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00 354 847 4133 contact@alkemia.is
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Kayaking in the West Fjords of Iceland 2025

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Price
From2,100€
Price
From2,100€
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2928
6 days
Min Age : 15 years
Max People : 8
Tour Details

Embark on a rare and exclusive adventure with us. We will bring you to one of the wildest region of Iceland, more easily accessible by sea than by the land! There are no paths to get to the North West Fjords, those remote places are only accessible by sea kayaks, following the highest cliffs of North Atlantic…

Many bird species spend the summer here, in the unspoiled and secluded bit of land. In the sea, there is a great chance to spot whales and porpoises. This trip is intended for people with some kayaking experience who are in overall good physical condition to be able to enjoy the trip at the fullest. Nights will be spent in good and comfortable tents.

Enjoy the perfect mix of outdoors activities: land and water, in the scenic fjords of Jökulfirdir in Hornstrandir Nature reserve and Isafjardardjup bay. These locations are well known in the world of kayaking as some of the fines spots in the world. Also, these locations naturally offer numerous bird species and sea creatures such as whales and porpoises. We recommend this kayaking in Iceland tour to people used to practice this sport and enjoying an overall good physical condition. For this kayaking in Iceland tour, 3 nights will be hosted in huts (nature reserve) and 2 nights will be spent camping under a tent.

Highlights of this trip
  • The region of the West fjords. This region, battered by ocean winds where the green of mosses is matched only by the black of basalt, is the least populated in Iceland. The few Icelandic farmers living there, backed away from the onslaught of the elements. There are even reports of polar bears in certain winters, long time ago. Here, the roads do not exist but the highest cliffs of the North Atlantic shelter a kingdom, a complex of small sheltered fjords or nests an incredible diversity of sea birds… It is time to take the paddle, the breath of ‘a nearby whale invites us to the adventure…
  • Sea kayaking. The kayak is an extremely stable boat and its propulsion does not require a very sustained effort. However, in Iceland the conditions can change quickly and the wind can be there. A proper physical condition is necessary to fully appreciate this exceptional stay! The navigation stages are between 15 and 25 kms.
  • Discovery of Iceland as a nomad. This stay is carried out independently for 6 days including 3 nights in a refuge and 2 in a tent, in conditions that can be changeable (rain, wind, sun, etc.). A taste for the nomadic spirit is therefore essential!
Our commitments:
  • A selection of partners engaged in more responsible tourism.
  • An English speaking guide who knows Iceland and will make every minute of this trip worth it
  • We are contributing to the reforestation of Iceland with the planting of around 1 tree for 4 people.
  • The guarantee of working with a local agency.
Price

Included

  • Accommodation 3 nights in refuge and 2 nights in tent
  • Transfers from/to Isafjördur to the camp site including boat transfers
  • Full board from lunch D1 to lunch D6. The meals are prepared and cooked by the guide with the help of the group, mainly with local products.
  • Accompaniment by an experienced English-speaking guide specialized in sea kayaking
  • Loan of camping and cooking gears (except sleeping bag)

Not included

  • International flight from 200 € departing from Europe
  • All transports from Keflavik international airport to Ísafjörður starting point of the trip
  • Personal cancellation and repatriation insurance
  • Additional nights before and / or after the trip
Itinerary

Important note

This trek starts in the North West of the country in Ísafjörður. It is essential to arrive the day before departure (D1). An information meeting takes place with the guide and all participants at 5 p.m. to get all useful information.

To get to Ísafjörður, it is possible to take a domestic flight from Reykjavik, which flies over Iceland in less than an hour, or we can also organize a self drive trip of a few days, from Keflavik airport to the West and the Snaefellsnes peninsula, with personal travel book and booking of all accommodation, rental car… before or after the trek.

Note that the itinerary of this kayak trip is given as an indication, as the stages may vary depending on the weather.

D1: Let's the adventure begins

We leave Isafjordur harbour in the morning to Hesteyri on a speedboat. From there, we’ll sort out the equipment and start our journey paddling. Our first destination is Hesteyrarfjordur and the ruins of an old whaling station. The place is at a short distance from Hesteyri. We will paddle in the fjord to acclimate to our boats before settling up for the night in the house of the old local doctor.

Total distance approx. 14 kms. 

D2 : Along the coast to Kviar

Today our goal is to reach Kviar Farmhouse located in Kviadalur dale. This itinerary will lead us along a scenic coastline, crossing the fjords of Hesteyrarfjördalur and Veidileysufjördur. In these fjords, there is a good chance to see whales and white tailed eagles. Finally, we will land on a beach near Kviar Farmhouse, where we will spend the night and maybe enjoy the sauna adjacent to the farmhouse.

Total distance approx. 15 kms. 

D3: In the heart of Lonafjördur fjord

We will leave our gear in the farmhouse to enjoy paddling in the fjord of Lonafjördur, said by some to be most beautiful fjord in Iceland. This fjord is really pristine and no traces of human activity can be seen. However, we will most likely watch several seals, because a colony of them dwells on the nearby bay of Sopandi. After a long day of paddling, we will go back to the farmhouse to enjoy a nice sauna moment and a delicious dinner.

Total distance approx. 20 kms

D4: Toward the bay of Grunnavik

Today we pack our gear again and say goodbye to Kviar Farmhouse. We will cross the bay and get close to Höfdi to have a nice look at the fjord of Leirufjördur. Leirufjördur means “the silt fjord”, and this name will become self explanatory when you will see the mud and silt coming from the glacial rivers escaping from Drangajökull Glacier. After this magnificent sight, we will head to the bay of Grunnavik and pass under a natural rocky arch on the way. Having reached Grunnavik we will do some sight seeing, especially the small church and establish camp on the beach.

Total distance approx. 20 kms.

D5: Basecamp and waterfalls

Today, it is time to leave the fjord system of Jökulfirdir to reach the large bay of Isafjardardjup. On the way we will encounter breath-taking waterfalls, that are usually inaccessible by foot. We will keep going along the coast of Snaefjallaströnd were we will stop for the night. Depending on the weather conditions, we will camp in the cove of Ytraskard or next to the magic waterfall of Möngufoss.

Total distance approx. 24 kms. 

D6: Isafjördur and Aedey island

For this last day of kayaking in Iceland, we will have our first stop on the quaint island of Aedey. This small island is only inhabited by one family and exclusively during summertime. As you expect, this stop will offer calm, serenity, quietness… and puffins. After this visit, we will paddle on 9km to reach the island of Vigur. This island is as well secluded and the realm of puffins, eider ducks and a few farmers. We will visit the island for 2 hours, enjoy the nice coffee house.
After this break, we will start the last part of our journey. Depending on the weather conditions we will paddle to Hvitanes or to Sudavik. A car will pick us up and will drive us back to Isafjördur. Even if we will arrive in town early enough to catch a flight to Reykjavik, we usually recommend to spend one more day there and enjoy this wonderful location.

Total distance approx. 22 kms. 

Map

Good to know

  • Small group between 6 to 12 participants.
  • Kayaking experience: difficult level. An average of 15 to 20 kms is expected each day. You need to be in good physical condition to keep up with the pace and the steps. We recommend that participants take a course over a weekend to brush up on their skills before the trip and review some basic rescue techniques. The more prepared you are, the more you will be able to enjoy the trip. The itinerary may be slightly modified depending on the weather and climatic conditions and the level of the group.
  • Itinerary and safety: the day-by-day program is given as an indication and can be subject to change. Changes can be imposed for safety reasons, due to natural phenomenons: volcanism, bad weather… Your guide knows the terrain perfectly and remains the only person in charge of taking the necessary decisions, when it comes to interpreting the whims of powerful nature on this volcanic land and in these high latitudes.
  • Guide: your guide is attentive to the Icelandic nature and need of the group, so that everyone’s can experience this journey to meet the Icelandic magic nature.
  • Transport: Minibus and boat transfer will be used to bring us from Isafjordur to our basecamp. 
  • Accommodation: in refuge and tent.
  • Participation: Travelers are expected to give a little help and assist the guide in preparing meals and dishes.
  • Food: mainly based on local cuisine, based on tasty and quality products, including meat and fish: lake trout, lamb’s leg, vegetables, potatoes, salad and excellent dairy products including blueberries skyr. If you have a specific diet or food allergy, please clearly indicate this when registering. 
  • Extension of your stay: Contact us. You may not be coming back to Iceland anytime soon, and extending your trip with a self-drive tour is the best option for getting the most of your stay. Do decide to extend your stay in advance, as it can be too late, once you already have your flights tickets. 

List of belongings

  • Sleeping bag summer rated to at least 0°C.
  • Thin inflatable sleeping mattress.
  • Thermal underwear.
  • Wool or fleece thermal mid layer.
  • Hiking pants. We recommend no cottons as they take long to dry if wet.
  • Light waterproof and breathable pants and jacket for hiking onshore.
  • Wool/fleece hat.
  • One pair of gloves.
  • 3 to 4 pairs thick wool/synthetic socks.
  • Lights shoes for strolls around camp.
  • At least two dry bags for your personal gear. One needs to be able to “swallow” your sleeping bag.
  • Paddling gloves or mittens
  • Kayak shoes/sandals or boots. Thin neoprene socks and sandals/Crocks, neoprene paddling shoes or paddling boots will all work fine.
  • Dark sun glasses.
  • Sunscreen / after sun cream.
  • Swim suit and towel.
  • Binoculars is nice to have for watching wildlife.
  • Personal medical kit to include personal medication and i.e. band aids, throat lozenges, lip salves, sea-sickness tablets etc. Don’t forget regular medication you may need (e.g. Asthma, bring your inhaler, even if you do not always need it).
  • Small thermos. Preferably 0.5 litres.
  • 1 litre water bottle.
  • Don’t forget your camera!
Photos

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