Short Break Sailing on the Baltic Sea

Vessel:

Where: Kiel, Germany

Duration: 0 days / nights

Activity: Level 1

Sorry we’re full!
This voyage is fully crewed. Check out our voyage finder to see what else we have available.

Sail the Baltic coast with tall ship Iris as you explore the German coast and Southern Danish islands on a Unity on the Sea voyage

Step aboard tall ship Iris in the German port of Kiel, nestled in the heart of the Baltic Sea. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable Baltic Sea sailing adventure, perfect for those wanting to experience life aboard a traditionally rigged tall ship.

Participate in manoeuvres and experience traditional seamanship. As you set sail, you’ll have the chance to drop anchor in tranquil, secluded bays, wander through quaint harbour towns, and discover the unspoiled beauty of remote Danish islands.

Coastal Sailing
Island Hopping
Fully crewed
Private cabins
Hands-on tall ship
Full Board

Need some help?
Talk to the team

Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592

Tickets & booking

The voyage

Your Sailing Area

The Baltic Sea

This Baltic Sea sailing adventure offers a great opportunity for a tall ship taster sailing experience. During this time of the year, the area of the Western Baltic typically experiences low waves and moderate wind speeds. The exact itinerary will be influenced by the wind and weather conditions, but it will likely involve exploring the German coast and the surrounding Danish islands. Denmark is home to over 444 islands, with 368 uninhabited. Even on land, you’re never more than 32 miles from the coast, which explains why sailing and the sea hold such significance in Danish culture.

Get to grips with life on board a traditional tall ship as you set the sails, take the helm and learn some basic rope-work. The Southern Danish Sea offers some great winds for sailing, sheltered coves for anchoring ready to explore the hundreds of islands and skerries that make up this fairytale landscape.

The coasts and islands of Denmark are full of quaint Scandinavian harbour villages with wooden cabins lining the shorefront. Explore castle ruins and enjoy exhilarating Baltic Sea sailing before finishing in the port of Kiel.

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

Generally Iris will aim to go ashore each day. On longer crossing voyages, there may be longer hours or perhaps nights under sail.

Night-watches?

On her coastal sailing and taster voyages, it is unlikely that Iris will sail overnight. On he offshore sailing and crossing voyages, there may be opportunities to take part in night-watches.

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

This voyage will be not more than 12 miles offshore.

Life on board

Our tall ship sailing holidays on Iris are perfect for the adventure traveller wanting to see amazing destinations while learning the ropes of a traditionally rigged vessel. Sailing with Iris is a journey of discovery, comfort, and goodness. Built in 1916 as a herring drifter, Iris has undergone many transformations over the years and she is now a modern charter vessel exploring the Baltic Sea under sail.

Life on board

Sailing with tall ship Iris is perfect for the adventure traveller looking to explore harder-to-reach destinations under sail. With private cabins, she’s great for solo travellers and active couples alike looking for new adventures and exhilarating experiences.

Getting involved

Iris is owned and skippered by sailing couple, Jans and Liv. They have been sailing traditional tall ships for many years all over the world and are well-versed in sailing the Baltic Sea with guests.

They invite guests to get actively involved with all aspects of sailing the ship. From hoisting the 9 sails, taking the helm, learning some basic navigation and rope work – there is no experience needed to climb aboard!

Sleeping and Relaxation

Below decks, Iris has been carefully considered from her previous life as a live aboard, making her communal spaces generously sized and comfortable. You’d be hard-pushed to associate the space with a historic working cargo vessel! A large sofa area and a bespoke dining table sit in the amidships and thanks to the ceiling hatches, it receives plenty of natural daylight, making it pleasantly bright. The spacious salon provides ample room for group games and evening entertainment on board.

With an impressive and well-equipped open-plan galley, crew and guests work together, taking turns to cook for everyone. Preparing meals on board creates a homely atmosphere, allowing interaction with fellow guests, fostering better connections, and providing a truly traditional ship experience.

Iris’ 6 cabins are havens of cosiness, equipped with two comfortable single beds and a private washbasin. All cabins share two separate toilets and two separate showers and when in port, it is possible for guests to use marina facilities if they wish at a small extra fee.

For extra entertainment, Iris is also the proud owner of a cooled beer tap, an extensive games collection, an accordion, and a guitar! She has a stand-up paddle board for coastal exploration on taster voyages, and if guests are looking for that historic tall ship experience, she even has a few hammocks, too.

What's included

What’s included

Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, hot drinks)
All bedding (pillow, sheet & duvet)
Full crew plus tuition
Marina and fuel fees
All tender trips to and fro the boat
Lifejacket
Use of the small onboard dinghy
Stand-up Paddleboard

What’s not included

Alcohol & soft drinks
Waterproofs
Towels
Chef
Any flights
Transit hotels
Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
Travel Insurance
Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
Crew tips
Personal expenses

Kit list

Iris has limited space for possessions, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. Each cabin has a small hanging/shelf space, but there is no storage for rigid cases, so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items; these are not mandatory, and those who have sailed before may have their preferences!

Sailing (or cycling) gloves for pulling ropes
Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
Waterproof boots or Wellington boots (dependent on weather forecast)
Wash towel
Swimsuit and swim towel
Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea, so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

Warm, windproof and waterproof coat/trousers.
Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
Refillable water bottle
Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
Camera/binoculars
Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
Sleep masks and/or earplugs if sharing a cabin.
Charging cables for personal devices
EU 2-pin adaptor
A good book to read!
Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

Travel Documents

Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements to the country if/as required.

Travel planning

From: Tiessenkai, Holtenau

To: Tiessenkai, Holtenau

Getting There

Tiessenkai, Holtenau

BY AIR:

For travel to the UK you are best flying to/from Hamburg Airport.

Flights go direct to Hamburg Airport (HAM) from London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London Stansted (STN), Edinburgh (EDI) and Manchester (MAN) with easyJet, Ryanair, Eurowings or British Airways.

Hamburg Airport (HAM) is about a 1 hour 45 direct bus ride from Kiel.

Boat info & deck plan

Iris

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Ketch

Commissioned as a herring drifter over 100 years ago, tall ship Iris has been given a new lease on life and converted into a comfortable charter vessel. She spends her summers sailing guests on the Baltic Sea. From tall ship racing, taster weekends, offshore sailings and coastal explorations, Iris explores the islands of Denmark, the Swedish coast and the Estonian archipelago.

Her traditional ketch rig, paired with a sturdy steel hull, makes Iris an ideal vessel for those wanting to experience life aboard a historic tall ship. Jan and Liv, her owners, have spent many years living and working on traditionally rigged vessels, and bring a calm, intuitive approach to life at sea. Their style of guidance is relaxed and encouraging, offering as much or as little involvement as you’d like.

Iris is a great introduction for those looking for a hands-on sailing experience without pressure on an authentic tall ship. She is perfect for solo travellers and adventurous couples alike. New sailors will appreciate the relaxed approach to sailing guidance on board.

Iris accommodates up to 12 guests across 6 private twin cabins, with generous communal spaces below deck. The cabins are arranged into two distinct areas, naturally dividing the shared heads and shower rooms for added comfort and privacy. A dining area and small onboard library complete the space, creating a setting that feels both social and quietly relaxed.

Life on board feels easy and considered. The spacious main saloon is the heart of the vessel, with a large, comfortable sofa area perfect for reading or gathering in the evenings. A record player adds a nostalgic touch, setting the tone for slow, easy evenings, while the honesty bar keeps things informal and welcoming. On deck, oversized waterproof bean bags on the mid deck offer a favourite place to stretch out with a book, soak in the sea air or pause to take in the views between sailing moments. Every space on Iris has been thoughtfully designed to encourage you to slow down, settle in and feel completely at ease.

Iris is perfect for those seeking a gentle yet adventurous sailing experience, exploring the coasts and islands of Sweden and Denmark and the western Baltic area.

More about Iris

FAQs

Are all meals included?

Yes - all meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot drinks). Cooking is a communal effort with all guests and crew working together.

Can you cater for dietary needs?

We can cater for vegetarians, but not vegan or gluten-free diets, please check for other dietary requirements.

Are there any added extra's?

Please note that alcohol/soft drinks are not included. There is an honesty bar onboard. Excursions ashore are not included.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

6x twin bunk cabins each with a sink and storage space.

Is there a porthole in my cabin?

Yes

How many toilet/showers does she have?

There are two showers and two toilets for guest use

Are bedding and towels included?

All bedding is included but please bring your own shower and/or swim towels

Is there a hairdryer on board?

No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

Will I be able to wash my clothes?

No, Iris does not have laundry on board.

Is there heating onboard?

Yes.

Do I need to tip the crew?

Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.

What language is spoken onboard?

Dutch/English.

Is there WIFI?

No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

Can I charge my phone/Camera?

Yes when connected to shore power or the generator is on, please bring 2pin EU adaptors.

What is the currency on board?

Euro's.

Are there life jackets provided?

Yes.

How do I get on and off the boat?

Iris is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

Are Waterproofs provided?

No.

Do I need sailing experience?

No, absolutely not! Just a need for adventure.

Does the boat have any water toys?

Yes - small dinghy with outboard engine and sail rig.

Will I be sea sick?

Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure. Ginger tea and biscuits also help with sea sickness.

Is there an age limit?

Please contact the office if you have under 16's. There is no maximum age limit as long as guests are fit and mobile.

Boat schedule

Tall Ship sailing to Sweden & Denmark

28 Jun 2026

9 days Days

£1,150.00€1,300.00

Short Break Sailing on the Baltic Sea

Sail the Baltic coast with tall ship Iris as you explore the German coast and Southern Danish islands on a Unity on the Sea voyage

Need some help?Talk to the team

Your Sailing Area

The Baltic Sea

Read more about what it’s like to sail the in the Baltic Sea here.

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

Night-watches?

Travel insurance notes

Life on board

Getting involved

Sleeping and Relaxation

What’s included

What’s not included

Kit list

Getting There

Tiessenkai, Holtenau

BY AIR:

Iris

Are all meals included?

Can you cater for dietary needs?

Are there any added extra's?

What are the sleeping arrangements?

Is there a porthole in my cabin?

How many toilet/showers does she have?

Are bedding and towels included?

Is there a hairdryer on board?

Will I be able to wash my clothes?

Is there heating onboard?

Do I need to tip the crew?

What language is spoken onboard?

Is there WIFI?

Can I charge my phone/Camera?

What is the currency on board?

Are there life jackets provided?

How do I get on and off the boat?

Are Waterproofs provided?

Do I need sailing experience?

Does the boat have any water toys?

Will I be sea sick?

Is there an age limit?

More holidays in Baltic Sea, Denmark or Germany

Baltic Sea Adventure: Finland Sailing

Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship

Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship

Summer Sailing Adventure Along the Baltic Coast

More holidays on Iris

Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship

Sailing Stockholm to Finland Adventure

Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship

Short Break Sailing the on Baltic Sea

Inspiration for your voyage

Unique Isle of Arran Holidays - Sailing the Firth of Clyde

Our Top 5 Skippered Sailing Holidays in the UK

Why Your Next UK Holiday Should Be a Sustainable Sailing Adventure

The Best of the 2026 Maritime Festivals

Our Top Five Family Friendly Sailing Holidays for 2026

Luxury Sailing in the British Virgin Islands

Sign up for the latest news & offers

Need some help?
Talk to the team