🏝️ Turku and Åland archipelagos: downwind routes — warm bays, SUP and island hopping

This article is going to teach you everything you need to know about choosing leeward bays based on wind direction, where you'll find the water warmer and calmer, how to recognise upwelling and how to quickly change your plans. You'll be able to go from SUP/kayaking to island hopping and vice versa in no time at all! We will provide wind thresholds for everyone, from beginners to experienced sailors, and we'll have simple reference tables and micro-routes for those evenings when the breeze dies down and the water becomes like a mirror.

How to read the forecast and choose a route "downwind"

— Look at the wind (m/s) and gusts: it is the gusts that "make" the waves and throw beginners off their rhythm.
— Look for leeward: if the wind is blowing from the west, it will be warmer and calmer on the eastern shores of the straits and in the "pockets" between the islands.
— Check for upwelling: with steady winds along the coast, the water can "drop" by 2–5 °C per day — head for narrow straits or lakes.

Archipelagos by season: water characteristics and plans

Upwelling: why the water "fell" and how to restore warmth

If the water in the bay cools by 2–5 °C in a day or two, that's what we call upwelling. The solution is simple: leave the open edge and head for narrow channels and closed bays, or switch from the sea to lakes (in July–August, they often maintain a temperature of +18...+22 °C in shallow "pockets"). Early in the morning, you're more likely to find calm conditions — the water is calmer and warmer near the piers.

Warm places for swimming and evening SUP

— Turku Archipelago (Parainen–Nauvo–Korpo). The straits between the islands warm up faster; look for narrow "bottlenecks" on the map.
— Åland (Mariehamn–Jomala–Lemland). The inner bays, which are sheltered from the open waves, stay at +17...+21 °C in July.
— Life hack. The water near piers and in the "pockets" between rocks is always a degree or two warmer than on the open shore.

Island hopping and ferries: flexible planning

Archipelagos are a paradise for circular routes (Saariston Rengastie / Archipelago Trail). In autumn and winter, there are storm windows; in summer, there are wind fronts. Choose a flexible fare, allow for a buffer day, and keep an alternative "land + islands without water" option: forest loops, observation decks, and embankments. Check the ferry website for warnings on the day of departure; the weather often changes during the day, and the evening is calmer than the morning front.

Micro-routes "according to the forecast"

What to bring: a "capsule" for the sea and islands

You'll need some lightweight wind protection, sunglasses and SPF, non-slip shoes, and a thin buff/hat for when it gets a bit breezy in the evening. For the water, you'll need a PFD (life jacket), a waterproof phone case, a whistle and a dry bag with a layer. For the kids, we've got a towel poncho and a warm drink: even when it's +20°C, it can get a bit chilly after swimming. If you're a photographer, make sure you've got some spare batteries and a microfibre cloth. The sea air will drain your batteries and fog up your lenses.

Safety in brief

Gusts are more important than average wind speed; at 6–8 m/s, beginners should probably wait until the morning or go to narrow straits. Piers and rocks are slippery, so you'll need shoes with treads to keep your footing. When it comes to island hopping, go for a flexible fare and keep a day in case of storms. Just to let you know, the water's only for those wearing life jackets. And the kids should stay near the shore and be supervised.

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