Paddling in Serene Fjords
Iceland

Paddling in the Hvalfjorour fjord, in western Iceland, you’re surrounded by mountains that rise more than 960m (3,200 ft.) above the sea. The water is quiet and the scenery dramatic along the coastline. Sneaking in a few hours of sea kayaking, within an easy drive (approximately 24km/15 miles) from Reykjavik, will make your trip to Iceland all the more memorable. Getting out of the city and into the throes of nature is a sure fire way to excite the explorer in you.

Arctic Adventures, who run kayaking expeditions, also run an adventurous 5-day Fire Island Exploration trip throughout the summer, which includes river rafting, sea kayaking, snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure, as well as horseback riding, hiking, and visits to the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. A trip with them is anything but boring.

If you’re interested in exploring Iceland from the water but don’t want to do all the work yourself, call a yacht home base. Check into Borea Adventures’ trip on the 18m (60-ft.) Aurora, which travels to the remote fjords and coves of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve (www.ust.is) in the West Fjords of northwest Iceland, a perfect jumping-off point for sea kayaking tours. Here, you can paddle all day between anchorages or take the kayaks onboard and sail to different locations. The bird cliffs and lush valleys ensure vivid scenery. While kayaking or hiking along the coast or in the mountains, be sure to keep an eye out for arctic foxes, seals, whales, and porpoises. Your stops will include Hornbjarg bird cliffs, Vigur Puffin Island, Leirufjörður with Drangajökull ice cap and glacier river, and Reykjanes hot springs. Even if your yacht outing does not offer a formal sea kayaking trip, there will likely be kayaks onboard. For travelers looking to be more self-reliant, Borea Adventures also offers kayak trips where guests camp in the fjords and bays of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. While previous paddling experience isn’t vital, you need to be in good physical condition to take these trips.

Steam rises from the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

During Iceland’s summer, you can go hiking or biking among frozen lava flows, glaciers, and lakes. Take a whale-watching tour and look for minke, blue, and humpback whales, dolphins, and harbor porpoises. You can also go riding on sure-footed horses that will take you over grassy plains, up and down rocky slopes, through rivers, and over fields of rough lava. You can play golf under the midnight sun, go caving, canoeing, diving, and trekking. Your outfitter will be determined by which activities you’re looking for. Visit Iceland (see below) can recommend operators who specialize in the various sports and tours. Iceland has a reputation for being cold, but with all these adventurous options, you’re sure to find something that warms your heart. —LF

Visit Iceland (www.visiticeland.com).

TOURS: Arctic Adventures, Laugavegur 11, #101 ( 354/562-7000; www.adventures.is/Iceland/Kayaking). Borea Adventures, Hildarvegur 38, 400 Isafjordur ( 354/869-7557; www.boreaadventures.com).

When to Go: Summer.

Reykjavik.

$$$ Icelandia, Tungata 34 ( 354/534-0444; www.icelandia.com). $$$ CenterHotel Klöpp, Klapparstígur 26 ( 354/595-8520; www.centerhotels.com).