Nature is at its most dramatic in Iceland, engaging all the senses with stunning fjords, still-hot volcanoes, and thundering waterfalls. Expect the unexpected: a fjord known locally for sea monsters, a waterfall surrounded by tomato red soil, and the world’s largest waterfall, which is underwater. The wildlife along the coasts of Iceland and Greenland are as extraordinary as the scenery: We will be on the lookout for polar bears, whales, walruses, and seals.
Highlights
Explore Iceland's pristine fjords, fascinating tundra, and dramatic waterfalls
Discover the rich biodiversity of the remote Westfjords
Explore East Greenland that harbors an array of wildlife
Marvel Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, walruses, and bearded seals
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Reykjavík, 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. Check in to our group hotel in the morning and take time to rest and refresh before lunch. In the afternoon, take a panoramic drive through the city’s Old Town before embarking on National Geographic Endurance.
Explore Iceland’s western frontier by Zodiac cruise, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries. In the afternoon, sail past the wild and scenic coast of Iceland’s Westfjords region.
In the early morning, our ship will glide into beautiful Arnafjörður along the northwest coast of Iceland. For a more active experience, disembark early and hike several miles along the base of the fjord to visit the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall. Alternatively, join our expedition staff on the bow of the ship as we venture ever deeper into the fjord and then go ashore by Zodiac to walk up to the base of the waterfall.
Cross the Denmark Strait, where the cold east Greenland current carries icebergs south. Enjoy presentations and be on the lookout for wildlife in these nutrient-rich waters.
Weather and ice will dictate our exact route, but we plan to explore the ice edge along the coast of East Greenland. In the Arctic, the ice provides habitat for all manners of wildlife. We hope to see the icons of the Arctic: polar bears, walruses, seals, and whales. The ice also provides an incredible sea scape and the potential for beautiful lighting. We will explore up and down the coast and have a flexible agenda to make the best use of our time.
Day 8: At Sea across the Denmark Strait to Iceland’s Westfjords
We’ll call into Isafjörður in the Westfjords, for customs and immigration back into Iceland. We will enjoy the beauty of this region on foot, by kayak, and by Zodiac. After our visit, we will have an expedition afternoon exploring deep into Ísafjarðardjúp.
We let nature be our guide as we explore Iceland’s beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside stunning scenery.
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 we see as we cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. We visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.
Disembark in Reykjavík. Join us on your choice of three tours this morning: An excursion to see Iceland’s hot springs, beautiful Icelandic Horses and a fascinating power plant; a visit to the Reykjanes Geopark to view the Mid-Atlantic ridge above sea level and the nearby hot spring area; or, conditions permitting, opt to discover Iceland’s newly erupting volcano, Fagradalsfjall in the region of Geldingadalur, on a hike to a stunning viewpoint. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
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Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 9 Dinners
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
