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Kemi Icebreaker Cruise with Ice Floating and Transfers

Top pick Finnish Lapland, FinlandFull day (about 8–9 hours with transfers)Guided in English

Sail out into the frozen Gulf of Bothnia on a real icebreaker, then float among the ice floes in a survival suit. Transfers, a guide and the cruise are all included.

Full day (about 8–9 hours with transfers)Explore at your own pace
Shared groupKeeps the experience personal
EnglishLive guide or host
CancellationNon-refundable: tickets are issued for your chosen date and time

Highlights

  • A cruise through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia
  • Watch the ship break the sea ice
  • Float among the ice floes in a survival suit
  • Visit the bridge and engine-room areas where allowed
  • Return transfers and a guide included

Full description

This is one of the most unusual winter days in Lapland. From the port of Kemi you board the icebreaker Sampo, a retired Finnish state icebreaker, and head out into the frozen sea. On deck and from the bridge you can watch the bow crack through ice that can be half a metre thick or more, while the crew explains how the ship works.

Out in the ice field the ship stops, and you pull on a waterproof survival suit and lower yourself into the channel of broken ice, floating safely on your back in the freezing sea. A guide looks after the group throughout, and an audio guide on board covers the history of the ship. Return transfers connect Kemi with your hotel.

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Pickup

    Transfer to Ajos harbour in Kemi.

  2. Icebreaker cruise

    Board the Sampo and sail out into the frozen sea.

  3. Ice floating

    Put on a survival suit and float in the broken ice beside the ship.

  4. Return

    Sail back to harbour and transfer back to your hotel.

Included

  • Return transfer to Kemi harbour (pickup point confirmed with your quote)
  • Icebreaker cruise of about 3–4 hours
  • Ice floating in a survival suit
  • Live guide and on-board audio guide

Not included

  • Meals and drinks on board
  • Winter clothing
  • Personal travel insurance

Meeting point

Pickup from your hotel or a central point in Rovaniemi or Kemi; details confirmed with your quote.The exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

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Know before you go

  • Cruises run in the ice season, usually from late December to April, and depend on ice conditions.
  • Ice floating has age, size and health limits; please tell us about any medical conditions when you enquire.
  • Rovaniemi to Kemi is about 1.5 hours each way by road.
  • Cruise times, route and on-board areas are set by the ship's operator.

Frequently asked questions

Is ice floating safe?

Yes. The survival suits are designed to keep you dry and afloat, and crew supervise the whole time.

Can I just do the cruise without floating?

Yes, floating is optional.

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