Discover the wild beauty of the North from water level.
Sea kayaking in the temperate regions of Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Norway offers a unique and immersive way to explore these rugged and remote landscapes. Glide beneath towering sea cliffs, navigate through serene fjords, and venture into hidden sea caves, all while taking in dramatic scenery and coastal wildlife at water level.
Our purpose-built expedition ships serve as your comfortable basecamp, with dedicated space for our premium kayaking equipment to ensure a seamless adventure from ship to shore.
What's Involved
Created by kayakers for kayakers, our temperate sea kayaking program is crafted to help you build skills, connect with passionate guides, and experience these remarkable destinations from a new perspective.
‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. Weather permitting, the sea kayaking activity is normally available anytime the other expeditioners go out. Rather than travelling large distances, our aim is to ensure you see as much as possible. We paddle between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, often offering a combination of both kayaking and onshore landings so you won’t miss out.
Travelling in small groups (up to 10 per guide), you’ll navigate into secluded coves and along coastlines that larger vessels can’t reach, offering a quieter, more intimate way to encounter nature and wildlife.
As with all outdoor activities, conditions play a big part in shaping the adventure. A flexible, adventurous mindset is key, as your kayaking opportunities will depend on the local weather and sea conditions.
Please note:
- Kayakers must be 14 years or over. A Parent or Guardian’s signature is required for participants between 14 and 18 years old.
- There is upper size limit in the drysuits we provide onboard. If you cannot find a suitable size within our range and you would like to bring your own, please contact our Activity Specialist to discuss in more detail.
- Travel Insurance is mandatory on all Aurora Expeditions voyages. An additional policy or premium may be required to ensure you have adequate coverage for this activity.
What You'll See
All of our Expert Guides are professional kayak instructors with extensive experience leading trips around the world. Each has been carefully selected for their deep passion for kayaking.
Kayaking offers one of the most immersive and rewarding ways to explore the stunning coastlines we visit, allowing you to truly connect with the wild and remote destinations along your journey.
Required Experience & Fitness
The level of experience required differs slightly depending on the region you are visiting. For all trips, a basic level of sea kayak experience is required, equivalent to that gained in a half day Paddle Australia “Intro Sea Skills” course. You do not need to be an expert or know how to roll; however, it is encouraged that you are comfortable in a sea kayak in the ocean, and are required to be able to swim, have a moderate level of physical fitness, and no medical conditions that prevent you from safely participating. We are happy to assist you with any preparation you may need or want prior to your voyage.
Our guides do not offer instructional classes for beginners. Therefore, the sea kayaking option is unsuitable for complete novices. If your experience is limited, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your suitability. There is often ample time to gain the required experience before you depart.
You should be fit enough to paddle for 15 minutes without stopping at a moderate pace, for up to three hours at a time with breaks. We encourage a moderate level of fitness and recent kayaking experience as much as possible.
Your guide will assess your ability on the initial paddle, and if you have insufficient experience, they reserves the right to restrict your participation in rougher conditions.
Weather Conditions
The northern waters in Scotland, Faroes, Iceland and Norway are warmer than the polar regions but water temperatures of around 12 °C/ 53.6°F mean you may opt to wear your paddle jacket on a warm, sunny day or our dry suits on a cool day. Surf landings are not likely, but you must be capable of paddling in a small swell or wind chop, with winds up to 20 knots. With that being said, we will not paddle if wind conditions are too strong and there is no sheltered area for paddling.
What to Bring
Gear Provided
Aurora Expeditions supplies everything you need for kayaking, including:
Kayak with rudder and skeg
Werner paddle
Safety gear & PFD (men’s and women’s)
15L dry bag
Neoprene boots (sizes 4–14)
GORE-TEX dry suit with waterproof socks (men’s and women’s)
Pogies (insulated mitts for your paddle)
Aurora Expeditions will provide kayak booties and dry suits. Below is the measurement chart for the sizes we provide. If you prefer to bring your own dry suit for this activity, please contact our Activity Specialist to discuss the suitability of your equipment.
If you cannot find a suitable size from the options available and you do not have your own custom dry suit, unfortunately we will be unable to accommodate you for this activity.
What to Pack
For comfort under your dry suit, we recommend:
2 pairs of warm socks
Thermal base layer (top and bottoms)
Mid-weight long-sleeved top
See the Temperate Kayaking Flyers for full gear recommendations.
How to Book
The Sea Kayaking activity is available for an additional surcharge and includes guided excursions and kayaking equipment. Fares for this activity start from US$900, AU$1,250, £460 or €550.
Prices are indicative only and are variable. They are calculated based on the days of voyage, ability to carry out the activity and exchange rates.
If you’d like to add kayaking to your expedition, contact us or speak with your preferred travel advisor. Please note, spaces are limited.
Top reasons to choose Sea Kayaking
See wildlife unobtrusively
Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to observe seabirds like puffins and gannets, curious seals, and other coastal wildlife without intrusion.
Better access
Access intimate bays and coves that bigger crafts can't reach.
Knowledgeable guides
Our experienced sea kayak guides will help bring each destination to life, sharing local insights as you paddle through breathtaking seascapes.
Balance adventure with indulgence
Staying active each day means you can fully enjoy the delicious meals prepared by our expert chefs — guilt-free.
Enhance your experience
Add another layer to your once-in-a-lifetime holiday and make the most out of your time in some of the most remote places on earth.
It’s pure fun!
Discover the joy of paddling as you explore some of the world’s wildest and most spectacular coastlines from the water.
Featured Sea Kayaking Itineraries
Discovery Expedition
Scotland
Wild Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords
14 Days
AUD
$21,671
From
$28,895
per person
twin share
Discovery Expedition
Scotland
Wild Scotland
12 Days
AUD
$17,995
per person
twin share
Temperate Sea Kayaking FAQs
There are 20 paces available and our guide to paddler ratio is 1:10 and we provide an accompanying safety Zodiac.
Kayakers must be 14 or over. Parent or Guardian’s signature is required for participants between 14 and 18 years old.
How often should I expect to paddle?
Sea kayaking is offered in place of regular shore excursions. We aim to paddle as often as possible. Depending on the voyage, we generally aim to paddle twice per day.
Can I carry anything in the kayak?
We will give you a drybag for extra clothing, binoculars and anything that needs to be kept dry. You should also carry a water bottle. We recommend bringing a waterproof camera or phone, or ensuring you have a good quality waterproof case.
If the weather changes during our outing we will head back to the ship and perhaps join a shore excursion. The ship’s captain, expedition leader and kayak guide always maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. We do not attempt to paddle too far away from the ship. The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances.
The kayaks are made with a hard plastic and are easily paddled in swell and conducting shore landings, and through small patches of brash ice. We manoeuvre around the larger ice chunks and floes.
Kayakers in wild temperate regions will have a unique wildlife experience, with possible encounters with seals and basking sharks. You will have the opportunity to view some of the largest sea bird colonies in the northern hemisphere.
In the unlikely event of a capsize, your experienced guide will assist by righting the kayak, stabilising it then pumping it out. Paddlers will re-enter with the guide’s help, or with a support Zodiac. With drysuits and warm clothing underneath you will be comfortable in cold water for up to half an hour. Note that the kayaks have separate compartments with bulkheads, which means they will float after a capsize.
No. Each kayaking place is for one person only. We value a program style that maintains participants through trip to maximise skill progression, group bonding and dynamics, and minimise wasted time with briefings and equipment tryouts.