4 Top Rated Options – Best Kayaking In Reine Lofoten (2026)
Looking for the best way to explore the beautiful Reine Fjord up close and personal – in a kayak? Lucky for you, I live a stone’s throw away from this magnificent fjord, and I obviously have explored it in a bright red kayak on a stunning, calm spring day in May.
The Reine Fjord is a small fjord, and depending on the direction of the wind, it can be a calm oasis or a fierce place with little white borders on top of the waves.
The fjord can be a safe haven for orcas, so you can meet them here occasionally (although most often they swim by outside the fjord).
In Reine, there are four companies offering kayak tours in the Reine Fjord and adjacent areas. Which one you should choose depends a bit on where you are staying, when you want to go, and how long (and what kind of) tour you want.
Kayaking In The Spectacular Reine Fjord
The Reine Fjord is located inside Reine, Sakrisøy Island, and Hamnøy Island, lying like beads on a chain in between the majestic mountains Olstid, Festvågtind, and the most famous one, Reinebringen (that is where the sherpa stairs are).
The four different companies offering kayak tours from are located in Hamnøy, Reine, and Sakrisøy Islands, respectfully. They all have great reviews, and they offer slightly different experiences.
Let’s get into it.
1. Saga Adventures in Hamnøy Under Majestic Olstind Mountain
Saga Adventures Lofoten is located on Hamnøy Island in Reine (3 km from the village center), by the mouth of Reine Fjord, beneath the looming Olstind Mountain.
Saga Adventures is run by Roman, a sparkling Spanish guy who has found his way to these Arctic Islands, where he and his guides offer tours almost year-round.
Hamnøy is a great starting point for kayaking right into the fjord, especially if you stay in one of the fishermen’s cabins in Hamnøy or on Sakrisøy Island (the next island out).
During the summer high season, there are morning, afternoon, and midnight sun tours, as well as hiking tours.
One of the tours crosses the fjord to Vindstad, where you take a short but stunning hike to Bunes Beach within Lofoten Natural Park.
In the winter season, Saga Adventures also offers snowshoe tours if you want to explore the surrounding spectacular mountains during the Polar Night.
On Hamnøy Island, you also find Eliassen Rorbuer (the iconic red fishermen’s cabins) Gadus Restaurant, and Maritime Munchies creating great vibes with music, fish and chips, and a small bar in the summer.
Also read: 11 Best Things To Do In Reine Lofoten
2. Reine Adventure on Sakrisøy Island
Sakrisøy Island is home to the famous yellow rorbus, fishermen’s cabins, as well as Sakrisøy Rorbuer and Anitas Seafood, which is infamous for its excellent fish soup.
This is also where you’ll find the Reine Adventure kayak company (and more).
Reine Adventures has been taking travelers kayaking in the beautiful waters around Reine for more than 20 years, and loves to share the raw beauty of the fjord with you.
They offer small-group tours for up to 6 guests per guide and can also customize tours for you and your party. You can choose from two-, three-, or four-hour tours, and Reine Adventures also offers kayak-and-hiking trips and overnight trips for outdoorsy travelers.
For each tour, the guides will decide the route based on current weather and the group’s experience, which are essential factors, but they always aim to ensure you get up close and personal with the life in the Reine Fjord.
On Sakrisøy, you also find Restaurant Underhuset, a super charming place with a Mexican-Norwegian fusion menu that is open in the evenings for dinner. Totally recommend!
Also read: Ultimate Lofoten Islands Travel Guide From A Local
3. Reine Paddling in Catogården Reine Center
Reine Paddling is located in the small village center of Reine, where all tours begin at the Catogarden Guesthouse. The offer small group tours, mainly for 3-8 people which creates a personalized and intimate experience.
Every tour is slightly different with Reine Paddling, and your guide will choose a route based on group size and the current weather conditions (there are a lot of weather to consider in Lofoten, as well as wind and current).
Around Reine there are many areas to explore, the amazingly beautiful fjords, majestic mountains, and our small islands with jellyfish swimming near, and lots of seaweed to collect and sample.
You can bring your own kayak; in that case, the tour costs 380 Norwegian Kroner (2025).
Reine Paddle has a 24-hour cancellation policy. Dont worry, tours will not be canceled because of cloudy skies and light rain, but with heavy rain, strong winds and storms.
Conditions during which a kayaking adventure will be a bit more exciting than you wanted, anyway.
No minimum age for kids, but kids needs to pair up with an adult in a tandem kayak.
PS: Catogården in the center of Reine is also a B&B, and they have morning yoga, and an outdoor jacuzzi to heat back up in, if that sounds like a good end to a day on the water.
4. Reine Rorbuer Kayaking
Reine Rorbuer Kayaking is also located in the center of Reine, organized by the small fishermans cabin resort located right beside the small village square.
On excursions with Reine Rorbuer kayaking, you’ll also get up close to the dramatic landscape of Lofoten and have an experience of a lifetime.
You’ll meet your tour guide for the day at the reception of Reine Rorbuer.
The guide will walk you through all the safety information, teaching you all you need to know to stay safe and comfortable before embarking on your paddling adventure in Lofoten even without prior experience.
As you paddle out into the fjord, you’ll start with the Reine harbor, and moving on through all the small islands with bird colonies, wild shores, and white beaches, all surrounded by majestic mountains.
Depending on the weather conditions, the guide will take you around the nearby islands (Reine, Sakrisøy, and Hamnøy) or into Reinefjorden.
Minimum age requirement: 12 years.
Everything You Need to Know Before Kayaking in Reine Fjord
How to Dress for Kayaking
Dressing appropriately can make or break your kayaking experience, especially in Lofoten’s unpredictable weather and cold waters (yes, even in summer).
So come prepared!
Clothing Basics
- Layers are key: Start with moisture-wicking base layers (avoid cotton), add a warm mid-layer and finish with a wind- and waterproof outer shell. Dressing in layers, you can easily adapt to changing weather and wind conditions.
- Dress for the water temp, not just the air: Even in summer, fjord waters stay cold (and you will be really close), so think about thermal or moisture-wicking gear under your outer shells.
- Wetsuit or drysuit: Guided tours usually provide wetsuits or drysuits for tour participants. These will protect you if you get splashed, or even if you capsize (however unlikely).
- Head and hands: A warm windproof hat and paddling gloves help keep you comfortable when it’s cool or windy. You need your hands to work to capture those incredible shots of the nature around you.
Footwear
- Water-friendly shoes: Neoprene booties or water shoes with good grip are ideal; bare feet or flip-flops are not recommended. Most kayaking companies will also provide neoprene booties for you along with the rest of the equipment.
Sun Protection
- Even on cool days, UV reflection from the water can be strong. Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and UV sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes. (REI)
What to Bring on Your Kayak Trip
Packing the right gear keeps you both safe and comfortable on the fjord, both equally important for a great day.
Essentials
- Water & snacks: Even though kayaking is a very relaxing and should not be exhausting, you should stay hydrated and fueled on a physically active day.
- Dry bag: You are clever to bring a waterproof bag for essentials like your phone and camera, things that does not like moisture very much.
- Spare clothing: A larger dry bag is also good for bringing extra warm clothes for after your trip. In fact, whatever you do in the Arctic, spare (warm) clothes are always a smart thing to bring.
Helpful Extras
- Camera or GoPro: Reine’s scenery is world-class — and kayaking gives unique photo opportunities.
- Waterproof phone case: Even if you have a dry bag, you will probably want to have your phone ready at hand. A waterproof phone cage is super for capturing every moment without risking your phone.
- Paddling gloves & hat: For colder days or if you’re out for a longer trip.
Kayaking Safety & Practical Tips
Even in calm fjords, it’s important to be mindful of safety.
- Check weather forecast & tides: The conditions in our fjords can change quickly. The guide will take responsiblity for your safety and weather assessment, but you can also stay informed.
- Dont push your limits: Reine Fjord has calm stretches perfect for beginners but strong winds can quickly develop. If you are not a seasoned kayaker, go with a guide.
- Always wear a PFD (life jacket): This is super important for your safety should a situation occor, and mandatory on most guided tours.
- Respect nature: Keep a safe and respectful distance from wildlife, and “leave no trace” – everything you bring into nature, you bring back.
Kayaking FAQs
Is kayaking suitable for beginners?
Yes, dont worry. On a guided tour, the guide will teach you all you need to know for a comfortable and safe experience. Also, the waters of Reine Fjord are ideal for first-timers (not during storms, clearly), especially on guided tours that provide instruction and support.
Do I need prior experience?
No, you dont. Most tours are beginner-friendly and guides will ask all tour participants about their skill and experience level before a tour. The guide will also teach basics before departing.
What if the weather turns bad?
Most kayak tours usually go ahead despite cloud cover or light rain, but tours may be cancelled or rescheduled it there is or is forecasted strong winds or unsafe conditions. Check with the tour operator the night before if you are worried.
Can I kayak under the Midnight Sun?
Yes! In summer, you can paddle 24/7 in Lofoten under the golden light of the low midnight sun. Most operators offer midnight sun tours late into the evening, a truly unique Arctic experience.
Wrap-Up Kayaking In Reine Lofoten
Regardless of what company you choose in and around the Reine Fjord, you can really not go wring. They all have very happy customers, who have had amazing experiences on the water in our fjord and below our mountains.
The Reine Fjord is pristine, with lots of plants and wildlife, below and above the water. And yes, you can also go kayaking in the winter as long as the weather allows.
So make sure you dont miss out on this up close and personal experience in Reine when you visit, you will be really happy you came along for a kayaking trip!
