Sit-on-top Kayaking on the Svartá River departing from Bakkaflöt, Varmahlíð

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From€93

2 hrs 15 min

Sporty

From 12 years-old and up

New

Paddle down the Svartá River on a sit-on-top kayak tour from Bakkaflöt, near Varmahlíð in North Iceland, guided in small groups with hot tubs access included!

Sit-on-top Kayaking on the Svartá River departing from Bakkaflöt, Varmahlíð

From€93

2 hrs 15 min

Sporty

From 12 years-old and up

Sit-on-top Kayak Trip | Svartá River – 2h15

From€93

2 hrs 15 min

Sporty

From 12 years-old and up

Instant confirmation

Practical information

A 2h15 sit-on-top kayak descent on the Svartá River in Varmahlíð, navigating gentle rapids and scenic riverbanks in North Iceland.

Internationally experienced guides with a maximum ratio of 5 participants per instructor.
Full technical gear provided, including dry pants, splash jackets, neoprene shoes, helmets, and PFDs.
Complimentary post-activity relaxation in outdoor geothermal hot tubs and swimming pool at Bakkaflöt.

Course of events

Please allow 2 hours and 15 minutes on site for the entire experience.

Welcome & Check-in at reception in Bakkaflöt, Varmahlíð, then proceed to the boathouse with changing facilities (possibility to leave personal belongings in the changing room in the boathouse)
Gear fitting with dry pants, splash jackets, PFDs, neoprene shoes, and helmets, followed by a safety briefing (15 minutes)
Van transfer upstream from Bakkaflöt to the launch site on the banks of the Svartá River (15 minutes)
On-shore paddling instruction covering steering, stroke techniques, and river safety (15 minutes)
Sit-on-top kayak descent down the Svartá River through gentle currents and scenic fords (1 hour 15 minutes)
Arrival at the landing point beside Bakkaflöt, 5-minute walk to the boathouse to return gear, followed by access to outdoor hot tubs and swimming pool (no time restrictions)

Activity requirements

All participants must know how to swim to take part in this activity.

The maximum weight for this activity is 120 kg.

Being in good physical condition is required to take part in this activity.

A minimum number of 2 participants is required to run this activity.

All participants must sign an insurance waiver on-site.

Special terms

This activity is not recommended for pregnant people.

This activity is not accessible for people with disabilities.

Please note that the duration and itinerary of the activity are weather-dependent.

The price is per person. There is one kayak per person.

There are no dry bags during the activity. Personal belongings can be left in the changing room in the boathouse.

If wind or cold conditions are unsafe, the tour may be cancelled.

Pets are not permitted to join in this activity.

Meeting point:

Bakkaflöt - River Rafting in Iceland, Bakkaflöt, 560 Varmahlíð, Island

Spoken languages:

English

Included

Professional instructor
All technical equipment (sit-on-top kayak, paddle)
Helmet
Life jacket (PFD)
Wetsuit, dry pants, splash jacket and neoprene shoes
Access to changing room facilities, toilets, showers and outdoor hot tubs
Free parking
Transfer from the meeting point to the place where the activity will take place

Excluded

Photos and video
Meals, snacks and beverages
Transfer to meeting point
Dry bags

Do not forget to bring

Swimwear
Towel
Change of clothes
Warm clothing
Thermal underwear
Wool socks

From€93

2 hrs 15 min

Sporty

From 12 years-old and up

Instant confirmation

Practical information

A 2h15 sit-on-top kayak descent on the Svartá River in Varmahlíð, navigating gentle rapids and scenic riverbanks in North Iceland.

Internationally experienced guides with a maximum ratio of 5 participants per instructor.
Full technical gear provided, including dry pants, splash jackets, neoprene shoes, helmets, and PFDs.
Complimentary post-activity relaxation in outdoor geothermal hot tubs and swimming pool at Bakkaflöt.

Course of events

Please allow 2 hours and 15 minutes on site for the entire experience.

Welcome & Check-in at reception in Bakkaflöt, Varmahlíð, then proceed to the boathouse with changing facilities (possibility to leave personal belongings in the changing room in the boathouse)
Gear fitting with dry pants, splash jackets, PFDs, neoprene shoes, and helmets, followed by a safety briefing (15 minutes)
Van transfer upstream from Bakkaflöt to the launch site on the banks of the Svartá River (15 minutes)
On-shore paddling instruction covering steering, stroke techniques, and river safety (15 minutes)
Sit-on-top kayak descent down the Svartá River through gentle currents and scenic fords (1 hour 15 minutes)
Arrival at the landing point beside Bakkaflöt, 5-minute walk to the boathouse to return gear, followed by access to outdoor hot tubs and swimming pool (no time restrictions)

Activity requirements

All participants must know how to swim to take part in this activity.

The maximum weight for this activity is 120 kg.

Being in good physical condition is required to take part in this activity.

A minimum number of 2 participants is required to run this activity.

All participants must sign an insurance waiver on-site.

Special terms

This activity is not recommended for pregnant people.

This activity is not accessible for people with disabilities.

Please note that the duration and itinerary of the activity are weather-dependent.

The price is per person. There is one kayak per person.

There are no dry bags during the activity. Personal belongings can be left in the changing room in the boathouse.

If wind or cold conditions are unsafe, the tour may be cancelled.

Pets are not permitted to join in this activity.

Meeting point:

Bakkaflöt - River Rafting in Iceland, Bakkaflöt, 560 Varmahlíð, Island

Spoken languages:

English

Included

Professional instructor
All technical equipment (sit-on-top kayak, paddle)
Helmet
Life jacket (PFD)
Wetsuit, dry pants, splash jacket and neoprene shoes
Access to changing room facilities, toilets, showers and outdoor hot tubs
Free parking
Transfer from the meeting point to the place where the activity will take place

Excluded

Photos and video
Meals, snacks and beverages
Transfer to meeting point
Dry bags

Do not forget to bring

Swimwear
Towel
Change of clothes
Warm clothing
Thermal underwear
Wool socks

July 2026

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Practical information

Meeting point:

Bakkaflöt - River Rafting in Iceland, Bakkaflöt, 560 Varmahlíð, Island

Spoken languages:

English

Cancellation: Super flexible

Weather guarantee:

Free rescheduling or refund if the activity must be cancelled due to bad weather.

100% Secure payment:

By credit card or Paypal

A team of experts:

Here to assist you 7/7

About the activity

Gliding down the gentle currents of the Svartá River on a sit-on-top kayak trip from Varmahlíð offers an immersive way to experience the untamed landscapes of North Iceland. The Svartá River, flowing through the Skagafjörður valley near Varmahlíð, is renowned for its crystal-clear spring waters, making it one of North Iceland's premier hidden waterways for river paddling. Surrounded by sweeping mountain views and vibrant riverbanks, paddlers navigate through calm waters and light, exciting fords. This peaceful journey combines relaxing paddling with gentle adventure, allowing participants to drift through untouched nature while observing local wildlife in its natural habitat.

Your river journey begins at Bakkaflöt, where experienced international guides welcome you and fit you with full technical gear, including dry pants, splash jackets, neoprene shoes, helmets, and personal flotation devices. After a short transfer upstream to the river bank, your guide leads an on-shore instruction session covering steering, stroke techniques, and river safety. On the water, you will paddle down gentle rapids, navigating shallow fords, and floating past dramatic volcanic rock formations. Along the riverbank, keep an eye out for native bird species such as Arctic terns and harlequin ducks nesting in the lush river vegetation. Guided by a professional instructor in small groups, every paddler receives personalized attention and safety support throughout the descent.

Designed for beginners and nature enthusiasts alike, this sit-on-top kayak trip in Svartá river requires no prior kayaking experience, though basic physical fitness and swimming ability are required. The stable, user-friendly sit-on-top kayaks make navigating river currents easy and enjoyable.

Operating daily from June to September, this summer activity concludes back at Bakkaflöt with complimentary access to geothermal hot tubs and a swimming pool. Reserve your sit-on-top kayak trip down Svartá river from Varmahlíð today and prepare to soak in Iceland's natural warm waters after an invigorating river descent!