Brändö · Åland

Boat taxi inthe Åland archipelago

Personal boat taxi and day cruises for up to six passengers. Local skipper with forty years in the Åland and Turku archipelagos. Season May to October.

John Wrede
The skipper

John Wrede

John has forty years of experience both motoring and sailing in the Åland and Turku archipelagos, plus the theory to match — a boat-hire skipper's licence, a coastal skipper's certificate and more. The boats are home-ported in Brändö, in the heart of the Archipelago Sea, and are generally available from May to October. Life vests for everyone on board.

Where we sail

North-eastern Åland

From Åva in the north down through the Brändö archipelago, out to Lappo, Torsholma and Kumlinge. Quiet sounds between islets, seal rocks and docks where the ferries don't stop. Longer trips on request.

  • Åva
  • Brändö
  • Kumlinge
  • Gustavs
  • Mariehamn

Even though the boats, mb La Rocca and sy Ofelia, are home-ported in Åva and Brändö respectively, passengers can also be picked up from other docks nearby.

The fleet

Two boats, two tempos

Fast transit when time is short, sail when the day can take its time. Pick by mood and weather.

La Rocca
Motor boat

La Rocca

Seven metres, around 22 knots, enclosed cabin for rain and chill. Range of about 40 nautical miles. Seats six passengers. Keeps you dry and warm even when the south-westerly picks up.

Length
7 m
Top speed
22 kn
Passengers
5–6
Cabin
Yes
Ofelia
Sailboat

Ofelia

Eleven metre classic sailboat for the days when the journey is the point. Quieter than a motor, with room to stretch out on deck. Hoist sails, find a quiet cove, anchor for lunch.

Length
11 m
Top speed
4–6 kn
Passengers
5–6
Cabin
Yes
Packages & prices

Packages

Every trip is different. Distance, time and choice of boat shape the price. These are the most common kinds of trips.

  • Taxi run
    Good for taxi runs, day cruises, restaurant visits (around ten within an hour's reach), cottage runs or when the ferry doesn't fit. There's room for 2–3 bikes on board too. E.g. Brändö (hotel Gullvivan)–Osnäs from 90 €, a restaurant round trip to Glada Laxen, 4 hours (2 hours travel, 2 hours there) from 250 €.
    From 90 € (La Rocca)
  • Half day out
    Two to three hours in the archipelago. We set the route together. Perfect for taking the archipelago in – skerries and islets up close, the salt of the sea. Birds and wildlife, and with a little luck a curious grey seal. Coffee, soft drinks and snacks included.
    From 120 € (Ofelia) / 150 € (La Rocca)
  • Full day sailing
    A whole day aboard, four to seven hours. Wind, sun and salt spray. For anyone who also wants to learn a little about archipelago sailing among the skerries and rocks. Coffee, soft drinks and snacks included, anything more by arrangement.
    From 200 € (Ofelia) / 280 € (La Rocca)
FAQ

Good to know

Up to six people in both boats. Bigger groups can be split across several trips, just ask.
Season May to October. The best sailing months are June to August. Taxi runs can usually be arranged at the edges of the season when weather allows.
Summer weekends fill up first, book a week or two ahead if your date is fixed. Weekdays usually work with a few days' notice.
Absolutely. Life vests in all sizes, including for small children. Mention it when booking so we can prepare the right gear.
Often yes, depending on weather and bookings. Call directly and we'll sort it.
Safety first. We move the trip or change the route if weather is rough, at no extra cost.
Coffee, soft drinks and snacks are always included in the base price, except on shorter taxi runs. A simple lunch can be arranged by agreement. You're also welcome to bring your own (alcohol is fine, in moderation on board).
Yes. The full-day Ofelia package works well for weddings, hen parties or anniversaries. Get in touch and we'll discuss the setup.
Yes, both pets and luggage are fine. Let us know in advance if you have anything bulky.
La Rocca leaves from a dock of your choice along the Brändö road network. Sy Ofelia from Norrstrand, just past the church in Brändö village. We can often pick up from other docks nearby, just ask when booking.
Included: life vests and a skipper with local knowledge. Bring: sun protection, a windproof jacket and your own snacks unless arranged otherwise. Person(al) insurance is not included.
Card (Zettle), invoice or cash. We agree on payment when booking.
Contact

Get in touch

Call for the fastest response, usually within an hour during daytime. Otherwise send a message on Facebook.

Address
Nordansundsvägen 37, 22940 Åva, Brändö
Partners

Friends in the archipelago

Skippers and outfits around the archipelago we're happy to recommend for trips and transfers we can't take ourselves, or when you're closer to their home waters.