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Ísafjörður Fjord Kayaking Tour

About 5 hoursGroup: Small group, up to 8 peopleModerateMeet on locationAge 16+Late May–September
5.0(5 reviews)

This Ísafjörður fjord kayaking tour spends around 5 hours paddling a sheltered Westfjords fjord with a guide, taking in the birdlife, seals and steep mountainsides along the shore.

Kayaking base near ÍsafjörðurFjord paddling routeReturn to base
  • A longer, more active kayaking day than the short beginner trips in town
  • Small groups of 2–8 paddlers with a guide
  • Steep Westfjords mountains rising straight from the water
  • Good chance of seeing seals and seabirds along the shore
  • Runs from late May to late September

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Meet at the kayaking baseCheck in at the meeting centre at Mávagarðsbryggja in Ísafjörður, then transfer to Önundarfjörður.
2Three guests in dry suits ready to paddleSafety briefingA safety talk and paddling instruction before you launch.
Three guests in dry suits ready to paddle

Your guide covers paddling technique and safety, adjusted to the experience level in the group, before you launch.

3Kayakers crossing the fjord below the mountainsPaddling the fjordPaddling Önundarfjörður with your guide.
Kayakers crossing the fjord below the mountainsKayaker on the calm fjordKayaker below the sea cliffs

You follow the shoreline of Önundarfjörður beneath steep mountains, watching for seals and seabirds as you go. This is most of the 5-hour tour, in a small group of 2 to 8 paddlers at a moderate pace.

Group size · 2–8 peopleTime here · most of the tour
4Return to baseBack at the base to change and warm up.

About the Ísafjörður fjord kayaking tour

This is a longer paddle than the short introductory kayak trips offered around Ísafjörður, built for people who want more time on the water and a bit more of a workout. Groups are kept small, usually two to eight people, with a guide leading the way.

You paddle out along the fjord for around five hours in total, with the steep, flat-topped mountains typical of the Westfjords rising straight out of the water on both sides. The pace depends on the group and conditions, and your guide points out birdlife and any seals hauled out on the rocks along the way.

Because it's a longer day on the water, it's rated moderate rather than easy: you should be reasonably comfortable in a kayak and prepared for a few hours of paddling. It runs from late May to late September, when the fjord water and weather are manageable; outside that window, other Ísafjörður kayaking trips run shorter routes instead.

Included

  • Transport from Ísafjörður to the fjord
  • Kayaking gear
  • Professional guide

Not included

  • Transport to the meeting point
  • Food and drinks

What to bring

  • Warm layers, avoid cotton
  • Waterproof outer layer
  • Hat and gloves
  • Water bottle and snacks

Good to know

  • Duration is about 5 hours in total
  • Minimum age 16
  • Rated moderate: a longer paddle than the short beginner kayak trips in Ísafjörður
  • Group size 2–8 people
  • Runs late May to late September
  • Meet at the meeting centre at Mávagarðsbryggja in Ísafjörður; you can also drive yourself to Önundarfjörður
  • Bring your own lunch, water and spare clothes
  • Minimum 2 people per booking.

Questions people ask

Do I need kayaking experience?

Some comfort in a kayak helps, since this is a longer, more active paddle than the short beginner trips, but full training is given before you launch.

How is this different from the shorter Ísafjörður kayaking tour?

This is a separate 5-hour trip in Önundarfjörður, rated moderate, with transport from Ísafjörður. The shorter tour is a 2.5-hour calm water paddle in Ísafjörður itself.

Will we see wildlife?

There's a good chance of seeing seals and seabirds along the shore, though sightings are never guaranteed.

What should I wear?

Warm layers rather than cotton, plus a waterproof outer layer, since you can get splashed even in calm water.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 5 reviews
5 stars5
4 stars0
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1 star0
Stunning

Amazing tour. Calm fjords, beautiful reflections, fun kayaking, and a guide who clearly loves what he does. Would do again!

Fiona M.
Spectacular Views, Expert Guide

The Westfjords look so different from the ocean, and kayaking here gives you a whole new perspective. The dramatic fjords are the best part of the Westfjords in my opinion and on this tour we got to experience the fjords at the best level! Our guide was very good and explained the landscape and the geology in ways that made the trip educational as well as beautiful. Worth every minute.

Emilio R.
Unforgettable Family Experience

We took this with our kids (teenagers) and it was fantastic. The guides were patient, helpful, and made sure the pace was suitable for everyone. The views from the sea level was magnificent with cliffs, reflections in the water and seals. A day we’ll always remember.

Sarah B.
Adventure

This kayaking tour was just the perfect mix of adventure and calm. The fjord scenery is dramatic but the sea was very calm. Our guide taught us paddling techniques, pointed out seal colonies, and ensured everyone felt secure even those of us with no kayaking experience. Highly recommend.

Matt C.
Magical Paddle Through Quiet Fjords

Kayaking in the Westfjords was one of the most peaceful experiences of my life. Paddling through mirror-calm water flanked by rugged cliffs, spotting seabirds, and hearing only the occasional splash—absolutely serene. Our guide was outstanding: safe, encouraging, and full of knowledge about local wildlife and geology. A perfect adventure for nature lovers.

Ingrid L.
From34,600 ISKPer person · Minimum 2 people per booking

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