Nestled at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, and at the base of snow-capped mountains, is the town of Akureyri. Being close to the Arctic Circle, there are chances to see the magical Northern Lights and wildlife highlights include whale watching excursions searching for humpack and minke whales.
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Grundarfjordur lies on the north shore of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a two hour drive from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. Set on the shore of a half-moon bay, the town is backed by beautiful mountains, including steeple-shaped Kirkjufell, and provides the perfect location for whales watching trips to observe orca.
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Covering over 550 square kilometres, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve stands on the most northerly peninsula on the Icelandic mainland at the northern end of the Westfjords. This peninsula has been protected as a nature reserve since 1975, allowing the native flora and fauna to thrive.
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Where: Westfjords, northwest Iceland
Ideal for viewing: Arctic fox, field mouse, Atlantic puffin, harlequin duck, golden plover
Situated on the north coast of Iceland, on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, is the small fishing town of Husavik. Known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, the surrounding waters boast humpback, minke and sometimes even blue whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.
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Mývatn is situated on a lake which was formed during a massive eruption 2,300 years ago. Today the area is known for the huge numbers of waterbirds that visit in the summer, including tufted duck and greater scaup, and for the fascinating volcanic features that surround the lake.
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Iceland's capital and its largest city, Reykjavik sits on a coastline consisting of peninsulas, straits and islands. This colourful city lies on the southern shore of Faxa Bay, whose waters are often visited by humpback and minke whales, as well as puffins, Arctic tern and other seabirds.
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Where: South-west Iceland
Ideal for viewing: humpback whale, minke whale, Atlantic puffin, common eider, tufted duck
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.
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Where: Borgarfjörður
Ideal for viewing: orca, white-beaked dolphin, Arctic tern, kittiwake, rsven
The Golden Circle consists of three natural attractions, namely Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss. With erupting geysers, powerful waterfalls and the spot where continental tectonic plates meet, the Golden Circle can be enjoyed as a day excursion from Reykjavik or included in a self-drive itinerary.
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Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans merge, this island nation has the world’s northernmost capital city. The sparsely populated interior consists largely of a plateau covered by mountains and glaciers, with areas of intense volcanic activity, and the surrounding seas are rich in marine life.
6 recommended trips.Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
A self-drive itinerary combining Iceland's natural geological wonders with its rich marine life, travelling from the north, westwards along the coast, and ending in Reykjavik. Enjoy whale watching trips in search of humpback and minke whales, and explore peninsulas for seal colonies and pelagic birdlife.
Find out more about Iceland’s Natural Wonders Self-drive
Join an expert wildlife photographer on this 6-night trip, which has been designed to maximise photographic opportunities of Arctic fox in the remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in Iceland. The area is well known for its population of these endearing and charismatic mammals and northern lights activity.
Find out more about Arctic Fox Photography
Sailing amid awe-inspiring scenery of fjords and glaciers, this comprehensive itinerary starts in Spitsbergen, home to the world's highest population of polar bears. Continuing across the Greenland Sea, orcas and dolphins follow in your wake, and there are chances to see walrus, Arctic hare and musk ox.
Find out more about Spitsbergen, Greenland & Iceland
Traverse the Norwegian coastline, explore the remote island of Jan Mayen, and witness Greenland's vast fjords on this epic Arctic voyage. Along the way, encounter dramatic shores, fascinating Arctic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and with luck the mesmerising glow of the aurora borealis.
Find out more about Northern Lights & Wildlife Odyssey
Join this short group trip to experience the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula, heading out on boat trips for close up encounters with large groups of orca. Iceland's rugged beauty is complemented by excellent bird watching, and there are excellent chances to view the northern lights at night.
Find out more about Z) Orcas & Northern Lights
Price
(exc. flights): 5 days
from £2,165
Trip type:
Group Tour
Tailor-made can be arranged
When to go:
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When to go
Although it may not seen an obvious time to visit Iceland, January and February are the months to see orcas off the Snaefjellsness Peninsula.
Seasons
Summer
Jun to Aug: Endless days as the sun barely sets. The lowlands are carpeted with wild flowers. Peak season for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Sep to Oct: Days remain long, temperatures start to drop
Winter
Nov to Mar: Killer whales (orcas) come to the fjord off Grundarfjordur to feed on herring; prime time to see the aurora borealis.
Spring
Apr to May: Migrant birds return; over 200 species nest, including puffins, so great birdwatching. Lakes and rivers full of fish.
Wildlife events
Aug to Apr: Aurora borealis visible.
Nov to Mar: Killer whales feed off herring in fjord off Grundarfjordur.
Wildlife cruise vessels
6 recommended wildlife cruise vessels.Please contact us for further suggestions.
The Greg Mortimer introduces an exciting new generation of ship for cruising in the Polar regions. Purpose-built for expedition cruising with a uniquely designed ice-strengthened hull to provide a more comfortable voyage, this small ship can venture into remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach.
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With decades of experience in polar expedition cruising, this vessel is purpose built for enjoying polar wildlife highlights. Every aspect of this innovative ship has been considered to make your polar voyage an incredible experience, from beautiful, comfortable rooms, to the excursions and everything between.
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The Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant, and purpose-built for polar exploration. It features spacious and luxurious cabins, ample outdoor viewing areas, and the latest sustainability technology. The ship offers a luxurious and comfortable sailing experience, allowing you to intimately connect with the polar wilderness.
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The ice-strengthened Ortelius is an excellent vessel for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. With the highest ice-class notation, it offers possibilities to travel to remote locations such as the Ross Sea and Franz Josef Land. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities.
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Described as ‘a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet’, the brand new, purpose-built Sylvia Earle combines the latest in cutting-edge technology with maximum comfort for polar exploration, and was named after the world-renowned marine biologist and oceanographer.
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Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters plus 20 quick-release Zodiac boats, Ultramarine offers passengers the next level in polar exploration. The opportunity to view frozen landscapes from above and to take impromptu wildlife viewing excursions speedily and efficiently, set it apart from other polar vessels.
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