Austvågøya Expedition: 9-Day Sea Kayaking Journey (Level 3)

Lofoten, Austvågøya

Explore Arctic Norway’s Lofoten archipelago on a Level 3 sea kayaking journey based around Austvågøya. This expedition is designed for intermediate paddlers who are comfortable in moderate conditions and keen to experience remote coastlines, wild camping, and the unique atmosphere of paddling under the midnight sun.

Why Paddle Here?

Austvågøya sits at the heart of Lofoten and offers a superb mix of dramatic mountain scenery, sheltered fjords, and more open coastal sections.

This Level 3 journey focuses on:

Moderate water conditions rather than the most committing crossings
A balance of journeying, skills development, and time to enjoy the environment
Wild camping on beaches and skerries, with options to explore small fishing communities

We’ll choose routes that make the most of the weather and sea state, using more sheltered channels and fjords when needed, and only taking on more exposed stretches when they are appropriate for the group.

This is a physically and mentally rewarding trip for paddlers who are confident in moderate water and want to build experience in a truly world-class sea kayaking destination.

Wildlife & Scenery

Seabirds: Puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, shags, and sea eagles along cliffs and skerries.
Marine Mammals: Regular sightings of seals and harbour porpoises; occasional whales in deeper channels.
Wildlife Encounters: Otters, shorebirds, and the chance of reindeer on the higher ground of Austvågøya.
Scenery: Steep granite peaks, narrow fjords, turquoise bays, white-sand beaches, colourful fishing villages, and the midnight sun.

Expedition Itinerary

Day 1 (12 June): Arrive in Bodø, Norway. Team meet-up, expedition briefing, kit check, and overnight stay.

Day 2 (13 June): Travel from Bodø to Lofoten by ferry or Widerøe airline (to Svolvær or a nearby airport/port, depending on final plan). Transfer to our launch point on Austvågøya, load kayaks, and begin the first short paddle or set up camp.

Days 3–11 (14–22 June):
Up to 9 full days of paddling, exploring the coastline and fjords around Austvågøya and neighbouring islands.

Daily journeys planned for Level 3/intermediate paddlers
A mix of sheltered fjords, channels, and some more open sections in moderate conditions
Wild camping each night on beaches or skerries
On-water coaching to develop boat control, efficiency, and confidence in moderate water
Short walks and time ashore where landing allows

Day 12 (23 June): Final paddle and return to our finish point on Austvågøya. Transfer back to Svolvær (or nearby), then return to Bodø by ferry or Widerøe flight, debrief, celebratory meal, and overnight stay.

Note: Route and daily distances are always adapted for Level 3/moderate water paddlers and depend on sea state, weather, and group ability.

Expedition Details

Dates: 12–23 June
Duration: 12 days total (9 days sea kayaking)
Price: £2,295 (33% deposit secures your place)

Group Size: Minimum 6 to confirm, maximum 8 client spaces available
Coaching: 2 highly experienced sea kayak coaches + potentially an assistant guide

Skill Level: Level 3 (Intermediate / Moderate) – suitable for paddlers who:

Are comfortable paddling in moderate water (wind up to around Force 4, some swell and tidal movement)
Have experience on day or multi-day trips with simple landings and launches
Can perform basic self-rescue and assisted rescues
Are happy to live simply and share camp life on a wild camping expedition

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 (Austvågøya and surrounding islands)
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
8 expedition evening meals (FirePot) + potentially freshly caught cod
Large camping gas cylinder