SELF-GUIDED KAYAKING ADVENTURES IN SWEDEN

Top Quality Equipment

We think it is very important that you receive quality gear when setting off on your kayaking adventure, which is why we only send you out with top quality kayaking & camping equipment. This ensures you have the best possible trip with equipment that perfectly suits multi-day kayaking expeditions.

We use Tahe fiberglass kayaks, Trangia stoves, lightweight Aquabound paddles, Silva navigation gear, Yak safety gear and Hilleberg tents.

Our Kayaks

We typically use quality fiberglass Tahe Marine Tandem Maxi Kayaks. We find they are easy to handle and very stable. They offer plenty of space for all the equipment and with two people per kayak you can paddle for longer, making them ideal for multi-day trips. The composite hull is designed to be stable, with quick acceleration and a high end speed.

Our doubles are perfect for multi-day trips. You can cover larger distances, are very stable, you can fit in plenty of gear and offer a more social and fun trip. Odd numbered groups will receive one single for the extra person.

Our Tents

Our tents are top quality 2 person Hilleberg Rogen tents and supplied one per two people. The tents have two doors making them airy on warm days and cozy during cold nights. The Hilleberg reputation is well deserved.

Full Kit List

Tahe Tandem Maxi Kayak (1 per 2 people)
Lightweight Fiberglass Paddle (1 per person)
Spray Deck (1 per person)
Life Jacket (1 per person)
Bilge Pump (1 per 2 people)
Waterproof Bags (for your clothes)
Rope (1 per 2 people)
Hilleberg 2 Person Tent (1 per 2 people)
Clean Sleeping Bag (1 per person)
Inflatable Sleeping Mat (1 per person)
Inflatable Pillow (1 per person)
Torch (1 per person)
Trangia Gas Stove Pan, Frying Pan (appropriate for the group size)
Gas (appropriate for the group size / trip length)
Flint Lighter (1 per group)
Eating Kit Cup, Plate, Bowls, Knife, Fork, Spoon, Salt & Pepper (1 per person)
Cooking Kit Large Spoon, Spatula, Cooking Tweezers, Knife, Food Prep Board (1 per group)
Water bottles Filled with water
Freezer Bag / Icebox (appropriate for food amount)
Custom Guide Book (1 per group)
Weather/Wind/Tide Forecast
Map (1 per group)
Kayak Compass (attached to kayak, 1 per group)
Handheld Compass (1 per group)
Waterproof Map Holder (1 per group)
First Aid Kit Plasters, Bandages, Alcohol Wipes, Tweezers
Emergency Phone

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this trip for me?

You will get wet, you will get salty hair and skin, toilet facilities are basic (a hole or bush), you will be wild camping and with it experience all the highs and lows of spending nights and days in an outdoor environment. If you think you will not enjoy any of these things then this trip may not be for you. We usually find that those with a medium level of fitness and are used to being in an outdoor environment have a better time.

I'm a novice / intermediate, is this trip suitable for me?

Some kayaking experience is recommended but not essential. In fact, many of our customers have never kayaked before. The advantage of a self-guided tour is that you can go at your own pace and stick to more sheltered areas if that makes you feel more comfortable. Our double kayaks are very stable and well suited for beginners and intermediates. Common sense and a taste for adventure is required.

Where will we be kayaking?

All our trips take place along the Bohuslän Coast, which is known as Sweden's kayaking paradise (CNN Travel). Much of the route is around the Fjällbacka archipelago, which in our opinion is the very best of Bohuslän.

Where will we be camping?

You are free to wild camp almost anywhere in the archipelago. Use our customised guide book for camping spot recommendations or find your own private island to camp on for the night.

Is there a set route?

Only if you want there to be. We provide you with a customised guide which details different routes around the area, all graded for difficulty, however it's really up to you whether you want to follow one of them.

Is the route circular?

No. This means that you will not have to go back on yourself. We drop you off to the South and you paddle towards your goal to the North, weaving through the archipelago as you go. Don't worry there are plenty of shortcuts should you decide on a more relaxed trip.

Will we have a guide?

No, all our trips are self-guided. We will provide you with a customised guide book detailing recommended routes, points of interest, places to resupply and recommended camping spots. We will also talk you through the gear and routes before you set off, other than that your on your own to enjoy your trip at your own pace.

Will we be with other people?

You will be transferred by minibus with other groups and be talked through all the equipment together. After that, you will set off in your own private group of friends or couple. Depending on the time of the year, you may meet others out there. If you really want to get away from people, that is possible too. There are even some islands which only have space for one tent.

Is it safe?

There are hardly any currents or strong tidal waters around the archipelago and the many islands which make up the archipelago provide a natural barrier from the open sea. The kayaks we use are extremely stable, so you're very unlikely to fall in, but if you did, it’s just matter of pulling yourself back aboard. Obviously, as with any sporting activity there is always a risk. There are plenty of sheltered areas around the islands so knowing your limits, using the safety equipment and using common sense will help keep you safe.

Do we have to be fit?

You don't have to be fit to go sea kayaking but it helps. Being a self-guided trip, you get to decide your own pace and many of the recommended routes have short cuts, so even if you are slower than you expected, it's not a problem. We have a weight limit of 120kg per person.

Are your trips family friendly?

Both kayaking and camping is a great way to spend time with the family. However, please note that we have an age limit of 12 years old when accompanied by adult, otherwise it's 18 years old.

Will we get lost?

It can be hard to navigate when your so low in the water but it's all part of the fun. One of the group will be assigned as the navigator, they will have a kayak compass strapped to their kayak, will have a map and a hand compass. It will be their job to navigate your group through the islands. A bit of knowledge of how to read a map is useful but even if you are a novice, you will soon pickup the observation skills needed to stick to the route. You will always be able to see the mainland and there is a 4G phone signal throughout the whole area, so there is always the option to cheat with GPS if needs be.

When is the best time to go?

Every month has it's own perks and May through to mid-September is a fantastic time to see the archipelago.
May can be a little cooler and it is very quiet out on the water. Some of the cafes at the villages have not yet opened for the season.
June brings warmer weather and it is still fairly quiet around the archipelago. By the time midsummer comes about, the villages are in full swing.
July is warm and you will find a lot more pleasure craft during the day. The coastal fishing villages are very lively.
By mid-August the pleasure craft have all but disappeared and the archipelago is very quiet again.
September is a little cooler and the archipelago will have few people around.
There is no wrong month to choose and even in the busier July period you can still experience coastal wilderness and find an island all to yourself.

What is the weather like?

A typical summers day has an average temperature of 24°C with water temperatures around 21°C. Generally, the temperatures are perfect for kayaking. It is Scandinavia, so there is always a chance of rain but if it does rain, it often passes quickly during the summer months. Being so far North, you can expect long days during June & July, where the sun barely dips below the horizon.

What about food? Is it included in the price?

We will send you a food list 30 days before your trip, you can then select and pre-purchase all the food you need, so that it is waiting for you when you arrive. Food is not included in the price, however you pay the same price as we do at the local supermarket. Included in the food list will be a range of foods which will cater for most dietary requirements. If you have any special requests, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. On some of the days, you will come across places to resupply and even grab a bite to eat. These are all marked in the guidebook.

Why do you recommend double kayaks?

The double kayaks we use are extremely stable and can fit plenty of gear for long trips. They are perfectly suited for multi-day expeditions. With two paddling, you will find you can paddle further and for longer. They also provide a more sociable and enjoyable trip. We will provide a single kayak for odd numbered groups. e.g. a group of 5 will receive 2 double kayaks and 1 single kayak.

Can you pick us up at X or drop us at X?

We can pick you up at any Gothenburg hotel/hostel or the train station. We can drop you back after your trip at any hotel/hostel, the train station and even the airport if you plan on flying back on the final day of your trip. If you have any special requests, just let us know and we will let you know if it is possible.

Can you hold onto excess luggage whilst we are kayaking?

Yes, this is not a problem.

What extra costs are there?

The following are not included in the trip price:

• Flights to Gothenburg Landvetter
• Food (food for the trip is available to pre-order and charged at the same price as the local supermarket)
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance

Can i bring my own gear?

You are welcome to bring your own gear, however we cannot provide any discount if you do so,

What should i pack?

• Shorts & t-shirts
• Trousers & warm jumper
• Shoes or Neoprene socks
• Swimsuit & towel
• Sun cap & warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen & toiletries
• Camera

A full list will be sent to you before you arrive.

Have more questions!

Just send us an email. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

[email protected]