Kayak and Wild Camp the Archipelago of Sweden's West Coast - Self-Guided
An unforgettable self-guided adventure, sea kayaking and wild camping along Sweden's most beautiful coastline. 4 days. 2 days off work.
Sea kayak and wild camp along Sweden’s most beautiful coastline; you’re about to take a truly inspiring journey.
With its remote outer archipelago and sheltered inner islands, the rocky coast of Bohuslän is known as one of Europe’s most beautiful areas for sea kayaking whether you’re a novice or an expert. Along the way you’ll enjoy crystal clear waters between 8000 wild, uninhabited islands and a changing majestic terrain that will keep you on your toes. Spend your evening’s wild camping along the coastline; swimming in the sheltered coves, fishing from the rocks and cooking on an open fire.
This unforgettable self-guided adventure includes:
- 3 nights of wild-camping on deserted islands
- 4 days of kayaking and exploring the Bohuslän archipelago
- Kayaking, camping and cooking equipment
- Pre-purchasing service for food
- Customised guide book
- Safety and navigation equipment
- Emergency Phone
- Start and finish kayaking in different spots, so no backtracking
- Transport to and from Gothenburg Airport or hotel
- All taxes, insurances and licenses relative to the trip
Perfect for:
Adventures looking to get away from the 9-to-5 and take a remote weekend trip on their own with all logistics taken care of.
Need To Know
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 cost)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
The group size is up to you. This trip will run with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 8.
Not for this one. For safety reasons all our self-guided trip require a minimum of 2.
No previous kayaking skills are necessary for this trip; your host will talk a little about safety before you set off but other than that, sea kayaking is very easy.
You do not have to be particularly fit for this trip; you choose your own pace and how much distance you want to cover.
Your host will suggest a route and you will also receive a booklet with recommended sights and camping places but really, the adventure is yours to explore and do as you please.
Yes, it’s a great adventure for children and families to spend some time in the great outdoors together. Since it’s a self-guided adventure you can decide on the pace of the trip, while always having the backup support of your local host if needed. Your host suggests a minimum age of 12.
We tend to use double kayaks which are very stable and the water around Bohuslän is mostly sheltered and calm.
You will also be wearing a life jacket, so if you did fall in, it’s just matter of pulling yourself back aboard.
We will provide you with a mobile phone so you can contact us in case of a minor emergency. There will also be other numbers pre-programmed into the phone for more serious emergencies.
May to mid-June: You may awake to a springtime frost which soon melts away when the sun rises above the horizon. Being high up North, daytime is very long as it hardly gets dark at night. Midsummer falls on a Friday around June 20 to mark the summer solstice.
Late June to mid-August: The sea has started to warm as we enter the prime summer months, temperatures can hit 25c in June, July and August, very occasionally edging up towards 30c. This when Bohuslän Coast really comes into its own as the fishing villages fill with tourists. The Swedish summer is characterised by seemingly endless days and nights. This is the perfect time of the year for some late evening kayaking as you decide where to put up camp for the night.
Late-August to mid-September: The days have started to cool down but the sea is still warm enough to enjoy an evening swim. You can enjoy slightly more predictable calmer weather. Sunsets are at their best at this time of the year and the final rays lighting the pink Bohuslän granite is a sight you will remember forever.
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You will be sent a food list when you make a booking. You can select and pre-pay for the food, we will then buy it for you so it is ready for when you arrive. We charge the same prices as the 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.
- Double Kayak (1 per 2 people), for odd numbers the more experienced person in the group will receive a single kayak
- Paddle
- Spray Deck
- Life Jacket
- Tent (1 per 2 people)
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Mat
- Torch
- First Aid Kit (1 per group)
- Water Pump
- Dry Bag
- Rope
- Compass (1 per group)
- Map (1 per group)
- Customised Guide Book
- Mobile Phone (1 per group),
- Gas Stove and Fuel (1 per 2 people)
- Lighters
- Cooking Utensils
- Eating Utensils
- Water Bottle
- 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.
Got a question not covered here? Contact the host.
Location
Known as a Swedish natural treasure, the Bohuslän Coast stretches from Gothenburg, all the way to Norway; a total of around 280 kilometres of stunning coastline.
Along the way, you will find clear waters, rocks that have been worn smooth by wind and sea, and hundreds of picturesque fishing villages neatly nestled amongst a vast archipelago of over 8,000 islands, islets, and skerries.
The rocky coast, with its remote outer archipelago and sheltered inner islands, is known as one of the most beautiful areas for sea kayaking in Europe; and with its varied landscape, it perfectly suits beginners and more experienced kayakers alike.
Start point
Gothenburg Airport - Anytime before 10.00
Your adventure begins at Gothenburg Airport (GOT) with your airport transfer to the launch point. Your host recommends to arrive as early as possible (or even the day before) to make the most of your first day on the water. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area at the agreed time. Alternatively, your host can also pick you up from Gothenburg centre. Gothenburg centre is only a short 25-minute taxi ride from the airport.
Finish point
Grebbestad - Anytime after 15:00
At the end of your adventure, you will be picked up at Grebbestad and dropped back at Gothenburg Airport (GOT) or Gothenburg Centre at your chosen time. You’re free to book any flight that departs after 20:00 to allow sufficient time to pack-up and transfer you to the airport. We highly recommend staying an extra night in Gothenburg to checkout the fantastic city and so you can take it easy on your last day.
What to Expect
Friday: Trip briefing and the start of your adventure
Your host will collect you from Gothenburg Landvetter airport or your hotel and take you to the very best launch point in Bohuslän (1.5-hour drive).
When you arrive, you’ll be provided with your kayaking equipment. We usually use double kayaks, as we find this makes for a more enjoyable, social trip and you can fit in more equipment. Odd numbered groups receive doubles and a single kayak for the extra person. Your host will then brief you about the trip, your safety and navigation equipment, and help you to plan the best route for your journey. Feeling fully prepared, the adventure is now yours.
Enjoying the long Swedish summer days you can paddle into the evening, finding your own perfect piece of paradise to set up camp. As evening draws in, you can relax by the fire and admire the sunset glistening on the crystal clear waters.
Saturday: Kayaking and wild camping
This morning, you will use your pre-purchased food to cook breakfast as you plan your day ahead.
Is it a coastal wilderness kind of day, for heading out to the outer islands; or perhaps a mingling kind of day, to visit one of the hundreds of picturesque fishing villages and enjoy Swedish fika amongst the locals? Either way, the day is yours to spend as you wish.
As you glide through the still waters along the coast, it’s time to find your next camping spot for the night; take your pick from the countless deserted islands. Set up camp and cook up an evening meal to be proud of over the open fire.
Sunday: A day to explore
No doubt eager to jump in the kayak and get exploring yesterday, this morning you may opt to stay at camp a little longer and enjoy a morning swim in the crystal clear waters.
Feeling refreshed, you’ll be looking forward to more exploring from your kayak as you glide away from your island into the coastal wonderland of Bohuslän archipelago.
You may choose to try fishing for tonight’s dinner – what you catch, you eat; a fun game if your handy with a rod but perhaps a little risky for any companions who are new to fishing.
Finding a secluded sandy beach to set up camp, enjoy your final night witnessing a spectacular sunset and share food, drink, and stories with friends around the fire.
Monday: Return to shore
You’ll pack up camp for the last time this morning as you head off to your pre-determined pick-up point to meet your host.
But don’t let the blues set in just yet; you’ll let your host know your ETA, giving you plenty of time to take a slow journey back and take in the majestic terrain one last time.
On arrival at the pick-up point, your host will be waiting to take you to the airport or hotel for your forwarding journey home.
Accommodation
Set up camp on any island you wish due to Sweden’s “the right to public access” which means you are free to camp and paddle anywhere. High quality tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and cooking equipment are provided.
Dates & Prices
Prices include
Accommodation · Airport Transfers · Equipment · Financial Protection · Happiness Guarantee · Local Transport · Routes & Maps · Happiness Guaranteed · 100% Financial Protection
Please note: Flights are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
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