Arctic Norway Hammerfest Sørøya Expedition: 9-Day Sea Kayaking Adventure
Sørøya Island – Moderate/Advanced Level 4+ Expedition
This adventure focuses on the very best of Arctic Norway’s wild north west—carefully curated for experienced expedition paddlers.
Discover Norway’s Wild Frontier
Explore the dramatic Arctic coastline of Sørøya—Norway’s fourth-largest island—on this 13-day sea kayaking expedition. Located off the coast of Hammerfest, Sørøya is renowned for its rugged mountains, indented fjords, and pristine wilderness, all under the endless glow of the midnight sun. Our route takes you through some of Norway’s most breathtaking and remote seascapes.
Why Paddle Here?
Sørøya offers a true expedition challenge, with wild, rocky terrain, dramatic sea cliffs, countless fjords, and remote beaches. The island’s coastline, carved by the Arctic Ocean, is a haven for seabirds, marine mammals, and Arctic wildlife.
You’ll paddle in the land of the midnight sun, experience the tranquility of Norway’s far north, and explore areas rarely visited by sea kayak.
This expedition is designed for advanced paddlers (Level 4+), comfortable in challenging conditions and eager for a real Arctic adventure. Two highly experienced coaches (plus a possible assistant) will provide support, guidance, and help the group make informed decisions on the water.
Wildlife Encounters
Seabird Colonies: Sørøya’s cliffs and offshore stacks are alive with puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and more.
Sea Eagles: You can expect to see a great many white-tailed sea eagles soaring above the coastline or perched on rocky outcrops—these magnificent birds are a true highlight of the region.
Marine Mammals:
In 2025, our team enjoyed incredible marine mammal encounters—Seals were commonly spotted hauled out on rocks and swimming near our kayaks.
Otters made appearances in sheltered bays.
We were treated to sightings of Atlantic white-sided dolphins playing in the surf.
Minke Whales surfaced nearby on several occasions, and the highlight of the trip was an unforgettable encounter with a majestic Humpback Whale.
Other Wildlife:
Reindeer are frequently seen grazing across the island’s interior and coastal headlands, adding to the true Arctic wilderness feel.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tromsø & Team Meet-Up
Arrive in Tromsø and check in at the Comfort Hotel Xpress (or designated hotel)
Evening: Team meet-up at the hotel for introductions, expedition briefing, and kit check
Overnight stay at the Comfort Hotel Xpress in Tromsø
Day 2: Fly, or Hurtigruten Ferry to Hammerfest & Expedition Start
Breakfast at the hotel
Group flight or ferry from Tromsø to Hammerfest with Widerøe or Hurtigruten (tickets not included; recommended travel details will be provided)
Meet the support van and trailer with kayaks in Hammerfest, if flying, or trolley the sea kayaks directly onto the Hurtigruten ferry.
Final preparations and safety briefing
The expedition paddle could start from the Fuglenesodden Museum (Visit Fuglenesodden Outdoor Museum in Hammerfest and step into a time machine from 1947). We did this in 2025.
Depending on conditions and logistics, we will either paddle directly to Sørøya or catch the ferry from Hammerfest to Akkarfjord to begin our traverse
Days 3–11: Sørøya Traverse – Akkarfjord to Hasvik
Traverse the length of Sørøya from Akkarfjord in the north to Hasvik in the south.
The route will be chosen based on weather conditions:
The exposed, wild outside: Experience the raw power of the Arctic Ocean along Sørøya’s dramatic, wave-battered outer coast.
The more sheltered inside: Enjoy a scenic and pretty passage along the inner coastline, with stunning views across to Norway’s mainland mountains and countless picturesque fjords.
9 days of sea kayaking, wild camping each night, skills sessions, short hikes, and wildlife watching.
Flexible route to adapt to weather (option to reroute to Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya if needed).
Final Day: Finish in Hasvik & Return to Hammerfest
Complete your journey in Hasvik, pack up gear, and return to Hammerfest (via ferry or arranged transport)
Celebrate with a group meal (optional; not included)
Most participants will depart or enjoy extra days exploring Hammerfest or the surrounding area
Expedition Details
Dates: 22nd July - 2nd August 2026
Duration: 12 days (9 days sea kayaking)
Price: £2,295 (secure your place with a 33% deposit)
Group Size: Minimum 5 to confirm, maximum 8 client spaces
Coaching: 2 highly experienced sea kayak coaches
Skill Level: Moderate/Advanced (Level 4+)
Pre-Expedition Training: Training weekend on Anglesey, 31 Jan - 1 Feb or 7-8 Feb 2026
What’s Included
Up to 9 days of sea kayaking in Arctic Norway
Guidance and support from highly qualified sea kayak coaches
Composite SKUK, Zegul, Rockpool sea kayaks
All essential safety equipment
Expedition photography
Pre-expedition training weekend on Anglesey with Geth and another coach
9 Expedition meals (FirePot, Real, Radix or Wayfarer) + potentially freshly caught cod
Large camping gas cylinder
What’s Not Included
Flights (including Tromsø–Hammerfest with Widerøe)
Hurtigruten ferry tickets (Hammerfest–Sørøya and return)
Hotel accommodation in Tromsø, Hammerfest, or elsewhere
Cooking equipment (available to hire), tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags (all available to hire)
Holiday/travel insurance (required)
Personal expenses, extra accommodation, or transport outside the itinerary
Any extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., delayed flights, extra logistics)
Payment Plan
Deposit: £765 due by 1st December 2025 to secure your place
Second Payment: £765 due February 2025
Final Payment: £765 due April 2025
We need a minimum of three paddlers to confirm this expedition. You’ll be notified by 1st December if the expedition is going ahead.
Ready to paddle Norway’s wildest frontier?
Contact us to reserve your place or request more information!
Looking out from Sørøya, the mainland of Norway rises on the distant horizon
Atlantic white-sided dolphin
Huge Cliffs on the West of Sørøya
Sørøya
Our flight from Tromsø to Hammerferst
Ed enjoying the North Coast of Sørøya
A Northbound Hurtigruten Ferry we passed by on our way from Hammerfest to Tromsø