Gothenburg Shrimp Cruise Review with Kids: Was it worth it?
- minna
- 11 minutes ago
- 5 min read
The Gothenburg shrimp feast cruise is a seasonal boat tour out to the archipelago. I had heard of it before, but never tried it for myself so we brought our 3-year-old and 3-month-old to see what it was all about and if it was worth it. As a family of seafood lovers it felt like the perfect way to experience the beauty of the archipelago whilst stuffing ourselves with seafood!
Note: this boat does two very similar tours either Gothenburg: Archipelago cruise with Shrimp feast (guided) or Gothenburg: Shrimp & Salmon Cruise with Live Music - 2026 (Verified Reviews). Because of our schedule we did the Shrimp Feast but the Shrimp & Salmon Cruise runs later through the year (ending in October). This guide is a review of the Shrimp Feat but because both tours are on the same boat I imagine the experiences will be very similar and the price difference between the two is small.
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How to get there
The boat sets off from Lilla Bommen and they recommend you arrive 20 mins beforehand and doing so will mean that you can get the best seats in the house at the front deck (we sat at the back but it was still an excellent view). The gangway onto the boat is wide enough for a pram and when you arrive on the boat you can push it around the deck but then there are a few sets of stairs. We folded our pram down and left it by the toilets and I carried my baby up to the decking.
What to expect
The boat is a beautiful wooden boat called ST: ERIK with pretty interiors, plenty of space and a fully stocked bar downstairs. The boat is spacious and spread over 3 floors (entrance, restaurant level and upper drinks deck) so you will have to deal with a few steps. The guide will explain in both Swedish and English the sights and history of Gothenburg on the way meaning you can take this in or simply enjoy the experience and food.
The tour is 2.5hrs and started at 6.40pm so we had brought pyjamas and a toothbrush to get my daughter ready in case she fell asleep on the boat but we were surprised that throughout the tour she was not only awake but having so much fun! There is plenty of room for kids to explore on the decking and on the tour you'll pass under huge suspension bridges and past cargo boats and small islands with birds. I do, however, recommend bringing a few toys and entertainment for restless toddlers (especially for when you're at your table trying to eat!).
The platter of shrimps on the table was enormous and way more than I was expecting (the photos online showed small boxes which are what the staff actually use to refill your giant platters if you ever get to that point). It comes with freshly baked bread, whipped butter, spicy mayo and garlic aioli. My mum was with us and as 3 adults and a toddler we managed to get through about 3/4 of the platter which I was still pretty proud of but I definitely felt shrimped-out at the end! We also gave my daughter a small early dinner around 5pm before leaving so she wasn't too hungry though the platters are ready and the tables are set when you get on the boat so there is no waiting for the food!
The boat goes out into the southern archipelago past islands like Styrsö, Brännö and Köpstandsö. I grew up on the island of Styrsö and as we reached the part of the island where my dad lives I had to give him a call so he could come down to the jetty and wave to us. My daughter was in the captain's seat at this point driving the boat and the captain let her honk at him in a greeting which made her day! Although this is a route I have spent my whole childhood doing on the commuter ferry boats this felt really special and it reminded me of how beautiful the journey to the islands is.
How easy is it for kids?
The boat tour was really fun for my 3-year-old daughter, she enjoyed eating prawns at the table in her high chair and loved running around on deck exploring and playing with my husband. For pram users there are a few steps but very easily navigated and areas where the pram can be safely stored out of the way. The accessible bathroom also has a nappy change area so you don't need to worry about changing nappies on the floor. The staff were extremely friendly and loved interacting with the kids and the captain said at the start that all were welcome from kids to adults so there was a steady flow of curious kids waiting their turn to drive the boat under the captain's supervision!
Was it worth it?
Honestly this boat completely exceeded my expectations. We booked it as a nice and different thing to do whilst visiting family but it was only afterwards we saw pictures of a small box with shrimp in (which made us think the portions would be tiny - we were of course completely wrong). Upon learning the route was to the island where I grew up, I thought it was going to feel like going on the regular ferry, but as the setting of this boat is completely different, I not only enjoyed the experience; it made me see the island in a new light and really appreciate what a beautiful journey it is. Finally, I thought it would be full of tourists but I was amazed by how many Swedes with a Gothenburg accent were also doing this and after experiencing it myself I can really see the appeal.
Recommended tours:
Use the GetYourGuide app and apply the code TODDLERTRAVELDIARIES5 to get 5% off your total booking price
Continue reading about Gothenburg with kids here:
Where to Stay in Gothenburg with Kids: Best Family-Friendly Hotels by Neighbourhood
Top 10 Things to Do in Gothenburg with Kids: A Local’s Guide
A Weekend in Gothenburg with a Toddler: A Two Day Itinerary from a Local
Gothenburg Archipelago with Kids: A Local's Guide to the Car Free Islands
Gothenburg with Kids on a Budget: Best Free and Cheap Family-Friendly Activities
