The Lofoten Islands of Northern Norway are one of the best destinations for sea kayaking in the world. The sheer variety on offer will provide any kayaker with more adventures than you could poke a paddle at!
The waters of the Vestfjorden are filled with life above and below the waves. Orca return year on year to mate in the Tysfjorden. Blue, humpback, minke whales and tens of species of dolphins are commonly sighted around these shores. Sea eagles provide fantastic entertainment as they dive for their prey.
Owing to their location, both ocean currents and tides stream past and between these islands, making passage planning imperative. The Lofoten boast’s two of the world’s biggest maelstroms to the south of MoskenesÆya and the north of Raftsundet.
There is quite literally a lifetimes worth of kayaking exploration here.
The Fleet
Polar Bear has a fleet of 6 folding sea kayaks offering her guests the opportunity to explore these fantastic islands at a different pace.
The boats are Feathercraft K1 (single) and K2 Expedition (double) kayaks which are recognised as the standard for quality and seaworthiness. Similar craft have been used to paddle through the North West Passage, around Cape Horn and countless other journeys.
We have chosen Feathercraft for their strength, stability, payload (up to 175kg) and comfortable cockpit. We find that these boats are easy to operate for beginners, yet highly capable of long open water passages for those who want a bigger challenge.
Mothership Kayaking
Combining sailing and sea kayaking makes us quite unique. Polar Bear will take us quickly and safely across large bodies of water and the kayaks can get that much closer to explore the shoreline. Sailing through the night will enable us to cover much more of the island chain providing very different paddling scenery each day.
What’s more, we can take you to more sheltered waters when the weather breaks, maximising your time on the water and making the whole experience more relaxing.
Of course, a hot evening meal will be waiting onboard at the end of every day!