Stockholm’s waterways are your best ticket to seeing this magnificent Nordic capital. The city’s extensive network of canals and harbors makes boat tours an essential part of any visit.
The most rewarding options include the eco-friendly electric boats gliding through the medieval Gamla Stan (Old Town) – perfect for photographers and history buffs. I’m especially fond of the full-day sailing tours into the archipelago, where you’ll learn basic navigation while enjoying traditional Swedish coffee breaks.
For those short on time, the 2-hour sightseeing cruises with audio guides efficiently cover the main waterfront attractions. Thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss the RIB speedboat tours, offering an exhilarating perspective of the city’s maritime landscape.
Let’s explore Stockholm’s finest water-based adventures.
Key Points
- Electric boat tours, including a 50-minute eco-friendly sightseeing tour and a private ride for up to 8 passengers, offer unique experiences in Stockholm.
- Sightseeing cruises with audio commentary in multiple languages, including a 1-hour cruise and a hop-on hop-off option, provide flexible options for exploring the city.
- Sailing tours, such as an 8-hour adventure in the Stockholm Archipelago and a private 4-hour tour, allow visitors to learn navigation basics and enjoy the scenic waterways.
- Highly rated tours, such as the Gamla Stan Walking Tour and the Full Day Archipelago Sailing Tour, offer excellent value for money with positive reviews.
- Accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible hop-on hop-off buses and pet-friendly policies, cater to diverse needs and promote inclusivity for all visitors.
Open Electric Boat Ride in Stockholm
Gliding along the serene waterways of Stockholm, the Open Electric Boat Ride offers eco-friendly sightseeing with a panoramic perspective.
Lasting around 50 minutes, this tour takes visitors past key attractions like the Vasa Museum, Gröna Lund Tivoli, and the site of the Vasa ship sinking.
The comfortable open boat, with its roof and blankets, provides a silent, guided journey that enhances the experience.
Accommodating up to 35 people, the tour earns high praise, with 97% of 430 reviews recommending it.
At €24.87 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore Stockholm from a unique vantage point and get an overview of the city’s highlights.
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Stockholm: Private Electric Open Boat Ride
The Stockholm: Private Electric Open Boat Ride offers visitors a serene and eco-friendly way to explore the city’s picturesque waterways.
The 50-minute tour provides an intimate experience, with a small group of up to 8 people. Passengers can enjoy the sights and sounds of Stockholm from the comfort of an electric boat, which is both quiet and emission-free.
The tour includes views of landmarks such as the Gamla Stan, the Riddarholmen Church, and the Royal Palace.
With no need for prior boating experience, this activity is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a great option for families and groups looking to enjoy Stockholm’s beautiful canals.
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Stockholm Archipelago Sailing Day Tour
From Vaxholm Guest Harbor, visitors embark on an 8-hour sailing adventure through the stunning Stockholm Archipelago, a collection of over 24,000 islands.
The tour provides a professional yachting crew, safety briefing, and introduction to the sailboat. Travelers will learn navigation basics, natural history, flora, and fauna from the skipper, and they’ll have the chance to take the helm and sail.
The tour includes a traditional Swedish fika break, a stop for exploration and swimming, and visits to small fishing villages.
With a 95% traveler recommendation based on 58 reviews, this sailing tour offers an idyllic and relaxing way to experience the beauty of the archipelago.
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Stockholm Gamla Stan Walking Tour and Djurgården Boat Cruise
This 3-to-4 hour tour combines a guided walking exploration of Stockholm’s historic Gamla Stan (Old Town) with a serene 50-minute boat cruise around the scenic Djurgården Royal National Park.
At €189.37 per person, it offers flexibility with three duration options. The walking tour covers key landmarks like the Royal Palace and Nobel Prize Museum, while the boat cruise provides multi-lingual commentary on wildlife and historic sites.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, with group sizes capped at 25 people. Visitors should dress in layers and arrive early to ensure timely boarding for the cruise.
Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are fully refundable.
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Stockholm Sightseeing Cruise Along Djurgarden Canal
A popular option for sightseeing in Stockholm is the 1-hour Stockholm Sightseeing Cruise along the Djurgården Canal.
The cruise departs hourly from Södra Blasieholmshamnen 11 and takes passengers on a journey through the city’s waterways and central islands.
Passengers can expect to see key sights like Djurgården, the Vasa Museum, and Södermalm, accompanied by audio commentary in 11 languages.
The comfortable 100-passenger canal boat offers food and drinks for purchase.
While reviews praise the beautiful scenery and informative guide, some guests have noted issues with the audio equipment and a lack of engagement.
The cruise provides an efficient and scenic way to explore Stockholm’s waterfront.
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Stockholm: City Sightseeing Open Electric Boat Tour
Tourists seeking an eco-friendly and relaxing way to explore Stockholm’s waterfront can embark on the Stockholm: City Sightseeing Open Electric Boat Tour.
Priced from $27 per person, the 50-minute cruise takes passengers past iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Vasa Museum, and ABBA The Museum.
With guided commentary in English, travelers can learn about each location while enjoying refreshments on the silent, open-air boat.
The tour operates rain or shine, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Reviewers praise the tour’s value, knowledgeable guides, and superior photography opportunities compared to enclosed boats.
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Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise
Offering a scenic tour through Stockholm’s picturesque canals, the Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise provides a flexible way for travelers to explore the city’s key landmarks.
Passengers can hop on and off at any of the 9 stops, including the Vasa Museum and Fotografiska Museum, over 24 or 72 hours.
With audio commentary enhancing the experience, the cruise highlights the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan, and Djurgården.
While not wheelchair accessible, the service is suitable for most travelers.
At €30.65 per person, the cruise offers good value, with passengers praising the convenient and relaxing experience, though some note audio quality concerns on certain boats.
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Stockholm: Private Sailing Tour
Exploring Stockholm’s waterways from a different perspective, the Stockholm: Private Sailing Tour provides a unique opportunity for travelers to experience the city by boat.
This 4-hour private sailing adventure offers a blend of sightseeing, sailing, swimming, and relaxation. Sailing past iconic landmarks like Stadshuset and Drottningholm Palace, participants can also swim in a calm bay and take turns steering the boat.
With a maximum group size of 5, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience. Priced from $108.90 per person, the tour includes amenities like a welcome drink, sailing gear, and refreshments.
Based on 8 glowing reviews, the tour is highly recommended for couples and small groups seeking an unforgettable afternoon on the water.
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Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Boat
The Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Boat provides a flexible sightseeing experience, allowing travelers to explore the city’s waterways at their own pace.
With 87 reviews and available in 1- or 3-day passes, the tour sails by key attractions like the Royal Palace and Vasa Museum.
Equipped with an on-board audio guide in 14 languages, the boat can accommodate up to 50 travelers.
Prices start from €20.00 per person, with free entry for children aged 0-6 and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
While the tour has a 3.5 average rating, some travelers report issues with boat availability and unclear schedules.
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Stockholm: Electric Boat Tour With Live Music
Gliding silently through the tranquil waterways of Stockholm, the Electric Boat Tour with Live Music provides a unique and enchanting sightseeing experience.
This 1.5 to 2-hour tour allows visitors to sit back, relax, and take in the city’s stunning scenery while enjoying live musical performances.
Departing from central Stockholm, the electric boat takes guests past the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace) and the picturesque Old Town.
The tour provides an opportunity to experience Stockholm’s picturesque canals and islands in a peaceful and eco-friendly manner.
With live music complementing the serene surroundings, this tour offers a truly memorable way to explore the Swedish capital.
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Stockholm Archipelago Cruise With Guide
For those seeking a comprehensive introduction to Stockholm’s stunning archipelago, the Stockholm Archipelago Cruise with Guide offers an immersive and informative experience.
Rated 3.8 out of 869 reviews, this 1.5 to 3-hour tour departs from central Stockholm, providing guided narration about the city’s history and landmarks.
Travelers can expect beautiful scenery, photo opportunities, and an optional on-board cafe.
While limited indoor seating may be an issue, especially in winter, the cruise is generally well-received for its scenic routes and educational value.
Advance meal reservations are recommended to secure better seating.
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Stockholm Archipelago Boat Cruise, Gamla Stan Walking Tour
Combining a guided walking tour of Stockholm’s historic Gamla Stan (Old Town) with a captivating 2.5-hour cruise through the city’s stunning archipelago, this comprehensive half-day excursion offers an immersive exploration of the Swedish capital’s rich history and natural beauty.
Priced from $212.03 per person, the tour is led by 5-star private guides and includes highlights like the Royal Palace, Nobel Prize Museum, and Stockholm Cathedral.
Aboard the archipelago cruise, guests will enjoy scenic landscapes, wildlife, and the historical significance of the islands, all while taking advantage of the onboard amenities.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a 5/5 rating, this tour is an excellent choice for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families.
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Stockholm- A Beauty On The Water: Old Town Walking Tour and Boat Trip Combined
Amid Stockholm’s captivating Old Town, a delightful tour blends the city’s medieval charms with a serene boat journey along the Djurgårdsbrunn Canal.
The “Stockholm – A Beauty On The Water” experience earns a 4.8-star rating from 46 reviews, with 96% of travelers recommending it.
Over 2.5 hours, visitors explore the cobbled streets, key sights like the Opera House and Royal Palace, and learn about Stockholm’s history as the world’s best-preserved medieval city.
The tour then transitions to a 50-minute boat ride offering panoramic views of the skyline.
While some found the boat audio lacking, the overall consensus is that this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Stockholm’s highlights.
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Stockholm: Full Day Archipelago Sailing Tour With Lunch
This full-day sailing tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Stockholm’s captivating archipelago. Priced from $301.99 per person, the tour lasts 9 hours and is limited to 8 participants.
Guests will receive hands-on sailing instruction from an experienced skipper and dock in natural harbors instead of marinas. The itinerary includes swimming in the Baltic Sea, hiking for panoramic views, and encountering local wildlife.
Lunch is provided, and there’s a convenient reserve now, pay later option. With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 56 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for its beautiful scenery, enjoyable sailing experience, and knowledgeable guides.
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Stockholm Bridges Sightseeing Cruise
The Stockholm Bridges Sightseeing Cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s captivating waterways and marvel at the architectural marvels that span them.
With a maximum capacity of 15 travelers, the cruise takes passengers on a circular route around Södermalm, offering stunning views of landmarks like Stockholm City Hall and Kungliga Djurgården.
Highlights include gliding under 15 picturesque bridges and passing through two locks connecting Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea.
While the audio guide and on-board amenities are well-received, some travelers have reported issues with accessibility and overcrowding.
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Stockholm: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus With Audio Guide & Boat Option
For those looking to explore Stockholm’s top attractions at their own pace, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Audio Guide & Boat Option provides a convenient and flexible sightseeing experience.
Prices start from $21.05 per person, with ticket options ranging from 24-hour to 72-hour passes for bus, boat, or a combination.
Visitors can hop on and off at various stops, including popular destinations like the Gröna Lund amusement park, Skansen, and the Ice Bar.
The multilingual audio guide and wheelchair-accessible buses enhance the overall experience.
Although the boat tours aren’t wheelchair-friendly, the service has received positive feedback, with an average rating of 3.9/5 from 126 reviews.
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Stockholm RIB Speed Boat Tour
Visitors seeking a thrilling and scenic sightseeing adventure in Stockholm can embark on the Stockholm RIB Speed Boat Tour. This one-hour excursion whisks passengers through the city’s canals and archipelago at speeds up to 40 miles per hour.
Riders will pass iconic landmarks like the Nationalmuseum and Vaxholm Fortress, while taking in picturesque views of rocky islands and fishing villages. The rigid inflatable boat provides an adrenaline-fueled journey, and the tour includes all necessary safety gear, snacks, and hotel transportation.
With a 100% traveler recommendation and an average rating of 5.0, this tour offers a unique and memorable experience for those seeking an exhilarating way to explore Stockholm’s stunning waterways.
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Stockholm: Walking Tour & Archipelago Boat Tour
This guided walking tour and archipelago boat tour in Stockholm offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historic landmarks and stunning natural beauty.
The 4-hour experience includes a 2-hour walking tour through the Royal Palace, House of Nobility, and Gamla Stan, as well as a 2-hour boat cruise through the Stockholm Archipelago.
Travelers will learn about the city’s rich history and culture from an English and Spanish-speaking guide. The tour also provides discounts on meals at partnered restaurants.
Though not suitable for those with mobility issues or young children, this tour is highly recommended based on positive reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guides and value-packed itinerary.
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Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Boat
Travelers exploring Stockholm can conveniently experience the city’s top attractions through the hop-on hop-off bus and boat service. The tour offers access to landmarks like the Vasa Museum, Gamla Stan, and the ABBA Museum, with audio commentary available in 15 languages.
While the service receives mixed reviews, with complaints about long wait times and poor customer service, it provides a practical way to see the city’s highlights. Ticket options range from 24-hour to 72-hour validity, and children up to age 7 travel free.
However, the service isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. For those seeking a more streamlined sightseeing experience, the hop-on hop-off service could be a suitable option.
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Stockholm: City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise With Guide
For those wanting to experience Stockholm’s picturesque archipelago, the city’s sightseeing cruise offers a captivating journey aboard classic ships.
The 1.5-2.5 hour cruise departs from Strandvägen, allowing passengers to explore the stunning islands and coastline on either the M/S Östanå I or S/S Stockholm.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides insightful commentary on the archipelago’s history and sights.
While refreshments are available for purchase, limited outside seating on the upper deck offers the best views.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the cruise welcomes pets and foldable strollers.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5, this cruise is a popular activity that often sells out, so booking in advance is recommended.
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RIB Speed Boat – 2 Hour Archipelago Tour
While exploring Stockholm’s picturesque archipelago, thrill-seekers can embark on a high-speed RIB boat tour. This 2-hour excursion departs from Strandvägen, offering stunning views of the small islands.
The tour accommodates up to 12 travelers and is praised for its engaging guides, like Adam and PJ, who provide informative commentary. Participants enjoy the exhilarating speed of the RIB boat as they zip around the archipelago.
However, the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions. This tour provides an adventurous and intimate way to discover Stockholm’s stunning waterways.
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From Stockholm: 3-Day Return Cruise to Helsinki & Breakfast
This 3-day mini cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki and back provides travelers an effortless way to explore the Baltic Sea.
Priced from €129.50 per person, the cruise includes 2 nights in a private sea-view cabin and a free cancellation policy.
Onboard, guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet, optional dinner buffet, entertainment like live music and sauna, and scenic views of the Baltic.
In Helsinki, there’s 6 hours to sightsee.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 from 190 reviews, the cruise offers a sustainable, eco-friendly, and value-packed way to travel between these two Scandinavian capitals.
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Stockholm Royal Bridges and City Centre Cruise
Travelers seeking a quintessential Stockholm experience can embark on the Stockholm Royal Bridges and City Centre Cruise, a 60-minute journey through the city’s picturesque canals and waterways.
This tour offers audio commentary in 14 languages, allowing passengers to learn about the city’s key districts, including the Old Town, Djurgården, Riddarholmen, and Södermalm.
With a maximum of 50 travelers per tour, the experience ensures a comfortable and intimate atmosphere. Onboard amenities include free WiFi and a snack bar offering traditional Swedish fika.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and children aged 0-6 can join for free with a paying adult. Priced from $21.98 per person, the cruise provides a budget-friendly way to discover Stockholm from the water.
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Stockholm Archipelago 1-Hour Tour by RIB Speed Boat
For travelers seeking a thrilling and fast-paced adventure on the Baltic Sea, the Stockholm Archipelago 1-Hour Tour by RIB Speed Boat offers an exhilarating experience.
This 2-hour tour zips through the archipelago at speeds up to 40 mph, offering stunning views of landmarks like the Stockholm Nationalmuseum and Vasa Museum.
The small group tour, limited to 12 participants, also includes a break for traditional Swedish fika, with a soft drink and sweet pastry.
Safety is a top priority, with life vests and waterproof gear provided.
While some feedback notes audio clarity issues for back-seat passengers, the overall 4.9/5 rating from 95 reviews speaks to the tour’s popularity and thrilling nature.
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Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat Ticket in Stockholm
Offering a convenient way to explore Stockholm’s top attractions, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat Ticket provides access to the city’s key landmarks and sights.
With 1-day or 3-day pass options, visitors can hop on and off at numerous stops around the city, including the Stockholm Royal Palace, Stockholm City Hall, Skansen, Gröna Lund, and ABBA: The Museum.
The boat service connects the Old Town to Djurgården, with 8 stops offering access to popular sites like the Vasa Museum and Fotografiska Museum.
While the service has received mixed reviews, the ticket’s inclusion of port pickup, gratuities, and free on-board Wi-Fi make it a practical choice for discovering Stockholm.
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Recap
Stockholm offers a wide variety of cruises and boat tours to suit different interests and budgets. From electric boat rides to private sailing tours, visitors can explore the city’s picturesque waterways, historic sights, and scenic archipelago. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely cruise or a thrilling speed boat adventure, Stockholm has an option that’ll make your visit truly memorable.