Research Vessel Excursions from Tjärnö
Strömstad

These are more than ordinary sightseeing trips. Depending on which excursion you choose, you may help collect marine life from the seabed, make measurements in the water or watch live footage from the depths of the Kosterfjord.

Public excursions are offered on selected dates during the summer and must be booked in advance.

Diversity of the Sea

What is hiding beneath the surface of Kosterhavet?

On the Diversity of the Sea excursion, Nereus takes you into the marine national park. Together with the crew and a marine biologist, you make measurements in the water and collect algae and animals from the seabed.

Back at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, you can take a closer look at what you have found through a stereomicroscope. Creatures that were almost invisible at sea suddenly reveal intricate shapes, colours and patterns.

The excursion offers a hands-on introduction to marine research and the remarkable variety of life found in Kosterhavet. Admission to Tjärnö Aquarium on the same day is included in the current public summer programme.

Filming in the Kosterhavet Deep

Discover a world that few people ever get to see.

During this excursion, the crew lowers a remotely operated underwater vehicle equipped with a camera into the Kosterfjord. Live images from below the vessel are transmitted to a large screen on board, while a marine biologist explains what appears in front of the camera.

When conditions allow, the camera can descend to a depth of around 100 metres. Here, far below the sunlit surface, you may see sponges, sea anemones and other inhabitants of Kosterhavet’s deeper waters.

In stronger winds, filming takes place in a more sheltered area at a shallower depth. The route and filming location are always adapted to the weather and conditions at sea.

Check the current programme to see whether fika or any additional activities are included.

Dates, prices and booking

Public research vessel excursions are offered on selected dates during the summer. Places are limited, and all excursions must be booked in advance.

Dates, prices and programme details may change from year to year. For current information and booking details, visit the official research vessel excursion page from the University of Gothenburg.

Language

The excursions are mainly conducted in Swedish, as most participants are Swedish-speaking. When non-Swedish-speaking visitors take part, the guides will do their best to provide information in English as well.

If you have questions about language before booking, please contact Tjärnö Marine Laboratory.

Excursions for groups

Companies, associations, private groups and school classes can also enquire about booking a research vessel excursion outside the public summer programme, subject to availability.

Group excursions can be adapted to different interests and may include water measurements, collecting algae and animals from the seabed, laboratory studies or live underwater filming.

Read more about activities for groups and the public.

Getting here

The excursions depart from Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, around 13 kilometres south of Strömstad. Tjärnö is connected to the mainland by road and can be reached by car or bus.

By bus

Buses run between Strömstad and Tjärnö. Get off at Tjärnölaboratoriet, a short walk from the marine laboratory.

Use the Västtrafik journey planner to find current routes and departure times.

By car

From the E6, follow the signs towards Tjärnö and Saltö. The road takes you across the islands of Daftö and Öddö before reaching Tjärnö.

The visitor car park is located on the left-hand side immediately before the bridge to Saltö. Tjärnö Marine Laboratory is a short walk from the car park.

Find Tjärnö Marine Laboratory on Google Maps.

Good to know

• Advance booking is required for all public excursions.

• The programme is mainly presented in Swedish, with information in English provided where possible.

• Conditions at sea can change quickly, and the route or activity may need to be adjusted.

• Bring warm, windproof clothing - even on a sunny day.

• Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip.

• Contact the organiser before booking if you have questions about accessibility or whether the excursion is suitable for your group.

• Current dates, prices and booking conditions are available from Tjärnö Marine Laboratory.

Make a day of it

Combine your excursion with a visit to Tjärnö Aquarium, where more than 200 species of animals and algae offer another window into life beneath the surface.

You can also continue to nearby Saltö Nature Reserve for coastal walks, swimming and a marked snorkelling trail at Hasslebukten.