ISLAND HOPPING · GUIDED
Good guided island tours sell out weeks ahead and the best of them go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each one includes and where they differ.
See Stockholm from a classic archipelago ship on a live-guided cruise in English and Swedish. Choose 1.5, 2.5, or 3 hours, listen to guides such as Erik, David, or Christopher, and enjoy islands, open water, city sights, WiFi, restrooms, and a café onboard.
“Surroundings were amazing and we have a great weather.”
Sail from Strandvägen through Stockholm’s waterways toward Vaxholm and back on a 2.5-hour guided cruise. You’ll hear live English commentary, see waterfront homes and historic sites from the water, and choose indoor or outdoor seating. Guides have included Charlotte and Kristopher. Lunch and drinks cost extra.
“Great experience! You can be outside or inside which was warmer. Great guide very experienced . Glad to see more of Sweden then just the cory”
Cruise from Lilla Bommen through Gothenburg Harbor, past Älvsborg Fortress, and toward the southern archipelago on M/S Carl Michael Bellman or M/S S:t Erik. A live guide speaks Swedish and English, while you enjoy deck views, historic ships, coastal homes, and island scenery. The 2.5-hour trip includes onboard toilets and a café, but no island stops.
“The archipelago tour was a great way to end a busy weekend in Gothenburg! It was a very relaxed atmosphere on the boat, and you're able to sit on the deck or inside; there is plenty of seating in both areas. The tour guide was very good and really informative. There is a shop onboard to buy coffee/cookies etc. We did not go for the lunch option, but there is a designated seating area for people who book lunch as part of the trip. You get fairly close to the islands so there are plenty of good opportunities to take some great photos! I would definitely recommended the cruise, especially…”
Cruise from the Royal Palace through Stockholm’s waterways toward Fjäderholmarna and Skurusundet. A live guide speaks English, French, Italian, Spanish, or German, sharing facts about Swedish customs, the royal family, and the passing islands. The boat has indoor seating, a bar, snacks, and outdoor views, though it is not wheelchair accessible.
“Very comfortable boat, warm, nice bar, friendly staff & informative guide. Just right for 2 hours to see plenty.”
Spend eight hours exploring southern Phu Quoc with an English-speaking guide such as Huy, Viet, or Tuan. Snorkel at Xuong or Buom Island and Gam Ghi, eat a Vietnamese lunch on board, then relax at May Rut Trong. Pickup is available in central Duong Dong, with weather-based island changes possible.
“It was cheap, and it was a group bus, but the ship didn't shake much, and it was comfortable to sell beer and juice. The crew on board was also friendly. The snorkeling water was muddy in some places, but it looked beautiful.”
Set out from Al Quffal Street with an English or Hindi-speaking crew for a four-hour Abu Dhabi cruise. See Etihad Towers and Qasr Al Watan from the water, swim near Dolphin Island, then enjoy beach and pool access, snacks, drinks, and possible gazelle sightings at Al Maya Island Resort. Boats vary by group size.
“Very nice activity but would have a loved a bit more explanation from the tour guides and only two islands were visited.”
Join a 4.5 to 5.5-hour guided boat tour from Venice to Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Hear local stories from guides such as Claudia or Camilla, watch glassblowing and lace-making, and choose an upgrade with Venetian specialties and wine or Prosecco. The spacious boat has an open-air deck, while Burano offers free time for photos, cafés, and shops.
“Claudia was our guide, and she was amazing! Definitely worth the price and perfect amount of time to visit both islands. I would recommend this to anyone.”
From Kos, you’ll spend about 7.5 hours aboard the Santa Maria, visiting Pserimos, Plati, and Kalymnos. Expect a sandy beach, turquoise swimming stops, a short dolphin-watching session, a port visit in Vathy, and a traditional BBQ lunch served on board. A smartphone audio guide, restroom, and WiFi are included.
“Beautiful relaxing day with swimming opportunities. Staff were friendly and helpful. Enjoyed the trip.”
Set out from Kos at 9:30 am for a 7.5-hour boat trip to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and tiny Platy. You’ll look for dolphins near fish farms, visit Vathy, swim from the boat and beach, enjoy a Greek lunch, and use a smartphone audio guide. Wi-Fi, a restroom, music, and drinks for purchase are included on board.
“The trip was fun. The boat is a bit bigger than others so it was likely steadier in the water. Get there early if you want.a spot to layout on deck rather than a seat. Crew was entertaining.”
Spend about seven hours aboard the Santa Maria, an 80-foot wooden boat, visiting Kalymnos, Platy, and Pserimos. Swim from the boat, watch for dolphins, enjoy a Greek barbecue, and use a free phone audio guide in your language. Guides such as Alex and Alexander add humor and energy, while drinks and souvenirs cost extra.
“Had the best day! Excellent value for money! The lunch was delicious and drinks tasty! The staff were amazing especially Ariel! Made our holiday!”
Spend 105 minutes on a classic wooden boat from Gamla Stan to Fjäderholmen and back. An English-speaking guide such as Fabian, Ellen, or Daniel brings Stockholm’s sights to life with history, dry humor, music, and local stories. Expect comfortable seats, blankets in cool weather, a toilet, and soft drinks for purchase.
“Guide was very knowledgeable and fun Maya thank you”
Set out from Skeppsbron beside the Royal Palace on the classic M/S Vindhem. Over two hours, an English-speaking guide such as Cedric, Aziz, or Kim may point out Djurgården, Fjäderholmarna, Stora Höggarn, and Tegelön while you enjoy outdoor views, indoor seating, and Swedish fika. This is a scenic overview, not a Vaxholm island visit.
“We loved the guide and the views were amazing, but the seating was quite chaotic. If we got up to go on the deck, other people took our seats. Perhaps assigning seat numbers would be a good solution and cause less chaos.”
Spend 5.5 hours cruising from Olhão through the Ria Formosa to Armona, Culatra, and Farol. Guides such as Antonio, Roberto, Carlos, and James lead the boat and island walks, while a fisherwoman serves a typical lunch in her home on Culatra. Expect multilingual commentary, free time, and possible swimming.
“excellent tour full of both information and laughter! highly recommend! thank you so much!”
Join a local guide from Rota das Ilhas for a five-hour boat trip through Ria Formosa Natural Park. Visit Armona, Culatra, and Farol, see oyster and clam farms, look for birds and marine life, and swim when conditions allow. Guides including Jaime, James, Roberto, and Humberto have led recent tours in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
“James the guide and skipper was first class, very informative about the area, patiently explaining both in French and English, very friendly and accommodating. Excellent value for money, will definitely go again on our next stay in Olhão”
Cruise from Stockholm’s Royal Palace area toward the archipelago, passing Fjäderholmarna and Skurusundet. An English-speaking guide covers local sights, Swedish customs, the royal family, and the boat. You’ll find indoor and outdoor seating, a restroom, and an onboard bar, though commentary and departure arrangements can vary.
“The direction showed red sightseeing and it turn out the sign is orange and has nothing to do with red sightseeing sign!!!We almost miss our tour, please update the meeting point to avoid the confusion.”
Pick a coast, then pick a hull.
