Sea Kayak and Wildcamp in the Gulf of Finland
Explore peaceful coves and isolated islands in the Baltic Sea near Helsinki. ½ day off work.
- Finland
- May—September
- Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Helsinki (HEL)
Enjoy two full days of sea kayaking among remote islets in the beautiful Gulf of Finland. Spend a memorable night camping on a deserted beach and enjoy a campfire dinner under the stars. This Epic Weekend adventure includes:
- 2 days of guided sea kayaking
- 1 night in hotel accommodation
- 1 night camping on a remote island
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 campfire dinner
- Professional, local, English-speaking guide
- Airport transfers and activity transfers
- All kayaking and camping equipment
Perfect for:
This is the perfect trip for individuals seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating weekend on the water. No previous kayaking experience required.
Chosen as one of the Top 20 Baltic Beach holidays by The Guardian.
Need To Know
The following are not included in the trip cost:
- Travel to/from Finland
- Dinner on the first night
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance that covers sea kayaking
- Tips for your guide (optional)
This trip will run with a maximum of 8.
Sure! A lot of people do, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our Epic Weekends are very social in nature and we’ve seen lots of new friendships born out of them. Expect a mix of like-minded solo travelers and very small groups of 2 or 3, all with a shared appreciation of escaping the city for the great outdoors to try something new and meet new people.
No previous kayaking experience is needed. Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start. You’ll just need reasonable levels of fitness to handle approx 25km of relaxed paddling over the course of two days. People in average condition complete this trip easily.
Finnish cuisine blends traditional and modern continental foods for delicious and varied dining opportunities. Dishes commonly include fish, pork, beef or reindeer, but also involve lots of vegetables and mushrooms. Typical meals include cabbage rolls, hearty stews, meatballs, a fish prepared in a number of ways.
While camping the food will be simple, hearty, healthy and fresh.
Absolutely! Just let us know at booking.
From May to early June the sea is still quite cold but daytime temperatures are around 20°C. From mid-June to mid-September temperatures range from 15-25 °C and the sea also gets warmer. At the end of September the temperatures start to decline again.
Summer nights are very short and not really dark at all. From mid-August onward the nights get darker, revealing starry skies and sometimes even auroras—if you’re really lucky.
Not much! All kayaking and camping equipment is included, so you’ll only need to bring:
- Lightweight, breathable clothes for paddling
- Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunblock)
- Thermal top and bottom
- Waterproof top and bottom
- Warm fleece, sweater or puffy
- Swimsuit and towel (if you’re brave!)
- Shoes that can get wet, like neoprene socks or “barefoot shoes”. No flip-flops.
- Light hiking shoes
- Head torch
- Personal items
Start point?
You will be met at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Your transfer will meet all flights scheduled to land by 16:20 or earlier. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalise details.
End point? You will be dropped off at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. You are free to book any flight that departs after 17:00. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalise details.
Getting there and away?
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is served by regular, inexpensive flights. You can get any flight that suits you, but make sure they fit the times above to take advantage of the included transfers. We will contact you before you leave to check your arrival and departure plans.
For extra financial protection against unforeseen circumstances such as erupting Icelandic volcanoes, we recommend you book your flights using a credit card.
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Location
You will paddle among the islands of an archipelago in the Gulf of Finland, a remote corner of the Baltic Sea. The tide is modest and the area is quite protected from the weather thanks to the thousands of islets and islands. Many birds can be seen in the area, as well as grey seals and ringed seals. Most of the islands are easy to land on, with rocky shores polished and flattened during the ice age.
The Gulf of Finland is very convenient as it’s less than half-an-hour from the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Despite its proximity to Helsinki, the gulf offers tranquil and beautiful wilderness to explore. In Finland, nature is always nearby!
Start point?
You will be met at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Your transfer will meet all flights scheduled to land by 16:20 or earlier. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalise details.
End point? You will be dropped off at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. You are free to book any flight that departs after 17:00. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalise details.
Getting there and away?
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is served by regular, inexpensive flights. You can get any flight that suits you, but make sure they fit the times above to take advantage of the included transfers. We will contact you before you leave to check your arrival and departure plans.
For extra financial protection against unforeseen circumstances such as erupting Icelandic volcanoes, we recommend you book your flights using a credit card.
What to Expect
Friday: Arrival
Your host will meet you at the Helsinki Airport. Transfer to your hotel just 25 minutes away, then spend the evening exploring Finland’s beautiful capital.
Saturday: Kayak and camp
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and meet your guide at 09:00.
The hotel is conveniently just a short walking distance from the launch point. Pack your personal belongings into a dry bag and leave the rest in a locker for your return.
Review safety with your guide, then paddle into the bay to start your adventure.
You have no fixed route, so explore at will! There’s a lot to see and experience. Keep an eye out for wildlife like grey seals and sea eagles, and feel free to pull up at pristine beaches to explore on land.
Stop for lunch on one of the islands before continuing to your campsite. Enjoy a very tranquil evening by the sea, and indulge in a well-earned three-course dinner cooked over the campfire.
Sunday: Kayak and departure
Wake up to an incomparable view and enjoy coffee and breakfast around the campfire.
Launch into the bay and meander your way to the mainland, arriving around midday. Take a warming shower, eat lunch, then transfer back to the airport for your flight home.
Note: This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, special events, etc.
Accommodation
The first night will be in a seaside hotel. The hotel features sea views, ensuite twin rooms, and an included breakfast. Limited single rooms are available too; please inquire if interested.
The second night will be spent camping on an island in spacious 3-person expedition tents shared by two participants. If the weather is nice you may sleep on the shore under the stars. Sleeping pads and sleeping mats are provided.
Dates & Prices
Prices include
- Accommodation
- Airport Transfers
- Equipment
- Guide
- Local Transport
- Meals As Described
Please note: Flights are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
Request To Book
Your host will confirm your booking subject to availability. There may be a minimum number of guests required to guarantee that a trip will go ahead.
Sorry, no private trips are currently available for this product. Try a group trip or ask for a quote.
Request to Book
Gift This Trip
TRIP REF #08318
Prices include
- Accommodation
- Airport Transfers
- Equipment
- Guide
- Local Transport
- Meals As Described