Ísafjörður Kayaking Tour in the Westfjords

2.5 hoursGroup: Small groupEasyMeet on locationAge 12+late May–September

Kayakers crossing the fjord below the mountains

Three guests with their kayaks on the beach

This Ísafjörður kayaking tour paddles out onto the calm water of the fjord right from town, with a guide, full gear and a good chance of spotting seals and seabirds along the shore.

Kayaking base near Ísafjörður harbourSkutulsfjörður fjord shoreline

Calm, sheltered fjord water suitable for beginners
All kayaking gear and a guide included
Good chance to see seals and seabirds along the shore
Starts right from Ísafjörður, no transfer needed
About 2 hours on the water

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.

1Meet at the kayaking baseCheck in at the base near Ísafjörður's Eastern Harbour.

Three guests in dry suits ready to paddle

Gear up and briefingFitted with kayaking gear and given a safety and paddling briefing.

Your guide fits everyone with the right gear and runs through basic paddling technique and safety before you launch. Arrive 30 minutes before departure at the base near the Eastern Harbour.

Facilities · at the base

Paddling the fjordAbout two hours paddling along the sheltered shoreline.

About two hours paddling along the sheltered shoreline of Skutulsfjörður, watching for seals and seabirds, with steep mountains rising on both sides of the fjord. Groups are usually 2 to 6 people, up to 10.

Time here · about 2 hours on the waterGroup size · usually 2–6 people, up to 10

4Return to baseBack at the base to change and warm up.

About the Ísafjörður kayaking tour

Ísafjörður sits on a narrow spit inside Skutulsfjörður, one of the sheltered fjords that make up the Westfjords, and this tour takes advantage of that calm water. It suits complete beginners as well as more experienced paddlers, since the pace and route depend on the group.

After a safety briefing and paddling instruction at the shore, you head out along the fjord for around two hours, following the shoreline where seals often haul out and seabirds nest on the cliffs. The mountains rise steeply on both sides of the fjord, giving a very different view of the Westfjords than you get from the road.

Weather in the Westfjords can change quickly, so guides watch conditions closely and may adjust the route. Dress in warm layers rather than cotton, since you can get splashed even on calm water, and bring a hat and gloves even in summer.

Included

All kayaking gear
Professional guide

Not included

Transport to the meeting point
Food and drinks

What to bring

Warm wool or fleece clothing, avoid cotton
Soft shoes
Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Water bottle

Good to know

Duration is about 2.5 hours in total, with roughly 2 hours on the water
Minimum age 12
Runs late May to late September
Minimum 2 participants, groups usually 2–6, maximum 10
Meet at the base near Ísafjörður's Eastern Harbour, arrive 30 minutes before departure
Minimum 2 people per booking.

Questions people ask

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. This tour is easy and suits complete beginners as well as more experienced paddlers.

What should I wear?

Warm layers such as wool or fleece rather than cotton, since you may get splashed. A hat and sunglasses help too.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes, participants must be at least 12 years old.

Will we see wildlife?

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

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From16,500 ISKPer person · Minimum 2 people per booking