Our first “real” port of call after departing Reykjavik is Isafjordur, a very picturesque port.

We had gambled a little on the weather, and booked a kayaking excursion across the fjord. All excursions were gathered in the Star Theatre before being called ashore in groups.

Unlike my previous visit in 2008 cruise ships are now able to tie up in Isafjordur, which makes disembarking much easier

Our luck held, and we were rewarded with stunning weather as we approached the little bay where the kayaks launched, just alongside the folk museum I’d visited with Matthew in 2008.

We were lead down to a pebble beach where the 2 person kayaks were laid out waiting for us.

We were provided with spray skirts and life jackets, and the kayaks were dragged down to waters edge for us to board.

The wind remained calm, not to be taken for granted at Iceland’s most cancelled airport. We paddled around most of the bay and back to the harbour area, really one of the most convenient excursions imaginable and a nice way to feel a bit more connected to the landscape.

We popped back on board to get changed, and then went ashore again to walk the town, which was much as I remembered from 2008.

One of the things you notice about Icelandic towns is that multi-family housing is common, even in smaller towns such as this with around 2,700 people. I think there are a couple of aspects to this:

– It’s cost effective, especially when all materials have to be brought in from somewhere else

– It’s practical for heating (frequently from community geo-thermal systems)

– It’s part of Icelandic culture to live together for mutual support, especially in small villages where several families would share a community hall

Every town we visited in Iceland had at least one rainbow street, walkway, and/or staircase. Inclusivity feels good.

Back on board for some more R&R by the pool, which was almost never busy. We came to really enjoy the relaxed vibe, and excellent service.

Soon enough it was time for sail away, and getting changed for dinner.