Experience the arctic sea in spring, taste the salt water on your lips, see the living ice floes on the surface of the sea, feel the connection to the sea... You might even see a seal resting on an ice floe!
Our skilled adventure guides will safely lead us to paddle amidst the ice piles in the Gulf of Bothnia, off the coast of Kalajoki. Our base camp on the mainland is the Leppikarvo cabin located in the Rahja archipelago and our departure port to the sea is Konikarvo.
We have the DMS Matilda, registered for ten people, to ensure our safety during the trip. The vessel acts as a safety boat during the paddling and provides a comfortable stay on the sea with a heated cabin and toilet facilities.
The Arctic sea and weather conditions in the Gulf of Bothnia are always unpredictable. The ice situation can change within hours. If nature permits, we easily find the ice piles, but we prepare for the possibility that we may have to travel further by safety boat and then descend from the boat to paddle in a suitable location.
If nature allows, we will also visit Maakalla island and experience the hospitality of the islanders. The history and arctic nature of Maakalla make every visit to the island unique.
Accommodations are provided in new, high-quality holiday apartments in the heart of Kalajoki's Hiekkasärkät tourist center. The distance from the tourist center to Leppikarvo cabin and Konikarvo harbor is about 8 km (a 10-minute drive).
During the included meals, we focus on local cuisine and the offerings of the area.
Tours are offered in April and May.
Note: Participants must have basic kayaking skills, such as completion of a basic kayaking course or equivalent experience. Ice kayaking is a specialized product, available only during a limited period and with the assistance of professional guides and a quality safety boat.
Please inquire about other kayaking products in the arctic Gulf of Bothnia!
Day 1
From 3.00 pm onwards, arrival in Kalajoki and check-in to apartments in the heart of Hiekkasärkät tourist center.
At 5.00 pm, pick-up from the accommodation and transfer to Leppikarvo Lodge.
At 5.15 pm, welcome event at Leppikarvo Lodge by the sea - coffee/tea, refreshments, and snacks. Introduction to the program by the guides and distribution of equipment.
At 6.00 pm, review of basic kayaking techniques and safety exercises in the Rahja archipelago, based at Leppikarvo Lodge.
At 8.00 pm, dinner at Leppikarvo Lodge.
At 9.00 pm, transfer to the accommodation.
Day 2
At 8.00 am, breakfast at the accommodation, delivered to the apartment.
At 10.00 am, transfer to Konikarvo harbor for departure on the kayaking tour, accompanied by a safety boat. Retrieval of ice floes and descent into the water from the boat. If conditions permit and the spring ice does not impede our progress, we will paddle through the sea and visit Maakalla Island to learn about its history and nature.
At 12.00 pm, soup lunch at sea, in the safety boat or on Maakalla Island.
At 5.00 pm, return to Konikarvo harbor, transfer to accommodation for relaxation after the kayaking tour.
At 6.45 pm, transfer to Leppikarvo Lodge.
At 7.00 pm, three-course dinner at Leppikarvo Lodge, accompanied by sharing experiences from the day. Review of the program for the following day.
At 10.00 pm, transfer to the accommodation.
Day 3
At 8.00 am, breakfast at the accommodation, delivered to the apartment. Check-out takes place before the kayaking tour on Day 3, so baggage should be packed.
At 10.30 am, transfer to Konikarvo harbor for departure on the kayaking tour, accompanied by a safety boat. If possible, we will paddle among the ice floes in the open sea. Alternatively, we will explore the sheltered Rahja archipelago by kayak.
At 12.30 pm, soup lunch at sea, in the safety boat.
At 2.30 pm, return to Konikarvo harbor. Wrap-up of the tour at Leppikarvo Lodge, where we will review our experiences and award certificates to the Arctic Sea kayakers. Sauna and shower facilities are available at Leppikarvo Lodge before departing.
Starting from €2200/person for a group of 6 people
The price includes:
Accommodation in an apartment in Kalajoki Hiekkasärkät for 2 days
Meals according to the program
Transportation according to the program
Canoeing guide services according to the program
Transportation services with a safety boat according to the program
Dry suit
Kayak, including a life jacket, paddle, spray skirt (if you don't have your own kayak)
Other desired services at an additional cost
Duration:
2 days = 3 nights
DMS Matilda
Keskuskarin Marina, Keskuskarintie 166
Directions: Turn from Highway 8 towards Hiekkasärkät at the ABC service station. Drive straight towards the roundabout. Take the third exit on the roundabout onto Keskuskarintie. Drive straight for about 2 km until you reach Keskuskarin Marina. Please be at the marina at least 5 minutes before departure!
Hiekka Booking liisa@hiekkabooking.fi Phone: 050 405 6548
Leijakoulu Lappis minna@lappis.fi Phone: 040 934 5498
Images: Mika Hirvonen
The Arctic Sea - Coastal Services Development Project (A75715) has enabled the product piloting of ice canoeing. The rights to use the material recorded during the piloting belong to the Arctic Sea - Coastal Services Development Project, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Finnish government.