Complete Guide to Kayaking in Iceland

Kayaking in Iceland is unlike anything you’ll experience around the world. The country’s majestic coastline includes deep fjords, impressive glaciers, rare sea birds, whales, and an endless untouched coastline.

Experiencing this all on a kayak is truly beautiful, and something everyone visiting Iceland should try to do.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about kayaking in this beautiful country and joining a kayak tour.

Iceland is one of the most scenic places on Earth, with stunning glaciers, ice-filled lagoons, black sand beaches, and majestic smoky mountains. Needless to say, any Iceland kayak adventure is going to be awesome.

Kayaking lets you see Iceland's beauty from a unique angle. While others are on buses or crowded viewpoints, you can enjoy a peaceful and personal adventure on the water. It's a special way to soak in the breathtaking landscapes and feel a closer connection with nature.

Kayaking in Iceland often includes wildlife tours, which allow you to get close to some of Iceland's famous birds like Puffins, Arctic Terns, and Eider Ducks. You might even spot seals or walruses lounging on the shores.

Icelandic waters are home to over twenty species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Imagine seeing a giant Blue Whale or a playful pod of dolphins right next to your kayak. It could be one of the most unforgettable moments of your life.

So, if you're planning a visit to Iceland, consider going kayaking. It's one of the best ways to experience the magic of the country.

If you want to kayak in Iceland, there are three main types of adventures you can have.

Sea kayaking in Iceland is an amazing way to explore the coastline. You can paddle through crystal-clear waters and see all kinds of stunning coastal landscapes.

Look out for marine life like puffins, seals, and even whales. Sea kayaking in Iceland also lets you explore and discover hidden coves and beaches that can’t otherwise be reached.

Glacier kayaking is a unique and thrilling experience in Iceland.

You can paddle around massive icebergs and through icy blue waters here. Getting up close to glaciers and seeing their beauty from the water is a rare opportunity to explore these natural wonders in a way few people do.

Kayaking through Iceland’s fjords is one of the most magical adventures you can have in this country.

Fjords are deep, narrow sea inlets surrounded by steep cliffs. As you paddle, you can take in the dramatic scenery and peaceful waters. It’s a fantastic way to experience the quiet beauty of Iceland’s natural landscapes.

The best time for kayaking in Iceland is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the weather is milder, and the days are longer - which means more daylight for your adventures.

The water is also calmer in summer, and it's easier to spot wildlife like puffins, seals, and whales. And if you want to combine your kayaking trip with coastal camping in Iceland, then the summer months are the best time to do it.

For more details, check out our complete guide on the best time to visit Iceland.

Iceland is a large island, which means there’s an enormous coastline available for kayaking. Wherever you go in Iceland, you can find some unreal paddling opportunities.

Here are our top picks for kayaking in Iceland.

Ísafjarðardjúp Bay is a top kayaking destination in Iceland.

This remote region in the West Fjords of Iceland is often overlooked by tourists due to its off-the-beaten-track location. However, this is what makes the area so special, as it has such a remote and rugged charm.

The bay includes Seyðisfjörður fjord, Vígur island, and the Hvítanes peninsula - all amazing places for exploring on a kayak. Kayaking here offers stunning views of mountains and the chance to see wildlife like puffins and seals.

Vígur Island is particularly famous for its birdlife, while Hvítanes peninsula is known for its friendly seals.

At Skyhook, we offer a three-day kayak Iceland adventure in this breathtaking part of Iceland. It’s the ultimate escape for anyone wanting to experience the best of Iceland’s rugged coastline.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a remote and beautiful area. While more people come here for hiking in Iceland, it’s also perfect for kayaking, as the protected coastline is absolutely beautiful.

We’d recommend you paddle along the cliffs from Hesteyri to Kvíar and enjoy the scenic waterfalls. The Lónafjörður fjord and the beautiful fjord of Leirufjörður are also part of this reserve. These are spectacular sights to witness from a kayak.

You'll also get to see the Drangajökull Glacier if you paddle past here, Iceland's northernmost glacier.

This area is known for its untouched nature and diverse wildlife, and it should be on any keen explorer’s itinerary in Iceland. Consider joining our four-day luxury Iceland fjords kayaking adventure to experience this magnificent glacial fjord area in Iceland.

If you want to experience kayaking an Iceland glacier, then the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most famous kayaking spots in the country.

You can paddle among floating icebergs here and enjoy the surreal frozen landscape. The lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean, so you might spot seals swimming around. However, the water is calm, which makes it perfect for kayakers of all levels.

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a unique place that combines stunning glacial views with the thrill of being on the water.

Most of the best kayaking in Iceland is done in the sea. However, you can also experience some paddling magic in Lake Mývatn - a beautiful and serene place for kayaking.

The lake is surrounded by volcanic landscapes and lush greenery, which is a sight you can only witness in Iceland. You can paddle around the lake and explore its many small islands.

The area is also rich in birdlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching from your kayak.

Þingvallavatn Lake is the largest natural lake in Iceland. It's located in Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means the landscape is protected and unspoiled - perfect for a kayaking adventure.

Kayaking here offers clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lava fields. The lake is also famous for its unique underwater geology, including the Silfra fissure, where you can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Hvalfjörður Fjord is a beautiful and less crowded kayaking spot near Reykjavik.

The fjord is surrounded by mountains and offers calm waters for kayaking. You can explore the coastline, see waterfalls, and enjoy the tranquillity of this scenic area.

It's a great place for a peaceful paddle with stunning natural views. It’s also within easy reach of the capital city, which makes it a convenient stop on any Iceland road trip.

Breiðafjörður Bay is an excellent spot for exploring on a kayak, known for its many islands and diverse wildlife.

Paddling here, you can explore the many islets, which offer beautiful landscapes and plenty of birdlife - including puffins and eiders. The bay's calm waters make it a perfect spot for kayakers of all skill levels, and the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline are truly breathtaking.

Skjálfandi Bay, located in North Iceland near the town of Húsavík, is a famous destination for whale watching. Kayaking in this bay offers the unique opportunity to paddle alongside these majestic creatures.

The bay is home to various whale species, including humpbacks, minkes, and occasionally blue whales. The stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the possibility of seeing dolphins and seabirds make this an unforgettable kayaking destination.

You don't need to bring any kayaking equipment on your tour; the operator provides everything you need, including the kayak, paddle, waterproof oversuit, and life vest. However, there are a few extra items that can make kayaking in Iceland a lot more fun.

Bring extra towels and a change of clothes, as you will get wet. This is especially important in case you capsize and end up in the cold North Atlantic waters.

We recommend wearing a thick, cushioned jumper for comfort, as sitting in a kayak for a long time can be hard on your lower back. Avoid jeans since denim takes a long time to dry.

Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a woolly hat and gloves to keep warm. The cold wind on the water can be harsh, so staying warm will make your trip a lot more enjoyable.

Don't forget your camera. Iceland’s landscapes and wildlife are breathtaking, and you'll want to capture these moments. Use a waterproof pouch to protect your camera or phone, or bring a waterproof camera like a GoPro to capture the magic.

There’s really nothing else like kayaking in Iceland, and we highly recommend it as an activity for anyone visiting the land of ice and fire. Plenty of kayaking tours operate around the country, offering an unforgettable experience in this amazing place.

Book your kayaking Iceland adventure in advance, as kayaking is a popular activity here and you don't want to miss out. Once you experience Iceland’s coastline from a kayak, you’ll have an entirely new appreciation for this beautiful country.