Iceland

Iceland’s location, straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, has led to constant seismic activity. Here is a country still growing as a landmass. Pit the freezing glacial forces above against the earth’s molten heat below, and you end up with the staggering landscape you’ll explore on your expedition.

Most Icelanders don’t have to choose between living in nature or in urban environments. Two-thirds of the population live in Reykjavik – a capital city encircled by natural wonders. Creative, cosmopolitan and quirky, it’s the perfect size for a walking tour, packed full of art, culture and history. On the north coast, Akureyri is a modern, youthful university town. It’s located in a region featuring some of Iceland’s most prized natural features, such as Lake Mývatn and the Goðafoss waterfall.

Iceland is home to some of the world’s largest bird populations, including Northern Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills and Atlantic Puffins. In Grimsey, the birds outnumber humans by some 17,000 to 1. Naturally, Puffins steal the show. Onshore excursions to bird cliffs, you’ll have the chance to observe these adorable creatures up close.

As your expedition unfolds, you’ll learn more about Iceland’s first settlers. Viking history comes alive in the Saga Museum in Reykjavik, complete with life-like replicas of historical figures. In Snæfellsnes, you can try your hand at lifting ‘strength-testing’ rocks placed there by Vikings. Iceland is ripe with myths, legends and sagas ready to be told – and heard.

Roughly 413 bird species have been spotted in Iceland, with approximately 110 nesting regularly – not bad for a remote island with a subpolar climate. But it’s the sheer number of birds that make Iceland such a bird lover’s paradise. Species that are rare elsewhere can be abundant here. Iceland is home to species such as Northern Gannets, guillemots, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Common Eider and millions of Atlantic Puffins and Razorbills in the summer months.

From May to August, the waters around Iceland harbour whales that migrate here to feed and breed during the warmer months. Around twenty-three whale species have been spotted here, including humpback, white-beaked dolphin, minke, harbour porpoise and even the elusive blue whale. The prospect of seeing the water-surface acrobatics of humpbacks such as lob-tailing and flipper-slapping makes whale watching in Iceland such a rewarding activity.

Seals frequently feature in Icelandic folklore and music. It’s easy to see why – one look at those big, brown, beautiful eyes and you’re transfixed. Although four species visit occasionally, harbour seals and grey seals are the only ones that produce their young in Icelandic waters. If you’re fortunate, you might spot them lazing on a beach or frolicking in the sea.

Breathe in the crisp, clean, fresh air as you admire Iceland’s scenery from the water. Kayaking is a great way to discover hidden gems that you can’t reach otherwise. Paddle in the calm waters of sheltered fjords flanked by soaring mountains. Enjoy the feeling of gliding through Iceland’s waters in serene silence, admiring coastal scenery garnished in summer foliage.

* Please note this is an optional activity and an additional cost applies.

Our small expedition boats give us the flexibility to reach pockets of Iceland that are off the beaten track. Look forward to exploring smaller settlements and villages such as Grimsey and Bakkagerdi and meeting the local communities that call them home. Our expedition team will be on hand to help you make the most of each landing.

Hiking is one of the best ways of exploring Iceland’s rugged beauty. Our expedition team will arrange optional and included guided walks, although most towns we visit will also have walking trails for unguided hiking. Prepare to take in fascinating rock formations, black sandy beaches, moss-covered lava fields and waterfalls. An invigorating hike up Eldfell will see you stand atop a volcano that almost wiped out Heimaey.

* Please note that this is an optional activity and an additional cost applies.

Iceland offers birdwatching experiences in a pristine, unspoilt environment. Around 413 bird species have been recorded here, including Common and Brünnich’s Guillemots, Northern Gannets, Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Northern Fulmar and Black-legged Kittiwakes. The Icelandic tundra hosts many breeding birds, including shorebirds, geese, Red-throated Divers, Arctic Terns, skuas, and Red-necked Phalaropes.

Your expert Expedition Team will be delivering lectures on a range of topics, such as geology, marine biology, history, photography, and ornithology. As a result, you’ll learn more about Iceland’s history, culture and folklore. Lectures may occur in the ship’s onboard Science Center, out on deck or ashore during a landing.

During your expedition, you’ll have access to the ship’s Science Center with information on the landscapes and ecosystems you’ll encounter in Iceland. You can also get involved in various Citizen Science projects that ask you to document wildlife and to send your observations to research institutes to help in their studies.