Circumnavigation of Iceland
« All National Geographic Explorer cruise options




| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 2 | Cat 3 | Cat 4 | Cat 5 | Cat 6 | Cat 7 | Cat SA | Cat SB | |
| Jul 11 '13 |
$7,990 | $8,710 | $8,920 | $9,590 | $11,380 | $12,990 | $14,920 | $10,860 | $11,250 |
Day 1 Embark in Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Have a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and perhaps shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures and artifacts, and unusual whalebone carvings on display. Embark National Geographic Explorer.
Day 2 Explore the West Coast of Iceland
National Geographic Explorer navigates Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area once famous for egg collecting; the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming little hamlet that grew here, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast.
Day 3 Ísafjördur
Located in the Western Fjords, Ísafjördur is surrounded by water on three sides, sculpted by glaciers. Renowned for its traditional eider down production, it is a picture postcard of traditional Icelandic life and a great place for hiking, kayaking and for spotting eider ducks.
Day 4 The North Coast of Iceland
Siglufjordur was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a talk and a tasting. Continue to picturesque Akureyri, backed by snow-capped mountains. Explore the old town, with its beautifully maintained period houses, or visit the botanical garden.
Day 5 Lake Mývatn and Húsavík
Drive to Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. This is world-class field geology! See the bizarre mud pools at Hverarönd — so hot they actually bubble. At the Krafla geothermal area see the explosion crater at Viti and continue to an unforgettable sight: Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Meet the ship in Húsavík, and watch for whales as you sail north to the land of the midnight sun. Take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars, and puffins in burrows, all bathing, courting and fishing — another wonderful photo op.
Day 6 Explore the Langanes Peninsula
With plenty of rarely-visited coastline, this day is left open to explore Iceland’s rugged east coast. Join your naturalists for a hike or a Zodiac cruise to get a better view of the beautiful stacks at the end of the peninsula. Or, conditions permitting, have your first chance to kayak today under the steep cliffs.
Day 7 Djúpivogur, Iceland
Today see firsthand how the country got its chilly name. From Djúpivogur, explore the vast Vatnajökull ice cap, third largest in the world. For a closer look at the ice, take a boat ride through Jökulsárlón, a lagoon strewn with large, sculpted icebergs, or you may take a snowmobile ride across the ice. Photo lovers may set off together with the National Geographic photographer.
Day 8 Islands of Heimaey & Surtsey, Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — which you will see while cruising past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.
Day 9 Reykjavik / Disembark
Today complete your circumnavigation of Iceland, disembarking in Reykjavík. Stop by the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths, prior to your flight home. Whether you choose to enjoy the surreal bath and spa facilities or just stroll around the fascinating environs, the Blue Lagoon is unforgettable!
Itinerary Notes
Costs Include:All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), gratuities (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included:
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, internet access, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew are at your discretion.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is varies, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 149-50 days | 30% |
| 49-31 days | 40% |
| 30-0 days | 100% |
National Geographic Explorer





- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 148
- Luxury Expedition Ship
The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.
Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.
Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
![]() | Cat 1 Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308 |
![]() | Cat 2 Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336. |
![]() | Cat 3 Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350. |
![]() | Cat 4 Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-180, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. |
![]() | Cat 5 Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. |
![]() | Cat 6 Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213. |
![]() | Cat 7 Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230. |
![]() | Cat SA C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window. |
![]() | Cat SB Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208. |

























