6 Days • 5 Nights
Iceland Wildlife: Whales, Puffins & the Geothermal North
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Whale watching in Husavik, Europe's whale capital, is a spectacular highlight. The small northern town of Husavik, on Skjalfandi bay, is the finest whale-watching spot in Europe, and one of the best on earth. From its charming harbour you cruise out on a traditional boat in search of the giants that feed in the plankton-rich bay, watching humpback whales breach and dive with a flick of their great tails, minke whales surface nearby, white-beaked dolphins race the bow, and, in the best summers, even the mighty blue whale, the largest animal ever to have lived. The thrill is profound.
- Puffin colonies and Iceland's seabird cliffs are a delightful highlight. Iceland is one of the world's great seabird destinations, and in summer its cliffs and islands come alive. You watch the comical Atlantic puffins, with their bright striped bills, whirring over the waves and crowding grassy clifftops at colonies near Reykjavik, Husavik or the coast, and see kittiwakes, guillemots, fulmars and Arctic terns wheeling around dramatic sea cliffs. The lakes and wetlands teem with ducks and waders. The birdlife is wonderful and endearing. Watching comical Atlantic puffins with their bright bills at their cliff and island colonies, along with kittiwakes.
- The geothermal wonderland of Lake Myvatn is a fascinating wildlife highlight. Lake Myvatn, in the volcanic north, is one of Iceland's strangest and richest natural areas, a birdwatcher's paradise ringed by geothermal marvels. You explore the steaming mud pools and fumaroles of Namafjall, the eerie lava pillars and pseudo-craters of the lake shore, the Krafla volcanic area and the dark lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir, while the lake itself teems with more breeding ducks than almost anywhere on earth. You soak in the milky Myvatn Nature Baths. The nature and geology are extraordinary.
- Whale watching and puffins from Reykjavik's harbour are a wonderful highlight. You do not have to travel far for Iceland's wildlife, as it begins right in the capital. From Reykjavik's lively old harbour you set sail across Faxafloi bay in search of minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, and in summer you cruise to nearby islands crowded with nesting puffins, whirring over the boat in their thousands. Warm suits are provided, and expert guides help you spot every fin and bill. The accessibility and thrill are wonderful. Setting sail from Reykjavik's old harbour in search of minke and humpback whales.
- Seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and Iceland's wild places enrich this journey. Beyond whales and puffins, Iceland shelters more elusive wildlife that rewards the patient watcher. You keep watch for the harbour and grey seals that bask on black beaches and among the icebergs, for the wild reindeer of the eastern highlands, for the Arctic fox, Iceland's only native land mammal, padding across the tundra, and for eagles, gyrfalcons and other raptors over the wild landscapes. The sense of untamed nature is profound. Keeping watch for basking seals, wild reindeer, the elusive Arctic fox and soaring raptors across Iceland's untamed landscapes.
- Above all, this journey immerses you in the rich wildlife and wild places of Iceland. Iceland's wild waters and landscapes teem with charismatic wildlife, and this journey is crafted for nature lovers. Over six days you watch whales from Husavik and Reykjavik, marvel at puffin colonies and seabird cliffs, explore the birdlife and geothermal wonders of Lake Myvatn, and keep watch for seals, reindeer and Arctic foxes, all with expert naturalist guides and time to soak in geothermal nature baths. The combination of great whales, comical puffins, teeming lakes and dramatic volcanic scenery is extraordinary.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your Icelandic wildlife journey begins as your flight lands at Keflavik International Airport, where you are met and transferred across the moss-covered lava fields to colourful Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, set between the sea and snowy mountains. Iceland is one of the most extraordinary countries on earth, and its wild waters begin right at the edge of the city. Settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the capital at an easy pace, strolling the lively main street and old harbour, with its whale-watching boats, climbing the tower of Hallgrimskirkja church for a view over the bay, and perhaps visiting the Whales of Iceland museum, with its life-sized models of the giants you hope to see. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to Iceland's fresh cuisine and to the wildlife adventures ahead. Rest well, ready to set sail tomorrow.
Today your wildlife adventure begins on the water. From Reykjavik's lively old harbour you set sail across Faxafloi bay on a whale-watching cruise, warm suits provided, scanning the sea with your expert guide for minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises that feed in the rich waters. In summer you also cruise to nearby islands crowded with nesting Atlantic puffins, whirring over the boat in their thousands with their comical striped bills, along with other seabirds. Back on land, you explore more of the capital, perhaps the harbour, museums and design shops, at leisure. As the day ends, you return to your hotel. This evening, savour Iceland's superb seafood, and in the darker months keep an eye on the sky for the aurora. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly north to Iceland's whale capital.
Today you fly north to Akureyri, the charming capital of the north, on a spectacular short flight over glaciers and mountains. On landing you journey out to explore the extraordinary geothermal north. You admire the graceful Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, tumbling in a broad curve, and continue to the wonderland around Lake Myvatn, a birdwatcher's paradise ringed by volcanic marvels. You explore the steaming mud pools and fumaroles of Namafjall, the eerie lava pillars and pseudo-craters of the lake shore, and the dark lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir, watching for the abundant waterfowl that breed on the lake, and soak in the milky Myvatn Nature Baths. As the day ends, you settle into Akureyri, set at the head of a long fjord. This evening, enjoy a seafood dinner. Rest well in the beautiful north.
Today you journey to Husavik, Europe's whale-watching capital, for the highlight of your wildlife journey. On the shore of Skjalfandi bay, this charming little town has the richest whale waters on the continent, and from its picturesque harbour you cruise out on a traditional boat, warm suits provided, in search of the giants that feed in the plankton-rich bay. You watch for humpback whales breaching and diving with a flick of their great tails, minke whales surfacing nearby, white-beaked dolphins racing the bow, and, in the best summers, even the mighty blue whale. You visit the excellent whale museum to learn more about these gentle giants. As the day ends, you return to Akureyri, perhaps exploring its pretty centre and botanical garden. This evening, enjoy dinner in the northern capital, reflecting on a day among whales. Rest well after an unforgettable day.
Today you fly back south to Reykjavik, once more over the glaciers and mountains of the interior, with more wildlife to enjoy. On arrival you have time to explore the wildlife of the capital region, perhaps taking a boat to a puffin island in summer, keeping watch for seals along the coast, walking the birdlife-rich shores and wetlands, or visiting Iceland's excellent wildlife and nature museums to round out your understanding of the creatures you have seen. As the day ends, you settle back into colourful Reykjavik. This evening, celebrate your wildlife journey with a final dinner in one of the capital's excellent seafood restaurants, and in the darker months watch the skies one last time for the Northern Lights. Rest well ahead of your departure, full of memories of whales, puffins and Iceland's wild north.
After a final Icelandic breakfast, perhaps a last stroll along the harbour or some souvenir shopping for puffin and whale keepsakes and Icelandic wool, you are transferred back across the lava fields of Reykjanes to Keflavik International Airport for your onward departure. You leave having immersed yourself in the rich wildlife and wild places of Iceland, watching whales breach off Husavik and Reykjavik, marvelling at puffin colonies and seabird cliffs, exploring the teeming birdlife and geothermal wonders of Lake Myvatn, and keeping watch for seals and other creatures across untamed landscapes. The images stay vivid long after you land, the great tail of a diving humpback, the whirring puffins, the steaming mud pools and the graceful Godafoss. Iceland offers Europe's finest whale watching and abundant wildlife amid spectacular scenery, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the land of fire and ice.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation in carefully chosen hotels and country lodges, a welcome dinner and a seafood dinner in Akureyri
- Daily breakfast
- All private airport and land transfers as per itinerary
- Touring, sightseeing and activities with expert English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees, national park permits and geothermal spa entries as per itinerary
- touring with expert naturalist guides, domestic flights between Reykjavik and Akureyri, a Reykjavik whale-watching and puffin cruise, a Husavik whale-watching cruise, a Lake Myvatn and Godafoss tour, nature baths entry, and all activities and entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional extra cruises and gratuities
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Iceland is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders) may enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; the ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors, and a passport valid for the length of stay is required. Rules can change, so we confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and assist with ETIAS or a Schengen visa where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Icelandic Krona (ISK), and Iceland is one of the most cashless countries on earth; cards (including contactless) are accepted virtually everywhere, from fuel stations and country cafes to remote guesthouses, so you rarely need cash at all. ATMs are available in towns; tipping is not expected as service is included, though rounding up for exceptional service is always welcome
- Best time to visit: Iceland is a year-round destination with two very different personalities. Summer (June to August) brings the midnight sun, green landscapes, open highland roads, puffins and whales, and endless daylight for touring; winter (late September to March) brings the Northern Lights, ice caves, snow-dusted waterfalls and cosy geothermal pools. Late May, September and October offer a beautiful balance of lighter crowds, autumn colour and early aurora
- Language & etiquette: Icelandic is the language, but English is spoken fluently almost everywhere, so communication is effortless. Icelanders are relaxed, egalitarian and welcoming, first names are used for everyone, and a strong respect for nature runs deep. A key custom at geothermal pools and the Blue Lagoon: you must shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering the water, a point of hygiene taken seriously and worth knowing in advance
- Getting around: The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the whole island and links most highlights on good sealed roads; we combine private driver-guides and small-group touring with optional self-drive where you want independence. Distances are large and weather changes fast, so we build in realistic drive times. Highland F-roads (to Landmannalaugar and the interior) are gravel, river-crossing routes open only in summer and require suitable 4x4 vehicles
- Health & safety: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with negligible crime, excellent healthcare and clean tap water that is delicious straight from the cold tap. The real hazards are natural: sudden weather, strong winds, icy paths, sneaker waves at Reynisfjara black-sand beach, and unfenced geothermal areas where you must stay on marked paths as the ground and water can be scaldingly hot. We monitor conditions closely and follow official guidance
- Food & culture: Iceland's cuisine is fresh and surprising, built on superb lamb, langoustine and Arctic char, creamy skyr, rye bread baked in geothermal heat, and the beloved Icelandic hot dog. Reykjavik has a lively cafe, music and design scene, geothermal bakeries and craft breweries, while the countryside serves hearty farm-to-table fare. Alcohol is expensive and sold in state Vinbudin shops and licensed bars; we recommend the best tables at every stage
- Weather & packing: The Icelandic saying goes, if you do not like the weather, wait five minutes; conditions shift quickly in every season, so layers are essential year-round, along with a waterproof, windproof jacket, warm mid-layers, a hat and gloves, and sturdy waterproof walking shoes. Power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter. Mobile coverage and wifi are excellent across populated areas and along the Ring Road
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for whale watching and puffins in Iceland?
Whale watching runs year-round in Iceland, but the peak season is roughly April to October, when the seas are calmer and humpback, minke and other whales feed in the bays; Husavik and the north are at their very best from June to August, the only window when blue whales are occasionally seen. Puffins are present only in summer, roughly mid-May to early August, when they come ashore to breed at their cliff and island colonies. For the richest combination of whales and puffins, we recommend visiting between June and August.
Are whale and puffin sightings guaranteed?
Whales and puffins are wild, so no single trip can guarantee sightings, but your odds are excellent, especially in summer and in the rich waters off Husavik, where sighting rates are among the highest in the world. Many operators even offer a return trip if no whales are seen. We choose the best locations, seasons and expert naturalist guides to maximise your chances, build in more than one cruise, and, being flexible, can adjust timings around weather and conditions to give you the very best opportunities to see Iceland's wildlife.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, usually a generous spread of skyr, breads, cheese, cold cuts, fruit and good coffee, along with any meals named in the itinerary (often a welcome dinner and special experiences such as a seafood dinner in a harbour town or a farm meal in the countryside). We usually leave other meals free so you can explore Iceland's excellent restaurants, seafood shacks and geothermal bakeries, and we are delighted to recommend and reserve the best tables at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert driver-guide or private transfers and a pace tailored entirely to you, giving real depth, flexibility and comfort; small-group and self-drive options can be arranged if you prefer. Iceland's knowledgeable guides bring the geology, sagas, folklore and natural wonders vividly to life, reading the weather and light to find the best of the Northern Lights, waterfalls, glaciers and wildlife at exactly the right moment.
Do I need a visa for Iceland?
Iceland is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities may visit visa-free for up to 90 days, with the new ETIAS travel authorisation being introduced for visa-exempt travellers; others require a Schengen visa. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on ETIAS or visa applications, and ensure your passport validity and documents are in order, so entry is smooth and stress-free from the moment you land at Keflavik.
Is Iceland safe to visit?
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with negligible crime, excellent infrastructure and healthcare, and superb tap water. The real considerations are natural rather than human: fast-changing weather, strong winds, icy winter paths, powerful sneaker waves at black-sand beaches, and hot geothermal ground where you must stay on marked paths. Our experienced guides monitor forecasts and road and safety conditions constantly, follow official guidance, and adjust plans so you can relax and enjoy.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on what you wish to see. Summer (June to August) brings the midnight sun, lush green landscapes, open highland roads, puffins and whales, and endless daylight for touring; winter (late September to March) brings the Northern Lights, blue ice caves, frozen waterfalls and steaming geothermal pools under snow. Late May, September and October offer a lovely balance of fewer crowds, autumn colour and the return of the aurora. We advise on the best timing for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point. We can adjust the balance of Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Ring Road, the Snaefellsnes peninsula, the Westfjords and the highlands, add a glacier hike, an ice cave, a helicopter flight, whale watching or extra spa time, chase the Northern Lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer, and tailor the pace, comfort level and focus entirely to you. Just tell us your dreams and we will craft them.
More Cruise Journeys
Cruise
Customizable
Lake Kariba Houseboat Cruise & Victoria Falls
Lake Kariba Houseboat Cruise & Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe
Cruise
Customizable
Zambezi & Lake Kariba: Victoria Falls Houseboat Cruise
Zambezi & Lake Kariba: Victoria Falls Houseboat Cruise
Zambia
Cruise
Customizable
Chobe River Safari: Houseboat Cruise & Elephant Country
Chobe River Safari: Houseboat Cruise & Elephant Country
Botswana