Iceland offers a wide variety of kayaking experiences — from paddling gently among floating icebergs in glacier lagoons to navigating calm fjords surrounded by soaring cliffs and birdlife. The best kayaking tours in Iceland cover many iconic regions, combining adventure, nature, and serenity for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Whether you’re drawn to glacier kayaking, sea kayaking in the Westfjords, or exploring hidden bays, Iceland has a paddle for you.
Kayaking is one of the most intimate and peaceful ways to explore Iceland’s landscapes. From sea level, you can truly appreciate the scale and beauty of glacier fronts, coastal mountains, and deep fjords. Kayaks offer access to areas that larger boats cannot reach, and the experience is quieter, allowing for wildlife encounters and personal connection with nature..
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Many of Iceland’s kayaking tours also give insight into its geology, history, and ecology. As you paddle, guides often share stories about glaciers, volcanic activity, and traditional fishing communities. For nature lovers, kayakers, and photographers, this makes for an unforgettable journey.
One of the most popular kayaking experiences in Iceland is glacier lagoon kayaking. According to Icelandic Mountain Guides, you can paddle among icebergs at sólheimajökull glacier lagoon. These tours are usually sit-on-top kayaks, very stable, and ideal even if you don’t have prior kayaking experience.
Some combo tours include both glacier kayaking and glacier hiking. For example, you can first paddle around icebergs and later put on crampons to walk on the glacier itself This combination gives a fuller perspective on the ice — both above and below.
The Westfjords are one of Iceland’s most scenic and remote regions, and kayaking here is a peaceful yet awe-inspiring activity. Activity Iceland offers a “Calm Water Kayaking” tour from Ísafjörður, taking paddlers into fjords surrounded by steep mountains and serene waters. On this route, you may spot seals resting on rocks or seabirds flying overhead.
Arctic Adventures also runs a similar kayaking tour from Ísafjörður, with certified sea kayaking guides, dry suits, and safety gear included. This makes it accessible to families, beginners, and anyone who wants to experience the calm majesty of Icelandic fjords from a kayak.
One iconic experience is kayaking under the shadow of Mount Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Arctic Adventures offers a two-hour sea kayaking tour from the town of Grundarfjörður, gliding through glacial waters with green slopes and dramatic mountain views. During the kayak, you may see seals and seabirds while absorbing the sheer beauty of Iceland’s “arrowhead mountain.”
Another highly recommended tour is the sea kayaking from Stykkishólmur into Breiðafjörður Bay. This region is dotted with islands, basalt sea cliffs, puffin nesting sites, and sometimes even whales. It’s a popular and beginner-friendly route, ideal for those who want to combine nature, wildlife watching, and paddling.
In the east of Iceland, the Berufjörður kayaking tour is a gem. Reykjavik Attractions runs a trip in Berufjörður where you paddle in calm fjord waters, keeping an eye out for seals, seabirds, and possibly whales. The tour includes a safety briefing, waterproof gear, and time to enjoy the peaceful fjord scenery.
For serious adventure paddlers, there’s the 4-day glacier kayaking tour to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords by Arctic Adventures. This is a remote expedition where you stay in rural houses, paddle through untouched coastal areas, and observe wildlife like seals and possibly Arctic foxes. The isolation, scale, and natural beauty make this one of the top kayaking adventures in Iceland.
The ideal season for kayaking in Iceland runs from late spring to early autumn. Most sea kayaking tours operate from **May to September**, when the weather is milder and the daylight hours are long. Glacier lagoon kayaking also takes place during summer months, when the ice is stable and conditions are safer
In the high season (June–August), wildlife is more active, and the fjords and glacier lagoons are more accessible. In shoulder months (May, September), there are fewer crowds and peaceful paddling conditions, making the experience more intimate.
All reputable kayaking tours in Iceland are led by certified guides who handle safety briefings, provide gear like dry suits or wetsuits, and support all skill levels. According to Activity Iceland, their Westfjords kayaking tour includes all necessary safety equipment and guided instruction.
Before setting off, guides give you a rundown on paddling technique, emergency procedures, and how to read the water. Some sea kayaking tours operate in very calm, sheltered waters, making them ideal for first-time kayakers.
The best kayaking tours in Iceland are suited for a wide range of travelers:
Yes, many tours are designed for beginners, offering calm waters, full safety briefings, and expert guides.
The best time is between May and September when daylight is long and water conditions are favorable.
Yes, glacier lagoon kayaking tours such as those from Sólheimajökull allow paddling among icebergs.
Yes, multi-day expeditions like the 4-day Hornstrandir tour let you kayak through wilderness and stay in remote huts.
You may spot seals, seabirds, puffins, and sometimes whales depending on the fjord and season.
The best kayaking tours in Iceland offer a rare opportunity to explore the country’s wildest and most beautiful places from the water. From paddling quietly among iceberg-filled glacier lagoons to gliding through fjords surrounded by soaring cliffs, every tour combines adventure, nature, and serenity. With high-quality guides, excellent gear, and diverse route options, kayaking in Iceland is accessible to both first-timers and seasoned adventurers alike. Whether you choose a peaceful sea kayak trip in the Westfjords, a dramatic glide under Mt. Kirkjufell, or a multi-day expedition to Hornstrandir, these tours provide an authentic way to connect with Iceland’s raw beauty and wildlife. For anyone visiting Iceland with a love for nature and adventure, kayaking should be at the top of the list.
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