Sea kayaking in Lofoten

Paddling reaches bays, islets and fjord arms that cannot be seen from the road, and several operators run trips under the midnight sun or in winter.

Visit Lofoten's paddling areas: Reinefjorden (sheltered by high mountains; tours with Reine Paddling, Saga Adventures Lofoten from Hamnøy, or Reine Rorbuer); Ballstad (shielded by small islands; Lofoten Diving); Eggum on the outer coast (Northern Explorer); Sandvika and Ørsvågvær near Kabelvåg (Lofoten Aktiv, XXLofoten); Svolvær harbour for beginners (XXLofoten, Go2Lofoten); and Skrova island (Skrova Kayak Adventures).

Year-round according to Visit Lofoten: late May to mid-July brings the midnight sun; winter paddling is possible when it is not too cold or windy. Go2Lofoten's listed season is June–October.

Listed durations: Go2Lofoten and XXLofoten 2 hours; Saga Adventures, Reine Paddling, Lofoten Diving (Ballstad) and Skrova Kayak Adventures (summer) 3 hours; Skrova in winter 2 hours; Lofoten Aktiv half-day about 4 hours from pick-up to return in Svolvær.

Guided tours take beginners. Listing details: XXLofoten takes children over 10 who can swim, with an adult; Saga Adventures asks under-14s to contact them first; Go2Lofoten listing age field 6; Skrova groups up to 10; Lofoten Aktiv requires valid travel insurance covering its activities.

• Reine Paddling: 3-hour guided double-kayak trip on Reinefjorden from Catogården, Reine; listed NOK 1,350 adults, NOK 1,250 children and students.
• Saga Adventures Lofoten: 3-hour guided trip on Reinefjord from its pier in Hamnøy; stable double kayaks; listed NOK 1,245.
• Reine Rorbuer: Guided kayak tours on Reinefjorden, including a 3-hour midnight sun tour.
• Lofoten Diving (Ballstad): 3-hour guided kayak tours from Skarsjyveien 67, Ballstad; warm suit and life vest included; listed NOK 990.
• Northern Explorer: Guided kayak tours at Eggum, named by Visit Lofoten for midnight sun and northern lights paddling.
• XXLofoten: 2-hour beginner trip in double kayaks from its base in Svolvær harbour; listed NOK 1,095; also winter kayaking.
• Go2Lofoten: 2-hour guided tour from Svolvær, June–October, no experience needed; listed NOK 795.
• Lofoten Aktiv: Half-day sea kayak trip with pick-up at Svolvær tourist office at 10:00, about 4 hours; listed NOK 1,425.
• Skrova Kayak Adventures: Guided tours from Heimbrygga near the ferry quay on Skrova; 3 hours in summer (NOK 1,100), 2 hours in winter (NOK 1,250); up to 10 paddlers.

• Independent rental needs a Wet Card; without one, join a guided tour (Visit Lofoten).
• Visit Lofoten asks paddlers to follow the Norwegian Maritime Authority's paddling safety guidelines: wear an approved buoyancy aid, dress for the water temperature, check the forecast, stay with the boat if you capsize and keep clear of other vessels.