One of our favorite natural harbors along the west coast is Vasholmarna, a group of small islands outside the town of Grundsund. It is a short trip from Dragsmark, out past Ellös on Orust where the Hallberg-Rassy boats are built and then towards the more open sea. We often catch mackerel on our way out, making for a lovely lunch or dinner of fresh-caught fish.
As members of the Swedish Cruising Association (Svenska kryssarklubben, sxk.se) we have both an app and photographic maps of natural harbors which show where there are pre-set dubs to attach to and which areas make good long-sided mooring. One of our favorite places within Vasholmarna is Sillbyssan, a well-protected harbor. We usually have great conversations with our boat neighbors, and have even run into other boat friends in Sillbyssan. The water is usually very clear and fresh with great swimming.
This past weekend, we also spent a night at anchor in a lovely little harbor just outside Dragsmark, between the islands of Flatön and Koljön. We like to go there and test our anchors and anchoring equipment, because it is both well-protected, shallow, clear swimming water, and easy to get back to our slip in Dragsmark if needed.