cloudy

-6°C

Ísafjörður

cloudy

-2°C

Hornbjargsviti

Wild Camp Discovery

Discover paradise while kayaking and camping to the remote beaches of Ísafjarðardjúp

This three-day sea kayak adventure is truly a unique experience. Explore Ísafjarðardjúp bay in all its glory, searching for marine mammals and elusive sea birds. Enjoy dinner on a remote beach and sleep on a peninsula surrounded by breathtaking wildlife, beautiful sunsets, colourful flora and rich history.

Contents of this tour

Tour overview

Description

Ísafjarðardjúp bay is truly a special place in many ways. The bay offers the chance not only to see, but to paddle amongst the diverse wildlife that calls Iceland its home. Millions of sea birds such as Puffins, Eider Ducks, Guillemots and Oyestercatchers flock to these shores to breed, as well as the opportunistic Eagles and Falcons which are looking for prey. Whales, dolphins and seals are often seen in the bay, and the serenity of the kayak is by far the best way to seamlessly immerse yourself into the environment.

Our guides will keep you entertained with many facts, stories and pieces of local gossip.

This trip is suitable for beginner kayakers. If you are in good physical shape and have a thirst for adventure, then you will do very well on this trip.

Please drop us an email if you’re interested!

 

 

 

Included:

  • All food
  • Tents
  • Car transfer to the fjord on the first day
  • 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 Ísafjörður prior to and after the trip
  • Food on the first day until the trip departs
  • Personal medical insurance
  • Personal equipment and clothing

Difficulty: Moderate.

Photos

Itinerary

We meet at our base in Mávagarður C (grey building) at 1pm for a briefing, where we will answer any questions and make final preparations. At 3pm we begin the scenic 45 minute drive to the head of Seyðisfjörður fjord. After packing our kayaks and a short safety briefing we begin kayaking under the imposing mountain Hestur with its steep cliffs and unique shape. After a couple of hours, we land at the very point of Folafótur peninsula, set up camp and have dinner while enjoying the panoramic views across the bay to the snowy mountains of the Snæfjallaströnd coastline.

Distance: 9 km

We enjoy a hearty breakfast and then we’re off! Today we explore the stunning island of Vigur and the rocky peninsula of Hvítanes. Drawing near Vigur, where thousands of nesting seabirds reside, offers a breathtaking sight. Our guide enhances this experience by sharing fascinating details about life on the island. We then head south towards Hvítanes. A colony of curious harbour seals are often seen ‘hauling out’ on the rocks. This is a method seals use to regulate body temperature by bathing on the rocks, but also affords us a good look at them out of the water! Then back to camp for dinner and sunset views.

Distance: 18 km

 

After breakfast and breaking camp, we pack our kayaks and paddle back to Ísafjörður. Along the way we pass Kambsnes peninsula and can see the small village of Súðavík in the distance before crossing the fjord and following the coastline all the way back into the harbour in Ísafjörður. We arrive back in town at approximately 4pm, in time for the afternoon flight for those flying back to Reykjavík.

Distance: 18 km

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

What 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 for camp.
  • 2 to 3 pairs thick wool/synthetic socks.
  • Light hiking shoes for strolls in and around camp.
  • Sleeping bag rated to at least 0°C. Down is best since it packs smaller than synthetic.
  • Sleeping mattress. A thin inflatable one is best as it easily fits inside the boat.
  • 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 Drybags*
  • 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.

We also have sleeping bags and sleeping pads available to rent. Please select this option during the booking process.

 

To ensure the quality and state of our experience remains high, please expect to give your guide a helping hand during your stay. Drying a couple dishes, and sprucing up you tent upon departure builds rapport and keeps vibes high! Leave no trace.

FAQ

Whales are more common in Ísafjarðardjúp Bay. So, this trip would certainly be a good option if you would like to see whales!
We use plastic sea kayaks. We have both single and tandem kayaks available. We highly recommend using tandem kayaks for our multi-day trips as they are faster, more stable, hold more gear and a lot more social than the singles! Tandem kayaks are not only for beginners, in fact, experienced kayakers will know that tandems are a better choice for longer trips. However, if you have experience then of course the single kayaks are available.
Yes, we do. This is not a very technical sea kayaking trip (no surf landings, big swells or strong currents) and people with little experience but in good physical shape, normally do very well. We urge you though to paddle as much as you can before the trip. Wind can be strong in Iceland in general, so be prepared to paddle in windy conditions.
Yes, we do. We supply the tents but you should bring your own sleeping bag and mattress. If you prefer to stay in the comfort of a house, we recommend Glacier Fjords Kayaking where you spend one night in Hesteyri and two nights in Kvíar farmhouse.
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.
Yes, we have certain items available for rent. You can rent a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and a dry suit from us if you would like to. Select this option during the booking process.

Map

Just got back from a three day kayak and camping trip with Borea Adventures. What an incredible experience. First of all the pre-trip communication and organisation was first rate and they quickly responded to any questions we had. On arrival we were greeted and pretty much given free rein to use their facilities and get ourselves ready for the excursion. Couldn’t recommend these guys enough. If you’re looking for adventure in Iceland - give them a shout.

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