What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local kayaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 3 or 4-day kayaking tour in the Westfjords, depending on the itinerary you choose Accommodation Tents for both 3-day tours Houses for the 4-day tour Food and cookware (as listed in the itinerary) Kayaking gear — kayaks and paddles, neoprene pants, a dry top, a spray skirt, a life vest, paddling boots, paddling gloves, and additional dry bags Ferry and car transfer Note: You’re welcome to bring your own paddling gear and clothing. We suggest bringing good dry pants and a top with rubber cuffs or at least a 3mm neoprene wetsuit with a windproof top. For footwear, neoprene boots wink ankle support and thick coles will work best. To keep your hands warm, bring neoprene gloves, mittens, or pogies. What’s not included: Transportation to the meeting point in Iceland Personal equipment and clothing (option to rent a dry suit, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad at an additional cost) Personal insurance Some meals (as listed in the itinerary) Transportation to the meeting point Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

While there aren’t challenging river rapids in the Westfjords, this kayaking tour in the sea is still strenuous. Depending on the chosen tour, you’ll paddle anywhere between 5 and 15 miles per day (8-24 km), so excellent fitness and good stamina is still required!

What do I need to bring?

The less you have with you when you’re kayaking, the easier it will be! If you pack wisely, you’ll have plenty of space in your kayak, so pack light. Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Thermal underwear Thermal mid layer (wool or fleece) Hiking pants (avoid cotton) Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket (the lighter, the better) Spare clothes for layering A hat (wool or fleece) A pair of warm gloves 2-3 pairs of socks (wool or synthetic) Light hiking shoes for walks onshore A sleeping bag (at least 0°C, down is best) & sleeping pad (thin and inflatable ones are the best) — for both 3-day tours Sunglasses 1 L water bottle Personal medical kit Personal medication Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, toilet paper) 2x dry bags to keep your gear dry — your guides have small selection of dry bags that you can use, but best bring at least two of your own and make sure everything fits beforehand) Small binoculars for wildlife viewing — optional, but recommended Camera — optional, but recommended Swimsuit and towel for the sauna at Kvíar (for the 4-day tour) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For the 3-day kayaking tour in the Westfjords, the maximum group size is 8 and the client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. For the 4-day glacier kayaking tour in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and the 3-day kayaking tour in Isafjardardjup Bay, the maximum group size is 10 and the client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Kayaking in Iceland’s Westfjords can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

All kayaking tours depart from Isafjordur, the largest town in the Westfjords. Your guide will let you know the exact address on time. There are two ways to reach Isafjordur, either by car or by plane from Reykjavik. If you have enough time, driving from Reykjavik takes 5-6 hours and it is an incredibly scenic drive. You can also reach Isafjordur by plane—there are scheduled flights 2-3 times every day from Reykjavik to Isafjordur and it takes around 40 minutes. Once you get to Isafjordur, ferry and/or car transportation are included in the price of the trip. On the last day of the tour, your guides will drop you off in Isafjordur around 4 pm, just in time for the afternoon flight for those flying back to Reykjavik.

Covid measures in Iceland

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Iceland, please refer to Iceland’s COVID-19 information . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

On recent volcanic activity in Iceland

Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice”, has forever lived with volcanic activity. Minor and major eruptions have occurred every few years since the island was formed. Some of Iceland’s appeal, aside from sheer natural beauty, surely stems from this very fact. However, every new eruption, such as the recent Reykjanes Peninsula fissure, will make some travelers, tourists, and adventurers uneasy, especially given the fact that sensationalist media is not immune to misinformation and speculation. Since we work with a number of expert local guides in Iceland, we thought we’d share their input and fill you in on what’s actually going on. First of all, air traffic has not been affected. Flights to and from Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík Domestic Airport are operating as they always do. Second, the effects of volcanic activity have been localized, with some roads closed, and all services in Iceland are operating as usual. Reykjavik, the capital, is around 40 km (25 miles) away from the volcanic fissure, and life there is as normal as ever. And third, trips offered by 57hours are taking place much further away, and are thereby even less likely to be affected by the volcanic activity, being perfectly safe for adventurers. Naturally, the authorities (and guides) are monitoring the situation and doing everything possible to keep both local residents and visitors safe and well informed. In case you have any additional questions or dilemmas, feel free to get in touch with either your guide or 57hours. For more information, please visit: https://safetravel.is/ https://www.visiticeland.com/article/volcano-info Or watch the video with Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office explaining the recent volcanic activities in Iceland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA3-BXYuYrw

Beautiful views in Iceland, kayaking trip

WESTFJORDS | ICELAND

Kayaking Tour in Iceland’s Westfjords

5.00 ()

Season

June through August

Nearest city

Reykjavik is 40 minutes away by plane

Duration

3-4 days

Difficulty

Guide

Borea Adventures

From $770 () / 3-4 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

There’s no better place in Iceland to hop into a kayak than the Westfjords—its most remote region visited only by a small portion of travelers. Nestled just below the Arctic circle, the area is marked by rugged verdant mountains, deep fjords, gleaming glaciers, and calm ocean waters, making it the perfect setting for 3 to 4 days of guided kayaking explorations. It also makes it a true wildlife haven, so prepare your cameras because you’re about to become a wildlife photographer! Instead of other people crowding the areas you’re exploring, seals, whales, puffins, Arctic foxes, and porpoises will be your fellow travelers on this journey.

Book a call

Paddle your way across tranquil waters to otherwise inaccessible areas
Immerse yourself into the rugged wilderness and remote areas of Iceland
While you might not encounter other people, seals and other wildlife will pop up to say hello

Available itineraries

3-Day Kayaking Tour in the Westfjords

Meet your guide at 7 am, have a briefing, and catch a ferry to Kvíar Farmhouse in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. In case your guide is already at Kvíar, another member of the staff will brief you before boarding the ferry. Once you get there, pack your kayak and start paddling through the remote Icelandic wilderness. As you kayak across the bay, get a good look at Leirufjörður Fjord with the gigantic Drangajökull Glacier in the distance. Head along the shoreline towards Grunnavík Bay and, along the way, discover a monumental rock arch that you can pass under at high tide. As you kayak closer to the shore, watch out for cute porpoises, close relatives of dolphins! Once you reach Grunnavík, have a well-deserved rest or explore the area on foot. Enjoy your dinner and set up camp at the beach.
Meals: Dinner
Distance: 11 miles / 18 km
Accommodation: Tent
After breakfast, slip into your kayak and paddle into the big bay of Ísafjarðardjúp, one of the best kayaking spots in Iceland—enjoy spectacular views of flat-topped mountains and spot whales! Along the way, discover rarely-visited waterfalls, since only a small number of people visit these cascades, as they’re inaccessible by foot. Continue along the coast of Snæfjallaströnd, the northeastern shore of Ísafjarðardjúp. Depending on weather conditions, you’ll either camp out in the silent cove in Ytraskarð (12 miles from the starting point) or near the Möngufoss Waterfalls (15 miles from the starting point).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 12-15 miles / 20-24 km
Accommodation: Tent
After a hearty breakfast, kick off the last day by first visiting the island of Æðey—also known as Eider Island, it takes its name from the hundreds of eider ducks that nest on its shores. The waters around the island are also home to countless breeding puffins, Iceland’s most beloved birds. Then do a long crossing to the island of Vigur, where you can spot arctic terns, eider ducks, puffins, and guillemots. Here is where you’ll find Iceland’s only windmill and the smallest post office in the country. After a hot cup of coffee, hop back into your kayak and paddle to the village of Súðavík, where a car will be waiting for you and take you back to Ísafjörður. Arrive back in town around 4 pm—head back to Reykjavik or ask your guides for recommendations in the area and stay longer!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 14 miles / 22 km

4-Day Glacier Kayaking Tour in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Meet your guide at 8 am, have a briefing, and catch a ferry to Hesteyri. Once the biggest settlement in Hornstrandir, Hesteyri was abandoned after a fishing crisis at the beginning of the 20tch century—only a doctor’s house, a school, and a small church bell are left behind. Drop off your belongings at the doctor’s house, which was transformed into a summer house and where you’ll be staying tonight. Get into your kayak and paddle along the fjords to the nearby Sletta Lighthouse. This day is all about getting to know your kayak and brushing up on your paddling techniques. After a quick paddle, have dinner at the doctor’s house and settle in for the night.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Doctor’s house
After a hearty breakfast, set out on your paddling adventure. Today you’ll paddle towards Kvíadalur Valley and farmhouse, passing by the Hesteyrarfjörður and Veiðileysufjörður Fjords along the way. There’s also a high chance of seeing whales and white-tailed eagles, so you’ll stop for brief breaks to take pictures! Kayaking for the day ends once you’re at the beach beneath the hill on which Kvíar Farmhouse stands. Built in 1923, the house was occupied by a family that lived there until 1948, right before Hornstrandir Nature Reserve was completely abandoned. It was renovated in 2012 and now hosts travelers from around the world. Finish the day with a mouth-watering dinner and head to the sauna afterwards.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 9 miles / 14 km
Accommodation: Kvíar Farmhouse
Leave your belongings at the farmhouse and head out to explore fjords and wildlife. The farm is nestled not too far from Lónafjörður Fjord, said to be the most beautiful one in Iceland. As you paddle past it, incredible views of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve open up from the ocean. Soon you’ll approach Sopandi Bay, home to an abundance of birds, a seal colony, and arctic foxes. Paddle along the coast, spot the wildlife, and take pictures of the scenery. Return to the farmhouse.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 12 miles / 20 km
Accommodation: Kvíar Farmhouse
At around 9 am, a passenger ferry will pick you up from Kvíar Farmhouse and take you back to Ísafjörður. On your way back to Ísafjörður, you might not be accompanied by a guide as sometimes they have to stay back and get ready for the new group. No need to worry, though, the ferry crew will take great care of you!

3-Day Kayaking Tour in Ísafjarðardjúp Bay

Meet your guide at 1 pm, have a briefing, and take a 45-minute drive to Seyðisfjörður, where your adventure begins. Once you’ve packed your kayaks and received a safety briefing, start paddling along Seyðisfjörður’s coastline. Enroute, note unique natural features of Hestfjörður, a fjord punctured by the striking cliffs of Mt. Hestur. As you paddle, keep your eyes peeled for the marine life of Ísafjarðardjúp—you might spot humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins! After a couple more hours of paddling, you’ll reach the shores of Folafótur Peninsula, which is where you’ll set up your base camp for the night. End your day with a delicious meal and enjoy the snowy mountain views of Snæfjallaströnd.
Meals: Dinner
Distance: 5.6 miles / 9 km
Accommodation: Tent
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and kick off the second day of your kayak tour, which will be centered around the abundant wildlife of Vigur Island and Hvítanes Peninsula. On your first stop, Vigur Island, you’ll get a rare insight into how Icelandic people live in harmony with nature. The island is also home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, and a small population of around ten people. After lunch, hop back into your kayaks and paddle south towards Hvítanes Peninsula. There’s a high chance of seeing a colony of harbor seals lounging on the rocks! Make a short stop there before heading back to your campsite at Folafótur for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 11 miles / 18 km
Accommodation: Tent
On your final day of kayaking in Iceland, slowly make your way back to Ísafjörður. You’ll glide by the coast of Kambsnes Peninsula and the small village of Súðavík as you hug the shoreline enroute to Ísafjörður Harbor. Your kayak trip in Iceland comes to a close once you reach the shores of Seyðisfjörður Fjord, unpack your kayaks, and drive back to the original meeting point—Ísafjörður. You’ll arrive there at approximately 4 pm, marking the end of a spectacular sea kayaking trip!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 11 miles / 18 km

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Meet your guide

5.00

Borea Adventures

Borea Adventures is a fully licensed adventure guiding company based in Ísafjörður, the heart of the Westfjords of Iceland. The founders of Borea wanted to let people enjoy their home environment in the same way they had done, and so they created the company. Borea focuses on short day trips as well as exclusive expeditions to remote corners of the Arctic. The team is made up of sailors, climbers, skiers, and sea kayakers that find their inspiration in the unique wilderness that surrounds them. Whether it’s a hiking, cycling, or kayaking experience, you can be sure that each trip has been designed to operate in full harmony with nature!

5.00 (3 reviews)

Hrcornflower14 (source: Trip Advisor)

We had a great time! My husband and I like to kayak in our free time but are self taught. The guides were really helpful and gave us lots of tips. We really love this trip! The overall experience was just what we wanted, the views were spectacular and the guides were super accommodating. We’d definitely recommend this trip!

Alexander B (source: Trip Advisor)

The sea kayaking tour was great. Guides did excellent job helping us to navigate the fjord and to avoid strong currents. And we were lucky with the weather most of the time. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who likes kayaking. Bear in mind that you need to dress accordingly as it can get windy, especially on the open water. And I do encourage you to listen to guides’ advice how to behave in sea kayak in order not to flip over. To sum up, the tour was great and I will definetly do it again.

hadley potts (source: Google Reviews)

Our tour guide was amazing and passionate about the lagoon and kayaking so had a bunch of awesome knowledge to share. They provided suits, shoes and everything you’d need for a comfortable experience. Phenomenal experience!

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local kayaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 3 or 4-day kayaking tour in the Westfjords, depending on the itinerary you choose
  - Accommodation
    
    Tents for both 3-day tours
    
    Houses for the 4-day tour
  - Food and cookware (as listed in the itinerary)
  - Kayaking gear — kayaks and paddles, neoprene pants, a dry top, a spray skirt, a life vest, paddling boots, paddling gloves, and additional dry bags
  - Ferry and car transfer
Note: You’re welcome to bring your own paddling gear and clothing. We suggest bringing good dry pants and a top with rubber cuffs or at least a 3mm neoprene wetsuit with a windproof top. For footwear, neoprene boots wink ankle support and thick coles will work best. To keep your hands warm, bring neoprene gloves, mittens, or pogies.

What’s not included:
- - Transportation to the meeting point in Iceland
  - Personal equipment and clothing (option to rent a dry suit, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad at an additional cost)
  - Personal insurance
  - Some meals (as listed in the itinerary)
  - Transportation to the meeting point
  - Guide gratuities — optional
While there aren’t challenging river rapids in the Westfjords, this kayaking tour in the sea is still strenuous. Depending on the chosen tour, you’ll paddle anywhere between 5 and 15 miles per day (8-24 km), so excellent fitness and good stamina is still required!
The less you have with you when you’re kayaking, the easier it will be! If you pack wisely, you’ll have plenty of space in your kayak, so pack light.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Thermal underwear
  - Thermal mid layer (wool or fleece)
  - Hiking pants (avoid cotton)
  - Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket (the lighter, the better)
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - A hat (wool or fleece)
  - A pair of warm gloves
  - 2-3 pairs of socks (wool or synthetic)
  - Light hiking shoes for walks onshore
  - A sleeping bag (at least 0°C, down is best) & sleeping pad (thin and inflatable ones are the best) — for both 3-day tours
  - Sunglasses
  - 1 L water bottle
  - Personal medical kit
  - Personal medication
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, toilet paper)
  - 2x dry bags to keep your gear dry — your guides have small selection of dry bags that you can use, but best bring at least two of your own and make sure everything fits beforehand)
  - Small binoculars for wildlife viewing — optional, but recommended
  - Camera — optional, but recommended
  - Swimsuit and towel for the sauna at Kvíar (for the 4-day tour)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For the 3-day kayaking tour in the Westfjords, the maximum group size is 8 and the client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
  - For the 4-day glacier kayaking tour in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and the 3-day kayaking tour in Isafjardardjup Bay, the maximum group size is 10 and the client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Kayaking in Iceland’s Westfjords can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
All kayaking tours depart from Isafjordur, the largest town in the Westfjords. Your guide will let you know the exact address on time. There are two ways to reach Isafjordur, either by car or by plane from Reykjavik.

If you have enough time, driving from Reykjavik takes 5-6 hours and it is an incredibly scenic drive. You can also reach Isafjordur by plane—there are scheduled flights 2-3 times every day from Reykjavik to Isafjordur and it takes around 40 minutes. Once you get to Isafjordur, ferry and/or car transportation are included in the price of the trip.

On the last day of the tour, your guides will drop you off in Isafjordur around 4 pm, just in time for the afternoon flight for those flying back to Reykjavik.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Iceland, please refer to Iceland’s COVID-19 information.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice”, has forever lived with volcanic activity. Minor and major eruptions have occurred every few years since the island was formed. Some of Iceland’s appeal, aside from sheer natural beauty, surely stems from this very fact.

However, every new eruption, such as the recent Reykjanes Peninsula fissure, will make some travelers, tourists, and adventurers uneasy, especially given the fact that sensationalist media is not immune to misinformation and speculation.

Since we work with a number of expert local guides in Iceland, we thought we’d share their input and fill you in on what’s actually going on.

First of all, air traffic has not been affected. Flights to and from Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík Domestic Airport are operating as they always do.

Second, the effects of volcanic activity have been localized, with some roads closed, and all services in Iceland are operating as usual. Reykjavik, the capital, is around 40 km (25 miles) away from the volcanic fissure, and life there is as normal as ever.

And third, trips offered by 57hours are taking place much further away, and are thereby even less likely to be affected by the volcanic activity, being perfectly safe for adventurers. Naturally, the authorities (and guides) are monitoring the situation and doing everything possible to keep both local residents and visitors safe and well informed.

In case you have any additional questions or dilemmas, feel free to get in touch with either your guide or 57hours. For more information, please visit:
https://safetravel.is/
https://www.visiticeland.com/article/volcano-info

Or watch the video with Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office explaining the recent volcanic activities in Iceland:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA3-BXYuYrw
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies, and deposits are no longer refundable. The remaining 70% of the amount is paid at the latest 3 months (90 days) prior to the departure.

All cancellations must be made by e-mail. In conformity with business practices within the Icelandic travel industry:
- - 90% of the price of the trip is refundable before the group is guaranteed
  - 50% of the tour price is refunded if canceled 30-59 days prior to departure
  - 0% of the tour price is refunded if canceled 16-29 days prior to departure
All rates are based on current purchasing prices in Iceland. Your guides reserve the right to change prices without notice due to inflation, changes in prices, taxes, or any other cost increases that are outside the guide’s control. Your guides will absorb an amount equivalent to 5% of the price. Amounts that exceed 5% will be charged and clients will be entitled to cancel their booking with a full refund if the surcharge exceeds 10%. Eventual changes in rates will not be made with less than 4 weeks’ notice before departures or on already confirmed bookings.

Your guides reserve the right to alter tours and itineraries due to weather or road conditions. All programs can be changed or canceled at any moment during the trip to assure the safety of the clients and staff. No responsibility is accepted for losses, or expenses due to delays, changes of flights, or other services or because of strikes, accidents, sickness, damage, negligence, weather, war, changes in schedules, or other similar causes.