This time we went on a trip without kids. Whole Finland is very safe and kid friendly, however kayaking on the sea was a bit too much for our kids. It would be definitely possible taking them for one day but not for a one week round trip. The winds might become quite heavy or waves too high. Plus sometimes it is nice to spend some time just as a pair.
To begin with: there were very little mosquitoes (because of the wind from the sea) and it was warm (20-25) which was perfect, because in the middle Europe it was this week when was 35-38 degrees. So all that we were afraid about, did not happen.
The coastline in National Park Archipelago is very beautiful - maps don’t lie, just islands, islands and island. Just behind the corner you see that the land you have seen from the distance is actually yet another island. Not prolonging of the one near you. The rocks smooth in the last ice age are heated from the sun, inviting you to land on the island and rest there. There were no people there(!). One can just choose some island for a rest or for a night and have it exclusively.
On lots of islands is some cottage or sauna, but even in the top season most of the cottages were empty. On the island Noto we camped on the camping site with sauna and open kitchen. As everywhere in Finland the camping sites are perfectly prepared, with wood and very clean. There is almost no plastic waste anywhere.
It is highly recommended using GPS and electronic maps for navigation. It would be too easy getting lost. Check the weather forecast regularly is a must. The cell phone coverage is excellent everywhere. At the end of our journey we’ve paddled during the wind 9 in Beaufort scale, however it was manageable while being hidden behind the islands. Just do not go against the wind or on open water. Even by so strong wind the waves are not too high between the islands. On the open sea it could be too much.
There were no people but we also have an impression that there are not too many animals and we did not manage to catch any fish.
We enjoyed a lot. Kayak is good choice for Archipelago (without kids). I can also image to visit that place again with kids on a sailing boat.
