During this day tour, you’ll be kayaking your way through Hvalfjörður fjord and looking at its astonishing nature. Once you reach the shore, a treat will await you – 1.5 hours at Hvammsvík Hot Springs. A day full of adventures and an authentic Icelandic delight is what will wait for you before you head back to the capital.
From
For those who chose the tour from Reykjavik, the trip will start with 45 minute's drive from the capital to Hvammsvik Bay, Hvalfjordur. Travelers who plan to begin the kayaking experience from Hvammsvik will be met on the spot. You first will start by getting ready and taking the kayaking gear. After being presented with safety instructions and an introduction to paddling, you’ll bring the kayaks to the beach and start your adventure by kayaking along the Hvammsvik coast.
Hvalfjordur fjord is famous for its breathtaking nature, which can be admired by going on a few hiking trails or watching its landscape from allotted viewpoints. But nature isn’t the only thing that Hvalfjordur is known for. It also has a rich history, once even being a center of commerce. The fjord was of great significance during World War II. The British set up a few military bases in Iceland and opened a naval base in Hvammsvík. This was done to protect the west side of the country and crucial shipping lanes to North America. It was also the base for anti-submarine patrols and a place that provided safety for convoys traveling to and from Iceland.
During this time, the British build new buildings in Hvammsvík: a fuel depot, a hospital, a radio station, and barracks. Although, over time, there isn’t much left of this base, this part of history has been kept alive by local residents.
Hvalfjörður means “Whale Fjord,” so there is a slim chance for you to see one, but keep in mind that the area is rich with other wildlife: seals and seabirds, such as eider ducks, guillemots, and Arctic terns.
The kayaking should take around 1.5 hours, after which you’ll get back to the shore and continue your day at Hvammsvík Hot Springs. The place has eight hot spring pools, which reach a temperature of 37°-40°C. The hot springs are in the Atlantic Ocean, so their levels and temperature depend on the tides. The site also has a sauna, a restaurant, and a bar. You’ll have approximately 1.5 hours to relax and enjoy the hot springs before departing to Reykjavik.
Tour with pick-up from Reykjavik
Pick-up from your chosen location in Reykjavik starts at 9:00 a.m. Picking everyone up can take up to 30 minutes. Your patience is greatly appreciated!
Available pick-up points: Adventures.com pick-up list.
Return to Reykjavik at 3:00 p.m.
Meet on location tour
Kayaking at Hvammsvík starts at 11:00 a.m. Time spent on the water is approximately 1.5 hours.
Hvammsvík Hot Springs starts at 1:00 p.m. Time spent in the hot springs is approximately 1.5 hours.
Please choose the tour option with pick-up from Reykjavik or meet on location during the booking process.
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.
Yes, all of our kayaking tours are operated by experienced and certified professional 4-star BCU sea kayak guides.
We recommend a waterproof camera when going on a kayaking tour. However, we do not recommend you to take too much with you on the kayaking tour as there is really no need for it.
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.
