Iceland: Circumnavigating the Land of Fire & Ice

Arrive at Keflavik International Airport and transfer to the Embarkation Suite (conditions apply below). Explore Reykjavik at your leisure before returning to the Embarkation Suite at the designated times for the group transfer to the Sylvia Earle.

Important Information

• Complimentary airport arrival transfers are available as group transfers for passengers arriving at Keflavík International Airport before 11.00 am on Day 1 only.
• If you arrive after the airport-transfer cut-off, please make your own way to the Embarkation Suite before 2.00 pm to complete mandatory check-in.
• If you are already in Reykjavík, please bring all your luggage to the centrally located Embarkation Suite and complete mandatory check-in between 9.00 am and 2.00 pm.
• At the Embarkation Suite, luggage storage, Wi-Fi, tea, coffee and light refreshments are available, along with assistance from Aurora Expeditions staff regarding your voyage and time in the city.
• Embarkation Suite location: To be advised approximately six months before departure.
• Your main luggage will be transferred to the ship at 2.30 pm. Please keep passports, medication, money, cards and anything else you may need during the day in your hand luggage.

In the late afternoon, join the group transfer to the Sylvia Earle. Once onboard, settle into your cabin before attending the mandatory safety briefings as the ship prepares to set sail on this Icelandic adventure.

This evening, meet the Expedition Team and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner and raise a toast to the journey ahead.

Grundarfjordur is the gateway to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a region often described as ‘Iceland in miniature’ for its remarkable concentration of glaciers, lava fields, mountains, fishing villages, and wave-sculpted coastline. Dominating the peninsula is the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, immortalized by Jules Verne in Journey to the Center of the Earth. Expect to travel ashore by Zodiac, taking in views of the surrounding coast before making a dry landing.

Personalize your expedition with an included ‘Your Choice’ experience suited to your interests and fitness level.

Option 1 – Kirkjufell, Craters & Coastal Wonders
Duration: 7 hours, including lunch
Level of difficulty: Comprehensive. Coastal hike approximately 3.4 kilometers (2.1 miles) one way; easy technical difficulty; approximately 1–2 hours.

Terrain: Lava fields, rocky and uneven ground that may be slippery when wet, and an elevation change of approximately 52 meters (173 feet). Good mobility is required.

Begin with one of Iceland’s most recognisable views: arrow-shaped Kirkjufell rising beside the cascades of Kirkjufellsfoss. Continue across the peninsula to Saxhóll, an ancient volcanic crater where a staircase leads to the rim and sweeping views across moss-covered lava fields towards Snæfellsjökull. At Djúpalónssandur, walk across a dramatic black-pebble beach scattered with the rusted remains of a British trawler wrecked here in 1948. You may also test the historic lifting stones once used to assess the strength of local fishermen.

After lunch, choose how you would like to explore. Walk the celebrated coastal trail toward Hellnar, passing the Gatklettur sea arch, sculpted lava formations, and basalt cliffs busy with Arctic terns, kittiwakes, gulls, and fulmars. Those preferring a gentler pace can spend more time discovering Arnarstapi and its harbor, while faster hikers may have the opportunity to complete the return walk. Return to Grundarfjörður through the peninsula’s mountainous interior, where lakes and wide-open scenery reveal yet another side of Snæfellsnes.

Option 2 – Snæfellsjökull Coastal Hike
Duration: Up to 7 hours, including lunch
Level of difficulty: Active

Elevation: Predominantly low-lying coastal terrain with undulating sections and short ascents and descents. Maximum elevation gain is approximately 100 meters (328 feet).

Terrain: Uneven coastal paths, lava fields, rocky trails and grass-covered tracks. Surfaces may be slippery when wet and exposed to strong winds. Good fitness, balance and mobility are required. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip are strongly recommended.

Djúpalónssandur to Arnarstapi – Fast Hikers
Distance: Approximately 14.7 kilometers (9.1 miles)
Level of difficulty: Challenging

Begin at Djúpalónssandur, where a black-pebble beach is scattered with the rusted remains of a British trawler wrecked here in 1948. From the shore, follow the longer coastal route through ancient lava fields and exposed volcanic terrain. Dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and sweeping Atlantic views accompany you towards Arnarstapi.

Malarrif to Arnarstapi – Moderate Hikers
Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
Level of difficulty: Moderate

Begin near the Malarrif Visitor Center, beneath the distinctive lighthouse and glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull. Follow the gentler coastal route through moss-covered lava fields, passing rugged cliffs, sea stacks and wave-sculpted formations on the way to Arnarstapi.

In Arnarstapi, admire the striking Gatklettur sea arch and basalt cliffs, which provide nesting habitat for Arctic terns, kittiwakes, fulmars and gulls. Reunite with your fellow hikers before returning to Grundarfjörður having experienced one of the country’s most memorable coastal hiking routes.

Today, enter the Westfjords, one of Iceland’s most remote and sparsely populated regions. Ancient glaciers have carved a dramatic world of deep fjords, broad valleys, and sheer-sided table mountains that fall toward the North Atlantic. Waterfalls thread down the mountainsides, small farms sit beneath immense cliffs, and the winding coastline reveals new perspectives at every turn. While navigating these sheltered waterways, the Expedition Team interprets the geology, wildlife, and human stories of a landscape that feels wonderfully removed from modern life.

Conditions permitting, travel ashore by Zodiac to visit Dynjandi, the jewel of the Westfjords. This magnificent waterfall tumbles approximately 100 meters (328 feet) down a broad, tiered mountainside, widening like a bridal veil as it descends. A walking trail follows a succession of smaller cascades toward the main falls, offering ever-changing views across Arnarfjörður and the surrounding peaks. Whether you choose to walk toward the base or admire the panorama from below, the scale, sound, and setting of Dynjandi make it one of Iceland’s most memorable natural landmarks.

Later, continue north through the Westfjords. Relax on deck as mountains and isolated valleys slip past, and keep watch for seabirds, seals, and whales in the nutrient-rich waters. The long summer light lends an added beauty to this quiet afternoon of scenic expedition cruising.

This morning, travel ashore by Zodiac to Vigur, a small island jewel in the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord. Home to only a handful of residents but vast numbers of seabirds, Vigur offers an intimate glimpse of traditional island life. Follow gentle paths through rolling green landscapes where puffins, Arctic terns, eider ducks and black guillemots nest in season. Learn about the island’s long tradition of sustainable eiderdown farming, discover its historic buildings and visit the tiny post office. With its lively bird colonies, sweeping fjord views and warm Icelandic character, Vigur is a place of rare charm.

Back onboard, spend the afternoon exploring the deep fjords and sheltered bays of Ísafjarðardjúp. Towering, flat-topped mountains rise directly from cold, nutrient-rich waters, creating a spectacular setting for scenic cruising and wildlife watching.

Keep your camera and binoculars close while searching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but these productive waters offer exciting possibilities. The Expedition Team helps scan the fjord and shares insights into its geology, ecology, and centuries of human history.

Set against a backdrop of snow-streaked mountains at the head of Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is Iceland’s largest urban center outside the capital region. Its sheltered setting, colorful streets and celebrated botanical gardens make an inviting gateway to northern Iceland’s waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and geothermal wonders.

Personalize your expedition with an included ‘Your Choice’ experience suited to your interests and fitness level.

Option 1 – Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn & Mývatn Nature Baths
Duration: 7 hours, including lunch
Level of difficulty: Comprehensive

Terrain: Easy, well-maintained paths at Goðafoss, with some uneven surfaces and moderate ascents and descents elsewhere.

Begin at Goðafoss, the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, where the Skjálfandafljót River pours across a broad horseshoe-shaped ledge. A short, mostly level trail leads to the main viewpoint. Continue to Lake Mývatn and the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, formed when hot lava flowed across wetlands. Follow marked paths around these distinctive formations or climb to a viewpoint overlooking the lake and its volcanic surroundings.

After lunch, unwind in the naturally heated waters of Mývatn Nature Baths. Fed by geothermal water drawn from deep beneath the earth, the pools offer a relaxing conclusion to a day exploring northern Iceland’s elemental landscapes.

Option 2 – Geothermal Iceland: Krafla Crater, Dimmuborgir & Námaskarð
Duration: 7 hours, including lunch
Level of difficulty: Active. Easy on boardwalks and moderately uneven on the lava-field loop.

Terrain: The Víti crater trail includes a manageable ascent of approximately 20–30 meters (65–100 feet) from the car park and takes about 45 minutes to complete. Uneven volcanic ground requires good fitness and mobility. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is strongly recommended.

Begin at Dimmuborgir, a labyrinth of lava pillars, cliffs and caves created when molten lava flowed across wetlands around 2,300 years ago. Follow trails through this extraordinary landscape and discover formations such as ‘the Church’, a dramatic lava cave with a domed ceiling and openings at both ends.

After lunch, explore the otherworldly Krafla region, where the turquoise waters of Víti crater contrast with dark lava fields and volcanic ridges. Continue to Námaskarð, a vivid geothermal landscape of rust-red earth, sulphur-stained slopes, bubbling mud pools and hissing steam vents—a powerful reminder that Iceland remains geologically alive.

In the late afternoon, return to the ship and depart for Grímsey Island, watching for whales and seabirds along the way.

Around 40 kilometers (25 miles) off Iceland’s north coast, grassy Grímsey is best known for straddling the Arctic Circle. A small community calls the island home, while vast numbers of seabirds occupy its dramatic cliffs during the breeding season. Conditions permitting, explore on foot, by Zodiac or by kayak, and enjoy the symbolic moment of crossing the Arctic Circle. Keep watch for guillemots, gulls, kittiwakes and puffins along the coast.

As the ship returns toward the mainland, scan the waters of Skjálfandi Bay near Húsavík, Iceland’s celebrated whale-watching capital. Up to 24 cetacean species have been recorded in these productive waters, including humpback, minke, and blue whales, as well as dolphins, orcas, fin whales, and pilot whales. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the bay offers an exciting setting for time on deck with the Expedition Team.

Tucked at the head of a long fjord and framed by steep, waterfall-streaked mountains, Seyðisfjörður is one of Iceland’s most picturesque communities. Stroll among colorful timber buildings introduced by Norwegian merchants during the herring era, follow paths beside the cascading Fjarðará River or explore hiking trails leading into the surrounding valley. The village is also known for its flourishing creative scene, with artists’ studios, locally made handicrafts and the much-photographed blue church adding to its distinctive character.

In Iceland’s east, expect to travel ashore by Zodiac at Djúpivogur, the gateway to Vatnajökull National Park and the immense ice cap that dominates the region. Today’s experiences reveal a landscape shaped by glaciers, volcanic forces, and the restless meeting of ice and ocean.

Personalize your expedition with an included ‘Your Choice’ experience suited to your interests and fitness level.

Option 1 – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Duration: 8 hours, including an extended coach journey from Djúpivogur and return
Level of difficulty: Moderate

Terrain: Uneven surfaces, sand, steps, and some moderate ascents and descents.

Travel into Vatnajökull National Park to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where immense icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull drift through still waters towards the sea. Board a specially designed amphibious vessel to cruise among these sculpted formations, whose shades of white and blue change with the light.

After lunch, continue to Diamond Beach. Here, fragments of ancient glacial ice wash onto black volcanic sand and glitter like gemstones—a striking meeting of glacier, ocean and volcanic coastline.

Option 2 – Wonders of Vatnajökull National Park & Canyon Hike
Duration: 9 hours, including an extended coach journey from Djúpivogur and return
Level of difficulty: Active

Terrain: The Múlagljúfur Canyon hike is approximately 3.8 kilometers (2.35 miles) each way and takes around three hours. The route gains approximately 315 meters (1,033 feet) along a narrow, unpaved trail with two shallow stream crossings. Good fitness and mobility are required.

Hike into dramatic Múlagljúfur Canyon, a lesser-known landscape carved by glacial rivers. The trail climbs beside vegetation and mountain streams to reveal sweeping views of Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, jagged peaks, waterfalls and dark volcanic formations.

After lunch, explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on foot, watching immense icebergs drift slowly from glacier to sea. Complete the day at Diamond Beach, where luminous fragments of ice sparkle against black volcanic sand.

Return to the ship by Zodiac after your shore excursion.

Enjoy a relaxed morning onboard as the ship sails toward the Westman Islands. Join informative presentations from the Expedition Team and spend time on deck watching for whales and seabirds.

Rising from the sea off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions over the past 10,000 years. The archipelago comprises 15 islands and numerous rocks and skerries, providing refuge for rich marine life and one of the world’s largest Atlantic puffin colonies. Heimaey is the only inhabited island and offers a compelling blend of dramatic geology, resilient community history and abundant birdlife.

Personalize your expedition with an included ‘Your Choice’ experience suited to your interests and fitness level.

Option 1 – Eldheimar Volcano Museum & Puffin Viewing
Duration: 3 hours | Level of difficulty: Leisurely
Terrain: Uneven ground, steps, and some moderate ascents and descents.

Discover Heimaey’s extraordinary volcanic story at Eldheimar Museum. In January 1973, an eruption began without warning on the edge of town, forcing the island’s residents to evacuate and transforming the landscape forever. Through preserved homes and compelling exhibits, learn about the Eldfell eruption, the birth of nearby Surtsey in the 1960s and the geological forces that continue to shape the archipelago.

Continue to Stórhöfði cape for a chance to watch puffins and enjoy far-reaching coastal views. If time permits, there may also be an opportunity to explore independently before returning to the ship.

Option 2 – Eldfell Volcano Climb & Eldheimar Museum
Duration: 3 hours | Level of difficulty: Active
Terrain: A steep but manageable ascent on rocky and sometimes muddy paths, with loose volcanic gravel and numerous steps. The route gains approximately 221 meters (725 feet). Good fitness and mobility are required, and sturdy footwear is strongly recommended.

Learn about Iceland’s geology on an invigorating hike up Eldfell, the volcano born during the 1973 eruption. From the summit, take in sweeping views across Heimaey and feel residual warmth in parts of the young volcanic terrain. Afterwards, visit Eldheimar Museum to hear the personal stories of the eruption, explore the formation of Surtsey and understand the forces that created the Westman Islands. If time permits, enjoy some independent exploration before returning to the ship.

As the ship departs, expect to sail past Surtsey, a UNESCO World Heritage site that rose from the sea during an eruption beginning in 1963. Reserved for scientific research, this young island offers a rare opportunity to observe how life colonizes new land.

During the early morning, cruise into Reykjavík and plan to disembark at approximately 8:00 AM. Bid farewell to your Expedition Team and fellow travelers before transferring to Keflavík International Airport or a central Reykjavík location.

Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, it is recommended to book flights departing after 12:00 PM on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.