Adventures of Sea

A watery region

As the name ‘Westfjords’ suggests there is a lot to explore by water in the region. What we lack in navigable rivers we make up for with endless bays, inlets, islands, and long, snaking, mountain-framed fjords.

The Westfjords region is fast gaining popularity with visiting yachts and is a recognised stop on both the Arctic and transatlantic leisure sailing routes. And that’s not to mention the dozens of cruise ships visiting each summer.

You don’t need to have your own boat to enjoy the water, however. From simple kayak hire and dinghy sailing, up to chartered yacht trips and sea angling, there is something for everyone.

You may decide to arrive in the Westfjords with the Baldur ferry from Stykkishólmur: a lovely hop across Breiðafjörður, with a short stop on charming Flatey island. If you later take the wise decision to visit Vigur island or the Hornstrandir nature reserve, you will probably need to take a boat from either Bolungarvík or Ísafjörður. More than just a ferry, these comfortable and fast boats are part of the joy.

Plenty of fish in the sea

You can join the crew of a real commercial fishing boat for the day in Suðureyri, or you can take special sea angling trips from places including Flateyri, Súðavík, and Patreksfjörður.

Sailing yacht trips from Ísafjörður can also take you to Vigur and Hornstrandir...or as far afield as Greenland and Jan Mayen!

Trips at sea don’t need to have a destination. You can also take whale watching, seal watching and bird watching tours in the Westfjords – or take a speed boat thrill ride if the desire takes you.

Two things that are worth remembering, and which make the Westfjords special, are that sheltered fjords have sheltered water – so don’t expect to get too seasick. Also, fjords have long coastlines, so travel by boat is sometimes quicker than by car.

Bon voyage!