Finland’s capital is a latticework of islands, bays and canals, making it perfect for a thorough exploration during a Helsinki boat tour. Helsinki is as close to a modern-day utopian cosmopolis as can be, and its residents constantly rank among the happiest in the world.

From its foundation in the 16th century, waterways have played an important role in Helsinki’s development — helping it grow from an impoverished village with around 1,700 residents in the 18th century into the modern-day Pearl of the Baltic.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Helsinki.

What are the most popular boat tours in Helsinki?

Helsinki boasts kilometers of canals as well as an astounding 315 islands, and there are several boat tours to explore all it has to offer.

Helsinki’s Canals and Archipelago boat tour

This is one of the most popular city tours of Helsinki, enabling visitors to tour the Finnish capital’s many attractions through its canals and waterways. An extensive audio guide (available in English, German, Swedish and Finnish) will allow you to keep up to speed with the attractions that you pass.

On the modern and comfortable sightseeing vessel of your Helsinki boat tour, you can sit inside or on the viewing deck, with the latter being popular on summer days. Along the way, you’ll see some of Helsinki’s most famous landmarks — like the Helsinki Zoo, Korkeasaari Island and Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress — as well as explore the Baltic coastline.

If you’re interested in making a day out of it, you should consider combining your sightseeing cruise with a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Helsinki, a fun-filled expedition that allows you to explore the Finnish capital at your own pace and leisure.

Private boat tour of the Tammisaari archipelago from Helsinki

This private boat tour explores the Finnish Archipelago Sea, the narrow corridor between the Finnish peninsula and Sweden. While many people are drawn to this boat tour because of the natural splendor on offer — with the vessel exploring a stretch of sea featuring over 1300 islands — the Archipelago Sea also played an invaluable role just after Helsinki’s foundation.

Your skipper and guide will transport you back to a time when the chain of islands provided quick access to Turku — the capital of regional Finland when the country was ruled by the Swedes, before the Russians moved the capital to Helsinki, to minimize Swedish influence.

These Helsinki cruises accommodate four passengers, imbuing the outing with an outstanding level of personal care and attention to detail. You’ll also get to admire pristine nature while snacking on an array of local treats and delicacies.

Helsinki speedboat tour

If lazying about on a private boat tour sounds a bit too laidback for you, you should consider this high-octane aquatic expedition. Strap yourself onto a rip-roaring RIB — a rigid inflatable boat — and set off on a high-speed Helsinki boat tour. You know it’s going to be fun when it involves safety goggles.

Sit back and surrender yourself to the need for speed as your boat skims across the Baltic Sea — stopping here and there to admire landmarks and attractions like the fleet of icebreakers, the Vesikko submarine and the enchanting light installation at Silo 648. You’ll cap off your exhilarating expedition with a visit to a traditional Finnish sauna — but be forewarned that there will probably be a fair bit of flesh on display.

How much do boat tours in Helsinki cost?

Helsinki canal and archipelago boat tours cost just under €30, and you’ll enjoy a 90-minute tour of the capital’s attractions. These sightseeing boat tours generally operate in large groups, of over 50 people.

Helsinki speedboat tours cost around €150 per person and are limited to 10 people. The price includes a visit to a Traditional Finnish sauna, adding even more value for money.

Private boat tours of the Tammisaari archipelago from Helsinki cost €320 per group of up to four people, offering a much more personal and relaxing cruise in the Baltic Sea.

Which places are seen?

Helsinki

Today, Helsinki is a byword for urban excellence, with the city constantly featuring on lists of the most happy and satisfied residents in the world. But this was not always the case, and Helsinki was an impoverished hovel as recently as the start of the 19th century.

This all changed in 1812 when the Russians — then rulers of the Finnish peninsula, decided to move the capital from Turku to Helsinki for a more Russian Finland. That didn’t entirely go the way they planned and in 2017, the Fins celebrated 100 years of self-governance.

Finnish Archipelago Sea

The Archipelago Sea refers to a region — roughly triangle-shaped — between the cities of Mariehamn, Uusikaupunki and Hanko. The archipelago is the largest in the world if you go by the number of islands and is a haven for wildlife — with the island being home to vast stretches of protected areas, making it perfect for a boat tour from Helsinki.

Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress

In a way, Helsinki owes its preeminence amongst Finnish settlements to the construction of the Suomenlinna Fortress. Before this naval fort came into existence in 1748 — originally called Sveaborg by the Swedes — to guard against the expanding Russian Empire, Helsinki had little strategic importance.

That soon changed and the fortress was conquered by the Russians, who now had an important base in the Baltic — as well as a nearby town from where to exert their newfound power in Helsinki.

SkyWheel Helsinki

SkyWheel Helsinki now forms an indelible part of the city’s skyline, as it reaches 40 meters into the air, providing visitors with a stunning view of the capital and the Baltic Sea. But on closer inspection, you’ll realize that all is not as it seems, with each of the cabins also being a sauna!

Finnish Sauna

One sure way to get a Fin’s blood boiling is by thinking that the custom of stuffing yourself into a hot room is Swedish. The truth is, the Fins started this celebrated practice, while the Swedes merely exported it. Whatever the case may be, a Finnish sauna filled with steam is an ideal way to ward off the cold, while also enjoying a quintessential Finnish pastime.

How long does a boat trip last?

Depending on the type of boat tour of Helsinki you choose, you may expect it the last for anything from 1.5 to 6 hours. As a rule of thumb, the longer the boat tour, the more expensive it will be, as it will feature more activities and usually include a meal.

Where do boat tours leave from?

The point of departure for a Helsinki boat tour will differ from one expedition to another. For Helsinki’s canal and sightseeing and speedboat tours, you’ll depart from central Helsinki, usually near Market Square, while private boat tours tend to depart from locations just outside the city.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Helsinki?

The best time for a boat trip in Helsinki is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the city experiences long daylight hours, mild temperatures, and the Baltic Sea is navigable. Apart from pleasant weather, look out for summer festivals and events that liven up the city's atmosphere.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Helsinki?

Travel tips

Popular tours can get fully booked during peak season. If you have a specific tour in mind, book ahead.
Helsinki's maritime climate can be unpredictable. It might be warm on land but cooler on the water, so dress in layers to adjust comfortably.
Even on overcast days, UV exposure can be significant on the water. Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
Wear non-slip, comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to disembark and explore places like Suomenlinna.

Boat Tours in Helsinki