What to expect

This advanced expedition offers a true taste of Arctic sea kayaking - wild, remote and immersive.​

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The Lofoten Islands lie just above the Arctic Circle on Norway’s wild north-west coast, where steep granite peaks rise directly from the sea and weather-shaped islands stretch into the Norwegian Sea. It's one of the world’s great sea kayaking landscapes - a place of deep fjords, white sand beaches, remote headlands and quiet fishing villages, all shaped by light, weather and water.

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Our aim is to circumnavigate Moskenesøya, a rugged and mountainous island on the outer edge of the Lofoten chain, journeying through around 120km of varied and dramatic coastline by sea kayak. Wild camping along the way allows us to stay close to the landscape and experience the islands properly as the journey unfolds.

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September is an ideal time to travel here. The summer crowds have gone, the coastline feels quieter and wilder, and with darkening evenings there is every chance of seeing the Northern Lights overhead.

 

Conditions at this time of year are often no more changeable than those we regularly experience in the UK, making autumn an excellent time to explore the Arctic by sea kayak.

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We travel as a team, balancing steady progress with time to explore, land and experience the coastline properly as the journey unfolds. With experienced guides, local knowledge and expedition oversight shaping the route around the conditions, this is a supported journey through one of the world’s most remarkable paddling landscapes.

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The nutrient-rich waters surrounding Lofoten support an abundance of marine life, with seals, otters and sea birds common companions, and opportunities to spot larger marine life moving through the surrounding waters. It is a remarkable place to travel by sea kayak - wild, dramatic and beautifully suited to expedition paddling.

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Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Norway and transfer to our expedition house, where we’ll settle in, meet the group and enjoy an evening meal together before the journey begins.

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Days 2–7

Our route is shaped by the conditions, with decisions made as a team to find the most enjoyable and efficient passage around Moskenesøya.

 

Over six days on the water, we aim to circumnavigate the island, journeying by sea kayak through Lofoten’s varied and dramatic coastal landscape. Wild camping along the way allows us to stay close to the coastline and experience the islands properly as the journey unfolds.

 

On the evening of Day 7, we return to the expedition house for a final night ashore and a chance to relax before departing the following day.

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Day 8

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the journey home.​

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This itinerary is a guide only and will naturally change with the weather and sea conditions.​

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Who the trip is for

This expedition is best suited to advanced sea kayakers who are experienced in expedition living and ready to explore the more remote and exposed coastlines of Arctic Norway as part of a capable and collaborative team.

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We travel together, balancing steady progress with time to explore, land and experience the coastline properly as the journey unfolds.

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This is a supported expedition, with experienced guides shaping the journey and making decisions with the group as conditions change.

 

You’ll be encouraged to take an active role in the day-to-day rhythm of the expedition, from helping shape the day to settling into camp life, while always supported on the water and throughout the journey.

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A Mini Expedition Course on Anglesey, North Wales, is included ahead of the trip, giving us time to paddle together, refine systems and prepare as a team before heading to Lofoten.

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This trip is a good fit for those who have:

• Strong previous experience of coastal sea kayaking, and very comfortable paddling in Beaufort Force 4 and 1 metre swell, with some experience beyond this

• Experience in moving tidal water and a good understanding of coastal decision-making

• Well-practised deep water rescue skills and the ability to re-enter your kayak with assistance

• Previous experience of wild camping and living from a sea kayak on multi-day expeditions

• A good level of fitness and comfort paddling for up to 5 hours a day

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What's Included​

• Mini Expedition Course (Anglesey, North Wales)
  A two-day pre-expedition training weekend to build confidence, practise key skills and prepare as a team.

• Online pre-trip support
  Group calls in the lead-up to departure to help with planning, preparation and logistics. Dedicated WhatsApp group access for trip planning, questions and group communication.

• Accommodation
  Two nights in our expedition house, with one night before and one night after the expedition.

• Kayak transport and boat hire
  Complimentary transport of your kayak, paddle and up to 10kg of personal kit from the UK. Boat hire is included free for those without their own kayak.

• Coaching, guiding and expedition support
  Coaching, guiding and supported involvement in expedition skills, decision-making and risk management throughout.

• All food and group kit
  All food during the trip, plus shared group equipment, safety kit and cooking equipment.

• Safety, communications and contingency support
  Emergency equipment, satellite communications and contingency accommodation and support incase of adverse weather.

• Loan kit if needed
  Free use of a range of equipment from paddles, buoyancy aids, spraydecks, drywear, safety equipment and camping kit - with only a small amount of personal kit needed

• Partner discounts
  Access to discounts on selected clothing and equipment.​

• Complimentary Paddle International Base layer

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What's Not Included​​​

• International flights and airline baggage fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal clothing & effects

• Extra meals outside the planned itinerary (cafes & ice creams etc)

• Optional activities and sightseeing

• Bar bills

• Tips

• Additional costs arising from unforeseen circumstances​

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Dates & Price

7 nights • 6 days kayaking

Sunday 19 - Sunday 26 September 2027

Price: £2,000 per person​​​​​​​

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We’ll be in touch with next steps.