Go kayaking in Iceland
With its lagoons and lakes, coasts and fjords, there’s so much to explore by kayak in Iceland. On an Iceland kayaking tour with Icelandia, you’ll get your waterproofs on, take to the water, and see the country from a perspective that few others enjoy. It’s a whole lot of fun too.
Aboard your kayak, experience the crumbling ice of glaciers up close or explore the shores of Iceland’s deep and complex fjords. Wherever you go, look out for Iceland’s wildlife. Seals are frequently seen in glacial lagoons, while whales, dolphins, and more can be witnessed at sea.
At Icelandia, we have many options for kayak tours available for anyone over the age of 12.
One of the most popular takes you to one of Iceland’s iconic glacier lagoons, such as Jökulsárlón or Sólheimajökull’s lagoon. These are lakes that form at the foot of glaciers, which are melting as global temperatures rise. All that meltwater creates enormous pools dotted with broken and drifting icebergs. Kayaking here is like exploring a different, achingly beautiful world.
Alternatively, take to the sea to witness the epic shapes and pristine waters of Iceland’s coastal fjords. For example, in the Westfjords region, Iceland’s most sparsely populated area, you can kayak on the gorgeous Ísafjörður. Here, birds will accompany you as you paddle—and you may be paid a visit by a dolphin, too!
On all our kayaking trips in Iceland, you’ll be accompanied by a trained, expert guide. So, don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before—you’ll be given the chance to try out your technique before being led out to explore. And we’ll provide everything you need to stay safe and have an unforgettable experience.
Check out all our tours for more information and to book your trip.
FAQ:
You can go glacier kayaking on Jökulsárlón in Iceland throughout the summer months. It’s a breathtaking way to witness this spectacular place, where icebergs drift across the calm waters.
Summer is the season when the waters of the lagoon are easiest to navigate, as they can freeze in winter. Visit between May and September to enjoy this incredible experience.
We use sit-on-top kayaks that are stable, secure, and perfect for beginners. And depending on your choice, you can use either a double kayak—built for two people—or a single-person vessel.
There are many great places for kayaking in Iceland, from deep fjords to glacial lagoons.
Which is best depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. Want to see Jökulsárlón, the crown jewel of Iceland, from a kayak? We can help you do that.
Prefer to explore Iceland’s sea fjords? We can make that happen too.
With lagoons, lakes, and open sea, there are many opportunities to kayak in Iceland. And it may well be one of the most rewarding things you do while you’re in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Get a different perspective on Iceland’s jaw-dropping scenery and see some majestic wildlife while you’re here. You don’t need any prior experience either. On a kayaking tour, you’ll be led by an expert guide who can show you the ropes.
You can kayak throughout the year in Iceland.
However, there are fewer tour companies that offer winter kayaking. That’s because the waters are much colder and the weather can be pretty volatile. Tours often have to be cancelled or rearranged last minute due to the weather conditions.
If you’re in Iceland in winter, get in touch with us for details of the specific kayaking tours available.
The kayaks we provide are very stable and perfect for beginners. You’ll have no problems getting the hang of your kayaking technique. What’s more, the chances of capsizing are very low!
There will always be a guide with you on kayaking tours in Iceland. When most visitors are kayaking for the first time, it’s really important that there’s an expert guide with safety training.
They’ll run through the basics of kayaking, ensure you know what you’re doing, and show you the coolest spots to explore by boat.
There are many opportunities for glacier kayaking in Iceland. Here are three of the most famous:
- Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Known as the crown jewel of Iceland for good reason, Jökulsárlón is simply jaw-dropping. Visit it on a kayak!
- Sólheimajökull. One of the lesser known glacial lagoons, it still packs a punch. It has the benefit of being much closer to Reykjavík too, if you want a day out of the city.
- Heinabergslón. In the heart of the Vatnajökull National Park, Heinabergslón is a hidden gem. It’s a great place to explore away from the crowds.
Of course, you’re not going to be kayaking on the glacier itself, but on the lagoons at the foot of the glacier.
Outside of the summer months, there are fewer kayaking experiences available. That’s because the weather becomes less predictable and ice can start to appear on the water.
If you’re coming to Iceland in October and want to go kayaking, get in touch with us directly.
Most of the specialist gear that you’ll need for kayaking will be provided for you as part of the tour. You’ll receive a dry suit, an inflatable vest, as well as shoes and gloves.
Your job is to make sure you wear clothes that will keep you warm. Dressing in layers is sensible, so that you can take layers off or put them back on again if you need to. And don’t forget warm socks.
Always bring a waterproof jacket with you too.
You don’t need to be superfit to join a kayaking tour in Iceland. But we always recommend that you have a decent level of fitness to enjoy the experience to the full.
You will be powering yourself, after all, so you should be ready to be out for over an 1.5 hours. That said, there’s no rush and you can go completely at your own pace. As long as you can fit into our drysuits, you won’t have a problem.
You don’t need to have any prior experience to go kayaking in Iceland. Your expert leader will show you the basics of paddling and safety before you take to the water, so you know exactly what you’re doing.
Bear in mind that you won’t be navigating rapids or rough seas when kayaking in Iceland. Rather, the calm waters give you an easy way to learn how to steer and navigate your vessel.