Westfjords Day Tours

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Kayaking

Hiking

Biking

Ski Touring

Wildlife

Our Adventures

Day Tours 

A boat trip into the stunning Ísafjarðardjúp, in search of whales and other wildlife. 

  
Join us on our fully fitted boat Síf, where we depart from Isafjordur and journey out into the surrounding Isafjarðardjúp fjord. Here we will look out for the blows of distant whales, and our expert captain will take you as close as possible without causing disturbance to the whales. The fjord is bursting with life, and there is the possibility of seeing humpback and minke whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises. We will search for the humpback, as they are one of the few species of whale which flashes you their tail on a dive, an incredible sight to see! You are also likely to see the many puffins in the water which nest on nearby Vigur and Æðey islands. On very rare occasions, killer whales (orcas) will also pass through the area. On our trip will be our experienced boat crew, and a guide to share with you their extensive knowledge of the local wildlife and area. 

We will use our trips as an opportunity to add to the ongoing research on the whale population in the area, and guests are therefore encouraged to contribute to this by taking photos of the whales flukes (tails) for identification. 

  
We have a very high rate of sightings within the area, however, as we are observing wild animals, we cannot guarantee we will see whales on every tour.

Whale Watching in Ísafjarðardjúp 

Join us for a fun half-day trip exploring the fjord in all its glory. This is a beginner friendly trail with stunning views across the fjord and beyond. The town of Ísafjörður sits below steep mountain sides and is therefore exposed to avalanche risk during the winter time. Because of this, there are big walls in certain places to protect houses below. During the summer time, it’s a lot of fun to explore the barriers on a mountain bike. The avalanche barriers along with the forests and open trails combine to make a great mountain biking route above the town. Our guides will be sure to give you all the assistance you need as well as tell tales of life in Ísafjörður, history of the area and perhaps some local gossip!

Around the Walls

Combine our classic tours Calm Water Kayaking and Around the Walls to create a full day of activities. The shores of the fjord are a great place to see the wildlife. Expect to see Arctic Terns, Eider Ducks, Cormorants and Black Guillemots as well as the curious seal colony which lives at the end of the fjord. Enjoy paddling along this easy route under the towering mountains which surround the fjord, and see our wonderful town from a unique perspective. We take a break for lunch before donning our helmets and hitting the trail. We ride along the mountain sides on easy trails and through the rare Icelandic ‘forest’. The views across the water are stunning and on a clear day we’ll see across the ocean to the snowy mountains of the Snæfjallaströnd coastline. This tour very beginner friendly and is suitable for families. Our guides will be there to help you every step of the way. The mountain bike trail is easy to ‘mix and match’ meaning we can include or avoid certain sections depending on ability.

Bike and Kayak Combo

A wonderful experience for beginners and veterans alike, this tour takes you paddling just beneath the magnificent mountains that tower over our small town. This trip is a perfect half-day activity. Experience the majesty of our fjord from a unique angle. Our guides will be sure to tell stories of history, folklore and life in a small town close to the arctic circle. During the summer, we can expect to see many sea birds including Oystercatchers, Arctic Terns, Eider ducks and of course the curious colony of seals who call Ísafjörður their home.

Calm Water Kayaking

Experience the wonders of Önundarfjörður, Iceland, in a single day of kayaking adventure. Nestled in the scenic Westfjords region and just a stone's throw away from Ísafjörður, this journey combines serene beauty, wildlife encounters, and the joy of paddling through pristine waters.

Fjord Discovery 

Embark on an unforgettable hike through Hornstrandir, one of Iceland’s most secluded and awe-inspiring nature reserves. Discover the unspoiled beauty of this wilderness as you explore the towering Hornbjarg bird cliffs, home to countless seabirds, and soak in the breathtaking views of Hornvík Bay. Whether you’re a passionate hiker or a lover of nature, this adventure offers a chance to immerse yourself in the untouched majesty of Iceland’s wild North.

If you only have one day to spend in Hornstrandir, deciding where to go can be a challenge. With natural beauty in every direction, it’s not easy to choose. However, Hornvík Bay stands out as a top choice for many visitors—and it’s our top recommendation for anyone asking, “What’s the best place to explore in a day?”

Hornvík provides an unparalleled experience, making it a must-visit for those with limited time in this extraordinary nature reserve. After a full day of adventure, unwind on the scenic boat ride back to town, reflecting on your journey while enjoying a refreshing snack and drink.

Hornvík is more than just a destination—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature, relax in an untouched setting, and experience Iceland’s unparalleled beauty in a way that few ever do.

Highlights of Hornvík Bay

The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a truly special place. At the very north of the Westfjords, it is knocking on the door of the Arctic Circle and has a very ‘out there’ feeling, as the only way to get there is by boat. There have been no permanent residents on the peninsula since the early fifties and so it’s very raw and untouched. This tour is a perfect way to explore Hornstrandir if one day is all you have. We explore a very remote part of the peninsula which includes pristine hiking, breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. To top it off, we have a delicious home cooked dinner in a beautifully restored farmhouse which was originally built in 1921\. For years, an Arctic Fox family has had their den in the farmhouse’s backyard and the cubs usually get curious when guests appear.

Hornstrandir Panorama

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife, featuring rugged landscapes and diverse flora. You’ll find hardy mosses and colourful wildflowers thriving here, along with the chance to spot elusive Arctic fox, harbour seals, and various bird species.

As you explore the area around Hesteyri, your guide will share stories about its past inhabitants and industrial history while keeping an eye out for local wildlife. Whether you prefer hiking or simply enjoying the views, Hornstrandir promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.

While we can’t guarantee sightings of the foxes, there’s plenty to appreciate in this remote paradise!

  
The only way to explore Hornstrandir is to travel by boat, the journey to our destination is a great way to experience the isolation of this place and its impressive landscape.

Arriving in Hesteyri, we get the chance to hike in pristine nature, observe wildlife, and search for the elusive Arctic foxes. After this, you will enjoy an early dinner of traditional fish soup at the historic Doctors house, followed by Icelandic pancakes for dessert\*.

Please [drop us an email](mailto:info@borea.is) if you’re interested and want to know more!

\*Please note that depending on the conditions, the pancakes and soup may be split to two different times of the day.

Wildlife & Heritage of Hesteyri

Our Day Tours

Day Tours

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Borea Adventures is a fully licensed adventure guiding company based in Ísafjörður, the heart of the Westfjords of Iceland. We are adventurers.

Skarfur Elvar Otkelsson <seo@icefloe.travel>