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3 day guided expedition · Archipelago National Park

Hidden Gems of the Archipelago Sea

A maze of islands as far as the eye can see. Silence. Wilderness. Sheltered mirrored waters. This is a fully guided three-day small-group sea kayaking expedition into Finland’s Archipelago National Park and Archipelago Sea UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — with professional guide, meals, kayak equipment, camping equipment and Turku transfers included.

3 days / 2 nightsModerateTurku pickup2–7 guestsMeals, gear & camping included
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Aavameri signature expedition

A complete guided kayaking journey, not just a tour

Hidden Gems is made for travellers who want the real Archipelago Sea without having to solve route choice, safety margins, equipment, meals and transport alone. Aavameri takes you beyond the easy postcard view and into a living seascape of skerries, sheltered straits, national park islands and small archipelago communities.

The route is never forced. Your guide chooses the starting beach, daily distances and island stops according to wind, waves, visibility, group ability, bird protection areas and the best experience available that week.

Award-winning Finnish Archipelago Sea experience

Internationally and nationally awarded Aavameri signature expedition · Visit Finland Authentic Experience · Baltic Sea Tourism Forum awarded product · 5/5 guest feedback.

Included in the expedition

  • Professional Aavameri sea kayak guide throughout the expedition
  • Sea kayaks, paddles, spraydecks and buoyancy aids
  • Camping and sleeping equipment
  • All outdoor meals: breakfasts, lunches and dinners
  • Transportation from Turku to the chosen starting beach and back
  • Route planning, weather decisions and local interpretation of the island area
  • Waterproof kayaking maps and safety equipment carried by the guide

The three day rhythm

Day 1 — Into the islands

Pickup in Turku at 10:00, transfer to the best starting beach for the forecast, equipment fitting, safety briefing and first guided paddling day. The evening is spent wild camping on an island.

Day 2 — National Park, skerries and island life

A full expedition day with quiet passages, island stops, meals outdoors and route choices based on weather and group level. When conditions allow, the day may include national park islands, a village visit, swimming or time simply to be still in the archipelago.

Day 3 — Morning paddle and return to Turku

Breakfast on the island, followed by continued kayaking as the expedition explores more beautiful places. After lunch, a final guided paddling leg, packing and return transfer. You are normally back in Turku around 17:00.

Who is this for

  • For seekers of relaxation and adventure in some of the most magnificent surroundings for sea kayaking
  • Suitable for active beginners and intermediate paddlers in moderate conditions
  • You should be comfortable outdoors, able to paddle for several hours with breaks and ready to sleep in tents
  • Aavameri adapts the route to the group — but safety, weather and guide judgement always decide

Aavameri does not only take you kayaking. Aavameri helps you understand the life and nature in the Archipelago Sea.

Aavameri Sea Kayaking
Questions guests ask

Useful answers before you book.

Do I need previous kayaking experience

No long expedition background is needed. You should be comfortable outdoors and able to paddle for several hours with breaks, which people with ordinary fitness can normally do without previous kayaking experience after our introduction to efficient techniques. The route is adapted to weather and group level.

Where do we sleep

In tents on wild islands or in areas of the Archipelago National Park where camping is allowed. We always choose tent sites with respect for national park rules, landowners and bird protection areas.

What makes it different from a normal day tour

This is a complete small-group expedition through some of the most remarkable areas of the Archipelago Sea, Archipelago National Park and Archipelago Sea UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The guide, route, meals, equipment, camping rhythm and transport are planned as one coherent, award-winning Archipelago Sea experience.

What equipment do I need

Only personal clothes for paddling and use on land, plus normal personal items such as a toothbrush, medicines, sunscreen and a rain jacket. See the suggested packing list above for full details. We provide the remaining expedition, camping and sleeping equipment included in the price. A freshly washed silk mummy liner is provided with each sleeping bag as bed linen.

What happens in difficult weather

Aavameri changes route, starting point, distance or timing according to wind, visibility and group capacity. Safety has priority over a fixed itinerary.

Day tours

A lovely summer paddle

“What a lovely day!”

Tripadvisor review
Guided day tour

A must do in Turku

“An absolutely amazing day trip.”

Tripadvisor review
Self-guided expeditions

Above and beyond

“Benjamin and Aavameri Sea Kayaking was flawless.”

Tripadvisor review
Self-guided expeditions

Top-class expedition support

“The kayaking and camping equipment was top class.”

Tripadvisor review
Self-guided expeditions

Daily route confidence

“Benjamin was phenomenal with daily updates on weather and routes.”

Tripadvisor review
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Ask Aavameri

Let’s choose the right water for you.

Tell us your dates, group, experience and wishes. We will suggest the right tour, course or self-guided expedition structure.

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