Glaumbær Farm is now a museum, where visitors can tour beautifully preserved turf houses in Skagafjordur, Iceland.
Glaumbær Farm is now a museum, where visitors can tour beautifully preserved turf houses in Skagafjordur, Iceland.
ExpeditionsExploring Iceland: Fjords, Waterfalls and Wildlife

Exploring Iceland: Fjords, Waterfalls and Wildlife

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Discover the land of fire and ice on a six-day voyage to the remote shores and volcanic isles of northwest Iceland. Hike and bike along rugged fjords and discover stunning waterfalls and nature-filled landscapes. Set out by Zodiac to navigate dramatic shorelines, from the dramatic Westfjords to the storied and adventurous Skagafjörður region. Explore the legacy of Viking explorers and intrepid fishermen during visits to historic villages.

Highlights

Guests hiking to Dynjandi waterfall Arnarfjorour, Westfjords of Iceland.
  • Actively explore Iceland’s northwest coast on daily hikes, Zodiac cruises and more while accompanied by a dedicated team of naturalists

  • Delve into the rural history of Iceland at a turf farm or float down one of its glacial rivers in the northern region of Skagafjörður

  • Discover the rich biodiversity of the remote Westfjords, spotting nesting puffins along the coast and watching for humpback and minke whales in the surrounding waters

  • Capture your picture of the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell, alongside a certified photo instructor or National Geographic Photography Expert

  • Extend your expedition with a tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle

  • With the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this fascinating part of the world—from puffling patrol to the split of Iceland's tectonic plates

duration
6 Days
starts at
Reykjavik, Iceland
ends at
Reykjavik, Iceland

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Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348
duration
6 Days
starts at
Reykjavik, Iceland
ends at
Reykjavik, Iceland

View our brochures for more details

Europe

See More Brochures
duration
6 Days
starts at
Reykjavik, Iceland
ends at
Reykjavik, Iceland

View our brochures for more details

Europe

See More Brochures

Itinerary


Starts atReykjavik, Iceland
Ends atReykjavik, Iceland

Day 1

Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk in the afternoon before embarking the ship.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1

Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk in the afternoon before embarking the ship.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Djúpavík

Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea learning about Iceland and its incredible biodiversity. Join your expedition staff on the bow of the ship as you keep watch for the close to 20 whale species that call the Westfjords home.

Spend the afternoon on the remote eastern side of the Westfjords, an area difficult to access but boasting spectacular beauty and rich history. The tiny town of Djúpavík held its place on the map because of the golden age of herring. During its heyday in the 1930s, its herring plant was the largest concrete structure in Iceland. The plant closed in 1954 but remains as a small museum and a memory of the rich productivity of the herring industry in Iceland. Visit the museum and learn about the significance of this resource to all of Iceland in the 20th century. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Djúpavík

Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea learning about Iceland and its incredible biodiversity. Join your expedition staff on the bow of the ship as you keep watch for the close to 20 whale species that call the Westfjords home.

Spend the afternoon on the remote eastern side of the Westfjords, an area difficult to access but boasting spectacular beauty and rich history. The tiny town of Djúpavík held its place on the map because of the golden age of herring. During its heyday in the 1930s, its herring plant was the largest concrete structure in Iceland. The plant closed in 1954 but remains as a small museum and a memory of the rich productivity of the herring industry in Iceland. Visit the museum and learn about the significance of this resource to all of Iceland in the 20th century. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Skagafjörður

Skagafjörður is the gateway to north Iceland, known for its glacial rivers, Icelandic horses and saga history. Take a float trip on the Jökulsá river or visit a historic rural turf farm to understand rural life in Iceland. Finally, learn about Grettir the Strong and the saga named after him by exploring Drangey Island and spotting the multitudes of birds that call the island home like kittiwakes, shearwaters and possibly even ravens and gyrfalcons.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Skagafjörður

Skagafjörður is the gateway to north Iceland, known for its glacial rivers, Icelandic horses and saga history. Take a float trip on the Jökulsá river or visit a historic rural turf farm to understand rural life in Iceland. Finally, learn about Grettir the Strong and the saga named after him by exploring Drangey Island and spotting the multitudes of birds that call the island home like kittiwakes, shearwaters and possibly even ravens and gyrfalcons.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Ísafjörður / Vigur

Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit an eider farm and learn about the down cleaning process as well as their prolific bird colonies. Alongside your expedition team, enjoy expedition activities for the remainder of the day, keeping a watchful eye for marine life that calls these fjords home, or enjoying other options such as zodiac cruising, hiking or kayaking (conditions permitting).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Ísafjörður / Vigur

Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit an eider farm and learn about the down cleaning process as well as their prolific bird colonies. Alongside your expedition team, enjoy expedition activities for the remainder of the day, keeping a watchful eye for marine life that calls these fjords home, or enjoying other options such as zodiac cruising, hiking or kayaking (conditions permitting).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Grundarfjörður

Serving as the center of trade on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula since the 15th century, Grundarfjörður is now best known for its Kirkjufell Mountain and picturesque waterfall. Alongside the National Geographic Photography Expert, capture your own images amongst this dynamic landscape and the weather swirling around the Peninsula. Alternatively, hike through a local lava field or explore the town's Saga Center.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Grundarfjörður

Serving as the center of trade on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula since the 15th century, Grundarfjörður is now best known for its Kirkjufell Mountain and picturesque waterfall. Alongside the National Geographic Photography Expert, capture your own images amongst this dynamic landscape and the weather swirling around the Peninsula. Alternatively, hike through a local lava field or explore the town's Saga Center.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Reykjavík / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6

Reykjavík / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Video

Expedition Spotlight - Welcome to Vigur Island

  • Nov 2023

After falling in love with Vigur Island while bringing travelers there on expedition eight years ago, renowned polar explorer Felicity Aston decided to buy it. Today, she and her husband oversee the annual eiderdown harvesting which Vigur is known for, as well as its charming cafe where you can enjoy a slice of traditional Icelandic rhubarb cake known as Hjónabandssæla. In this episode of Expedition Spotlight, Aston welcomes you to her home, a tiny Icelandic haven for thousands of puffins, arctic terns, and eider ducks.

Expedition Team

Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

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