The 5 Best Boat Trips in Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland, one of Scandinavia's major cities and one of Europe's cultural landmarks. But it is also a port city built around the Baltic Sea and the surrounding canals. That's why the ideal way to discover this destination is to enjoy a boat trip that will also allow you to explore the nearby sites.

Among the best activities you can do in Helsinki are taking a tour of the city's navigable canals, enjoying an exciting speedboat excursion, discovering Tallinn on a ferry trip, embarking on a tour to Vallisaari Island and opting for a private catamaran tour that allows you to design your own itinerary.

One of the best views of Helsinki can be discovered from the city's canals, and to enjoy this experience, you can take a boat trip. During these tours, you will have the opportunity to discover the Finnish capital from a different perspective, through the landscapes offered by the canals that run through the city.

From the calm waters of the navigable canals, you can admire the architectural elegance that distinguishes the city, from Helsinki Cathedral in the heart of the capital to the Suomenlinna fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can discover one of the best museums in the city. This way, you can contemplate the fusion of the historic and the avant-garde from the deck of the boat.

In addition to the panoramic architectural views, this tour also gives you the opportunity to discover the local culture. The boats frequently pass by lively markets along the canals, where you can sample the local cuisine and discover the authenticity of everyday life on one of the best tours in Helsinki.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £25 per person.
• Duration: around 1 hour and a half.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will discover one of the best views of Helsinki during a relaxed and safe tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: during winter, the views from the deck may be limited, especially on days with drizzle or snowfall.

If you're someone who prefers exciting experiences when travelling, don't miss out on a speedboat tour of Helsinki's waterways. These tours will allow you to discover the city from a completely different perspective and, aboard a powerful semi-rigid boat, you will enjoy an adrenaline-filled journey full of speed and discovery.

During these fast-paced tours, you will discover Helsinki's modern architecture, from its elegant skyscrapers to the iconic buildings that line the coast. The speedboat will take you through the canals, offering views of Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna Fortress, the Presidential Palace and other iconic sites that stand out from the water.

These adventures also include the assistance of expert local guides, who will provide you with information about the history and culture of Helsinki while you enjoy a high-speed experience.

What's more, these tours are perfect for discovering the city on a quick tour, which is ideal if you plan to see Helsinki in two days or even less. Also, keep in mind that if you plan to visit the city during the winter, I recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, as this is considered one of the best tours in the Finnish capital.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately £135 per person.
• Duration: around 1 hour and a half.
• Advantages of these tours: this is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in the city, as you will enjoy an adrenaline-filled tour while discovering the main sights of this destination.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: no stops are offered.

If you want to enjoy a full day of discovery around the city, you can take a ferry tour from Helsinki to Tallinn. This trip will take you across the Baltic Sea to the capital of Estonia, giving you the opportunity to experience the cultural richness and ancient history of this medieval city.

Upon arrival in Tallinn, you can walk through its cobbled streets, where medieval architecture and modern buildings blend together in a unique way. The Old Town, with its walls, towers and cobbled alleys, will take you on a journey back in time, and Town Hall Square, with its colourful buildings and lively cafés, will be a central point to start your tour after taking in the city skyline from the Baltic Sea.

You can also visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece with Russian influences, and enjoy the panoramic views from Toompea Hill. Tallinn also offers opportunities to discover its rich art scene at exhibitions such as those at the Kumu Art Museum, providing a cultural perspective on one of the best things to do from Helsinki.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £150 per person.
• Duration: around 12 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will discover what is considered one of the most beautiful medieval cities in the world.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: the journey in winter can take up to 3 hours each way and you may have reduced visibility due to weather conditions.

A boat trip to the fortress island of Vallisaari will allow you to discover a historical treasure located off the coast of Helsinki, which is not usually included in the main city tours, but is nonetheless well worth a visit. This small island, which was once used for military purposes and as an ammunition storage site, has evolved into a natural and cultural gem.

Vallisaari, together with the neighbouring island of Suomenlinna, is part of the Finnish capital's maritime archipelago, and its history dates back to the 18th century, when it was fortified to protect the capital from possible threats. Over the years, the island has played various roles, from being a military base to becoming a nature conservation area. Today, it has become a destination offering unmissable landscapes.

As you explore Vallisaari, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in history through the ancient fortifications and military buildings. In addition, you can enjoy the tranquillity of nature, with trails winding through forests, cliffs and panoramic sea views. However, one of the best features of these experiences is that you can enjoy panoramic views of Suomenlinna from the south, something that is rare on other tours.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately £25 per person.
• Duration: around 3 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will discover a little-explored destination in the vicinity of Helsinki that offers beautiful panoramic views.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: as it is located south of Suomenlinna and facing the open sea, weather conditions during the winter can often make trips around the island difficult.

If you want to experience the exclusivity of a private tour, you can opt for a scheduled catamaran tour of Helsinki and its surrounding islands. This sea trip will give you the opportunity to explore the waters of the Baltic Sea in comfort and at your own pace, aboard boats designed to accommodate up to 20 people, in addition to the crew.

This private tour guarantees a personalised and relaxed experience, ideal for small groups, special celebrations or simply for those looking for an intimate way to discover the scenic beauty of the region, which becomes particularly picturesque during the Helsinki summer.

During the trip, you can enjoy panoramic views of the coast and surrounding islands, immersing yourself in the city's unique architecture from a maritime perspective. The nearby islands offer a variety of fascinating destinations, such as Suomenlinna, known for its Military Museum and landscapes, or Vallisaari, a natural gem with a rich military history and unique biodiversity.

The flexibility of a private catamaran tour also allows you to tailor an itinerary to suit your preferences, whether it's enjoying a picnic on a quiet island, exploring historical sites or taking in the sweeping views from the deck of the boat.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £750 per boat, with capacity for up to 20 people.
• Duration: around 4 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can choose the itinerary and pace of the tour according to your interests.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: it can be an expensive option if you are not planning to visit the city with a large group.

Boat trips in Helsinki can be booked in advance online or once you arrive in the city, although you should bear in mind that if you plan to visit the Finnish capital during the summer, it is advisable to secure your place on the tours in advance due to the high demand during the high season.

Also, if you book in advance , you can put together an itinerary that allows you to get the most out of your visit, and you can also combine any of the boat tours with some of the best city tours or Helsinki's hop-on hop-off bus tours, which allow you to discover a complete perspective of this destination through stops at different points.

To make the most of your boat trip in Helsinki, it is essential to bear in mind a few tips that will make your experience unforgettable, such as checking the weather conditions before embarking, as the climate in the Baltic Sea can be harsh. The best way to avoid any mishaps is to take warm clothing and, if necessary, a raincoat to protect you from the rain.

Also, don't forget to research the different boat routes and choose the one that best suits your interests. Some tours focus on history and architecture, while others offer panoramic views of nature and the surrounding islands. Plus, if you opt for a guided tour, make the most of your visit by learning about Helsinki's rich history and culture with the help of expert local guides.

Finally, don't forget to bring your camera to take pictures. The views from the water offer unique perspectives of the city and islands, and you'll want to remember those special details. Also, if you plan to visit Helsinki during Christmas, you'll want to capture the festive lighting and decorations that fill the local harbour, especially at nightfall.

The best time for a boat trip in Helsinki will depend on your preferences and what you want to experience. During the summer months, from June to August, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and long days, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the city and its islands in all their splendour. At this time of year, boat tours usually offer a lively and sunny atmosphere, perfect for exploring the Baltic waters.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter experience and want to admire the snow-covered landscapes, the winter season from December to March can be enchanting. Boat trips offer a unique perspective of the snow-covered city and frozen islands, creating a magical setting. However, bear in mind that temperatures are cold, so dress appropriately and prepare for the harsh Finnish winter.

Spring and autumn offer a balance between these two options. Spring, from April to May, brings with it the renewal of nature, while autumn, from September to October, offers warm colours and a more peaceful atmosphere. Both seasons allow you to explore the waters of Helsinki with moderate temperatures and fewer tourists, an ideal option for a productive stay in Helsinki of 3 days or less.

When taking a boat trip around Helsinki, there are several unmissable sites that will give you a complete view of the city and its charms from the water. On this tour, the islands of Suomenlinna and Vallisaari are a must. These maritime fortresses offer a fascinating insight into the region's military history and spectacular panoramic views.

Helsinki Cathedral, with its distinctive green dome and location by the coast, is another sight not to be missed. This architectural masterpiece is best appreciated from the water, providing a unique perspective of one of the city's most prominent landmarks. Also, don't miss the smaller islands around the capital, which offer charming views and lesser-known places of interest.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the adrenaline rush of a speedboat ride, which will take you to many of the sites included in the other boat experiences, but at a much faster pace. If you're a fan of these adventure tours, you can complement this experience with a helicopter flight to get a perspective of the capital from land, sea and air.

Finally, be sure to explore the city's canals, which wind their way between historic buildings and modern avant-garde structures. The canals will give you a picturesque view of Helsinki, revealing hidden places and providing an authentic experience that instils pride in the locals.