Glacier Fjords Kayaking

Glacier Fjords Kayaking

42 Views
4 Days From

$1233

Glacier Fjords Kayaking

4 Days Starting and ending in Ísafjörður, Iceland

Visiting: Ísafjörður, Kviar

Tour operator:

Borea Adventures

Tour code:

216257

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 8

Physical rating:

MODERATE

Age range:

16-80

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Activities:

Canoeing-Kayaking

From: $1233

NB: Prices correct on 18-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

We realise that we're not all made for camping in the wilderness. Therefore, we decided to offer a more luxurious alternative where guests can enjoy the best sea kayaking that Iceland has to offer while staying in comfortable accommodation. We travel light since we don't have to carry camping and cooking gear and everything is a bit simpler in operation. That provides more time and energy for you to enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.



We stay in Hesteyri for one night, the small abandoned village, where the old doctor's residence will be our home. The next two nights we stay in the old farmhouse in Kvíar that stood empty for over 60 years until we rebuilt it. These houses have everything you need for a perfect stay off the grid. The sauna is available in the evenings to soothe sore muscles and if we’re lucky, the nearby Arctic Fox may come to say hello.



The kayaking itself provides amazing opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Sea birds, marine mammals and Arctic Foxes are plentiful, and we blend right in when we’re in our sea kayaks.



This trip is our medium difficulty trip, not quite as easy going as Wild Camp Discovery but not as difficult as Coastal Kayaking Adventure. This trip is suited to those with some experience. The longer distances require good strength and technique which takes some practice.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the best sea kayaking that Iceland has to offer while staying in comfortable accommodation.

  • Experience the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

  • Stay in Hesteyri, a small abandoned village, and the old doctor's residence.

  • Stay in the old farmhouse in Kvíar, rebuilt after standing empty for over 60 years.

  • Relax in the sauna in the evenings and possibly see the nearby Arctic Fox.

  • Kayak through amazing opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat, including sea birds, marine mammals, and Arctic Foxes.

  • Paddle into Lónafjorður fjord, considered the most beautiful fjord in Iceland, with a huge seal colony in the small bay of Sópandi.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Trip

Location: Ísafjörður, Kviar

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Pre-Departure



We meet at 5pm on the evening before departure at our base in Mávagarður C (grey building) for a briefing where we meet each other, answer any questions and make final preparations. This shouldn’t take longer than an hour. If you’re unable to be here the day before departure, then just let us know via email and we’ll make sure that you have all the information you’ll need.



Day 1



We meet again at our base in Mávagarður C at 8am for last minute checks before departing from the harbour in Ísafjörður on our passenger ferry at 9 am. Our destination is Hesteyri, which was the biggest settlement in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. After loading up our kayaks and safety briefing, we either start by paddling out of the fjord along the coast towards the lighthouse at Slétta, or into the fjord to see the remains of the whaling station that used to be run by Norwegian whalers at the end of the 18th. century. After getting warmed up and a short break on the beach, we head across the fjord towards the old farmhouse of Kvíar, our accommodation and base for the trip. At the headland on the other side of the fjord, there is quite a good chance to spot the white tailed eagle soaring along the cliffs. After our lunch break, we get going again and paddle across the fjord of Veiðileysufjörður enjoying the beautiful scenery from another angle. We then take a short break somewhere along the shoreline and stretch our legs before the final push to Kvíar. That last stretch of shoreline is magnificent with many waterfalls coming down from the snowmelt on the mountain tops and thick vegetation. After landing in Kvíar, we get settled in the house, have sauna and enjoy a well deserved dinner and a good night’s sleep.



Distance: 17 km

Day 2 : Lónafjörður Fjord

Location: Kviar

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave most of the gear in the farmhouse and go for a beautiful paddle into Lónafjörður fjord which, according to many, is the most beautiful fjord in Iceland. Totally unspoiled with no sign of human presence. The fjord is a haven for birds and a huge seal colony can be found in the small bay of Sópandi. We’ll follow the whole coastline and enjoy a long day of paddling. Back to the farmhouse for sauna to soothe sore muscles and delicious dinner.



Distance: 20 km

Day 3 : Leirufjörður

Location: Kviar

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast and a good amount of coffee, we get back on the water and aim for the beautiful fjord of Leirufjörður. This is where Drangajökull Glacier looms in the background and the water of the fjord is milky colour from the silt coming from under the glacier. There is much to explore and easy to land anywhere in the fjord and go for a short hike. We get back to our cozy home in Kvíar in the before dinnertime after another great day out.



Distance: 20 km

Day 4 : Return

Location: Kviar, Ísafjörður

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our passenger ferry picks us up from Kvíar Lodge in the morning around 11 am and we head back to Ísafjörður. Please note that the guide may be staying at Kvíar to continue the kayak journey with other guests on Paddle in the Wild. The crew on the ferry will take good care of you and make sure safely arrive back to Ísafjörður.



This itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather, sea conditions and the ability of the group.

What's Included

Included:



All food

Three nights' accommodation in comfortable houses

Ferry transfer to Hornstrandir and back

Kayaking gear (kayak, paddle, neoprene pants, dry top, spray skirt, life vest, paddling boots, paddling gloves and additional dry bags)

Professional guide



Not included:



Travel to and from Ísafjorður prior to and after the trip

Food on the first day until the trip departs

Personal medical insurance

Personal equipment and clothing

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Requirements

Remember the less you bring, the easier it is. There’s plenty of space in the kayaks if you pack wisely.



Thermal base layers, at least two sets of tops.

Wool or fleece thermal mid layer.

Hiking pants. We don’t recommend cotton as it is cold and takes a long time to dry.

Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket for hiking onshore. The lighter - the better.

Wool/fleece hat.

One pair of warm gloves.

2 to 3 pairs thick wool/synthetic socks.

Swim suit and towel for the sauna at Kvíar.

Light hiking shoes for strolls around the houses.

Sun glasses.

Sunscreen and after sun cream.

1 litre water bottle.

Personal medical kit i.e. band aids, throat lozenges, lip salves, sea-sickness tablets etc. Don't forget your personal medication which you may need (e.g. Asthma inhaler, even if you don’t always need it).

2 x Dry bags*

Binoculars are nice to have for watching wildlife. (optional)

Don't forget your camera!

*We use dry bags to keep our personal gear dry, especially sleeping bags. We have a small selection of dry bags which you may use but you should bring at least two of your own. Test it to make sure that all of your gear all fits inside!



We supply all paddling gear and clothing. However, feel free to bring your own if you have it available. Your personal gear is guaranteed to fit perfectly and it is comfortable. We recommend good dry pants and top with rubber cuffs or at least a 3mm neoprene wetsuit with a windproof top. A full dry suit is definitely best but can be pretty warm and cumbersome on sunny days but great to have if things get rough. Footwear should preferably be neoprene boots with ankle support and thick soles to safely negotiate the rocky shoreline. Neoprene gloves, mittens or pogies are great at keeping your hands warm.



We use neoprene wetsuits on our trips. However, you can upgrade to a dry suit if you would prefer. Please select this option and select your size during the booking process. You can see the size chart here.

Text on ticket

GLACIER FJORDS KAYAKING - FACT SHEET


THANK YOU FOR BOOKING WITH BOREA ADVENTURES ICELAND

A sparsely populated North Atlantic island, Iceland is famous for its waterfalls, hot springs, geysers and active volcanoes. An island of untamed natural forces, proud people, stunning nature and dramatic scenery, Iceland offers an abundance of outdoor activities for all. 

Iceland’s history began eleven hundred years ago when Norse settlers arrived to discover an island of mysterious highlands, fire spouting mountains, ice caps and endless fjords. Such landscapes invited a rich folklore, whilst the great Sagas record the stories of gods, kings and a Viking’s way of life. At the turn of last century, little had changed, the people worked the lands and seas much the same as their forefathers. 600 years of Danish rule, natural disasters, diseases and famine made the Icelanders' way of living very hard. With improvements to their fishing techniques and trade, the Icelanders have now come to enjoy some of the highest living standards in the world. 

The Westfjords of Iceland are one of the most remote parts of the country with endless outdoor pursuits available whether in the mountains, sheltered fjords or bays. The Westfjords are geologically the oldest part of Iceland, around 16 million years old but still very young compared to most parts of the world. Borea’s favorite areas are the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve with its rich history and unspoilt landscapes. There are no roads in the nature reserve and the only way venture there is by boat. Due to its remote location, it is very possible to stay there for days without meeting a single soul.


TRIP PROFILE
We realise that we're not all made for camping in the wilderness. Therefore, we decided to offer a more luxurious alternative where guests can enjoy the best sea kayaking that Iceland has to offer while staying in comfortable accommodation. We travel light since we don't have to carry camping and cooking gear and everything is a bit simpler in operation. That provides more time and energy for you to enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

We stay in Hesteyri for one night, the small abandoned village, where the old doctor's residence will be our home. The next two nights we stay in the old farmhouse in Kvíar that stood empty for over 60 years until we rebuilt it. These houses have everything you need for a perfect stay off the grid. The sauna is available in the evenings to soothe sore muscles and if we’re lucky, the nearby Arctic Fox may come to say hello.

The kayaking itself provides amazing opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Sea birds, marine mammals and Arctic Foxes are plentiful, and we blend right in when we’re in our sea kayaks.

This trip is our medium difficulty trip in normal conditions, not quite as easy going as Wild Camp Discovery but not as difficult as Coastal Kayaking Adventure. This trip is suited to those with some experience. The longer distances require good strength and technique which takes some practice.


ITINERARY
Pre-Departure

We meet at 5pm on the evening before departure at our base in Mávagarður C  (grey build ing) for a briefing where we meet each other, answer any questions and make final preparations. This shouldn’t take longer than an hour. If you’re unable to be here the day before departure, then just let us know via email and we’ll make sure that you have all the information you’ll need.

Day 1
We meet again at our outdoor base in Mávagarður C  at 8 am for last minute checks before departing from the harbour in Ísafjorður on our passenger ferry at 9 am. Our destination is Hesteyri, which was the biggest settlement in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. We drop off our gear at the old doctor’s house before getting straight to the paddling. We paddle out of the fjord along the coast to the lighthouse at Slétta or into the fjord depending on conditions. This is a short paddle aimed at getting to know your kayak and blow away any paddling cobwebs you may have before the longer days to come! We enjoy a nice dinner at the old doctor’s house before getting some good sleep ready for the day ahead.

Distance: 14 km.

Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, we pack our kayaks and start the voyage over to Kvíar farmhouse in Kvíadalur valley. The route will take us along spectacular coastline and across the fjords of Hesteyrarfjorður and Veiðileysufjorður. There is a good chance to see both whales and white-tailed eagles along the coast. We land on the beach beneath the farmhouse in Kvíar and make ourselves at home. The farmhouse is the only house in the valley and was built in 1921 and was occupied by the same family until they moved away in 1948 seeking an easier life in Ísafjorður. We have a nice dinner and head for the warm and cozy sauna that's situated next to the house.

Distance: 15 km.

Day 3
We leave most of the gear in the farmhouse and go for a beautiful paddle into Lónafjorður fjord which, according to many, is the most beautiful fjord in Iceland. Totally unspoiled with no sign of human presence. The fjord is a haven for birds and a huge seal colony can be found in the small bay of Sópandi. We'll follow the whole coastline and enjoy a long day of paddling. Back to the farmhouse for sauna to soothe sore muscles and delicious dinner.

Distance: 20 km.

Day 4
Our passenger ferry  picks us up from Kvíar and we head back to Ísafjorður. Please note that the guide may be staying at Kvíar to continue the kayak journey with other guests on the extended Paddle in the Wild kayaking trip. The crew on the ferry will take good care of you and make sure you get to town safely. Please ask the crew if you need any assistance with your luggage when arriving back to Ísafjorður.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change depending on the weather, sea conditions and the ability of the group.


WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Included:
· All food
· Three nights' accommodation in comfortable off-the-grid huts
· Ferry transfer to Hornstrandir and back
· Kayaking gear (kayak, paddle, neoprene pants, dry top, spray skirt, life vest, paddling boots, paddling gloves and additional dry bags)
· Professional guide

Not included:
· Travel to and from Ísafjorður prior to and after the trip
· Food on the first day until the trip departs
· Personal medical insurance
· Personal equipment and clothing

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Remember the less you bring, the easier it is. There’s plenty of space in the kayaks if you pack wisely.

· Thermal base layers, at least two sets of tops.
· Wool or fleece thermal mid layer.
· Hiking pants. We don’t recommend cotton as it is cold and takes a long time to dry.
· Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket for hiking onshore. The lighter - the better.
· Wool/fleece hat.
· One pair of warm gloves.
· 2 to 3 pairs thick wool/synthetic socks.
· Swimsuit and towel for the sauna in Kvíar Lodge.
· Light hiking shoes.
· Sun glasses.
· Sunscreen and after sun cream.
· 1 litre water bottle.
· Personal medical kit i.e. band aids, throat lozenges, lip salves, sea-sickness tablets etc. Don't forget your personal medication which you may need (e.g. Asthma inhaler, even if you don’t always need it).
· 2 x Dry bags*
· Binoculars are nice to have for watching wildlife. (optional)
· Don't forget your camera!

*We use dry bags to keep our personal gear dry, especially sleeping bags. We have a selection of dry bags which you may use but you should bring at least two of your own. Test it to make sure that all of your gear all fits inside! It's better to have more small dry bags rather then a few big ones. It makes it easier to pack the boats. 

We supply all paddling gear and clothing. However, feel free to bring your own if you have it available. Your personal gear is guaranteed to fit perfectly and it is comfortable. We recommend good dry pants and top with rubber cuffs or at least a 3mm neoprene wetsuit with a windproof top. A full dry suit is definitely best but can be pretty warm and cumbersome on sunny days but great to have if things get rough. Footwear should preferably be neoprene boots with ankle support and thick soles to safely negotiate the rocky shoreline. Neoprene gloves, mittens or pogies are great at keeping your hands warm.

We use neoprene wetsuits on our trips. However, you can upgrade to a dry suit if you would prefer. Please select this option and select your size during the booking process. 

PREPARING PHYSICALLY
This trip is an expeditionary style sea kayaking trip where we may have to alter the itinerary to weather and other conditions out of our control. We usually paddle between 5-7 hours per day and the goal is not to cover miles but to enjoy the scenery and the company of our fellow travelers. It's important to be in good physical shape to be prepared for everything that Mother Nature might throw at us. And the best way to do so is to go paddling! Other aerobic exercises that might help you, is to swim or spend some time in the gym to strengthen your abdominal muscles.

WEATHER
Iceland is a land of very mixed weather. As they say, if you don't like the weather, wait for ten minutes! Low pressure systems come regularly up from Southwest and can bring all sorts of weather. Be prepared for beautiful sunny days, wind, rain and everything in between. The summer nights are usually calmer than the days if the sun is out to warm the land. That makes paddling either early in the morning or late in the afternoon a good option. At least we don't have to worry about darkness! 

TRAVELING TO ÍSAFJORÐUR
Ísafjorður is much closer than you'd think, and it's not even that expensive to get here!
Now there are many airlines with scheduled flights into Iceland. As far as we can see there are direct flights to Iceland from the following cities during the summer months and many of them the whole year: Alicante, Amsterdam, Baltimore, Barcelona, Basel, Bergen, Berlin, Boston, Copenhagen, Eindhoven, Frankfurt, Friedrichshafen, Glasgow, Gothenburg, Halifax, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Munchen, Denver, New York, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm, Zurich. There are a few websites that may help you search for cheap airfares into the country. Check the 
Travelsupermarket and the Icelandic search engine Dohop.
You arrive in Keflavik International Airport about 40 minutes away from the capital city of Reykjavik. From the domestic airport in Reykjavik there are 2-3 daily 40 minute flights to Isafjordur. You can take the 
Fly-Bus between the airports and most of the time you can continue same day. Check out Air Iceland for schedules and special offers. You can also rent a car and drive to Isafjordur. The drive, over mountain passes and through fjords is an adventure itself. It's about 440-500 km depending on which route you take. A new road via Arnkotludalur opened in 2009 which completes the asphalted pathway the whole way, and kills the old myth of bad roads in the Westfjords! The drive will normally take you 5-6 hours. For accommodation in Reykjavik there are many options of hotels and guesthouses that we can book for groups. Please ask us for individual bookings. We strongly recommend that you spend a few extra days visiting the West Fjords and other parts of Iceland. We're happy to help you arranging few days in the area or give you good tips about exciting things to do while in Iceland.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSFER
Borea can help you sort out accommodation in Reykjavík and Ísafjorður before or after the trip. We only cooperate with guesthouses and hotels with good reputation. We can also book a transfer for you from/to Keflavik international airport if you are traveling in a group. Otherwise Flybus is the best option.

FOOD
Cooking on kayaking trips can be great fun but also challenging! We try to give our guests a good selection of Icelandic food (not the rotten shark…) like lamb and fish but also pasta and rice dishes that are easier to cook. Whenever possible we try to use what nature provides likes herbs spices, fish and berries in late summer. 

Of course, we realise that we’re not all made the same and have different needs and desires. We try our best to cater to your needs. We can cater to vegan/vegetarian diets and guests with dietary restrictions and allergies. Please let us know ahead of time if you have any requirements so that we can plan the food accordingly. It's a good idea to take some of your own dietary substitutes if you have a special diet.

YOUR FELLOW TRAVELERS
When you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely be a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be somewhere at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
GROUP LEADER
From your arrival in Ísafjorður you are accompanied by knowledgeable outdoor adventure specialists. Borea only hires qualified and experienced staff with a passion for adventure and a good knowledge of the area we travel in.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We believe strongly in low impact and positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on local cultures and environments that we visit, and highlight the positive aspects.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
Borea Adventures is a small company, owned and operated by people who love being outdoors and enjoy the nature and culture of the North Atlantic. We like to share our experience by giving people access to these areas through safe and fun filled adventure holidays.
Borea Adventures adheres to the principles of low impact, sustainable tourism. Our trips are “silent”, as we try not to use any motorized vehicles. We like to encourage physical activity to suit any level of ability from easy sailing and hiking through to exhilarating action sports. 
We rely on local knowledge and respect local culture. We take great pride in using only guides with a thorough knowledge of the local nature and history. For our mouth watering cuisine we use primarily ingredients from the areas we travel in.
Our priority is to guarantee our guests enjoyable wilderness experiences in perfect harmony with the environment that supports us.


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Borea Adventures  ::  Aðalstræti 17  ::  400 Ísafjorður  ::  ICELAND

www.borea.is 

Text on ticket

GLACIER FJORDS KAYAKING - FACT SHEET


THANK YOU FOR BOOKING WITH BOREA ADVENTURES ICELAND

A sparsely populated North Atlantic island, Iceland is famous for its waterfalls, hot springs, geysers and active volcanoes. An island of untamed natural forces, proud people, stunning nature and dramatic scenery, Iceland offers an abundance of outdoor activities for all. 

Iceland’s history began eleven hundred years ago when Norse settlers arrived to discover an island of mysterious highlands, fire spouting mountains, ice caps and endless fjords. Such landscapes invited a rich folklore, whilst the great Sagas record the stories of gods, kings and a Viking’s way of life. At the turn of last century, little had changed, the people worked the lands and seas much the same as their forefathers. 600 years of Danish rule, natural disasters, diseases and famine made the Icelanders' way of living very hard. With improvements to their fishing techniques and trade, the Icelanders have now come to enjoy some of the highest living standards in the world. 

The Westfjords of Iceland are one of the most remote parts of the country with endless outdoor pursuits available whether in the mountains, sheltered fjords or bays. The Westfjords are geologically the oldest part of Iceland, around 16 million years old but still very young compared to most parts of the world. Borea’s favorite areas are the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve with its rich history and unspoilt landscapes. There are no roads in the nature reserve and the only way venture there is by boat. Due to its remote location, it is very possible to stay there for days without meeting a single soul.


TRIP PROFILE
We realise that we're not all made for camping in the wilderness. Therefore, we decided to offer a more luxurious alternative where guests can enjoy the best sea kayaking that Iceland has to offer while staying in comfortable accommodation. We travel light since we don't have to carry camping and cooking gear and everything is a bit simpler in operation. That provides more time and energy for you to enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

We stay in Hesteyri for one night, the small abandoned village, where the old doctor's residence will be our home. The next two nights we stay in the old farmhouse in Kvíar that stood empty for over 60 years until we rebuilt it. These houses have everything you need for a perfect stay off the grid. The sauna is available in the evenings to soothe sore muscles and if we’re lucky, the nearby Arctic Fox may come to say hello.

The kayaking itself provides amazing opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Sea birds, marine mammals and Arctic Foxes are plentiful, and we blend right in when we’re in our sea kayaks.

This trip is our medium difficulty trip in normal conditions, not quite as easy going as Wild Camp Discovery but not as difficult as Coastal Kayaking Adventure. This trip is suited to those with some experience. The longer distances require good strength and technique which takes some practice.


ITINERARY
Pre-Departure

We meet at 5pm on the evening before departure at our base in Mávagarður C  (grey build ing) for a briefing where we meet each other, answer any questions and make final preparations. This shouldn’t take longer than an hour. If you’re unable to be here the day before departure, then just let us know via email and we’ll make sure that you have all the information you’ll need.

Day 1
We meet again at our outdoor base in Mávagarður C  at 8 am for last minute checks before departing from the harbour in Ísafjorður on our passenger ferry at 9 am. Our destination is Hesteyri, which was the biggest settlement in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. We drop off our gear at the old doctor’s house before getting straight to the paddling. We paddle out of the fjord along the coast to the lighthouse at Slétta or into the fjord depending on conditions. This is a short paddle aimed at getting to know your kayak and blow away any paddling cobwebs you may have before the longer days to come! We enjoy a nice dinner at the old doctor’s house before getting some good sleep ready for the day ahead.

Distance: 14 km.

Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, we pack our kayaks and start the voyage over to Kvíar farmhouse in Kvíadalur valley. The route will take us along spectacular coastline and across the fjords of Hesteyrarfjorður and Veiðileysufjorður. There is a good chance to see both whales and white-tailed eagles along the coast. We land on the beach beneath the farmhouse in Kvíar and make ourselves at home. The farmhouse is the only house in the valley and was built in 1921 and was occupied by the same family until they moved away in 1948 seeking an easier life in Ísafjorður. We have a nice dinner and head for the warm and cozy sauna that's situated next to the house.

Distance: 15 km.

Day 3
We leave most of the gear in the farmhouse and go for a beautiful paddle into Lónafjorður fjord which, according to many, is the most beautiful fjord in Iceland. Totally unspoiled with no sign of human presence. The fjord is a haven for birds and a huge seal colony can be found in the small bay of Sópandi. We'll follow the whole coastline and enjoy a long day of paddling. Back to the farmhouse for sauna to soothe sore muscles and delicious dinner.

Distance: 20 km.

Day 4
Our passenger ferry  picks us up from Kvíar and we head back to Ísafjorður. Please note that the guide may be staying at Kvíar to continue the kayak journey with other guests on the extended Paddle in the Wild kayaking trip. The crew on the ferry will take good care of you and make sure you get to town safely. Please ask the crew if you need any assistance with your luggage when arriving back to Ísafjorður.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change depending on the weather, sea conditions and the ability of the group.


WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Included:
· All food
· Three nights' accommodation in comfortable off-the-grid huts
· Ferry transfer to Hornstrandir and back
· Kayaking gear (kayak, paddle, neoprene pants, dry top, spray skirt, life vest, paddling boots, paddling gloves and additional dry bags)
· Professional guide

Not included:
· Travel to and from Ísafjorður prior to and after the trip
· Food on the first day until the trip departs
· Personal medical insurance
· Personal equipment and clothing

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Remember the less you bring, the easier it is. There’s plenty of space in the kayaks if you pack wisely.

· Thermal base layers, at least two sets of tops.
· Wool or fleece thermal mid layer.
· Hiking pants. We don’t recommend cotton as it is cold and takes a long time to dry.
· Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket for hiking onshore. The lighter - the better.
· Wool/fleece hat.
· One pair of warm gloves.
· 2 to 3 pairs thick wool/synthetic socks.
· Swimsuit and towel for the sauna in Kvíar Lodge.
· Light hiking shoes.
· Sun glasses.
· Sunscreen and after sun cream.
· 1 litre water bottle.
· Personal medical kit i.e. band aids, throat lozenges, lip salves, sea-sickness tablets etc. Don't forget your personal medication which you may need (e.g. Asthma inhaler, even if you don’t always need it).
· 2 x Dry bags*
· Binoculars are nice to have for watching wildlife. (optional)
· Don't forget your camera!

*We use dry bags to keep our personal gear dry, especially sleeping bags. We have a selection of dry bags which you may use but you should bring at least two of your own. Test it to make sure that all of your gear all fits inside! It's better to have more small dry bags rather then a few big ones. It makes it easier to pack the boats. 

We supply all paddling gear and clothing. However, feel free to bring your own if you have it available. Your personal gear is guaranteed to fit perfectly and it is comfortable. We recommend good dry pants and top with rubber cuffs or at least a 3mm neoprene wetsuit with a windproof top. A full dry suit is definitely best but can be pretty warm and cumbersome on sunny days but great to have if things get rough. Footwear should preferably be neoprene boots with ankle support and thick soles to safely negotiate the rocky shoreline. Neoprene gloves, mittens or pogies are great at keeping your hands warm.

We use neoprene wetsuits on our trips. However, you can upgrade to a dry suit if you would prefer. Please select this option and select your size during the booking process. 

PREPARING PHYSICALLY
This trip is an expeditionary style sea kayaking trip where we may have to alter the itinerary to weather and other conditions out of our control. We usually paddle between 5-7 hours per day and the goal is not to cover miles but to enjoy the scenery and the company of our fellow travelers. It's important to be in good physical shape to be prepared for everything that Mother Nature might throw at us. And the best way to do so is to go paddling! Other aerobic exercises that might help you, is to swim or spend some time in the gym to strengthen your abdominal muscles.

WEATHER
Iceland is a land of very mixed weather. As they say, if you don't like the weather, wait for ten minutes! Low pressure systems come regularly up from Southwest and can bring all sorts of weather. Be prepared for beautiful sunny days, wind, rain and everything in between. The summer nights are usually calmer than the days if the sun is out to warm the land. That makes paddling either early in the morning or late in the afternoon a good option. At least we don't have to worry about darkness! 

TRAVELING TO ÍSAFJORÐUR
Ísafjorður is much closer than you'd think, and it's not even that expensive to get here!
Now there are many airlines with scheduled flights into Iceland. As far as we can see there are direct flights to Iceland from the following cities during the summer months and many of them the whole year: Alicante, Amsterdam, Baltimore, Barcelona, Basel, Bergen, Berlin, Boston, Copenhagen, Eindhoven, Frankfurt, Friedrichshafen, Glasgow, Gothenburg, Halifax, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Munchen, Denver, New York, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm, Zurich. There are a few websites that may help you search for cheap airfares into the country. Check the 
Travelsupermarket and the Icelandic search engine Dohop.
You arrive in Keflavik International Airport about 40 minutes away from the capital city of Reykjavik. From the domestic airport in Reykjavik there are 2-3 daily 40 minute flights to Isafjordur. You can take the 
Fly-Bus between the airports and most of the time you can continue same day. Check out Air Iceland for schedules and special offers. You can also rent a car and drive to Isafjordur. The drive, over mountain passes and through fjords is an adventure itself. It's about 440-500 km depending on which route you take. A new road via Arnkotludalur opened in 2009 which completes the asphalted pathway the whole way, and kills the old myth of bad roads in the Westfjords! The drive will normally take you 5-6 hours. For accommodation in Reykjavik there are many options of hotels and guesthouses that we can book for groups. Please ask us for individual bookings. We strongly recommend that you spend a few extra days visiting the West Fjords and other parts of Iceland. We're happy to help you arranging few days in the area or give you good tips about exciting things to do while in Iceland.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSFER
Borea can help you sort out accommodation in Reykjavík and Ísafjorður before or after the trip. We only cooperate with guesthouses and hotels with good reputation. We can also book a transfer for you from/to Keflavik international airport if you are traveling in a group. Otherwise Flybus is the best option.

FOOD
Cooking on kayaking trips can be great fun but also challenging! We try to give our guests a good selection of Icelandic food (not the rotten shark…) like lamb and fish but also pasta and rice dishes that are easier to cook. Whenever possible we try to use what nature provides likes herbs spices, fish and berries in late summer. 

Of course, we realise that we’re not all made the same and have different needs and desires. We try our best to cater to your needs. We can cater to vegan/vegetarian diets and guests with dietary restrictions and allergies. Please let us know ahead of time if you have any requirements so that we can plan the food accordingly. It's a good idea to take some of your own dietary substitutes if you have a special diet.

YOUR FELLOW TRAVELERS
When you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely be a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be somewhere at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
GROUP LEADER
From your arrival in Ísafjorður you are accompanied by knowledgeable outdoor adventure specialists. Borea only hires qualified and experienced staff with a passion for adventure and a good knowledge of the area we travel in.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We believe strongly in low impact and positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on local cultures and environments that we visit, and highlight the positive aspects.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
Borea Adventures is a small company, owned and operated by people who love being outdoors and enjoy the nature and culture of the North Atlantic. We like to share our experience by giving people access to these areas through safe and fun filled adventure holidays.
Borea Adventures adheres to the principles of low impact, sustainable tourism. Our trips are “silent”, as we try not to use any motorized vehicles. We like to encourage physical activity to suit any level of ability from easy sailing and hiking through to exhilarating action sports. 
We rely on local knowledge and respect local culture. We take great pride in using only guides with a thorough knowledge of the local nature and history. For our mouth watering cuisine we use primarily ingredients from the areas we travel in.
Our priority is to guarantee our guests enjoyable wilderness experiences in perfect harmony with the environment that supports us.


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Borea Adventures  ::  Aðalstræti 17  ::  400 Ísafjorður  ::  ICELAND

www.borea.is 

Check out our Q&As

  • What types of tours does Borea Adventures offer?

    We offer tours related to hiking, biking, kayaking, photography and skiing. These tours are single day experiences and multi day experiences.

  • What kind of accommodation is used/included?

    Depending on your tour, you will either be staying at one of two bases. In Hornvik, our accommodations include a basecamp mess hall where meals will be provided, as well as a lounging area equipped with a sofa, warm reflex stove and plentiful cups of tea, coffee, or juice. Sleeping arrangements in Hornvik are organised in large tents for two people. These tents come with a cot, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, pillow and woollen blanket. Please bring a sleeping bag liner and pillow case, as these items are not provided.

  • Is transportation included in the tour price?

    We do not offer transportation to and from Ísafjörður.

  • How do I get to Ísafjörður?

    Upon your arrival in Iceland, you have the option to either fly or drive to Ísafjörður in the Westfjords. If flying, you arrive in Keflavik International Airport about 40 minutes away from the capital city of Reykjavik and the domestic airport. From the domestic airport in Reykjavik there are 2-3 daily 40 minute flights to Isafjordur. For a smooth transition, you might consider taking the Flybus between the airports and can complete the journey on the same day. Check out Icelandair for schedules and offers. If driving, you can rent a car and drive to Isafjordur. The drive, over mountain passes and through fjords is an adventure itself. The journey spans approximately 440-500 km, depending on your chosen route, and typically takes around 6 hours. We strongly recommend you to spend a few extra days visiting the Westfjords and other parts of Iceland. We’re happy to help you arrange a few days in the area or give you good tips about exciting things to do while in Iceland.

  • How do I get to the starting point of the tour?

    Our office is located at Aðalstræti 17, Isafjordur and we start our multi-day hiking trips from this location. The Meeting point for our kayaking and biking trips, is at Mávagarður C close to the Eastern harbour. Across the street is our Service Center (white shipping container) where the meeting point for day trips and boat rides are.

  • How do you ensure the safety of participants?

    All of our guides undergo thorough training to effectively manage emergency situations. They are equipped to safely evacuate individuals and maintain communication with emergency first responders, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to any unforeseen circumstances.

  • Can you arrange airport transfers?

    There is a municipal shuttle service from Isafjordur Airport into the central square that operates according to the plane schedule. A seat in the shuttle cost 1,000kr.

  • Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

    Of course, we realise that we’re not all made the same and have different needs and desires. We try our best to cater to your needs. Please let us know ahead of time if you have any requirements so that we can plan the food accordingly. You can do that during the booking process.

Reviews of this operator

Hanne  

3 days trip with a group

02-Nov-2021

Borea adventures is definitely the right choice for anyone wanting to experience Hornstrandir. They have good guides, good gear, good boats, accommodation. We enjoyed 3 days of hiking and kayaking and frequent encounters of arctic foxes. Weather in September was not very favorable to our plans, so I would recommend going there during summer. Kviar Lodge was very cosy and Runar prepared excellent meals.

Scott D Slater  

Wonderful

29-Aug-2021

This is a superb organization, and an amazing place. Simply stunning. An experience we will never forget. Our two day trip was the highlight of our time in Iceland, and the staff of Borea went beyond expectations. We can't stop thinking about it, and I am ready to go back! It goes without saying, that Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is beyond beautiful. But, we also found the staff of Borea skilled not only in their knowledge of the area and nature, but in their understanding of people. They were very helpful in some of the challenging moments of the hikes.

Remco T.  

Hornstrandir; food, loads of flowers and birds... And fox paw prints

18-Jul-2022

We booked this trip some while back from home in the hope to see the arctic fox. **spoiler** we didn't see any... Just paw prints... But it didn't really matter, we were in a small group of 4 people and the guide and perfect weather. We learned so much about the (edible) flowers, birds and the foxes in Hornstrandir. Also a bit of extra history about the place itself. Just an amazing experience. So thanks Birte(hope i got that right) for the amazing and wonderful tour!

Kipp M.  

The perfect Iceland adventure!

03-Aug-2022

Wow, what a pleasant surprise! I booked a 6 day kayak tour, hoping for the best. And honestly, the best is what I got! All of the paddlers, 4 of us clients and the guide, were competent and prepared paddlers. The tour was wonderful. A combination of tent camping and staying in amazing historical and remote buildings. The setting was what I had dreamed of. Wildlife sightings were abundant. Brendan Jackson, our guide, was safe and knowledgable with out being the least bit stifling. I'd paddle with him anytime!

Giles_Charter  

The Paddle in the Wild Kayak trip - beautiful, excellent and well organised

25-Oct-2017

Did the 6 day (effectively 5.5 days in practice) trip over the summer and loved it. One to treasure. The guides were both very competent and full of stories, which is the right combination. The level of kayaking was well judged, with an early orientation paddle followed by a couple of easy but beautiful days, so that by the time we were doing some more exposed and bigger crossings we were all confident and rocking the open waters! Superb fun.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Wednesday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$1233

Sunday - Wednesday

Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$1233

Sunday - Wednesday

Jul 27, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
$1233

Sunday - Wednesday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$1233

Sunday - Wednesday

Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$1233

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Borea Adventures allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Borea Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform borea adventures, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Borea Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of borea adventures charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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