Kayaking in Iceland is an unforgettable way to experience the country’s raw nature—quiet fjords, bird-filled cliffs, mirror-like bays, and glacier-fed rivers. But the same elements that make it magical also demand respect. Weather changes fast, water is cold year-round, and distances can be deceptive. With the right preparation and mindset, though, you can enjoy Iceland’s waters safely and comfortably.
Here are essential kayaking safety tips for Iceland, along with how staying at Ourhotels.is properties—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—can help you plan and enjoy your paddling adventures.
Iceland’s Conditions: Know What You’re Getting Into
Iceland is beautiful but unpredictable. Even in summer, air and water temperatures are low, and wind can pick up quickly.
– Expect cold water: Hypothermia is a real risk, even on calm days. Dress for the water, not just the air.
– Rapid weather changes: Sunshine can turn to fog, rain, or strong wind in minutes. Always assume conditions may worsen.
– Long daylight, short daylight: In summer, you may have nearly 24 hours of light; in winter, very few. Plan your trip length accordingly.
When you stay at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, the staff can help you check local forecasts, tide tables, and conditions before you head out, so you’re not relying on guesswork.
Dress for the Water, Not the Weather
The most important safety rule for kayaking in Iceland: dress to stay warm and dry if you end up in the water.
– Wear a drysuit or high-quality wetsuit: A drysuit with thermal layers underneath is ideal for sea kayaking and river trips.
– Layer smart: Use moisture-wicking base layers and insulating mid-layers (like fleece or wool). Avoid cotton.
– Protect your extremities: Neoprene gloves or pogies, neoprene boots, and a warm hat or neoprene hood make a big difference.
– Bring a windproof outer layer: Even over a wetsuit, a windproof jacket helps cut the chill.
Ourhotels.is locations are perfect for drying and reorganizing your gear after a day on the water. At Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, for example, you can come back from a chilly paddle, hang your gear to dry, and warm up in comfort before your next outing.
Always Wear a Properly Fitted PFD
A personal flotation device (PFD) is non-negotiable in Icelandic waters.
– Wear it at all times on the water, zipped and tightened.
– Make sure it fits snugly and doesn’t ride up when you lift your arms.
– Use PFDs with pockets to store essentials like a whistle, knife, and small light.
If you’re joining a guided tour near Stykkishólmur Inn or Ísafjörður Inn, your operator will usually provide a PFD. If you’re paddling independently, bring your own or rent from a reputable local outfitter.
Check Weather, Wind, and Tides Before You Launch
Conditions can change quickly, especially along the coast and in fjords.
– Check the forecast: Look at wind speed and direction, precipitation, and temperature.
– Watch the wind: Strong offshore winds can push you away from shore; strong onshore winds can create steep waves.
– Know the tides and currents: In areas like Breiðafjörður near Stykkishólmur, tidal currents can be strong and affect your route and timing.
– Have a “no-go” threshold: Decide in advance what wind speed or wave height is too much for your skill level.
Staying at Stykkishólmur Inn puts you right by Breiðafjörður, one of Iceland’s most scenic kayaking areas. Before you head out, you can check conditions online, then confirm with local operators or staff who know the area well.
Choose Routes That Match Your Skill Level
Iceland offers everything from calm, sheltered bays to challenging open-water crossings and glacial rivers. Be honest about your experience.
– Beginners: Start in sheltered fjords, bays, or calm river sections with a guide.
– Intermediate paddlers: Stick to coastal routes with easy landing spots and predictable conditions.
– Advanced paddlers: Only attempt long crossings or exposed coastlines if you have strong rescue skills and cold-water experience.
Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður is a great base if you’re interested in river kayaking or rafting on the Hvítá river or exploring nearby coastal areas. You can plan shorter, manageable trips and return to the inn each evening to rest and review your next day’s route.
Never Paddle Alone
Solo kayaking in Iceland is risky, even for experienced paddlers.
– Paddle with at least one partner, ideally more.
– Stay within visual and shouting distance of each other.
– Practice group communication signals before you launch.
If you’re traveling alone and want to kayak, consider joining a guided tour. From Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, there are often local operators offering group trips that combine safety, local knowledge, and great scenery.
Carry Essential Safety and Communication Gear
In cold, remote environments, the right gear can make all the difference.
On your person (not just in the kayak):
– Whistle and signal mirror
– Waterproof VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof case
– Small headlamp or strobe light
– Knife and basic first-aid items
– Energy snacks
In your kayak (in dry bags):
– Spare warm clothing and extra gloves/hat
– Emergency blanket or bivy sack
– Tow line and spare paddle
– Pump and sponge (for sit-inside kayaks)
– Simple repair kit (duct tape, cable ties, etc.)
At Ísafjörður Inn, you’re in the heart of the Westfjords, where distances between settlements can be long and conditions can be more remote. Having proper communication gear and a clear emergency plan is especially important here.
Know Basic Rescue Techniques
Before you venture far from shore, you should be comfortable with:
– Wet exits: Getting out of your kayak safely if you capsize.
– Self-rescue: Re-entering your kayak using a paddle float or other method.
– Assisted rescues: Helping a partner back into their kayak.
– Rafting up: Holding kayaks together for stability in rough water.
If you’re not confident with these skills, book a short skills course or choose guided trips. Many operators near Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður offer instruction combined with sightseeing.
Respect Wildlife and the Environment
Iceland’s waters are home to seabirds, seals, and sometimes whales. Enjoy them without disturbing their natural behavior.
– Keep a respectful distance from nesting birds and seal haul-outs.
– Avoid sudden movements or loud noises near wildlife.
– Follow “leave no trace” principles: pack out all trash and avoid damaging fragile shorelines.
From Stykkishólmur Inn, you can explore the island-dotted Breiðafjörður, known for its rich birdlife. A respectful approach ensures these places remain pristine for future visitors.
Plan Your Day Around Safety and Comfort
A safe kayaking trip in Iceland is also about pacing yourself and having a comfortable base to return to.
– Start early: Mornings often have calmer winds and more stable conditions.
– Set turnaround times: Decide when you’ll head back, regardless of how far you’ve gone.
– Build in rest days: Use days with poor weather to relax, explore on land, or soak in hot pools.
This is where Ourhotels.is comes in. Using Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn as your “home bases” in West Iceland and the Westfjords lets you:
– Adjust plans easily based on weather
– Store and dry your gear between outings
– Get local tips on safe routes, guides, and conditions
– Enjoy a hot shower, good sleep, and a hearty breakfast before your next paddle
Using Ourhotels.is as Your Kayaking Hub in West Iceland
Ourhotels.is connects you with comfortable, well-located inns that make kayaking trips smoother and safer:
– Hvítá Inn (Borgarfjörður, near Borgarnes): Ideal for river adventures on the Hvítá and exploring the west coast and inland valleys.
– Stykkishólmur Inn: Perfect for sea kayaking in Breiðafjörður, with its countless islands, birdlife, and sheltered waters.
– Ísafjörður Inn: A great base for exploring the dramatic fjords of the Westfjords, where experienced paddlers can find some of Iceland’s most spectacular routes.
By planning your trip around these three locations, you can experience a variety of kayaking environments—rivers, sheltered bays, and deep fjords—while always having a reliable, warm place to return to.
Kayaking in Iceland can be as safe as it is spectacular when you respect the elements, prepare properly, and choose the right base. With thoughtful planning and the support of comfortable stays like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn through Ourhotels.is, you can focus on what you came for: gliding quietly through Iceland’s wild, unforgettable waters.
