Kemi is a small Finnish town that punches well above its weight when it comes to boat tours and cruises. Its location right on the edge of the Bothnian Bay makes it a natural hub for exploring icy waters and Arctic landscapes. Whether you’re into thrilling icebreaker cruises or historic island explorations, Kemi offers experiences that are hard to beat — especially in winter, when the frozen sea turns into an interactive playground. We particularly enjoy the legendary Icebreaker Sampo cruises for their combination of raw power, Arctic scenery, and the chance to dip into icy waters — an unforgettable photo-op and a serious adrenaline rush. Plus, the included certificate makes it a great souvenir of your Arctic adventure.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of tours: from full-day icebreaker expeditions with lunch and ice floating, to shorter guided cruises along historic islands, and even Oulu departures for the ultimate Arctic adventure. Each offers something unique, whether it’s the chance to walk on ice, learn about icebreaking ships, or explore Kemi’s industrial past. Let’s dive into the details of each, so you can pick the perfect cruise for your trip.
1. Kemi: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise with Ice Floating
This 6 to 9-hour adventure puts you aboard the legendary Icebreaker Sampo, a vessel dating back to 1960. If you want a true Arctic experience, this cruise delivers. You’ll start with a guided tour of Sampo, learning about its history and engineering marvels. The highlight? Walking on solid Arctic ice and then floating in icy waters while wearing a thermal survival suit — a real test of courage and a great story to tell.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of adventure and education. You get to see the ship’s powerful ice-breaking capabilities firsthand, and you receive a certificate of participation — an excellent keepsake. The tour includes pick-up at five locations in Kemi, making it convenient for various travelers. With breathtaking Arctic views and photo opportunities, this cruise is ideal for those seeking a full-day Arctic adventure with a mix of history, nature, and adrenaline. The reviews, rating it 4.8/5, emphasize its excitement and professionalism.
Bottom Line: This cruise is perfect if you want an immersive, full-day experience with a legendary vessel, Arctic scenery, and a splash of daring ice floating.
2. Kemi: Icebreaker Arktis Cruise with Ice Floating
For a more condensed yet equally exhilarating experience, the Icebreaker Arktis Cruise lasts around 5 hours. It’s designed for those wanting a shorter Arctic thrill without sacrificing the essence of icebreaking. You’ll board the Arktis ship, explore the icy landscape, and get the opportunity to float in icy waters in a flotation survival suit.
This tour is notable for its focus on learning about the icebreaking process and meeting the crew, who are eager to share their expertise. At 4.3/5 based on 128 reviews, it’s a solid choice for travelers interested in the science and engineering behind icebreaking, as well as the visual spectacle of Arctic ice.
The tour’s shorter duration makes it suitable for those on a tighter schedule or traveling with kids, who might find a full-day journey too long. The inclusion of ice floating and a certificate adds a fun, memorable element. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want a taste of Arctic adventure with educational insights.
Bottom Line: A good pick for those looking for a shorter, engaging icebreaker cruise that combines learning with fun.
3. From Kemi: Icebreaker Cruise with Lunch and Ice Floating
This 6-hour tour is tailored for those wanting an all-in-one Arctic experience. Starting with a guided tour of the icebreaker’s 7 decks, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the ship’s massive ice-breaking power. The highlight? A swim in icy waters in a survival suit, which takes courage but makes for an incredible story.
Afterward, enjoy a two-course meal in the cafeteria, offering a chance to relax and reflect on the experience. The tour includes pickup from five locations in Kemi, making it accessible for most travelers. The reviews, with a 4.7/5 rating from 32 reviews, praise the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive nature — combining ship exploration, ice floating, and lunch, all wrapped into one smooth 6-hour package. It’s perfect for travelers who want a full Arctic day with plenty of hands-on experiences, especially for those interested in the engineering of icebreakers and adventure activities.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a full, engaging day with good food, ice floating, and a detailed tour of the ship.
4. Cruise to Old Kemi with Guided Walking Tour
This 4-hour cruise offers a chance to explore Kemi’s industrial past. Starting on the yacht MS Leila, you’ll cruise around the Laitakari and Selkäsaari islands. Once ashore, a guided walking tour takes you through Old Kemi’s historic industrial sites, including ruins of the Sawmill Island and other industrial monuments.
The tour’s appeal is its focus on local history and industrial heritage, offering a different perspective from the icy adventures. The walk inside Laitakari island is about 1.5 km, mostly flat, making it accessible. The tour is a good choice for travelers interested in industrial archaeology and local stories.
Priced at $117 per person, it balances history, scenery, and light walking. The cruise provides sightseeing and storytelling, making it suitable for those who prefer cultural exploration over physical daring. The short duration makes it fit well into a busy day in Kemi.
Bottom Line: A solid pick if you’re keen on history and industrial heritage combined with a scenic boat ride.
5. From Oulu: Icebreaker Arktis Cruise with Ice Floating
Departing from Oulu, this 10-hour Arctic adventure is for travelers who want the full experience — icebreaking, ice floating, and sightseeing. Starting with pickup at three locations, the tour includes a visit to the Snow Castle of Kemi for some extra sightseeing and shopping. Following this, you’ll board the Arktis for a 3-hour cruise.
The highlight? Walking on ice and floating in icy waters while wearing a thermal suit. The tour also offers the chance to learn about icebreaking techniques from the crew. The longer duration and inclusion of a visit to the Snow Castle make it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive Arctic day trip.
Rated similarly to other tours, with emphasis on the exciting ice activities and scenic views. It suits travelers with a full day available and a strong interest in Arctic engineering and scenery. The logistics involve multiple pickups and a busy schedule, so expect a full but rewarding experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for hardcore Arctic enthusiasts wanting the entire Oulu-to-Kemi ice adventure, including sightseeing and ice activities.
6. From Oulu: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise & Ice Floating
Finally, this 10-hour tour from Oulu combines the legendary Icebreaker Sampo with a full day of Arctic fun. Like its sister tour in Kemi, it offers a guided tour of Sampo, walking on ice, and ice floating in icy waters. The cruise also includes visits and free time in Oulu, making it convenient for those based there.
With a focus on history and adventure, this cruise is a solid choice for those wanting a full-day Arctic experience with the opportunity to experience the power of an icebreaker firsthand. Reviews highlight the spectacular scenery and unique opportunity to dip into icy waters. The tour is perfect for travelers eager for a comprehensive Arctic adventure that combines history, scenery, and physical activity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those staying in Oulu who want a full immersion in Arctic icebreaking and local sightseeing.
How to Choose Your Kemi Boat Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your time availability and interest level. If you’re looking for the full experience, the Kemi: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise with Ice Floating offers an immersive, full-day adventure, especially if you love history and adrenaline. For a quicker taste, the Icebreaker Arktis Cruise provides a focused afternoon with plenty of ice floating and learning.
History buffs or those interested in industrial heritage might prefer the Cruise to Old Kemi for its cultural insights. Travelers based in Oulu should look at the full-day tours from Oulu, which combine icebreaking with sightseeing — especially the Icebreaker Sampo Cruise & Ice Floating.
Booking early is advisable, especially in winter when these tours are popular. Check the availability and weather conditions, which heavily influence ice activities. Also, consider your fitness level — ice floating and walking on ice are fun but can be physically demanding.
Final Thoughts
Kemi offers a range of boat tours and cruises perfect for those eager to experience the Arctic’s icy frontier. Whether you want a full-day icebreaker adventure with lunch, a cultural island exploration, or a shorter ice floating experience, there’s something for every type of traveler.
For families or adventure seekers, the Icebreaker Sampo cruises stand out for their mix of thrilling activities and education. If you’re more into history and scenery, the Old Kemi cruise provides a meaningful cultural perspective. No matter your choice, booking early and preparing for cold weather will help ensure you get the most out of your Arctic experience.
Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget your camera — these icy landscapes and historic ships won’t last forever.