5 Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Stockholm to Book in 2024

Impatient to book one of the best cruises and boat tours in Stockholm? I got you covered! This guide highlights the 5 best boat tours for you to discover Stockholm from the water.

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a city unlike any other. Spread across 14 islands connected by picturesque bridges, this Scandinavian gem is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” due to its intricate network of waterways.

When you visit Stockholm, it’s impossible to ignore the allure of boat rides as a fundamental part of the city’s identity and charm. That’s why you have to hop on a boat in Stockholm and discover the panoramic postcard views.

This article features only the best boat tours in Stockholm for every traveler. You can pick between popular tours, private yachts, or adventurous speed boat tours. Keep reading to discover more.

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

5 best boat tours in Stockholm for every traveler

Top-rated boat tour in Stockholm City Sightseeing

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 50 minutes | 📆 Check rates and availability

For a truly unique and eco-friendly way to discover iconic landmarks, embark on an electric boat sightseeing cruise in Stockholm. These silent vessels offer a relaxing ride, accompanied by guides who bring history to life.

Departing from the harbors, you’ll be treated to a leisurely tour that shows the city’s most famous attractions. The Vasa Museum, Stockholm Palace, and Skansen are just a few of the highlights you’ll glimpse from the water.

Just picture yourself cruising along the Djurgården Well Canal, surrounded by lush greenery and passing under low bridges. I bet it sounds tempting, doesn’t it?

As you journey through Stockholm, you’ll become part of its story. Pass by the spires of the Nordic Museum, act out a scene on the boat as you glide past the Royal Dramatic Theatre, and even sing a song outside ABBA The Museum.

This is one of the top-rated boat tours in Stockholm and for a good reason. It tours around the central area of Stockholm and takes only 50 minutes of your day, so it can be easily integrated into your Stockholm itinerary.

Places that you will see during the Stockholm boat tour:

• Djurgården Well Canal;
• Nordic Museum;
• Royal Dramatic Theatre;
• ABBA The Museum.

Other things to note:

• a live tour guide is included;
• the electric boat offers an environmentally friendly option.

What guests loved about this boat tour?

“Julia is simply wonderful and Delayne got us started right on time. Julia adds that much-needed punch line to a typical guided tour making it more fun to listen to, includes funny facts, and has a natural flow for storytelling, I enjoyed it very much. To top it off, it is the only electric boat out there, making the tour as environmentally friendly as possible, what’s not to love? I highly recommend it, so don’t miss out.”

Adventurous boat tour in Stockholm with RIB Speed Boat

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 2 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

If you are the adventurous type and you are looking for an adrenaline-filled boat tour in Stockholm, this should be your number one choice. It’s a journey that combines speed, history, and stunning natural landscapes for an unforgettable experience.

As you depart, pass by Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming Old Town, and witness the picturesque 17th-century buildings reflected in the water – a sight that’s truly enchanting. The RIB boat gradually picks up speed, and soon, you’ll find yourself entering the Stockholm Archipelago.

The archipelago reveals a different side of Stockholm, with summer houses dotting the inhabited islands. Cruise along the shores of Sodermalm Island and the Nacka Municipality, where urban life meets the beauty of nature.

As you venture further, prepare yourself for landscapes of rocky outcrops and lush forests. It’s a wild experience that will leave you in awe of Sweden’s natural beauty.

The journey back to Stockholm treats you to a beautiful view of the Vaxholm Fortress, a piece of history surrounded by the sea. And finally, pass under the historic bridges of the Djurgårdsbrunnscanal.

This Stockholm boat tour includes:

• Beanies
• Warm overalls
• Wind jackets
• Insurance

Not suitable for:

• Children under 12 years
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems

Other things to note:

• wear comfortable shoes;
• don’t bring luggage or big bags;
• this tour will take place rain or shine but will be canceled in the case of heavy fog or a thunderstorm.

What guests loved about this boat tour?

“We thoroughly enjoyed our Zodiak tour of the Stockholm Archipelago with our tour guide Anders. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to please. We recommend the tour without reservations. An excellent way to see how life is lived on the islands outside the city center.”

Most popular boat tour in the Stockholm Archipelago with a guide

⭐️ Rating: 4.2 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 2.5 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

Hop on a traditional archipelago vessel and set sail on Stockholm’s waterways for a scenic sightseeing cruise. This Stockholm boat tour is a gem for travelers who want to capture the essence of the city’s beauty and history in just a few hours.

Starting from the picturesque Strandvägen, you’ll board either the vintage M/S Östanå I or the elegant S/S Stockholm. These ships are part of local history and you get the chance to be part of it.

What makes this tour exceptional is not just the stunning scenery, but also the stories shared by the guide. As you cruise, you’ll learn about the natural wonders of the Stockholm archipelago, which is the second largest in the Baltic Sea.

In essence, this round-trip city cruise offers a perfect blend of beautiful sights and fascinating stories. This is one of the most popular boat tours in Stockholm so the chances are high that it will sell out quickly. Don’t miss out.

Other things to note:

• a live tour guide is included;
• smoking is not allowed;
• food and refreshments are available for purchase on board.

What guests loved about this boat tour?

“Great nice trip. So exciting to see the Stockholm Archipelago from the boat. The sun peeked out and made the trip so pleasant.”

Full-day boat tour in Stockholm with lunch

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 9 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Stockholm, book a sailing adventure that promises not just sightseeing but also a hands-on experience with the wind and waves.

Climb aboard a Scampi 30 or Compi 28 sailing boat and set sail from the lively harbor of Nynäshamn, just 45 minutes from central Stockholm.

Under the guidance of a skilled skipper, learn the art of sailing as you navigate through the archipelago’s crystal-clear waters. Marvel at the diverse wildlife, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot elusive grey seals.

After a while, let the wind guide you to one of the archipelago’s many islands, such as Nåttarö, Läcka, Utö, Ornö, or Stora Rammklöv. Here, you can relax during a well-deserved lunch break in a sheltered bay, take a refreshing swim in the Baltic Sea, or simply soak up the sun.

This is one of the best boat tours in Stockholm if you have an extra day and want to explore the Archipelago properly. I can guarantee that you will have a memorable day sailing in the Baltic Sea.

This Stockholm boat tour includes:

• Transfer from Stockholm to dock
• Sailing gear (sailing jackets, life jackets, etc.)
• Meals
• Experienced Skipper

Other things to note:

• this tour will take place rain or shine but may be canceled if the weather is determined to be unsafe for sailing;
• small-group tour limited to 5 people.

What guests loved about this boat tour?

“We had a spectacular day sailing with Anders. He was a super guide and knew the boat and the area extremely well. He was great at giving us instruction as needed. He prepared a fantastic meal for all of us with a great salad and hot vegetarian quiche. We met some great people who were on the cruise with us and it was great fun getting to know them. It was the experience of a lifetime.”

Stockholm winter boat tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 75 minutes | 📆 Check rates and availability

Visiting Stockholm in winter and looking for a winter boat tour in Stockholm? Don’t hesitate to book the Stockholm Winter Tour by Boat as it is one of the coolest experiences to try during your trip.

Climb aboard the M/S Angantyr boat and cruise along the city’s quays, soaking in the atmosphere of the magical winter season. 

As you navigate the waters, your guide will share intriguing facts about the city, adding depth to your experience. Marvel at Stockholm’s highlights, from its historic buildings to the verdant oasis of Djurgården royal park.

Stay cozy and warm with a cup of delightful Swedish Glögg, a traditional hot mulled wine, available in the onboard cafeteria. You’ll also find a selection of other hot and cold beverages, snacks, and light lunch options.

This is truly one of the best experiences in Stockholm in winter and if you happen to be in the Swedish capital, it is not to miss.

Other things to note:

• a live tour guide is included;
• not suitable for wheelchair users.

What guests loved about this boat tour?

“Hands down one of the best tours I’ve been on ever! I loved seeing what Stockholm had to offer in terms of beauty, history, and education! Lots of museums and the guide was phenomenal and hilarious!! Her name was Asa and was so amazing I asked to take a pic with her and thankfully she obliged. 10 stars!”

Further reading for the best boat tours in Stockholm

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Or read more about: Stockholm | Sweden | Scandinavia

In conclusion…

This is the end of the best boat tours in Stockholm and I am sure you have found one (or more!) that you will join during your time in Stockholm. Make sure you secure your spot and book now because these top-rated tours sell out fast!

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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