Naturum Koster and the Koster Islands – A Day Trip in Kosterhavet National Park from Strömstad

Family-Friendly Day Trip with Selin Charter – Hiking, Lighthouse Visit and Seal Safari on the Koster Islands

A boat trip with Selin Charter to Naturum Kosterhavet is a perfect way to combine an archipelago experience, nature and knowledge during a day trip to the Koster Islands. The journey departs from Strömstad and travels through the beautiful marine environment of Kosterhavet, past islets, skerries and open views towards Skagerrak, before reaching Ekenäs on South Koster.

Naturum Kosterhavet is a natural starting point for anyone who wants to understand the place they are visiting. Here, both children and adults can discover life beneath the surface through exhibitions, aquariums, films and information about the national park’s marine environment. You will learn more about why Kosterhavet is so unique, how Kosterrännan influences marine life and why the area is considered one of Sweden’s most species-rich marine environments.

For those looking for things to do on Koster, there is plenty to experience in connection with the visit. After visiting Naturum, you can choose to hike on South Koster or take the boat onwards to North Koster, find photo-friendly places with scenic views, jump from the rocks, swim at hidden beaches, discover the best places in Ekenäs or simply enjoy the peaceful archipelago atmosphere. Naturum gives you a deeper understanding of Kosterhavet’s nature before you continue out into the landscape, making the entire visit more vivid and memorable.

If you want to discover more of Kosterhavet and the Bohuslän archipelago, you can also take a closer look at our other boat trips, such as fishing trips, seal safaris to Ursholmen, Alaskaträdgården and lobster safaris. This makes it easy to combine your visit to Naturum Kosterhavet with more experiences at sea, whether you want to see seals, go fishing, discover unique island environments or join a seasonal tour in the archipelago.

The tour is suitable for anyone who wants to make a trip to the Koster Islands and experience the best sides of Kosterhavet National Park through a visit to Naturum Kosterhavet, where you will find an educational activity in Bohuslän. It is also ideal for Norwegian visitors and nature lovers looking for a day trip from Strömstad to Koster, just a short boat ride from Strömstad, or a nature-based excursion close to the border.

With Selin Charter, you get a personal and comfortable boat trip where the journey itself becomes part of the experience. On board, you can enjoy sea views, salty winds and the option to pre-order something good to eat and drink. The combination of boat trip, Naturum Kosterhavet, South Koster and Kosterhavet National Park makes this a perfect excursion on the Koster Islands – and an activity for the whole family on the Koster Islands.

Book your trip to Naturum Kosterhavet and experience Kosterhavet at its very best.

Koster Boat Tour to Naturum Kosterhavet – Travel Information, Prices and Departures from Strömstad

Boat Tour from Strömstad to Naturum Kosterhavet

  • Experience: Naturrum Kosterhavet, South Koster
  • Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
  • From: Strömstad, Norra Hamnen
  • Travel time: appr. 45 minutes
  • Boat: M/S Kosterskär

Ticket must be booked in advance.

Pre-order food for larger groups.

Family price includes 2 adults and 2 children.

Children under 4 travel for free.

Toilet available on board.

Beer and wine are sold on board with a full licence.

Snacks and drinks are sold on board.

Subject to weather conditions.

We welcome bus groups from May to October.

Our boats can be chartered according to your schedule and needs.

Pre-order food for larger groups and events.

Subject to weather conditions.

Phone: +46 (0)70-605 81 76
Email: info@selincharter.com

Boat Tour Timetable to Naturum Kosterhavet, South Koster 2026

Timetable: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Period: 9 Juli - 6 Augusti

  • Experience: Naturum Kosterhavet at Sydkoster, Ekenäs
  • Travel time: appr. 45 minutes
  • Departue, Strömstad: 10:00 - 10:45 AM
  • Return, Ekenäs: 15:00 - 15:45 PM
Vecka 28

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Departure from Strömstad
10:00 – Norra Hamnen

Return from South Koster
15:00 – Ekenäs

Vecka 29

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Departure from Strömstad
10:00 – Norra Hamnen

Return from South Koster
15:00 – Ekenäs

Vecka 30

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Departure from Strömstad
10:00 – Norra Hamnen

Return from South Koster
15:00 – Ekenäs

Vecka 31

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Departure from Strömstad
10:00 – Norra Hamnen

Return from South Koster
15:00 – Ekenäs

Vecka 32

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Departure from Strömstad
10:00 – Norra Hamnen

Return from South Koster
15:00 – Ekenäs

Naturum Kosterhavet – Discover the best of Koster Islands and Sweden’s Marine National Park

Visit Naturum Kosterhavet on South Koster

Naturum Kosterhavet is one of the best places to begin a visit to the Koster Islands. Located at Ekenäs on South Koster, it introduces you to Kosterhavet, the Koster Trench, South Koster, North Koster and Sweden’s first marine national park before you continue exploring the island.

For visitors looking for things to do on Koster, Naturum is both educational and easy to enjoy. Through exhibitions, aquariums, films and information about marine ecosystems, both children and adults can discover what lives beneath the surface. You can learn more about seals, fish, kelp forests, seagrass meadows and the rich marine life that makes Kosterhavet one of Sweden’s most unique coastal environments.

Naturum is especially useful as a first stop on a day trip to the Koster Islands. After the visit, hiking, swimming, cycling or simply walking around South Koster becomes more meaningful because you understand more about the nature around you.

Photo tip: The Naturum building, Ekenäs jetty, the harbour and the views across Kosterhavet are excellent spots for family photos, travel pictures and social media content.

Kosterhavet is not only beautiful above the surface. The meeting between Skagerrak, Kosterfjord and the coastal landscape of the Koster Islands is what makes the area so special. Cold, salty and nutrient-rich water from deeper parts of Skagerrak reaches the coast of Bohuslän, creating exceptional conditions for marine life.

Kosterfjord lies between the Koster Islands and the mainland, connecting the open sea with shallow bays, rocky shores and sheltered coastal habitats. This allows species normally found in deeper waters to live unusually close to land.

When you travel by boat from Strömstad to South Koster, you experience this marine landscape already during the journey. The boat trip becomes more than transportation – it becomes part of the Kosterhavet experience.

Photo tip: Look for open sea views, islets, skerries, boats, granite cliffs, the horizon towards Skagerrak and the approach to Ekenäs on South Koster.

The Koster Trench is one of the main reasons why Kosterhavet has such rich marine life. It runs through Kosterfjord and reaches a depth of 247 metres. Because it is connected to the deeper waters of Skagerrak, species that usually live far offshore can be found close to the Swedish coast.

The underwater environment includes fish, lobsters, shrimp, starfish, sponges, kelp forests, seagrass meadows and cold-water corals. This makes the Koster Trench a central part of the story of Kosterhavet National Park and one of the most fascinating subjects to explore at Naturum Kosterhavet.

For visitors, this knowledge adds depth to the whole experience. When you later hike, swim, snorkel or travel by boat through the area, you have a clearer sense of what exists beneath the surface.

A boat trip from Strömstad to the Koster Islands is one of the most memorable ways to experience the northern Bohuslän archipelago. The journey takes you from Strömstad through Kosterhavet towards South Koster, Ekenäs and Naturum Kosterhavet. Along the way, you pass open water, granite cliffs, islets, skerries and views across Skagerrak.

For many visitors, the boat journey is one of the highlights of the day. It is ideal for anyone planning a trip to the Koster Islands and wanting the journey itself to feel scenic and enjoyable.

The tour is also convenient for visitors staying in Strömstad, near Daftö, travelling along the Bohuslän coast or coming from Norway for a day trip to Koster. With departure from Strömstad, Kosterhavet and South Koster are easy to reach while the boat trip gives you a strong sense of place.

Things to Do on the Koster Islands – Best activities, Beaches and Nature Experiences for the Whole Family

Things to do on Koster after visiting Naturum

After visiting Naturum Kosterhavet, there is plenty to discover on South Koster. You can walk from Ekenäs, hike towards Kilesand, swim from rocks and beaches or follow quiet roads through open landscapes, small farms and coastal nature.

For visitors looking for things to do on Koster, the combination of Naturum, hiking, swimming and archipelago scenery creates a complete experience. Naturum gives context to what you later see outdoors: kelp forests, birdlife, shallow bays, the movement of the sea and the unique environments of the national park.

If you want a more active day, continue towards Kilesand, Rörvik, Långegärde, Brevik or Kyrkosund. If you prefer a calmer visit, the area around Ekenäs is enough for a meaningful and beautiful day.

The Koster Islands are one of Bohuslän’s best areas for hiking in a coastal archipelago setting. Here, you can experience two islands with very different characters: South Koster with its softer landscapes, deciduous forests, coastal meadows and seaside trails – and North Koster with its more rugged nature, rocky terrain, open heathlands, shingle fields and views toward the open sea.

On South Koster, several marked hiking trails make it easy to explore the island on foot. The longer Blue Trail around South Koster is 13.1 kilometres and can be divided into shorter sections between the island’s piers and main points of interest. A popular route is Ekenäs–Kilesand, 2.7 kilometres, which starts near Naturum Kosterhavet and follows the water along cliffs, beaches and Nästången before reaching Kilesand, one of the Koster Islands’ most appreciated sandy beaches. For those who want to continue further, Kilesand–Brevik, 3.8 kilometres, is a beautiful but partly more hilly route through Kyrkosund, coastal meadows and areas close to Kosterhavet National Park.

For a shorter hike on South Koster, the Rörvik Loop, 2.5 kilometres, is a great option, especially if you want to combine nature, views and swimming without walking too far. It starts and ends at Ekenäs harbour and passes Rörvik’s shallow beach and snorkelling trail. Another scenic alternative is the Yellow Trail, 4.8 kilometres, which runs from Kilesand toward Långevik via Bergdalen and Torget. Along the way, you can make a detour to Valfjäll, one of the best viewpoints on the Koster Islands, with views over South Koster, North Koster and the Koster Sea.

On North Koster, the hiking experience is more dramatic. The trails often start from Västra Bryggan and take you through heathlands, small forests, pastures, beaches and shingle fields. The longer Yellow Loop on North Koster is 5.3 kilometres and is ideal if you want to experience the island’s wild and open landscape. For a shorter walk, there is also the Blue Trail, 2.3 kilometres, which passes through more challenging terrain with cliffs and rocky sections, as well as the White Trail, 1.3 kilometres, for those who want a shorter walk while still getting a feel for North Koster’s nature.

Whether you want to take a short walk from Naturum, hike between Ekenäs and Kilesand or discover North Koster’s more rugged outer-archipelago landscape, the Koster Islands are a perfect destination for hiking trails, nature experiences and sights in Kosterhavet National Park.

Photo tips:
Valfjäll, Nästången, Kilesand, Rörvik, Kyrkosund, Brevik, Norrvikarna, Basteviken and the shingle fields at Valnäsbukten offer excellent subjects for landscape photography, hiking photos and content from a trip to the Koster Islands. Capture the trails where the sea, cliffs and small harbour settings meet – especially at sunset or after a boat trip from Strömstad to Koster.

The Koster Islands are one of Bohuslän’s most popular places for swimming, snorkelling and summer day trips in a coastal archipelago setting. Here, you will find a beautiful mix of shallow sandy beaches, smooth rocks, sheltered bays and seaside walking trails where it is easy to combine swimming with nature experiences in Kosterhavet National Park.

On South Koster, Kilesand is one of the most popular swimming spots, especially for families. The beach is shallow and described as the longest sandy beach on Koster, making it a natural choice if you are looking for soft sand, clear water and plenty of space. One of the most scenic ways to get there is the Ekenäs–Kilesand trail, 2.7 kilometres, which starts behind Naturum Kosterhavet and follows the water along cliffs, beaches and Nästången before ending at Kilesand.

For those who want to extend the trip, it is possible to continue from Kilesand toward Brevik. The Kilesand–Brevik route is 3.8 kilometres and takes you through Kyrkosund, coastal meadows and parts of Kosterhavet National Park. It is a great option if you want to combine swimming, hiking and views over the Koster archipelago in one day.

If you want to discover the Koster Sea below the surface, snorkelling at Rörvik is one of the best options on South Koster. The snorkel trail is around 200 metres long and guides you past underwater information boards that introduce the marine life of the national park. Rörvik can also be combined with the Rörvik Loop, 2.5 kilometres, which starts and ends at Naturum in Ekenäs harbour, passes Rörvik’s shallow sandy beaches and continues via viewpoints and deciduous forest back toward Ekenäs.

On North Koster, you will find quieter bays and rocky swimming spots where the water often feels clear and close. Swimming here is ideal if you want to experience a calmer side of the Koster Islands, with more rugged nature, open views and fewer crowds than at the most visited beaches on South Koster.

Whether you want to swim at Kilesand, walk from Ekenäs to the beach, snorkel at Rörvik or find a peaceful bay on North Koster, the Koster Islands are a perfect destination for beaches, swimming, snorkelling and nature experiences in the Koster Sea.

Photo tips:
Kilesand’s long sandy beach, the shallow bays at Rörvik, the rocks along the Ekenäs–Kilesand trail, clear water, snorkelling along the Rörvik snorkel trail and evening light over the Koster Sea are ideal for summer photos. The best spots are often where the trails meet the sea – especially around Nästången, Rörvik and Kilesand.

South Koster is one of the best islands in Bohuslän to explore by bike. The island is around 8 km², almost entirely car-free and has small roads that make it easy to move between beaches, cafés, harbours, viewpoints and nature experiences in Kosterhavet National Park. Cycling is allowed on roads and marked cycling routes, but not on hiking trails or in protected areas outside permitted roads.

A great place to start is Ekenäs, close to Naturum Kosterhavet, where bikes can be rented near the pier. From here, you can cycle toward Långegärde, a route of around 3.5 kilometres, through a varied landscape of coastal meadows, deciduous forest, small farms and seaside surroundings. It is an easy and relaxed ride for visitors who want to experience South Koster at a slower pace, with possible stops at Rörvik, Valfjäll or Kläpphagen along the way.

For a longer ride, continue from Långegärde to Kilesand, around 6 kilometres. This takes you across the island toward one of the Koster Islands’ most popular sandy beaches. If you prefer to cycle directly from Ekenäs to Kilesand, the distance is around 7 kilometres, making it a perfect day trip with swimming, cafés and several scenic stops along the way.

Cycling is especially convenient if you want to combine several things to do on Koster in one visit. You can start at Ekenäs and Naturum Kosterhavet, continue toward Rörvik for a swim or a short walk to the snorkelling trail, head toward Valfjäll for panoramic views and then continue to Kilesand, Brevik or Långegärde depending on how long a route you want. The Koster ferry stops at both Ekenäs and Långegärde, and it is possible to rent a bike at one pier and return it at the other.

For families, cycling on South Koster is an easy way to make the day more flexible. The distances are short enough to adapt the trip to the weather, energy level and interests of the group, while still allowing you to combine swimming, nature, food, photography and exploring. The surface is mainly gravel roads and cycle paths, and traffic is limited mostly to small utility vehicles, electric vehicles and other cyclists.

Photo tips:
Bikes on narrow gravel roads, red boathouses in Brevik, coastal meadows, glimpses of the sea, café stops, swimming at Kilesand and the view from Valfjäll all capture the calm feeling of South Koster. For more variety, photograph the ride as a small story: starting at Ekenäs, stopping along the way, swimming at Kilesand and ending at Långegärde.

Kayaking is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience the Koster Sea. From the water, you get close to islets, skerries, shallow bays and rocky shores, while seeing the Koster Islands from a calmer perspective than you would on land. The area is suitable both for shorter paddles in sheltered waters and longer routes through Kosterhavet National Park.

A good place to start is Ekenäs on South Koster, where you quickly reach beautiful paddling areas close to Naturum Kosterhavet. A short route goes from Ekenäs to Rörvik, around 1.5 kilometres one way. This is a suitable distance if you want to paddle close to shore, combine the trip with swimming or snorkelling and experience South Koster’s coastline at a relaxed pace.

For a slightly longer paddle, you can continue from Ekenäs toward Kilesand, around 3 kilometres one way, depending on your exact route along the coast. This route gives you cliffs, small coves, shoreline scenery and more open views before reaching Kilesand, one of South Koster’s most popular beaches.

Another good kayaking area is Kyrkosund and Brevik. A route from Långegärde via Kyrkosund toward Brevik is around 4–5 kilometres, depending on your chosen route. Here, you paddle through more sheltered channels, close to small harbour environments, piers and coastal settlements. It is a beautiful option if you want a classic archipelago feeling with opportunities to go ashore along the way.

On North Koster, the kayaking experience becomes more open and wild. The area around Västra Bryggan, Basteviken and Norrvikarna is suitable if you want to experience rugged coastal scenery, rocks and wider sea views. A shorter paddle here can be around 3–5 kilometres, depending on how far you choose to go and the weather conditions.

Because Kosterhavet is an open archipelago area, kayaking should always be adapted to wind, weather, experience level and local regulations. For beginners, a guided kayak tour is a safe way to discover the area and learn more about the national park.

Photo tips:
Kayaks in the evening light at Ekenäs, paddling toward Rörvik or Kilesand, calm water in Kyrkosund, rocks on North Koster and open sea views all make excellent subjects for travel photos, nature photography and content from an active day on the Koster Islands.

The Koster Islands are not only a destination for swimming, hiking and kayaking, but also a beautiful place to experience birdlife and coastal nature up close. The combination of sea, rocks, coastal meadows, shallow bays and open shorelines makes the area especially rewarding for nature lovers.

On South Koster, you can combine birdwatching with shorter walks and beachside excursions. The areas around Ekenäs, Rörvik, Nästången and Kilesand are good choices if you want to move through varied natural surroundings. An easy route is Ekenäs–Kilesand, 2.7 kilometres, following the water along rocks and beaches. Another option is the Rörvik Loop, 2.5 kilometres, which runs from Ekenäs via Rörvik’s shallow beaches and back through deciduous forest.

On North Koster, the birdlife is framed by a more open and rugged landscape. Here, you will find rocks, heathland, coastal paths and viewpoints where you can look for seabirds and experience the feeling of the outer archipelago. The longer Yellow Loop on North Koster is 5.3 kilometres, while the Blue Trail is 2.3 kilometres and the White Trail is 1.3 kilometres. All three are good options if you want to combine hiking, nature photography and birdwatching in a wilder coastal setting.

Throughout the year, you may see birds such as eider, oystercatcher, terns, cormorants and gulls. In spring, eiders often gather in flocks in bays and sounds, and the coastal meadows and shorelines become especially lively when birdlife is at its most active. With binoculars, a camera and a bit of patience, a walk across the Koster Islands becomes a richer nature experience.

A visit to Naturum Kosterhavet also adds more depth to the experience. When you learn more about the marine environments, species and the connection between life below and above the surface, it becomes easier to understand why Kosterhavet is one of Sweden’s most unique natural areas.

Photo tips:
Birds over the water, coastal meadows at Rörvik, rocks on North Koster, views from Valfjäll, quiet bays and evening light over the Koster Sea are especially good for nature photography. On North Koster, the open coastal stretches and shingle fields create beautiful scenes where landscape and birdlife meet.

Strömstad’s Culture Award 2020 and Strömstad’s Tourism Award 2022 were awarded to Helena Lantz, who runs Selin Charter.

The 2020 jury’s motivation read:
“This year’s Culture Award is presented to Helena Lantz, who runs the popular visitor destination Hilmas Alaska on Nord-Långö.

With great drive and an enormous commitment to keeping a unique cultural heritage alive and preserving local history, Helena Lantz is awarded the prize. The work she puts into making the garden flourish in its finest form is invaluable. Through her efforts, the memory and history of Hilma Svedahl live on.”

So appreciated – thank you so much!

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