Chase the Midnight Sun: Iceland and Canada tours available now!

We offer jet ski trips from Reykjavik and kayaking activities at various locations around the country, including sea kayaking, glacier lake kayaking, and much more. Browse our selection below.

KAYAKING & JET SKI DAY TOURS

GLACIER KAYAKING TOURS

About Kayaking in Iceland

A kayaking adventure is a perfect way to spend your day in Iceland and collect some memories that will last a lifetime. Suitable for both novice and experienced paddlers, kayaking day tours are available to every type of adventure seeker.

two kayaks in Iceland

What is Kayaking?

Kayaking is a water-based activity that takes place in a narrow, pointed boat called a kayak. The kayaker’s lower body is submerged inside the boat, while the upper body is exposed, allowing them to propel themselves through the water using a double-bladed paddle. The kayak’s small size and maneuverability make them ideal for exploring a wide range of different waterways.

Types of Kayaking

Kayaking can be divided into two subcategories: 

Flatwater kayaking occurs in calm waters with little to no current. It’s often combined with other activities like sightseeing or fishing. Flatwater kayaking is not physically demanding and can be done by people without previous kayaking experience.

Whitewater kayaking occurs on moving waters with some current. Typically, this would be a whitewater river, although it can be found in other places. It’s considered more dangerous than flatwater kayaking and is usually not combined with other activities.

Previous kayaking experience is best depending on the difficulty rating of the whitewater rapids.

Kayaking on Glacier Lagoons

Kayaking on a glacier lake is a truly extraordinary paddling experience. Soak in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers while carefully maneuvering through natural ice sculptures. There are very few places in the entire world where you can kayak in such a spectacular environment!

kayaking next to a glacier

Paddling on a glacier lagoon will show you a different side of glaciers that you’d never thought existed. A great example is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, near the largest glacier in Europe in Vatnajökull National Park. Paddle on calm waters and enjoy the sight of Vatnajökull Glacier rising up from the horizon. This tour provides countless picture-perfect sights. Among them is the famous black-sand Diamond Beach dotted with bright blue chunks of ice. Another picturesque sight is the mighty Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, the source of the icebergs found in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Kayaking around Heinaberslon Glacier Lagoon

Combine glacier kayaking with other activities at Vatnajökull National Park. Choose from a glacier hike or visit a crystal ice cave and enjoy an activity-packed full day trip, or an exciting multi-day adventure!

Sea Kayaking in Iceland

Sea kayaking is a relaxing, meditative activity. All you have to do is sit back and slowly glide on top of the clear, calm waters while enjoying the sights of sea birds and the sounds of their chirps and songs. You may even catch a glimpse of local seals as they occasionally peek up from the glassy water.

Kayaking around small islands in the west

If you want to escape the buzz of busy city life, our kayaking tour under Mt. Kirkjufell is your great escape. During this trip, you’ll paddle near Kirkjufell Mountain and see the local wildlife from up close. Perfect for beginners, you’re highly unlikely to get wet, as our kayaks are safe and easy to navigate. Simply relax and enjoy the sea’s everlasting quietness in the surrounding area.

Jet Skiing in Iceland

Jet skiing isn't limited to tropical vacation spots. You can participate in this fun and adrenaline-filled activity in a chilly country like Iceland. A jet ski itself is a jet-propelled vehicle that skims the top of the water. To operate it, you’ll need to have a driver’s license.

Jet ski tours pair nicely with calmer kayaking trips. Instead of peddling and soaking in the views slowly, you’ll zoom past the water, seeing several sights in just a few seconds. This lets you see more attractions, though you spend less time at each one.

Happy group of tourists on jet skis in the sea in front of cliff in Iceland

For a taste of the excitement, look no further than the Reykjavik jet ski tour. Operating a jet ski, you’ll skid through the water, exploring the bay that surrounds the capital city. You’ll see puffins and mesmerizing islands. It’s a thrilling and memorable experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

FAQ

Still got questions about kayaking? Find the answer here!

Warm outdoor clothing is well recommended, for example, a fleece or wool sweater and pants. It is also a good idea to bring a change of clothing and swimwear.

There is no prior kayaking experience required for the tours as our professional guides will teach all the technique on location.

All of our kayaking tours are listed at a level easy or moderate so most people should be able to do the tour. Just bear in mind that the activity is an outdoor nature activity so some physical strength is needed.

Top of the line plastic sea kayaks is used on all of our kayaking tours.

Our kayaks are very stable and easy to use.

Of course, they can tip over, although they are very stable and it happens rarley. If they tip over the guide has the necessary equipment and ability to quickly tip them over again.

Do not worry if your kayak tip over as all participants get life jackets and neoprene suits so they will stay warm even if they fall in.

You don’t need to be able ‘’swim’’ while kayaking, although we recommend that you can. People that can’t swim tend to panic when they are in the water. You must be comfortable with floating in the water.