Arctic Norway Hammerfest Sørøya Expedition: 9/10-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 advanced 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, with the chance to adapt to the more sheltered and equally stunning Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya Protected Landscape if weather conditions require.

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 3+), 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 to Hammerfest & Expedition Start

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Group flight from Tromsø to Hammerfest with Widerøe (flight not included; recommended flight details provided upon booking)

• Meet the support van and trailer with kayaks in Hammerfest

• Final preparations and safety briefing

• The expedition paddle will start from the Fuglenesodden Museum (Visit Fuglenesodden Outdoor Museum in Hammerfest and step into a time machine from 1947)

• Depending on conditions and logistics, we will either paddle directly to Sørøya or catch the last ferry from Hammerfest to Akkarfjord at 17:30 to begin our traverse

Days 3–12: 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.

• 9–10 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: 12–24 July 2025

• Duration: 13 days (10–11 days sea kayaking)

• Price: £2,295 (secure your place with a 33% deposit)

• Group Size: Minimum 6 to confirm, maximum 7 client spaces

• Coaching: 2 highly experienced sea kayak coaches

• Skill Level: Advanced (Level 3+)

• Pre-Expedition Training: Training weekend on Anglesey, February 2025

What’s Included

• Up to 11 days of sea kayaking in Arctic Norway

• Guidance and support from highly qualified sea kayak coaches

• Composite SKUK sea kayak hire

• Local vehicle and trailer support for logistics

• All essential safety equipment

• Expedition photography

• Pre-expedition training weekend on Anglesey with Geth and another coach

What’s Not Included

• Flights (including Tromsø–Hammerfest with Widerøe)

• Hurtigruten ferry tickets (Hammerfest–Sørøya and return)

• Hotel accommodation in Tromsø, Hammerfest, or elsewhere

• Expedition meals, 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 November 2024 to secure your place

• Second Payment: £765 due January 2025

• Final Payment: £765 due April 2025

We need a minimum of six paddlers to confirm this expedition. You’ll be notified by 1st November if the expedition is going ahead.

Ready to paddle Norway’s wildest frontier?
Contact us to reserve your place or request more information!