Ísafjörður: 3-Day Holiday Package Solar Eclipse Wild Camp

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. The highlight of this adventure is witnessing the solar eclipse in the wilderness, making this journey even more unforgettable.

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 Oystercatchers 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 and experience this once in a lifetime celestial event. 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.

Day 1

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

Day 2

We enjoy a hearty breakfast and then we’re off! Today we explore the stunning island of Vigur and the rocky peninsula of Hvítanes. Circumnavigating 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 for our lunch break. 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!

Getting back into our kayaks, we will head towards our location to witness the eclipse. We will have time for an afternoon break on the coastline, prior to getting back out to our best spot to view the eclipse around 5.30pm. After witnessing this phenomenon, we will retreat back to camp, for a warm cooked dinner in the returning light.

Distance: 18 km

Day 3

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

What do I need to bring? (Full list)

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. Please select this option and select your size during the booking process. Please select this option during the booking process.