Gliding through Svalbard’s pack ice, your kayak is slicing silently past an iceberg glowing with iridescent blue, a polar bear’s silhouette lurking on the horizon. Welcome to Arctic kayaking, folks—an experience so wild and otherworldly it’ll steal your breath and make you feel like you’re paddling on another planet.
After 22 years of chasing waves from Fiji to Greenland, I’m here to share why kayaking the Arctic is the adventure that surpasses all others.
This article was based on Toby’s webinar. You can watch it here:
My Path to the Polar Seas
I’ve been hooked on sea kayaking for 22 years, ever since I started guiding.
It all kicked off in Fiji’s turquoise waters, but the Arctic—Svalbard and Greenland—stole my heart nearly 20 years ago. I’m the managing director now, but back then, I was just a guy with a paddle, smitten by the ocean.
I tried to step away a few times—studied languages, dabbled in photography, even got a master’s degree—but the call of the sea kept pulling me back. There’s something about guiding folks through the world’s wildest coasts that lights me up.
I’ve paddled in places from Morocco to Japan, but the Arctic’s where I feel alive, sharing the slow, intimate pace of kayaking with adventurers like you. It’s like walking on water.
Why the Arctic? A World Like No Other
The Arctic is a whole different universe.
Picture icebergs the size of houses, carved with blue veins from ancient snow, floating like sculptures in a silent sea. Every piece of ice tells a story—snow falling thousands of years ago, compressed into glaciers, then breaking free into the ocean.
You’ll see tide lines marking where they’ve rolled and melted, forming shapes that look like nature’s art gallery. Then there’s the light—24 hours of daylight in July and August, where midnight feels like noon, bending your sense of time.
I’ve paddled at 2 AM under a golden sky, and it’s surreal.
Space gets weird too; a mountain looks two kilometers away but might be 30 miles off, thanks to mirages that flip the horizon upside down. It’s serene, but don’t be fooled—ice can collapse without warning, keeping you sharp.
Kayaking here is low-impact. You’ll glide close to wildlife and ice without leaving a trace, and trust me, it’s the most thrilling way to explore this frozen wonderland.
Svalbard: Kayaking the High Arctic
Svalbard’s the wildest place I’ve ever paddled, way up at 80 degrees north, where the Arctic Ocean stretches to Canada’s icy edge.
Called the “cold coast” by Vikings, this archipelago is a true wilderness—no permanent settlements outside Longyearbyen’s 2,000 souls, just glaciers, fjords, and the world’s third-largest ice cap on Nordaustlandet.
Our trips start in Longyearbyen, where you fly in from Oslo or Tromsø, then board our boat, an ice-strengthened vessel for 50 passengers. We aim to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, weaving through fjords with pointed mountains and paddling past glacier faces.
I’ll never forget guiding a group along Nordaustlandet’s ice cliff—hundreds of kilometers long—when the wind kicked up, and we hid behind an iceberg, laughing as we rafted our kayaks together.
You might spot polar bears hunting seals on the pack ice, like the time I watched one for three hours, hopping across floes. Walruses, arctic foxes, and seabirds are everywhere, and our Zodiacs let you mix kayaking with shore hikes or photography.
Every trip’s an expedition—ice and weather call the shots, but that’s the adventure.
Greenland: Paddling the Birthplace of the Kayak
Greenland’s where the kayak was born, and paddling here feels like a pilgrimage.
We always choose to focus on West Greenland’s Disko Island, near Ilulissat, where massive icebergs dwarf our boats, and fjords are so calm you’ll hear your own heartbeat.
The Inuit invented kayaks—seal skin and bone for hunting—and you’ll feel that history in every stroke.
Our trips use the Elsie, a cozy sailing vessel for 14 passengers, perfect for soaking in the quiet. You’ll paddle past glaciers, visit tent rings where Inuit families camped centuries ago, and maybe spot a blue whale, like the midnight sighting I had with a calf trailing its mom-
Greenland’s scale is mind-boggling—cliffs rise 2,500 meters, and tiny birch forests, inches high but centuries old, dot the tundra. Hiking here’s a treat, with surprise wildflower meadows and wide open spaces. The Inuit culture, from dog sleds to small villages, adds a spiritual layer—you’re not just paddling, you’re connecting to living history.
Svalbard and Greenland: Which Adventure Suits You?
Choosing between Svalbard and Greenland? They’re both epic, but different vibes.
Svalbard’s a wildlife jackpot—polar bears, walruses, and seabirds are everywhere, thanks to nutrient-rich currents where Arctic and European waters mix. It’s compact, so you’ll explore diverse fjords and pack ice in one trip, but weather can be wilder, with rain or wind sneaking in.
Greenland’s about vastness and soul. The landscapes are huge, with giant icebergs and endless tundra perfect for hiking. Its fjords are calmer, thanks to a high-pressure system, and the Elsie’s intimate, sailing vibe feels like family. The Inuit connection—tent rings, traditional kayaks—makes it special for paddlers seeking heritage.
If you’re a seasoned kayaker wanting longer paddles, Greenland’s your spot; if you’re newer or love wildlife, Svalbard’s got you.
Can’t choose? This didn’t help? I get it—I love both.
A Day of Arctic Kayaking
A day on the water starts with coffee on deck, the vessel anchored in a fjord with icebergs glinting in the sun.
By 9 AM, we’re in kayaks, gliding through Svalbard’s pack ice or Greenland’s glassy waters, seals popping up to say hi. Mornings might mean paddling past a glacier, the crack of ice echoing like thunder.
Lunch is on deck or shore—hearty soup and bread, maybe with Greenland’s wildflowers as a backdrop. Afternoons could bring a tundra hike, a cruise to photograph ice, or, in Svalbard, a polar plunge (it’s not as cold as it looks!).
I’ll never forget a midnight paddle in Greenland, watching a blue whale surface with its calf under a golden sky.
With 24-hour daylight, we might paddle late or catch auroras in September. Back on board, it’s cozy dinners, maybe a lecture on Inuit history or polar bears, and stories with new friends. Every day’s a new adventure, shaped by the Arctic’s whims.
Insider Tips for Your Arctic Kayaking Adventure
I’ve guided enough Arctic trips to know that preparation makes the difference. Here’s the lowdown to get you ready for the paddle.
Which kayak should I pick for Svalbard & Greenland?
We use rotomolded plastic kayaks—tough as nails for navigating ice. You can choose single or double kayaks, most with rudders, though we can source skeg models in Svalbard if you prefer.
No need to know how to roll; I’ve only had two capsizes in 20 years, both from folks distracted by scenery!
Practice a wet exit before you come—flip, pop the spray skirt, and swim out—just to feel comfy. Doubles are great for less experienced paddlers or if you want to chat with a buddy; singles suit confident folks.
We can split into adventurous or relaxed groups, so everyone’s happy.
What do I need to bring for Arctic kayaking?
Dry suits are non-negotiable—we provide them with built-in socks and booties to keep you dry in icy water.
Layer up underneath: a thin thermal top and bottom, a mid-weight polypropylene layer, and maybe a vest or puffer for colder days.
Hats are key—a thin wool one, a thick one, and a sun hat for swapping out. Pogies are a game-changer: like sleeping bags for your hands, they Velcro around your paddle to keep you warm, no gloves needed.
Bring a dry bag for spare clothes and insulated fishermen’s gloves for shore trips. We’ve got all the kayaking gear, so just pack smart and light.
When should I go on an arctic kayaking trip?
June to August is peak season—24-hour daylight, open water, and tons of wildlife.
July’s my favorite for warm, sunny days and active seals or whales. September’s great for auroras, especially in Greenland, with fall colors on the tundra. Early season (May) can be icy, limiting landings; late September brings darker skies but still good paddling.
Svalbard’s weather is trickier—rain or wind can hit—but Greenland’s high-pressure system often means calm fjords. Book for summer to max out your adventure time.
How to plan an arctic kayaking trip
Getting to Svalbard’s easy: fly to Oslo, then direct to Longyearbyen’s airstrip. You’ll overnight there and board the ship.
For Greenland, fly to Keflavik Airport or Newark Liberty to Nuuk, then a quick hop to Ilulissat, where the boat awaits.
Book flights early—small planes fill fast, and we hold spots for our groups. From Ilulissat’s tiny airport, you’ll see our boat.
Both trips include a pre-trip hotel night for briefings. Want to extend? Explore Oslo’s fjords or Iceland’s geysers post-trip. Our team handles the rest, so you just show up ready to paddle.
What’s included in our Svalbard & Greenland kayaking adventure
Our Svalbard & Greenland kayaking trip covers your berth, all meals (buffet breakfasts, sit-down lunches, and dinners), kayaking gear, guides, cruises, shore landings, and onboard lectures.
Alcoholic drinks aren’t included. The kayaking package is built into the price, so no extra fees there. Photography tuition is an optional add-on for shutterbugs. Tipping’s common but not included; I’ll share guidelines on board.
Flights to Longyearbyen or Ilulissat are on you, but we’ll point you to the best routes.
Wildlife safety
The Arctic’s wild, and we keep it safe.
In Svalbard, polar bears are a thrill but a risk—we carry rifles on shore hikes and stick tight as a group. I once spotted a bear sneaking down a gully; our team got everyone to the Zodiacs in a flash, no panic needed.
We follow AECO guidelines for low-impact wildlife watching, keeping safe distances from seals or walruses. In Greenland, bears are rarer, but we’re still cautious. Kayaking’s low impact, so we glide quietly, letting you get close to nature without disturbing it. Trust us to keep you secure while you soak in the magic.
Answer the Arctic’s Call
The Arctic’s a place that changes you—paddling past icebergs, spotting a polar bear or blue whale, feeling Greenland’s Inuit spirit or Svalbard’s raw wilderness. It’s not just a trip; it’s a story you’ll tell for years. I’ll guide you through fjords and pack ice, sharing the best routes and moments, like auroras dancing over Greenland or a walrus haul-out in Svalbard.
Our 2025 trips are filling fast—July dates for both spots, with more in 2026. Grab a spot, pack your sense of adventure, and let’s paddle into the Arctic’s heart together. See you on the water!
