Guided Kayak Tour, 4 Hours

A guided kayak trip on the water around Bergen, just over four hours in all. Paddlers move at a relaxed pace along the shoreline and harbour, with the city and its surrounding hills in view for much of the route. Instruction and equipment are included, so no experience is needed to join, and the guide keeps the group together throughout.

Overview

You meet the guide outside the tourist information office at Strandkaien 3, ten minutes before start time, and look for someone holding a Fjord Expedition sign. From there the group travels to the launch site, gets waterproof clothing and a safety briefing, and heads out in mostly double kayaks. No previous kayaking experience is needed.

The route runs through open water and narrower channels between islands, with cottages, bridges and birdlife along the way. Reviewers describe the scenery as a mix of quiet nature and residential coastline. There is a break on the water with local homemade lefse and apple juice.

The group is capped at eight travellers, which keeps the day manageable on the water. The tour runs in rain and shine, since the operator notes the weather around the islands is often better than in Bergen itself, and paddling in the rain is part of the local experience. It ends back at the original meeting point, with transport both ways arranged for you.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Strandkaien 3Meet the guide outside the main door of Bergen Tourist Information at Strandkaien 3, on street level, ten minutes before the tour starts. Look for the Fjord Expedition sign.
2. Van transfer to launch siteTravel by air-conditioned vehicle from Bergen centre out to the kayak launch site on the coast.
3. Gear up and safety briefingGet fitted with waterproof clothing and receive instructions before boarding the kayaks, which are mostly doubles.
4. Guided paddle among the isletsPaddle through open water and narrow channels around the Øygarden islets, with the guide sharing stories, local history and points of interest along the way.
5. Snack break on the waterStop for a break with local homemade lefse and local apple juice.
6. Return paddle and transfer backPaddle back to the launch site and travel by van to the meeting point, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the day, based on the listing and what past travellers have reported.

• What to bring. Waterproof jackets, pants, gloves and hats are provided, and one reviewer noted fleeces were also available. That same traveller suggested water shoes are not needed but help at the midway rest point.
• Fitness and pace. The tour is easy enough for beginners and interesting for more experienced paddlers, and one reviewer said the guide accommodated all levels and ages. The physical demand is what an average adult can manage. Paddle time itself runs roughly two and a half hours, according to one review.
• Group feel. The group is limited to eight travellers, and one reviewer said the small size left lots of time for questions and stories.
• Food and drink. Local homemade lefse and local apple juice are included as the snack. Some reviewers also described fresh caught fish and homemade waffles, though the listed inclusion is the lefse and juice.
• Weather. The tour goes in rain and shine, and the operator notes the weather around the islands is usually better than in Bergen city. Several reviewers paddled through on-and-off rain and said it did not affect the trip, since full rain gear is handed out across the board.
• Photos and scenery. Reviewers reported glassy water, narrow channels, cottages, birdlife, jellyfish and crabs. One traveller noted the route passes houses and bridges as well as nature, so expect a mix rather than pure wilderness.

Common issues. The listing states the tour is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for travellers with back problems or pregnancy, and is not recommended for anyone above 120 kg (260 lb). One reviewer expected more open nature and islands and found the route included a lot of houses and bridges. Weather can vary, and while the operator says trips run in rain and shine, poor weather severe enough to cancel means a different date or a full refund. Cut-offs for cancellation and changes are based on local time, and changes within 24 hours of start are not accepted.

Common Questions