn to Danderyds sjukhus and then the subway to central Stockholm.
For a more scenic return, take a short bus ride to Vaxholm and hop on a ferry to the city. Timetables: waxholmsbolaget.se
If you chose the pick-up/drop-off option, we’ll take you back to Tekniska Högskolan Metro Station after the tour.
Safety first! We paddle in light rain, which can actually make for a more atmospheric experience! However, if the weather conditions are unsafe, we’ll offer to reschedule your tour or provide a full refund. Don’t worry, we also provide waterproof jackets and hats to keep you comfortable during the adventure!
Yes! We can easily accommodate common dietary needs, such as gluten-free and lactose-free options for coffee and pastries. Just let us know when booking, and we’ll make sure to have something delicious for you. 🍪☕
Vaxholm is a charming town and the capital of the Stockholm Archipelago. A perfect place to relax before heading back to Stockholm. You can:
Yes! At Skärgårdens Kanotcenter, you’re welcome to leave larger items like suitcases or backpacks securely on-site during your tour.
For smaller items you’d like to bring — such as a towel for swimming or a change of clothes — we provide waterproof drybags and there’s extra space in the kayak’s hatch. No need to pack light — our kayaks can handle it comfortably 😊
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