Welcome aboard to Stockholm, the breathtaking city that is built on water.
With over 30,000 islands and islets surrounding the city, it’s no surprise that boat tours are one of the best ways to explore the city’s beauty and history.
🏆 BEST STOCKHOLM BOAT TOURS
Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best choice is this Stockholm boat tour:
Stockholm City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise with Guide
Stockholm’s waterways offer a unique perspective that cannot be experienced on land, making boat tours an essential part of any visit to the city.
From archipelago cruises to canal tours, there is a boat tour for every kind of traveler.
So grab your life vest and let’s dive into the top boat tours in Stockholm!
Quick Guide: Best Stockholm Boat Tours
After a quick list of the top Stockholm tour? Here are the best boat tours.
Stockholm City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise with Guide
- 2.5-Hour Tour
- Round-trip City Tour
- Live Tour Guide
- Sights: Stockholm’s Archipelago
Stockholm Under the Bridges Boat Tour
- 135-Minute Tour
- Inner City Tour, Canals
- Audio Guide in Several Languages
- Sights: Main Landmarks and Bridges
Royal Canal Tour Stockholm
- 50-Minute Tour
- Djurgården Canal Tour
- Audio Guide in Several Languages
- Sights: Historic Sites from the Water
12 Best Stockholm Boat Tours
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique perspective on the Swedish capital, there’s a tour for everyone.
From city canal guided boat trips in Stockholm to a private yacht cruise with lunch or dinner, these tours offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Stockholm.
1. Stockholm City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise with Guide
Who Is This Tour For:
Suitable for anyone looking for a leisurely boat ride and scenic views. Great for families and those after a relaxed experience.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: 4.3 out of 5 from 2200+ reviews
- Length: 2.5 hours
- Check Tour Price
What To Love About This Tour:
Join a beautiful journey on a classic ship and sail through the stunning waterways of Stockholm as you enjoy the scenic view of the second-largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea.
Amazing way to see the archipelago! 2 1/2 hours was a perfect amount of time, not too long but long enough to see lots of islands.
Really great viewing spot at the front of the boat, great bar and snacks.
The tour guide was brilliant and informative, and staff were friendly and helpful. Would recommend!!
Amelia – United Kingdom (Read more Reviews) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A guide will be there to explain the sites, including explaining just how the nature of this region is so important to life in Sweden, making this boat tour a perfect way to take in the breathtaking views of Stockholm’s archipelago.
Please Note:
- Refreshments and food are available for purchase onboard.
- The boat can get very crowded so not the best option for those who get anxious with little space.
- Make sure to book your spot ahead of time and make sure you are at least 20 minutes early.
A very affordable way to enjoy a sightseeing cruise.
This cruise is the most popular boat cruise in Stockholm so it can get crowded.
Make sure to secure tickets ahead of time.
2. Stockholm Under the Bridges Boat Tour
Who Is This Tour For:
Ideal for those looking for a different perspective of the city’s sights.
Great for solo travelers or couples looking for a peaceful and calming experience.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars from 1200+ reviews
- Length: 135 minutes
- Check Prices on GetYourGuide
What To Love About This Tour:
See Stockholm from a different angle with a canal tour that takes you under several bridges and through the inner city.
One of the best adventures I’ve had.
The guided tour was very informative, I learned a lot about the buildings, bridges, and other elements about Sweden during the tour.
GetYourGuide traveler (Read more Reviews) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Please Note: Commentary on board is available in 10 languages.
You’ll have the opportunity to discover the historic sights and beautiful landscapes that make Stockholm a must-see destination.
3. Royal Canal Tour Stockholm
Who Is This Tour For:
Great for those looking for a relaxing canal trip in Stockholm with beautiful views. Suitable for families and those after a short tour.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: 4.2 out of 5 Stars from 270+ reviews
- Length: 50 minutes
- Check Prices on GetYourGuide
What To Love About This Tour:
Cruise along the Djurgården Canal and discover historic sights and beautiful landscapes.
This tour offers informative commentary via the audio guide, available in 11 languages, so you can learn about the sites as you cruise.
The 50-minute journey is perfect for those seeking a relaxed and informative experience, even if you don’t have a ton of free time.
Even in less than an hour, you’ll get the chance to see the best of Stockholm’s picturesque canals of the city and historic architecture while learning about the city’s fascinating Swedish history.
Please Note: The audio guide and headsets for it are included in the price.
4. Stockholm Winter Tour by Boat
Who Is This Tour For:
Perfect for those who want a winter wonderland experience. Suitable for families and those after a unique and festive tour.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars from 330+ reviews
- Length: 75 minutes
- Check Prices on GetYourGuide
What To Love About This Tour:
Explore the beauty of Stockholm’s winter scenery with this boat tour.
See the stunning views of the 400-year-old Djurgården Royal Park and the city’s quays while learning interesting facts from your guide.
Sip on Swedish Glögg or other beverages in the onboard cafeteria while admiring Stockholm’s beauty during winter.
It may be a quieter time for tourists but it doesn’t make it any less spectacular!
5. Stockholm Archipelago 1-Hour Tour by RIB Speed Boat
Who Is This Tour For:
Ideal for thrill-seekers who want to explore the archipelago at high speeds. Great for those after an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars from 80 reviews
- Length: 1 hour
- Check Prices of GetYourGuide
What To Love About This Tour:
For thrill-seekers, hop aboard a RIB speed boat and head out to the Baltic Sea.
Discover the Stockholm Archipelago at high speeds while feeling the wind in your hair and the salty sea on your face.
Travel past the Gröna Lund amusement park and discover islands with pastel-colored dwellings and small fishing towns.
This tour is perfect for adventure lovers seeking a unique and exhilarating experience.
6. City Sightseeing Electric Boat Tour and Canals
Who Is This Tour For:
Great for those seeking a peaceful and calming boat ride with beautiful views. Suitable for families and those after a short tour.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars from 20+ reviews
- Length: 50 minutes
- Check Prices on GetYourGuide
What To Love About This Tour:
Take a relaxing boat tour along the Djurgården Well Canal and admire views of Stockholm Palace and the Nordic Museum.
Learn about the city’s history and culture while drifting along the canals of Stockholm.
You’ll pass by top attractions such as the Vasa Museum, ABBA The Museum, and Stockholm Palace. This tour is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and scenic experience.
Please Note: Food and drinks aren’t included but you can bring your own on board.
7. Full-Day Stockholm Archipelago Sailing Tour
Who Is This Tour For:
Perfect for those who want to explore the archipelago in-depth. Ideal for families and those after a truly immersive experience.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars from 50+ reviews
- Length: 8 hours
- Check Prices on GetYourGuide
What To Love About This Tour:
Explore thousands of islands in the Stockholm Archipelago with an experienced captain.
This day cruise in Stockholm is great for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Stockholm.
Discover hidden islands and scenic spots with a certified English-speaking captain.
This tour is perfect for those looking to spend a full day tour out in nature if all that city hopping has become a bit much for you.
8. Old Town Walking Tour and Boat Trip Combined
Who Is This Tour For:
Ideal for those who want a unique insight into Stockholm’s history and culture.
Great for solo travelers or couples looking for a romantic and informative adventure.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars from 11 reviews
- Length: 3 hours
- Check Prices on Viator
What To Love About This Tour:
Get a unique insight into Stockholm by viewing it from both land and water.
This tour offers a combination of a walking tour and a boat trip, allowing you to see the world’s best-preserved medieval city while enjoying the peaceful charm of the Djurgårdsbrunn Canal.
It’s perfect for those looking to experience the best of both worlds.
9. Stockholm Live Music Ride by Boat
Who Is This Tour For:
Perfect for those who want to enjoy live music while cruising through the canals.
Great for couples or groups of friends after a fun and intimate experience.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: N/A
- Length: 2 hours
- Check Prices on Viator
What To Love About This Tour:
Experience the only tour with live music onboard in the city center of Stockholm.
This tour offers a quiet open electric boat that drives through the canals and under the bridges of Stockholm while live musicians entertain you.
Bring your own drinks and food and relax while seeing the sunset on the horizon in central Stockholm.
And don’t worry if things are looking a bit cloudy or wet: if the weather is bad, they’ll put up their roof and give out blankets.
(In fact, it’s almost better if this happens to you, as snuggling under a blanket as the clouds roll in is the classic coziness that comes from the concept of mysa, a beautiful Swedish word that’s pretty close to the Danish hygge!)
This intimate tour provides you with the best of Stockholm and is perfect for those looking for a unique and entertaining experience.
10. Hop On Hop Off Boat Stockholm
Who Is This Tour For:
Suitable for those who want to explore Stockholm’s top attractions at their own pace. Great for families and those after a flexible and customizable tour.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars from 90+ reviews
- Length: 50 minutes
- Check Prices on Viator
What To Love About This Tour:
Take in the sights along Stockholm’s picturesque canals and enjoy audio commentary on board.
Hop on and off to explore the city at your own pace and visit top Stockholm attractions such as the Royal Palace, Vasa Museum, Old Town, and the island of Djurgården.
This hop-on hop-off boat tour offers a 50-minute boat ride with audio commentary and is perfect for those who want a Stockholm boat tour that lets them see the highlights of the city on their own schedule.
11. City Canal guided boat tour
Who Is This Tour For:
Ideal for those who want to experience the city from a unique perspective. Great for families and those after a short and informative tour.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: 4.2 out of 5 Stars from 30+ reviews
- Length: 55 minutes
- Check Prices on GetYourGuide
What To Love About This Tour:
Experience the city of Stockholm from a unique perspective on board a charming mahogany vessel.
Cruise along the city canals and waterways, enjoying beautiful views of the City Hall, Military Academy, and Långholmen.
You’ll also learn about the city’s history and highlights from your expert local guide while feeling the breeze with this open-top boat from the 1950s.
This 55-minute tour is perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time in Stockholm but are seeking a peaceful and scenic experience.
12. Private Yacht Cruise with Lunch or Dinner in Stockholm Archipelago
Who Is This Tour For:
Perfect for those who want a luxurious and personalized experience. Great for couples celebrating a special occasion or those after a private boat tour and exclusive adventure.
Tour Overview:
- Rating: 4.0 out of 5 Stars from 2 reviews
- Length: 3 hours
- Check Prices on Viator
What To Love About This Tour:
Experience a personalized service with a private yacht cruise and enjoy unobstructed views of Stockholm from the water.
Watch for marine wildlife among the islands and enjoy convenient pickup and drop-off at your Stockholm hotel, making it perfect for those looking for a luxurious and exclusive experience.
Please Note: This private tour includes bottled water, beverages, and a light lunch or 2-course dinner.
FAQs
Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about boat tours in Stockholm.
Private boat tours are a popular way and a great way to explore Stockholm’s stunning waterways, and prices can vary depending on the length of the tour and the type of boat.
The lowest-priced tour is the Stockholm Royal Canal Tour, which costs the equivalent of around US$27 and offers a 50-minute journey with an informative audio guide available in 11 languages.
On the other hand, the highest-priced tour is the Private Yacht Cruise with Lunch or Dinner in Stockholm Archipelago, which costs around US$1,200.
It includes a three-hour private cruise with personalized service, unobstructed views of Stockholm from the water, and a light lunch or two-course dinner.
In between these two extremes, there are plenty of options for all budgets.
For example, the Stockholm City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise with Guide offers a 2.5-hour journey for around US$37 and includes a knowledgeable guide, sightseeing cruise, and toilets available onboard.
Meanwhile, the Stockholm Under the Bridges Boat Tour costs around US$35 for a 135-minute journey.
No matter your budget or preferences, there’s a boat tour in Stockholm for everyone.
From affordable canal tours to luxurious private yacht cruises, visitors to Stockholm can experience the beauty and history of the city from the water in a unique and unforgettable way.
Stockholm offers a plethora of boat tours to choose from, each offering a unique perspective on the city’s beauty and history.
Here are the three best Stockholm boat tours to take and why:
1. Archipelago Cruise – The Stockholm City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise is our pick for the best boat tour in Stockholm.
Offering a 2.5-hour journey through the stunning waterways of Stockholm’s archipelago, this tour is perfect for those looking for both a relaxing and informative experience.
2. Canal Tour – The Stockholm Under the Bridges Boat Tour is another great boat trip in Stockholm, offering a 135-minute journey under several bridges and through the inner city.
You can learn about the historic sights and beautiful landscapes that make Stockholm a must-see destination.
3. RIB Speed Boat Tour – For thrill-seekers, the Stockholm Archipelago 1-Hour Tour by RIB Speed Boat is the perfect boat tour.
Being able to climb aboard a RIB speed boat and head out to the Baltic Sea, traveling at high speeds past some of the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago, is a truly awesome way to see this part of the world.
Overall, Stockholm boat tours can last anywhere from 50 minutes to a full day, providing a range of options for visitors to explore the city’s stunning waterways.
The shortest tour out of my picks for the best Stockholm boat tours is the Stockholm Royal Canal Tour, which offers a 50-minute journey through the Djurgården Canal.
This tour is perfect for those who want to see the highlights of Stockholm in a short amount of time.
For those seeking a longer tour, the Stockholm City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise with Guide offers a 2.5-hour journey through the archipelago, making it feel just like a chilled-out Stockholm river cruise.
Alternatively, you can also check out the Stockholm Under the Bridges Boat Tour which provides a 135-minute journey through the inner city.
These tours are perfect for those who want to experience more of Stockholm’s beauty and history.
If you have more time, the Full-Day Stockholm Archipelago Sailing Tour offers an eight-hour journey through the thousands of islands in the Stockholm Archipelago, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of the archipelago’s beauty and history.
Stockholm boat tours typically operate year-round, but the availability and schedules of tours can vary depending on the season.
During the summer months from May to September, there are more options for boat tours, with longer and more frequent tours available.
This is the most popular time for boat tours, as the weather is typically warmer and the days are longer.
During the winter months from November to March, the availability of boat tours is more limited.
However, there are still several tours available, such as the Stockholm Winter Tour by Boat, which offers a 75-minute journey through the city’s quays and around the island of Fjäderholmarna.
It’s important to check the availability and schedules of boat tours during the shoulder seasons of April and October, as well as during the winter months, as some tours may only operate on weekends or be weather-dependent.
Overall, while the availability of boat tours may vary depending on the season, there are still options available year-round to explore Stockholm’s stunning waterways.
A RIB boat tour is a high-speed boat tour that takes place on a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB).
RIBs are small, lightweight boats that are typically used for military and rescue operations, but are also used for recreational purposes such as sightseeing tours.
They are designed with inflatable tubes around the hull that provide buoyancy, stability, and shock absorption, making them ideal boats for high-speed tours on rough waters.
During a RIB boat tour, passengers sit on cushioned seats and hold onto handrails as the boat speeds through the water.
RIB boat tours are popular for their thrilling, high-speed rides and the opportunity to see sights that may be difficult to reach by land or on a slower boat.
In Stockholm, RIB boat tours are the best way to explore the city’s stunning archipelago, providing passengers with breathtaking views of the islands and the Baltic Sea.
Summary Of The Best Boat Tours In Stockholm
Stockholm boat tours offer a unique and unforgettable way to explore the city’s stunning waterways and learn about its fascinating history.
From archipelago cruises to canal tours and RIB speed boat adventures, there is a boat tour in Stockholm for every kind of traveler.
🏆 BEST STOCKHOLM BOAT TOURS
Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best choice is this Stockholm boat tour:
Stockholm City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise with Guide
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing and informative experience, a thrilling adventure, or a comprehensive tour of the archipelago, Stockholm’s boat tours provide an unparalleled perspective on the city’s beauty and history.
So why not experience the magic of Stockholm’s waterways for yourself?
With the Stockholm boat tours mentioned above, you’re sure to find a tour that fits your interests and budget and provides a truly unforgettable experience for your holiday in Sweden.
