Natura Viva
Natura Viva
5
Bike Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing
Read more
09:00 - 17:00
Monday
09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 17:00
Thursday
09:00 - 17:00
Friday
09:00 - 17:00
Full view
About
Natura Viva is an outdoor company in Southern Finland. We offer kayaking, canoening, stand up paddle and fatbike tours in the Helsinki and Nuuksio National Park area. In the summer our most popular tour is Helsinki by Kayak and we also have programs in Nuuksio National Park every day. We rent kayaks, SUP-Boards, rowing boats and Fatbikes at our Paddling Center in Eastern Helsinki. In Nuuksio National Park at Hawk Nest we rent canoes, SUP-boards, rowing boats and Fatbikes. A cafe operates in both locations. Discover the best of the Helsinki nature with us!
Travellers talk about
(15 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
354 reviews
Excellent
336
Very good
12
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
3
sprulyph
Columbia, SC45 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Our family of three did the "Helsinki by Kayak" guided tour of about 3 hours' length. We've done a very tiny bit of kayaking before on very calm waters, but are pretty close to being beginners, so we can say that this tour is (as they say in their promo materials) perfectly suitable for those with little or no kayaking experience. Aniinna was our guide and she was fantastic, very friendly, informative, and watching out for how we were doing at all times.
The tour started on the body of water near the "Long Bridge," just in front of the Botanical Garden, went west under a railroad bridge into a bigger bay with fantastic views of downtown Helsinki buildings, then we went east into other bays, beached on a small city island for a snack (which they provided) and bathroom break, and paddled into slightly more industrial parts which was fun too. Other than when the weather got a bit rainy and windy near the end requiring us to paddle a little harder, the waters were generally super gentle and easy to glide around.
This tour gives you a wonderful perspective on the city that you can't experience in any other way. The waters in and around Helsinki are so integral to the geography and the very nature of the city that you will come to a deeper "feeling" for the city if you participate in this tour. For our family I can say we will never forget this experience. And again, we are pretty close to being kayaking rookies. Natura Viva seems like a great outfit, run by folks with a great love for their land and the desire to share that with visitors.
The tour started on the body of water near the "Long Bridge," just in front of the Botanical Garden, went west under a railroad bridge into a bigger bay with fantastic views of downtown Helsinki buildings, then we went east into other bays, beached on a small city island for a snack (which they provided) and bathroom break, and paddled into slightly more industrial parts which was fun too. Other than when the weather got a bit rainy and windy near the end requiring us to paddle a little harder, the waters were generally super gentle and easy to glide around.
This tour gives you a wonderful perspective on the city that you can't experience in any other way. The waters in and around Helsinki are so integral to the geography and the very nature of the city that you will come to a deeper "feeling" for the city if you participate in this tour. For our family I can say we will never forget this experience. And again, we are pretty close to being kayaking rookies. Natura Viva seems like a great outfit, run by folks with a great love for their land and the desire to share that with visitors.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oscar H
2 contributions
Aug 2022
On a recent weekday evening my family took the guided tour from Mattinkyla Beach in Espoo. We were completely inexperienced but Tiina was the perfect teacher and tour guide, teaching us the basics and many tips, taking our lack of experience into account but also challenging us. Her love of the sport really came through. We had a wonderful time and look forward to more kayaking in the local archipelagos.
Written 5 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M. K.
Helsinki, Finland2 contributions
Jul 2022
Natura Viva's booking application in Finland charged double the price after making a one-day reservation at the accommodation. The receipt I received didn't really show that there was a mistake, but I assumed that the price for the Friday-Saturday reservation was double. I couldn't find the price list for the reservation or the price breakdown on any site, so it was difficult to determine what the issue was. I sent an inquiring e-mail to Natura Viva's customer service and after the weekend Natura Viva promised to refund the extra price they charged.
I assumed they would provide additional compensation due to the system error I found. Yet, they did not offer any additional compensation and, despite my request, they did not agree to pay. If I hadn't noticed the double charge myself, Natura Viva wouldn't have noticed it either, and I would have paid the price of two days for a one-day reservation, i.e. €149 too much.
I hope no one else has had to pay double the price for booking Natura Viva. A warning about possible double charging should also be visible to the booker. Now apparently the system error is being fixed, so it may be that this error will no longer occur. However, I urge Natura Viva customers to check the charges for their own previous bookings, if it is still possible.
However, Natura Viva did not praise me in any way for finding a system error and reporting it, which raised my doubts about Natura Viva as a reliable operator and a party benefiting from double billing.
I assumed they would provide additional compensation due to the system error I found. Yet, they did not offer any additional compensation and, despite my request, they did not agree to pay. If I hadn't noticed the double charge myself, Natura Viva wouldn't have noticed it either, and I would have paid the price of two days for a one-day reservation, i.e. €149 too much.
I hope no one else has had to pay double the price for booking Natura Viva. A warning about possible double charging should also be visible to the booker. Now apparently the system error is being fixed, so it may be that this error will no longer occur. However, I urge Natura Viva customers to check the charges for their own previous bookings, if it is still possible.
However, Natura Viva did not praise me in any way for finding a system error and reporting it, which raised my doubts about Natura Viva as a reliable operator and a party benefiting from double billing.
Written 26 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MacGhilleBrath
Phoenix, AZ33 contributions
Jul 2022
Tiina was a perfect guide for our Natura Viva kayaking experience, taking three totally untrained Americans and teaching us proper kayaking techniques while exploring the islands off of Helsinki. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, would most certainly go again. Thanks, Tiina and Natura Viva team.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S2Frozen
5 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Had a fantastic private kayak trip under the expert guidance of Tiina. The initial briefing was thorough but swift and the paddling itself was stunning.
The four of us all have different levels of experience and everyone enjoyed it. 3 hours was just about the perfect duration.
The facilities on land are also great. Clean, secure etc.
Would highly recommend this excursion to anyone wanting to see the beauty of the islands around Helsinki.
The four of us all have different levels of experience and everyone enjoyed it. 3 hours was just about the perfect duration.
The facilities on land are also great. Clean, secure etc.
Would highly recommend this excursion to anyone wanting to see the beauty of the islands around Helsinki.
Written 4 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo G
Crowthorne, UK20 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We had a two day kayak trip around the islands in the Helsinki area. So amazing - excellent kit provided and tuition. The area we were in was breathtakingly beautiful, we went wild camping, went to a sauna on a small remote island and were served gorgeous food. The kayaking was superb. Our guides Juha and Sana was so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable - lovely people. 100% recommended.
Written 21 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit and your review. We are happy to hear that your trip was a success. You are more than welcome to visit again. Best Regards, Team Natura Viva
Written 23 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diggles0
London8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Just back from an unforgettable two day kayaking trip, guided by the wonderful Sanna and Juha. What an experience - rain, sunshine, wind, sauna, swimming, laughter, great food, great company and a big of paddling too.
They listened to us, and tailored the trip to match our capabilities, our requests and the weather.
We were always in safe hands.
They listened to us, and tailored the trip to match our capabilities, our requests and the weather.
We were always in safe hands.
Written 20 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for your review. We are pleased to hear that you have enjoyed your trip. We will pass your kind words to our team and we would love to show you more if you come visit again. We wish you a great summer. Best Regards, Team Natura Viva
Written 23 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Britta R
Helsinki, Finland3 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Superb place for our first time supboarding. Chris was a great guide. We used the Riptide boards which apparently are good for beginners. Thanks!
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heracles
Helsinki, Finland1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Friends
Great place for kayaking but I am a bit concerned about customer service. Staff were friendly and welcoming on a previous visit but yesterday was a bit disappointing. There is a sea plane in the bay and it came out and started preparing to take off as we were returning. We stopped and waited for the aeroplane to take off and arrived on the beach seven minutes late. Their first concern was to say it was twelve minutes (it wasn't, it was seven) and that they have to charge another €20. It makes my safety feel a bit cheap when I am on the water in a kayak with a sea plane taking off. Not an ideal situation for a sports club. It is a pity because otherwise it is a great place. I hope that they will address the issue.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hatton
Stafford, UK47 contributions
Sep 2019
We nearly cancelled our trip as it was such appalling bad weather - very heavy rain. We are so relieved that we didn't as we had such a wonderful day. We were provided with waterproofs that kept us nice and dry. Sonya was an exceptional guide - friendly, informative and patient (it took us a while to work out how to steer the canoe). The lake and the forest were so beautiful and we feel that this trip was the highlight of our stay in Helsinki.
Written 17 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg S
Live Oak, FL
We are visiting from Sept. 3rd to the 7th. We are interested, I just want to know the age limits. My son is 7 and daughter is 10. We each own kayaks at home and they even young are very well trained at kayaking.
lichefong
Hong Kong, China583 contributions
no age limited, I am a beginner, it is safe and there should be no problem for your kids since they know how to kayaking, it is the first time for me to kayaking.
Hello: We will be in Helsinki on 8-19 on Holland America cruise. Would you please tell us the cost for 4 people on your Kayak tour of Helsinki? Thanks.
Frances C
New Delhi, India19 contributions
We will be in Helsinki 7-9 July. How do we contact you to find out about kayak tour options? We are a family of 4 - 3 adults and a 13-year-old.
lichefong
Hong Kong, China583 contributions
Search website from google, type naturaviva.fi , you can find all information there
Annabel
cokl2018
Kiel, Germany
Hyvät naiset ja herrat, meillä on 15.06. vuoteen 19.06.2018 Hotel Katajanokkaan ja haluaisit varata kiertueen kanssasi. Mitä maksaa henkilöä kohden? Danny und Nele
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, wir werden vom 15.06. bis 19.06.2018 im Hotel Katajanokka sein und würden dann gern eine Tour bei Ihnen buchen. Was kostet es pro Person? Danny und Nele
IlkkaLa
Helsinki6 contributions
Hi Danny And Nele. Thanks for your enquiry. We have several different tours, but our most popular tour is Helsinki by Kayak. The price for this is 75 € / person. The price includes pick up from the city center.
Best Regards,
Ilkka
Natura Viva
How much does it cost for half a day
IlkkaLa
Helsinki6 contributions
Hi. Thanks for contacting us! What kind of activity are you interested in? And when would you be in Helsinki?
213kathyp
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Hello,
My aunt, daughter and I will be in Helsinki from Aug 22 to 30, 2017. We are interested in the kayaking through the night event but I noticed that there doesn't seem to be any times available during the dates that we are there. Is this correct?
Many thanks!
IlkkaLa
Helsinki6 contributions
Hi! At the moment we don't have a night paddling tour available at that time. However at this time of the season we can still open one, if the three of you are interested. If so, please send us an email and we can work out the details.
Best Regards,
Ilkka
Natura Viva
franceorl
Padua, Italy16 contributions
hello how long does last the kayak trip?
I mean, we are four friends and we would like to spend a couple of days in the middle of the nature next June.
do you organise any trip lasting a weekend?
thank you
Francesco
IlkkaLa
Helsinki6 contributions
Hi Francesco!
Thanks for contacting us! We certainly offer overnight trips too. We are just updating our new website and will have the options there next week. If you can, please email us and I can give you some more information!
Best Regards,
Ilkka
Natura Viva
Zanobdizer
Kuwait City, Kuwait114 contributions
is it safe if were kayaking with a 4yr old ? will we have an instructor or something ?
IlkkaLa
Helsinki6 contributions
Hi and I am sorry I have not seen this question before! Our kayaking season is from May until the end of September. Taking a 4 year old on a regular tour is not possible. The age limits for our regular tours are 10 years old in a double kayak with an adult and 15 years old in a single kayak.
If you want to go on a kayak tour with a 4 year old, you can always contact us and we can talk about the different possibilities. On private tours we can always adapt to special needs. In this case it would mean altering the program to make is a bit shorter etc. Safety is always one of our primary focal points, so this is not a problem.
Please let me know, if there are any other questions!
Best Regards,
Ilkka Lariola
Natura Viva
