Migration of Arctic Birds - Arktika - on Rakin Kotka Island - Unforgettable Birding and Nature Experience

Experience the spring archipelago. Join the nature & bird experts to watch the mass migration of birds and the awakening of the archipelago's nature in spring. Rakin Kotka Island is a unique, authentic Viking island, combining the peace of nature, the mystique of Viking history and the hospitality of the host family.

The guided sea voyage is aboard a traditional Finnish wooden boat, the M/s Walhalla. Already during the cruise you can enjoy the enchanting scenery and the spring migration of the birds with an experienced skipper. This is the perfect day trip for those interested in the spring migration of birds and nature. It is also a great trip for those interested in photography.

We can also organise tailored cruise programs for groups at a time that suits you (min. 20 people and max. 60 people).

Cruise Highlights:

• Unique archipelago destination: The island village is stunning with its old buildings - each with its own story. The island is open to tourists on a limited basis.

• Viking history: Rakin Kotka is a Viking island used by sword heroes travelling along the Eastern Road. The island hides traces of the Viking Age, including a Viking burial ground.

• Nature discovery: The nature trail provides interesting questions about nature and Vikings. The bird tower attracts visitors to watch and observe birds gliding in the sky, as the island is located on a bird migration route.  White-tailed eagles also nest on the island, observing their surroundings. The vegetation on the island is rich and varied, including tar sage, larch, and ballast plants.

• Ecology: The well-being of nature and the environment is taken into account in everything we do. Vimpa Islands has the Sustainable Travel Finland label for sustainable tourism and the Good Travel Seal certificate.

• Relaxation: On the island you can take a sauna in the traditional wood-fired beach sauna or in the gentle heat of the rock-smoke sauna or in the chalets (bookable in advance), swim and refresh yourself in the sea. You can move around the island on your own and find your favourite spot.

Additional activities for an extra charge: payable on site.

• Throwing the Viking Axe 5 € / person, ask for a family discount on the spot

• Water activities 10 € / hour: sup-board (2 pcs), canoe (1 pc), rowing boat (3 pcs)

• Angling 5 € / person

• Ask for sauna and overnight accommodation separately: Virpi Illi, Vimpa Islands +358 44 080 6566

Food & drink: Explore the restaurant and enjoy an afternoon coffee or other refreshments.

Additional boat trip to a fishing village: 60 € per participant (5-12 people). Boat trip to the fishing village of Tammio island, available for purchase on site (minimum 5 participants). Please ask for a separate offer for groups of more than 12 people.

Fascinating stories at sea: Thecaptain tells stories about the archipelago, the landscape, navigation and history. How the Vikings navigated, what routes they sailed - you'll find out more aboard M/s Walhalla.

Programme 9.00-17.00

8.30 Welcome to M/s Walhalla

9.00 M/s Walhalla departs from Tervasaari pier (address: Tullimakasiiniranta 9, Hamina).

During the cruise, the programme for the day will be explained.

10.00 After about an hour at sea, we land at Rakin Kotka island

10.30 Welcome by the host/hostess of the island and introduction of bird experts around an open fire

11.00-13.00 We enjoy being in nature and watching the birds

13.00-14.00 Lunch and coffee

14.00-16.00 Back to nature, possibility of additional activities for an extra fee

16.00 M/s Walhalla departs from Rakin Kotka back towards Hamina

17.00 Return to Tervasaari departure pier

Price: 95 €/adult, 25€/child (6-12 years) including:

• Guided round trip by sea

• Presentation by a bird expert, lunch: salmon soup (G, L, M), bread (also G if requested), jug of water, coffee/tea, small sweet (also G if requested)

• Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, grilled sausages, marshmallows and other snacks available for an additional fee

Program Details

Date:

• Saturdays 10.5.2025 and 24.5.2025. Departure at 9:00, return at 17:00.

• Saturday 17.5.2025 departure exceptionally at 12.00, return at 21.00

Guidance: Finnish, English

Duration: 8 hours

Starting point: Tervasaari pier (address Tullimakasiiniranta 9, Hamina)

Parking: free parking next to the departure pier

Public transport: from the nearest bus stop about 800 m, from Hamina bus station about one kilometre

Good to Know Before Participating

• Outdoor clothing and footwear for the weather

• Not suitable for people with reduced mobility

Weather permitting: to ensure a safe sailing trip, we take into account the prevailing weather conditions

Booking Conditions

Reservations must be made online at least one week in advance, after which you can call for booking enquiries.

Cancellations free of charge must be made at least one week before the start of the excursion. For cancellations made after this date, we will refund 50% of the price paid.

The booking confirmation will be sent to your email address immediately after the purchase decision and will serve as your ticket.

Customer Service Contact Details

Petri Luotio, NaviKotka +358 50 4654188, petri.luotio@navikotka.fi

Virpi Illi, Vimpa Islands +358 44 0806566, virpi.illi@vimpa.com