Iceland Circumnavigation 5% Advantage

During the journey, you get to know Iceland as an island of sharply contrasting landscapes, from the remote Westfjords to the glacier regions in the south. In the Westfjords, fjords, steep coastlines and waterfalls shape the character of the region, complemented by a visit to the island of Vigur, where you gain insights into Icelandic cultural heritage and the tradition of harvesting eiderdown. Along the north coast, major waterfalls such as Dettifoss and Goðafoss are on the programme, as well as the geological features around Mývatn, Dimmuborgir and Hverir, including lava formations, pseudocraters and active geothermal phenomena. With Grímsey, you also reach a place within the Arctic Circle that is known for its seabird colonies. Wildlife viewing is a recurring element of the route. Puffins are particularly common, alongside other seabirds such as guillemots, kittiwakes and Arctic terns, which breed on steep cliffs and on islands. In the waters off northern Iceland there are good chances of whale sightings, including minke whales and humpback whales, and occasionally fin whales or orcas. In East Iceland, around the Skálanes Nature and Heritage Centre, you also keep watch for reindeer and, with some luck, Arctic foxes. In the south, Vatnajökull National Park forms a key scenic focus, with the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, drifting icebergs and Diamond Beach with its black sand. The journey concludes with a day in the Westman Islands, shaped not only by birdlife but also by the visible traces of the 1973 volcanic eruption on Heimaey. On board, talks, scientific insights and photography support complement the programme and help place landscapes, wildlife and geology in a clear context.

'Itinerary: Iceland Circumnavigation'

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík
After arriving in Reykjavík, you make your way to the hotel included in your travel package. The trip begins with check in in the evening. You can use the rest of the day to explore the city independently, with its Norse history and architecture.

All pictures of this partner

Day 2: Embarkation on Ultramarine
Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is at leisure and you arrange lunch on your own. In the afternoon you meet back at the hotel and travel by coach to the port, where you embark on Ultramarine. After check in, there is an introduction to onboard procedures, particularly for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, before the voyage along the coast begins.

Day 3: Westfjords Part 1, fjords and first explorations
You reach the Westfjords in northwestern Iceland, a rarely visited and lightly developed coastal region. The landscape features fjords, mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, beaches, green hills, high moorlands, rocky outcrops and small lakes, with Icelandic sheep or grazing ponies in places. Small fishing communities sit along the fjords and the Denmark Strait, maintaining a maritime tradition dating back to Viking times. Exploration takes place by Zodiac and on guided landings, with opportunities for hiking.

Day 4: Westfjords Part 2, Dynjandi and Vigur
A key focus is Dynjandi, a waterfall that drops around 100 metres over several tiers. You also visit Vigur, a private island offering insights into culture and history reaching back to the 11th century. One of the co owners is polar explorer Felicity Aston, the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica. You learn about eiderdown harvesting as well as seabirds and seals; Vigur is considered a breeding area for more than 7,000 ducks, around 100,000 puffins, Europe’s largest colony of black guillemots and large flocks of Arctic terns. Depending on the schedule, walks, local tastings and the island café may be possible. Activities can include Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking, paddling excursions and, if applicable, a guided shore hike.

Day 5: Westfjords Part 3, Mongufoss and remote coasts
To conclude the Westfjords, the expedition team seeks out further remote locations, depending on weather and conditions. Across the bay lies Mongufoss, a remote waterfall reached by ship. Depending on the day’s plan, Zodiac cruises, landings and hikes are possible, complemented by sea kayaking or paddling excursions if booked and feasible.

Day 6: Northern Iceland Part 1, waterfalls and landscapes
Over the next three days you explore northern Iceland by Zodiac, on foot and occasionally by coach. The region is characterised by long valleys and peninsulas, mountains, lava fields and smooth hills shaped by rivers. Along the coast, vegetated sections alternate with barren stretches. Highlights include Dettifoss and Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods.

Day 7: Northern Iceland Part 2, Mývatn, Dimmuborgir, Hverir and Skútustaðir
You visit Mývatn and the lava fields of Dimmuborgir, known from Game of Thrones. At Hverir you see bubbling mud pots and steaming vents. At Skútustaðir you encounter pseudocraters formed by underground steam. Depending on the schedule, further short walks are planned.

Day 8: Northern Iceland Part 3, Grímsey, birdlife and possible whales
You visit Grímsey with around 70 residents, the only part of Iceland within the Arctic Circle, and you can cross the Arctic Circle on foot. Large puffin colonies are expected there. Further stops may include Skagafjörður and Drangey, with breeding sites on steep cliffs, including guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins. A visit to Siglufjörður is also possible. After a waterfall excursion, an evening stop in Húsavík is planned. Along the north coast you watch for whales, often minke and humpback whales, and occasionally fin whales or orcas.

Day 9: East Iceland, Seyðisfjörður and Skálanes
East Iceland features narrow fjords, high mountains, Hallormsstaðaskógur as Iceland’s largest forest, farmland and fishing villages. In the morning you reach Seyðisfjörður, with steep, green slopes and streams running through alpine valleys. You visit the Skálanes Nature and Heritage Centre, which links biodiversity, science, cultural heritage and education. If possible, you meet local scientists; there is a network of trails with options for different abilities, accompanied by local nature and cultural educators. Reindeer sightings are possible, and Arctic foxes are occasionally seen in the mountains above Skálanes. Skálanes is also dedicated to preserving cultural traditions through practice and storytelling.

Day 10: Southern Iceland, Djúpivogur and Vatnajökull National Park
Djúpivogur lies between east and south Iceland, where the rugged topography of the east gives way to the gentler forelands of the south, rising towards Vatnajökull. The highest peak is Hvannadalshnúkur at around 2,100 metres. Djúpivogur is a small community, surrounded by triangular mountain ranges with vegetation, rocky outcrops, lingering snowfields and waterfalls. As the south coast is shallow and heavily exposed to waves, you travel by coach westwards inland to Vatnajökull National Park. There you visit Jökulsárlón, see drifting icebergs, walk along Diamond Beach and hike along the coast.

Day 11: Westman Islands, Heimaey and puffins
You explore the Westman Islands by ship and Zodiac. The archipelago of 15 islands and surrounding cliffs is rich in birdlife and hosts one of the world’s largest puffin colonies; it is also known for productive fishing grounds and a whale population. Formed by below sea level eruptions, the soils are thin and agriculture is largely not possible, although some rare plants grow in Herjólfsdalur. On Heimaey, traces of the 1973 eruption are visible, and the harbour is known for its narrow entrance. On approach, you see Klettsvík to starboard, a cove where the orca Keiko, known as Willy from Free Willy, lived for a time before being gradually reintroduced to the wild. You can visit a puffin colony on foot at the island’s southernmost point, with paths through grassy areas, grazing sheep and views out to sea.

Day 12: Disembarkation in Reykjavík and departure
You disembark in Reykjavík. The travel package ends with disembarkation in the morning. If you have booked a post stay, a transfer to a central downtown location is provided. You arrange your onward departure independently.

Accommodation
Before embarkation you stay in a hotel in Reykjavík included in the package. During the expedition you stay on board Ultramarine, an expedition ship with cabins and public spaces designed for wildlife viewing and comfortable travel. Facilities include panoramic lounges, restaurant and bar, as well as wellness and fitness areas. Talks and discussions with polar experts take place regularly on board, and photography support and guided learning formats are provided by the expedition team. Zodiacs are used for cruises and landings and are deployed via a water level hangar.

Included

• Hotel night in Reykjavík on Day 1
• Breakfast at the hotel on Day 2
• Coach transfer from the hotel to the port on Day 2
• Expedition cruise as per itinerary on Ultramarine
• Guided Zodiac cruises and shore landings as per daily plan
• Helicopter flightseeing
• Talks and presentations by the expedition team
• Photography support from onboard guides
• Onboard meals with options for different dietary requirements
• Alcoholic beverages on board as per onboard services
• Wi Fi
• Expedition parka as part of the onboard kit

Not included

• International travel to and from Reykjavík
• Visa and travel insurance
• Mandatory expedition gear and personal equipment
• Onboard expenses not covered by onboard services
• Optional adventure activities at extra cost such as sea kayaking or paddling excursions
• Pre and post programmes and trip extensions

Optional upgrades

• Sea kayaking
• Paddling excursion programme
• Tundra to Table culinary experience

Show all dates