Whether you are a lover of luxury or a rugged adventurer, visiting Iceland has always been a dream of many travellers. Encompassing active volcanoes, serene lagoons and black sand beaches, there are endless nuances to Iceland’s landscape that place it on the top of every explorer’s bucket list. This not only means that exploration opportunities are endless, but that there are some unique and wonderful sights which will greet you from wherever you look. Hiking has long been one of the favored ways to see these sights, but in recent years, kayak tours in Iceland have been a great new way to take in all that this country has to offer. As a delightful way to combine a thrilling activity with contrasting peaceful surroundings, it is no wonder people have started to take to the water as part of their Icelandic adventure.

1. Kayak Among the Glaciers

When people think of Iceland, the first image that pops into their head is an endless scene of sparkling glaciers. While hiking along these glaciers offers stunning panoramas and photo opportunities, you can weave around these majestic ice formations with ease through the water. Some of the most famous glaciers include the extensive Vatnajökull Glacier, but this can sometimes take over seven hours to reach from Reykjavik. This is why recent trips to the equally breath-taking Sólheimajökull glacier have been catching the eyes of avid kayakers, as it can be reached from the capital in a mere two-and-a-half-hour drive. 

As you escape the crowds, you can marvel at the sloping glaciers, which catch the sunlight in ways that cannot be captured by any photograph. In this intimate setting, you can indulge in your surroundings and breathe in the fresh air, knowing your trip is a rare but beautiful experience. If you are a budding explorer, you don’t have to worry about being an expert as kayaking. The Kayaking by the Glacier tour is a fun and easy sit on top kayaking adventure that will guide you through the calm waters of Sólheimajökull’s glacier lagoon to see these gigantic icebergs in all their glory.

2. Experience the Summer Lagoons

Winter is an ideal time to visit Iceland for many; with stark, silver seas and the sparkling blue ice caves pulling people in, it is no surprise it is so popular. However, that isn’t to say that Iceland can’t be enjoyed in the summer season. When the ice begins to thaw, and a luscious green decorates the seaside cliffs, kayaking becomes a feast for the senses. During this time, many of the country’s lagoons have calm waters, where glaciers remain despite the change in temperature. 

Among the spectacular waters to kayak in Iceland is the most recently formed Sólheimajökull glacier lagoon. Here, glaciers form a perpetual part of the landscape, which is as wonderful to kayak on in summer as it is during winter. When viewed alongside some other scenic wonders along the southern coast, your trip becomes complete. Important sights to note are the famed Skógafoss Waterfall, and the mystical black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, all of which can be seen on the South Coast and Glacier Kayak tour.

3. Keep Your Heart Racing 

For many adventurers, the promise of kayaking in Iceland is not the same without having a glacier walk to accompany it. Over the Sólheimajökull glacier, you can find views filled with sprawling lagoons and floating glaciers from a different perspective. In fact, it is said that you can see volcanic ash scattered in the air from past eruptions, which marks a delightful contrast to the pearly white glaciers and gleaming lagoon. 

On the Glacier Walk and Kayak Combo tour, you embark with boots on your feet and ice axes in hand. Participating in glacier walks will get your blood pumping and your cheeks glowing in the cold. When combined with a kayak tour over the waters of the Sólheimajökull lagoon, you can catch sights of the glaciers that are inaccessible by land and foot. Feeling both relaxed and invigorated, you can continue your Icelandic adventure with some amazing memories in mind.