Kayak and Wild Camp the Archipelago of Sweden's West Coast (Self Guided)

 Included:  

• All camping equipment (1 tent for 2 people) 
• Navigation and safety equipment 
• Guide book and map 
• All kayaking equipment 
• Luggage storage 
• Minibus transfer to/from Gothenburg 

Not included:  

• Flights to/from Gothenburg Landvetter 
• Food - this will be pre-ordered and charged at the same price as the local supermarket). The hosts will have this ready for you, packed in cool bags when you arrive. 
• Personal expenses 
• Travel insurance  

You will get wet, and toilet facilities are basic (a hole or bush). You'll be wild camping, spending nights and days in an outdoor environment, so
a medium level of fitness is required. Being a self-guided trip, you get to decide your own pace, and many of the recommended routes have short cuts, so even if you are slower than you expected, it’s not a problem. There is a weight limit of 120kg per person. 

Some kayaking experience is recommended but it's not essential. In fact, most people have never kayaked before. 

The great thing about self-guided tours is that you can go at your own pace, and stick to what makes you feel more comfortable. The double kayaks are stable, and well suited for beginners and intermediates. 

You are free to wild camp almost anywhere in the archipelago. Use the customised guide book for camping spot recommendations or find your own private island to camp on for the night.   

You will be collected at the Gothenburg train station or any Gothenburg hotel/hostel at 9 am on day 1 of the itinerary. 

You will finish kayaking, and arrive at the endpoint by 2 pm. You will then be driven back to Gothenburg for around 4:40 pm, on day 4 of the itinerary. You can be dropped off at the train station, or airport if you prefer.   

For safety reasons, you must book this trip with a minimum of 2 people. We don't want you to miss out, so we have created a Facebook group to meet other solo travellers here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/446247419648730/ 

No. This means that you will not have to go back on yourself. Your hosts drop you off to the South, and you paddle towards your goal to the North, weaving through the archipelago as you go. Don’t worry there's plenty of shortcuts should you decide on a more relaxed trip.  

The trip takes you along the Bohuslän Coast, which is known as Sweden’s kayaking paradise (CNN Travel). Much of the route is around the Fjällbacka Archipelago, which in our opinion is the very best of Bohuslän.  

No, the trip is self-guided. Your hosts can provide you with a customised guide book detailing recommended routes, points of interest, places to resupply, and recommended camping spots. They'll also talk you through the gear and routes before you set off.  

Only if you want there to be. You'll be provided with a customised guide, which details different routes around the area. The routes are all slightly different, and it’s really up to you whether you want to follow one of them.   

You'll be given a kayak compass along with a handheld map and compass - it's all part of the fun. 

A bit of knowledge of how to read a map is useful but even if you are a novice, you'll soon pick it up. You'll always be able to see the mainland, and there is a 4G phone signal throughout the whole area, so there is always the option to cheat with GPS if needed.  

There are hardly any currents or strong tidal waters around the Archipelago, and the many islands which make up the Archipelago provide a natural barrier from the open sea. The kayaks are stable, so you’re very unlikely to fall in. Obviously, as with any sporting activity, there is always a risk. There are plenty of sheltered areas around the islands so knowing your limits, using the safety equipment, and using common sense will help keep you safe.  

We will send you a food list 30 days before your trip, which you must return to your host at least 7 days before your trip. 

You can then select and pre-purchase all the food you need so that it is waiting for you when you arrive. Food is not included in the price, however, you pay the same price as we do at the local 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 the hosts will do their best to accommodate you.   

On some of the days, you'll come across places to resupply and even grab a bite to eat. These are all marked in the guidebook.  

You will be transferred by minibus with other groups, and be briefed all together. After that, you will set off in your own private group of friends or couple. Depending on the time of the year, you may meet others out there. If you really want to get away from people, that is possible too - some islands only have space for one tent.  

Yes, this is not a problem.  

A typical summers day has an average temperature of 24°C with water temperatures around 21°C. Generally, the temperatures are perfect for kayaking.  

It is Scandinavia, so there's always a chance of rain, but it often passes quickly. Being so far North, you can expect long days during June & July, where the sun barely dips below the horizon.  

 Yes, sure!  

• Tahe Tandem Maxi or Tahe Wind 555 kayak. 
• Lightweight paddles.  
• Spraydeck - This keeps the water out of the kayak. 
• Life-jacket  
• A pump for removing water from the kayak. 
• Waterproof bags (30L). 
• Rope. 
• Hilleberg Rogen 2 person tent (1 per 2 people). 
• Tarp. 
• Sleeping bag (1 per person). 
• Inflatable sleeping mat (1 per person). 
• Inflatable pillow (1 per person). 
• Torch/batteries (1 per person). 
• Gas stove - pans, frying pan (appropriate for the group size). 
• Gas (appropriate for the group size/trip length). 
• Flint lighter & matches (1 per group). 
• Eating kit - cup, plate, bowls, knife, fork, spoon, salt & pepper (1 per person). 
• Cooking kit - large spoon, spatula, tong, knife, washing liquid, wash sponge, chopping board. 
• Water bottles. 
• Freezer bag/icebox. 
• Custom guide book. 
• Custom route map. 
• Weather/wind/tide forecast. 
• Detailed topographical map. 
• Kayak compass. 
• Hand-held compass. 
• Waterproof map holder. 
• First aid kit - plasters, bandages, alcohol wipes, tweezers. 
• Emergency phone.   

• A couple of sets of clothing - shorts, t-shirt, trousers, warm jumper. 
• Warm beanie hat - Even in summer, it can get cold at night. 
• Cap - Escape from the midday sun. 
• Waterproof gloves. 
• Waterproof jacket - With a hood. 
• Shoes for land - They’ll be plenty of opportunities to explore the land, so bring a pair of trainers or walking shoes. 
• Shoes for the sea - Your feet will get wet from the start, so we highly recommend buying a pair of neoprene socks. They are cheap to buy and will improve your trip immensely. Although not comparable, Crocs also make a reasonable alternative. 
• Towel. 
• Swimwear. 
• Sunglasses. 
• Waterproof sun screen - Essential. 
• Toiletries - Although there are toilets around the Archipelago, they do not have toilet roll. Either add some to the food list or bring your own. 
• Mosquito repellent 
• Optional extras - binoculars, playing cards, book, telescopic fishing rod, snorkel. 
• Tech - camera, phone power-bank, mobile phone. (You should get a 4G signal throughout the trip).   

The minimum age is 14, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian