KAYAKING IN ICELAND: 4 EPIC TOURS TO TAKE IN SUMMER!
LOOKING FOR THE BEST KAYAKING IN ICELAND TOURS?
KAYAKING TOURS IN ICELAND:
BY DESTINATION
SOUTH ICELAND
OPTION 1
Kayaking on the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon
Witness the famous Sólheimajökull Glacier from a whole new, uninterrupted perspective on this small group kayaking tour with Iceland Mountain Guides.
Glide out on the calm, smooth waters of the lagoon and immerse yourself amongst the giant glacial icebergs. This is a very easy and safe tour, perfect for beginners.
Follow your expert guide leading you around the lagoon, pointing out interesting facts and knowledge.
This is the most highly rated kayaking tour in South Iceland on Viator, check out the raving reviews here!
Top highlights: An easy kayaking experience set in the famous Sólheimajökull Glacier lagoon. Calmly explore the lagoon with your guide as you immerse yourself up close to the giant anchored icebergs.
Tour operator: Iceland Mountain Guides.
Availability: Mid-May until Mid-October.
Tour Duration: 2.5 hours (approx.)
Time slots: 9.30am or 12.30pm. 2 x time slots per day.
Price: From £102 each.
GETTING TO SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL GLACIER:
PLACES TO STAY CLOSE TO THIS TOUR:
WEST ICELAND
OPTION 2
Classic Kayaking Adventure by Mt. Kirkjufell
This small-group sea kayaking day tour with Vestur Adventures lets you get up close and personal with Iceland’s most iconic mountain, Mt. Kirkjufell, straight from the water and away from all the crowds!
An easy option even for beginner kayaker’s, glide out and receive the full attention of your personal expert guide as they lead you around this jaw-dropping location.
Starting at just £77 per person, this tour truly is brilliant value for money. The price is inclusive of all gear rental and warm refreshments.
Fun Fact: Mt. Kirkjufell has become even more famous from being the movie location for “Arrowhead Mountain” in HBO’s Game of Thrones franchise!
Top highlights: Small-group tour with personalised guide experience around Iceland’s famous Mt Kirkjufell mountain.
Tour operator: Vestur Adventures.
Availability: Beginning of May – End of September.
Tour Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Time slots: 10am, 1pm or 4pm departure slots. 3 x trips per day.
Price: From £77 each.
OPTION 3 – EDITOR’S TOP PICK
Midnight Sun Kayaking by Mt. Kirkjufell
Vestur Adventures also take full advantage of Iceland’s midnight sun in the Summer months, offering a truly special small-group “Midnight Sun Kayaking Adventure” during the months of May – August.
Once the hoards of daytime crowds have left Mt. Kirkjufell, have a magical kayaking experience, peacefully paddling out with your guide to this colossal icon under the glistening orange glow of Iceland’s midnight sun.
Pause at various scenic spots on-route to take breathtaking photographs, and even spot wildlife such as seals!
Past customers loved this unique kayaking experience on Viator, just check out the raving reviews here!
Top highlights: Small-group kayaking tour with personalised guide around Iceland’s famous Mt Kirkjufell under the magical midnight sun.
Tour operator: Vestur Adventures.
Availability: Beginning of May – End of August.
Tour Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Time slots: 8pm or 9pm departure slots. 2 x trips per day.
Price: From £111 each.
GETTING TO MT KIRKJUFELL:
PLACES TO STAY CLOSE TO THESE TOURS:
OPTION 4 – EDITOR’S TOP PICK
Stykkisholmur Sea Kayaking
Saving the best kayaking in Iceland tour until last! This adventurous 2-hour kayaking experience with Kontiki Kayak tours is jam-packed with incredible things to see.
With an experienced guide, this extra small group tour (max. 6 people) takes you through hidden untouched landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Breiðafjörður islands in search of volcanos, glaciers, puffins and seals. You also get the chance to see an abandoned half-sunken shipwreck, Thorgeir, up close!
At just £82 per person, which is inclusive of all kayaking gear, refreshments and transfers from the office to the harbour, this is an incredible budget friendly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Past customers loved this adventure packed kayaking experience on Viator, check out all the incredible reviews!
Top highlights: Guide through hidden untouched landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Breiðafjörður islands in search of volcanos, glaciers, puffins and seals. You even see the abandoned half sunken shipwreck, Thorgeir, up close!
Tour operator: Kontiki Kayak tours.
Availability: Monday – Friday only from early June to end of August.
Tour Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Time slots: 9am, 12pm, 3pm or 8.30pm departure slots. 4 x trips per day (Monday – Friday only).
Price: From £82 each.
KAYAKING IN ICELAND:
“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S
CAN YOU KAYAK AROUND ICELAND?
Yes, it is possible to kayak around Iceland. Iceland is known for its breathtaking and unique landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and countless lakes and rivers.
Kayaking provides a unique way to witness its natural beauty up close. However, it’s important to note that kayaking around Iceland requires proper planning and preparation, as the weather and water conditions can be unpredictable and challenging.
It’s recommended to go with an experienced guide or tour company to ensure your safety and help you navigate the waters.
WHY SHOULD YOU GO KAYAKING IN ICELAND?
A kayaking tour is an absolute must for those who want to see Iceland’s jaw-dropping, ever changing landscapes from the most incredible perspective.
Glide away from the teams of tourist minibuses and embrace a unique, quiet moment out in the middle of a colossal glacial lake or along the rugged coastline.
Kayaking gives you the chance to venture where not many travel, witnessing secret viewpoints and hidden gems.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO KAYAK IN ICELAND?
The best time of year to go kayaking in Iceland, whether that’s on your own or with a guided tour, is during the Summer months. Specifically from June to August, when the weather is milder and the days are much longer.
It is not recommended to kayak in Iceland during the Winter months (December – February) due to Iceland’s notoriously unpredictable and harsh weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and strong winds.
In fact, the majority of Iceland tour companies who offer kayaking tours only operate in the Summer months. We have included kayaking as one of the best things to do in Iceland in May!
HOW MUCH DOES A KAYAKING IN ICELAND COST?
Prices for kayaking in Iceland tours vary only slightly, mainly depending on the tour itinerary.
Standard day tour prices can be as low as £70 per person, whereas more unique kayaking tours (for example: under the midnight sun kayaking tours) can be slightly more expensive at £100+ per person.
WHAT TYPE OF KAYAK TOURS CAN YOU DO IN ICELAND?
There are a few “types” or style of kayaking tours that you can do in and around Iceland. One is kayaking in glacial lakes, the other is sea kayaking.
PACKING LIST FOR ICELAND KAYAKING
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN ALL SUGGESTED KAYAKING TOURS ABOVE:
- All kayaking gear, including the kayak and dry suits.
GREAT EXTRA THINGS TO BRING FOR A KAYAKING TOUR IN ICELAND:
- A microfibre beach towel (fast drying & lightweight).
- Sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
- A spare waterproof bag to store your wet towel / swimsuit after your tour.
- A GoPro / waterproof camera to capture amazing footage!
- Or! A waterproof dry bag (with a lanyard!) to take photos and videos on your smartphone instead.
- High factor sun cream.
CONCLUSION: KAYAKING IN ICELAND
To conclude, we believe a trip to Iceland in the Summer is not complete without experiencing a kayaking tour!
Kayaking in Iceland is by far the best way to see its epic landscapes up close and in peace – without the bus load of tourists on the mainland. It would be a shame to miss the opportunity if you have the chance!
As we’ve shown above, there are so many kayaking in Iceland tour options available to best suit your individual budget and travel plans.
While we highly recommend either the Midnight Sun kayaking experience or the Stykkisholmur Sea Kayaking tour (both in West Iceland), you will have the most incredible experience on any tour you take. Have the best time!
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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