Quick guide: Getting around Helsinki by boat
So, you’ve just explored Helsinki. Shopping bags stuffed, experiences accumulated, eyes boggled. You’re only halfway there. There’s a whole other world of things to do in Helsinki – just offshore. Like, more than 300 islands. Yep. The archipelago is not just scenery. It is infrastructure. Come with us, we’ll show you how.
The sea is a shortcut
Two Helsinkis for the price of one? Yes, please. The land-based option now ticked off your list, it’s as good a time as any to expand your horizons, literally. And your taste buds. Easy access, too. Some boats are everyday transport. Some are summer treats. Some require actual competence. No need to captain your way into drama. None at all. Choose the right boat for the right crossing.
Start with the ferries
No boat, no booking, no skipper hat required. The easiest place to step aboard year-round is the HSL ferry to Suomenlinna from Market Square. An HSL AB ticket is enough. Done and done. The crossing takes around 15 minutes. The views will linger longer.
Nearby, just past Uspenski Cathedral, an HSL ferry service runs between Meritullintori and Kruunuvuorenranta in Laajasalo. Renewable diesel power. Ferry there, then cycle back over Finland’s longest bridge for a different angle on the city. Stop at the top. Definitely. Trams set to follow in 2027.
Aurinkolautta, Helsinki’s solar ferry to Vartiosaari, links Reposalmi in Laajasalo with the island in summer. How does it run? Here comes the sun. Go straight to the pier or book ahead. Old villas, forest paths and summer sheep. More please.
Step aboard a group tour
Seasonal island-hopping? Take a cruise. FRS Finland stretches horizons east towards Vuosaari and west towards the Espoo archipelago. JT-Line brings the classic trio within reach: Pihlajasaari, Vallisaari and Lonna.
Stromma Finland’s Beautiful Canal Cruise does what it says on the tin. The greatest-hits route takes in Suomenlinna, Korkeasaari, the icebreakers and the Degerö Canal in 1.5 hours. Multilingual audio. Oui. Si. Ja.
Rent something quiet
Stadin Botski rents quiet self-drive electric picnic boats from Hakaniemi. Think slow cruising with sips and nibbles rather than heroic nautical drama. Dogs welcome. Seven other passengers, too. At least one person aboard must have previous boating experience.
Another option? Lean on the OG powersource – you. Natura Viva has kayaks, SUP boards and rowing boats, and runs guided paddling trips in the eastern archipelago. Supregatta, located next to Töölö’s Cafe Regatta, offers a similar range of paddle-power by the hour.
by boat
Helsinki
Take the helm, or borrow one
Let offshore Helsinki put the wind in your sails: granite islands, gulls, open water and the city skyline shrinking behind the mast.
Dock without fuss. A dense network of harbours, marinas and guest berths along the city’s coastline and islands. Practical, too: MarinaBay in Katajanokka and HSS guest marina are options for central arrivals.
Not ready to don a skipper’s cap? Sunset Sailing Tours offers small-group and private sailing trips from Katajanokka. Sailing with sauna? Yoga? Barbecue? Tick all three with aQuablue’s private charters.
Before you go: sea rules, short version
Know your place
Boating here is generally friction-free. Keep it that way. Recreational boats give way to commercial vessels. When in doubt, slow down.
No licence, no cry
For most small recreational boats, no licence is required.
Float when most needed
Motorboats and sailboats over five metres need approved life jackets or flotation devices for everyone onboard. That means you. They only help if worn.
Pack the boring kit
Oars, paddle or anchor with rope. Bailing device. Fire extinguisher where required. Not glamorous, but essential.
Take alcohol seriously
The legal limit at sea is 1.0 per mille. Twice the road limit. Twice as unnecessary.
Sea sense on warm days
Fancy a dip while bobbing about? Dive in. With one caveat: In summer, blue-green algae can appear in warm, calm bays. Beware and follow instructions!
Save the essential numbers
Maritime Search and Rescue: 0294 1000. Emergency number: 112.
Register your intent
Registration is separate from licensing. Boats of at least 5.5 metres or 15 kW engine power must be registered.