Experience the best of Iceland on this expedition around the North Atlantic island nation. An extensive voyage takes you to see a large variety of fascinating nature, wildlife, and settlements. The western region of Iceland features spectacular scenery and home to thrilling Viking sagas. The Westfjords is a spectacular nature reserve where teeming bird cliffs are in abundance. Sail north, scout for whales, as the landscape changes into vast lava fields and volcanic mountains. Grimsey is where the Arctic Circle touches Iceland, and cross the legendary boundary before heading south towards the eastern part of the country. Encounter thick forests, lush farmlands, and colorful fishing villages. Whales and other wildlife might be spotted as we sail south towards the region’s remarkable volcanic islands.
Highlights
Explore mystical Iceland – the land of fire and ice
See fascinating landscapes of waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your Iceland expedition cruise starts in Reykjavik—a vibrant city full of culture and history. Enjoy a walk around this compact city. Take a stroll down Laugavegur, the main shopping street and to striking Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral. Or visit one of its many art galleries and museums. With so much to explore, you may want to come early and join one of our Pre-Programs to the Golden Circle or Icelandic Highlands.
Your Iceland adventure truly starts when you board the ship. Find your cabin, meet your Expedition Team, explore the ship and enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner as we set sail towards our first stop, Stykkishólmur.
It's like time stood still at Stykkishólmur in Breiðafjörður Bay, where colorful houses stand out in contrast to distant mountains. You'll explore this small fishing town on an included discovery walk.
Join an optional excursion to Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of volcanic landscapes—and discover some of Iceland's most iconic sights, like Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach.
We'll stop at the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs, where huge rock stacks jut out of the sea. You can also visit the base of Snæfellsjökull Glacier or go on a coastal hike and explore caves under the glacier.
Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. On today's included walk, you'll learn about the fishing traditions in Europe's most westerly village, and enjoy a dip in the town's outdoor pool, with wonderful fjord views.
You'll have the chance to explore the surrounding area on optional hikes through the fjords or to Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also tour Dynjandi waterfalls—six waterfalls combined make the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords.
Birdwatchers might prefer to visit Látrabjarg, where puffins, Northern Gannets, guillemots and Razorbills cling to Europe’s largest bird cliff.
One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling that anything can happen. We plan to spend the day in Iceland’s Northwestern Region, but as conditions can vary, there's no preset plan. Your Captain and Expedition Team will find the best opportunities for adventure on the day.
Enjoy onboard lectures, visit the Science Center, get tips from our professional photographer, or take a sauna. We plan to take you ashore in our small expedition boats for hikes or a beach clean-up. We may also launch our kayaks. If we spot a pod of whales as we sail, we may stop to enjoy the sight. Be ready for anything!
Gaze at snow-capped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. You may see orcas, blue and fin whales too.
Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord base. You'll enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, top-notch eateries and museums. A city walk is included.
Join optional excursions to visit impressive Goðafoss Waterfall where turquoise water pounds against black rocks. Spot Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas.
This remote and windswept island, home to just 60 people, is famous for two things: its Atlantic Puffin colonies and the fact that the Arctic Circle cuts right across the island. Grímsey is steeped in folklore, often centered around the isle’s first settler—giant-slaying Grímur.
We'll reach Grímsey in small expedition boats. There, you’ll enjoy a special Arctic Circle crossing ceremony and can join a hike to the ‘Orbis et Globus’ landmark, a huge concrete sphere that marks its edge.
By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic. Find out why in the Expedition Team's daily lecture.
Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny settlement off the beaten track. Your included excursion takes you on a living walk around town to learn about the area from local people. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of elves. It's also a popular hiking spot. You can hike through lush green valleys and pristine wilderness among colorful rhyolite rocks. The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, Kittiwakes, Eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi—a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
The last stop on your Iceland expedition cruise is Heimaey. It's the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, off the south coast of Iceland. Heimaey has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption in 1973 that nearly destroyed the island. Learn more on an included guided walk.
You can also visit the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary, and also hike to see puffins at Stórhöfði, where around 8 million nest every summer. Be sure to check out the volcano, Mount Eldfell. It's well worth the effort to climb to its summit, offering incredible views of the town below.
Day 9: Reykjavik, Iceland | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in fascinating Reykjavik. Now is a great chance to see the places you missed when you first arrived.
You can also join our Post-Program to explore Iceland's beautiful South Coast, with waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal springs and majestic mountains.
Relaxing with friends in heittur pottur, public hot tubs, is part of Icelandic culture. Before you leave, visit Iceland’s most famous heitur pottur, the Blue Lagoon—one of National Geographic’s 25 wonders of the world—and experience the blend of silica, algae and minerals in its geothermal waters.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,949
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Polar Inside - I
Size: 10-13 m2. Upper-deck cabin, No window, Double bed (optional twin)
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Polar Outside - FJ
172-226 square feet. Outside cabin: Double bed, seating area, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc, limited or no view. (FJ 503 with twin beds).
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Polar Outside - N
113-140 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc. (N-352 with upper/lower berths).
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Arctic Superior - U
118-252 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, kettle, shower/wc. (U-526 with upper/lower berths).
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner