Enjoy an exciting four nights on the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula watching orca by day and the northern lights by night.
Wildlife and nature are an integral part of any holiday to Iceland, whose rugged beauty is complemented by excellent bird watching and opportunities to watch whales. From a base in the countryside, set amidst lava fields and within sight of the distinctive glacier-topped volcano of Snaefellsjokull, you head out on boat trips for close up encounters with large groups of orca that frequent the bay of Grundarfjordur.
This small group tour of up to 16 participants is accompanied by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides – and is operated between January and March.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Arrive Keflavik, transfer to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
On arrival at Keflavik airport (flights are not included), you will be transferred (approximately three hours) to your accommodation on the north coast of Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Enjoy a welcome dinner getting acquainted with the group before a relaxing evening awaiting the northern lights.
Accommodation: Fransiskus Hotel, 4-nights
Day2: Whale-watching by boat
Due to the hours of daylight this mornings whale-watching trip in the fjord will starts at around 10.00. The boat used is a traditional wooden-hulled trawler - you stay outside on deck for the entire trip, but a full set of warm protective clothing is provided. At this time of year anything from 100 to 150 orcas may be seen, although sightings cannot be guaranteed, and you may also see white-beaked dolphin, grey seal, common porpoise and white-tailed eagle. Depending on sightings, the boat trip usually lasts between two and three hours. Return to shore for lunch with the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day3: Full day tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
After breakfast you set off for a full day tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the company of your knowledgeable guide. You'll see sweeping lava fields and the brooding presence of Snaefellsjokull, where a glacier sits on top of a dormant volcano. Small wonder, then, that this is the area that inspired Jules Verne's famous tale 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth.’
Day4: Whale watching excursion by boat & visit to village of Stykkisholmur
The morning is dedicated to another whale watching excursion by boat. After lunch enjoy some free time to relax at the hotel or take a short hike around the local area.
Day5: Transfer to Keflavik airport & depart
Depart after breakfast for the drive back to Reykjavik, where there will be some free time before continuing to Keflavik airport where your tour concludes.
Please note: This itinerary is based around the times of the afternoon Icelandair flight between London Heathrow and Keflavik (flights are not included in the cost of your holiday however we will be happy to arrange these for you, please ask your sales consultant for further details).
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 5 daysfrom £1,530 pp
Single supplement:
From £348
Trip type:
Group Tour
Tailor-made can be arranged
Group size: 16
When to go: Feb-Mar
Group Departures: Please contact us for departure date details.
Tailor-made Departures:
A tailor-made holiday or private departure can be arranged, please contact us to tailor a trip to suit your requirements.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a 90km stretch of coastline comprising a world of diversity and includes the Snaefellsnes National Park at its western most end. Friendly towns and villages, spectacular mountains, a multitude of bird species nesting on treacherous cliffs and superb whale watching opportunities.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Borgarfjörður
Ideal for viewing: orca, white-beaked dolphin, Arctic tern, kittiwake, rsven
