Vallisaari island walk and Helsinki archipelago cruise

A former military island is now a self-guided nature walk in the middle of Helsinki.

This three-hour tour from Helsinki's Cafe Marina Bay cruises the archipelago and stops at Vallisaari, where you walk the grounds of a former military installation turned public nature reserve. The tour includes all protective gear and passes Suomenlinna and Löyly en route. A live English-speaking guide leads the boat portion, and self-guided walking signs mark the island paths.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helsinki sightseeing and Vallisaari walk

• Depart from Redrib Hub at Cafe Marina Bay
• Cruise Helsinki Experience 1 sights
• Stop at Vallisaari island
• Take 1-hour self-guided walk on Vallisaari
• Return from Vallisaari to starting point

The experience

The boat leaves Kanavaranta 4 at Cafe Marina Bay and heads into the Helsinki archipelago to see the sights of the first experience (Suomenlinna, Löyly, and ice breakers) before stopping at Vallisaari. The island was closed to the public until recently. Now the walking paths are marked with information signs so you can explore on your own pace. Nature has been remarkably well preserved on these city oases, and cafés dot the route if you want to rest.

You get a full hour to walk Vallisaari's grounds. The boat provides all the gear you'll need: whole body suits, jackets, life vests, and speed goggles, so there's no separate equipment to arrange. A live guide in English narrates the cruise portion and explains what you're seeing as the boat moves through the water.

What’s included

• All passenger protective equipment including whole body suits, jackets, life vests, and speed goggles.
• a live English-speaking guide for the cruise portion.
• self-guided walking access to Vallisaari with marked paths and information signs.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 33

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by REDRIB EXPERIENCE OY LTD

Is this one for you?Three hours is short enough to fit around other plans in Helsinki, but long enough to spend a full hour walking Vallisaari's grounds without rushing the island stop.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Vallisaari and why is it worth a stop?

Vallisaari is a former military island in the Helsinki archipelago that opened to the public recently. The nature has been remarkably well preserved, and self-guided walking signs lead you through the grounds. Cafés are available along the way if you want to rest during your hour on the island.

Do I need my own wetsuit or protective gear?

No. The tour provides whole body suits, jackets, life vests, and speed goggles, so you arrive and board ready to go.

Is there a guide on the boat, and what language does the tour run in?

Yes, a live guide in English leads the cruise and explains the sights as you pass through the archipelago and stop at each location.