The inner Archipelago of Sipoo with its beautiful serene waters is a peaceful haven amidst the often quite stormy seas that surround it. Notoriously known for its underwater rocks, this area has become the final resting place for many vessels and is quite a challenge to navigate through still today. The first settlements in these areas date back to the bronze age and it is a historically proven fact that the Vikings built a fort in a place that now is above the Sipoo river delta.
The inner archipelago continues to be a place many families call home, although there are no road connections to the islands. In the summertime hundreds of families head for their summer cottages that dot the shorelines of most islands.
Guided tour around the inner Archipelago
During our guided tour around the inner Archipelago, we will drive through the northern parts of the Archipelago, where we can see both the coast of the mainland, but also the beautiful islands that spread towards the outer Archipelago and ultimately the open sea.
This visit of the Northern parts of the Archipelago, that is the areas closest to mainland, you will be able to see both luxury houses along the shoreline of Sipoo mainland, but also the more rustic dwellings of former fishermen. We will also cross a part of the notorius Sipoo strait which due to its underwater rock formations often offer crossing waves and quite high seas even during moderate winds. Fortunately our boat was built exactly for these conditions, so there will be no need for concern.
If desired, we can also take a coffee break at Norrkullalandet island’s summer café (subject to the opening hours) and walk approximately 15 minutes to a lookout tower. The optional visit is included in the price. Please notice that purchases during the coffee break are not included in the tour price. Please let us know in advance if you would like to opt for the break at Norrkullalandet islands.
A while before we would arrive at the Porvoo river delta, we plunge into the very narrow natural canal that connects the Sipoo strait with the serene inner waters of Insjön (litterally: inner sea) bay. If we’re lucky we might get a glimpse of the LNG (liquified natural gas) tankers sailing into the busiest port of Finland – measured in tons of cargo – Sköldvik oil and gas refinery port.
| Type of tour | Guided boat tour around the archipelago |
| Distance | About 16 nautical miles + optional walk to sightseeing tower at Norrkullalandet approx. 2 km (3 mi) |
| Duration | 1,5 hours total for 1-5 persons OR 2,5 hours with coffee break and walk to sightseeing tower 2,5 hours total for 6-12 persons OR 3,5 hours with coffee break and walk to sighsteeing tower |
| Level of difficulty | Easy (Moderate with optional walk to sightseeing tower) Must be able to enter and exit the vessel (when assisted.) Must be able to step up and/or down a few steps (when assisted). This tour is not suitable for persons with disabilities who are not able to enter the vessel on their own when assisted. We are sorry that our current boats are not designed for persons with mobility disabilities. |
| Available services | Dry toilets available at Norrkullalandet (stop optional). Possibility to fill water bottles available on mainland before departure. NB! No drinking water available onboard the vessel. Coffee, food items and refreshments available for purchase at optional coffee break. Please notice that alcoholic beverages must be consumed at the café and are not available for take away. Refillable water bottles available for purchase at the boat. |
| Necessary equipment | Dress according to the weather. There is no heating and no air conditioning onboard the vessels. The weather can be cold, windy and rainy. The paths are predominantly sand or gravel for the optional walk. Umbrellas are not recommended due to wind circumstances, rather use a rain coat or poncho. Bring a water bottle with you (or buy a refillable one from us, please inform of need in advance). |
| Price | 249 € / 1-5 persons 439 € / 6-12 persons The price is for the whole group regardless of the number of persons onboard. Up to 5 persons fit in our smaller (and faster) boat. Groups of 6 or more passengers will be transported with our bigger boat. The maximum group size is 12 persons. Children with the exception of infants count as one person. VAT is included in all prices. |
NB! All visits to the lookout tower at Norrkullalandet is strictly at your own risk. Finnish Gulf Travels can not be held liable for any damage or injury.
For the inner archipelago tour there is an option for a coffee break and a visit to the lookout tower on Norrkullalandet.
Sightseeing tour by boat and Sauna experience
We are happy to also offer a combination of a sightseeing tour in the Archipelago with a privately booked sauna!
Get a trip with live guiding through the beautiful archipelago with unforgettable views of the islands and the open sea. Upon arrival enjoy the warmth of a traditional Finnish sauna with the option of plunging into the cooling waters of the Finnish Gulf. Your sauna will be privately booked for your group to be enjoyed for up to 1,5 hours. After you have finished bathing and relaxing, the boat is there to drive you back to mainland. Drinks (beer, cider, and non-alcoholic refreshments) will be available for purchase at separate price.
We offer the sauna service through our partners. The saunas are situated on several islands and are booked for you according to availability. Please notice, that the location of the available sauna will effect the route of the sightseeing tour.
Our Sightseeing Sauna Experiences starting from 350 € for 1-5 persons. Please contact us for more information.
