HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience
Iceland in high season, where nature displays its full splendor with
bright nights and a vibrant birdlife
- You
will not want to go to sleep during this trip, as the landscape
constantly changes and you want to keep eyes on the water in search of
the whales
- With
Ocean Atlantic, we can reach areas of Iceland that are not reachable on
land, and in selected locations, we will land with the ship's zodiac
fleets to further explore the area
- From
lowlands to glacier ice, we will see the entire coast of Iceland with
unforgettable experiences both on the mainland and on the many islands
where seals and puffin seabirds gather
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
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| Start Date | End Date | Category G | Category F | Category E | Category D | Category C | Category B | Category A | Premium Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Category G | (Mid-range)
Category C | (High-end)
Premium Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
DAY
1: ARRIVAL TO REYKJAVÍK. BOARDING OCEAN ATLANTIC
After
boarding and a welcome drink, the Expedition Leader will inform you
about the voyage, the ship's daily routines and the various security
and safety procedures. Before sailing, there will be a mandatory safety
drill.
The
Captain takes the ship out of Reykjavík in the early
evening, heading for the south coast.
DAY
2: WESTMAN ISLANDS, SURTSEY AND UNESCO NATURAL HERITAGE SITES AND CITY
WALK IN HEIMAEY.
The
Westman Islands were on the headlines of the world press in January
1973, when a volcano erupted in the Heimaey island. All 5,000
inhabitants evacuated, but most have now returned, and today the
population is about 4,000. The Westman Islands are only 14 kilometers
off the southwest coast of Iceland and consist of 15 green small
islands and about 30 moorings.
When
you go sailing, you can see the islands steep and grateful profiles in
clear weather from a long distance. They are beautifully raised by the
sea, and looking at them, one understands why an Icelandic poet would
compare them with the sapphires in a silver ring. The
birdlife on these edges is unique and hosts, among other natural
beauties, puffins and not least the "Queen of the Sea", the gannet.
We
start the day by passing close to one of the world's newest islands,
Surtsey. The island rose from the sea in 1963 and arrived in 2008 on
UNESCO's list of world natural heritage sites. The island is closed to
the public and only researchers are allowed. In the
morning, we head to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the
archipelago, where we can see the recently excavated houses from the
outbreak in 1973. After an
exciting day at Heimaey, we set the course to the southeastern corner
of Iceland on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park.
DAY
3: DJÚPIVOGUR AND OPTIONAL EXCURSION TO VATNAJÖKULL
During
the night, we sail along the southern coast of Iceland, dominated by
Vatnajökull, Iceland's largest glacier. In the morning we will
make a call in the small, cozy port town of Djúpivogur.
Sheltered,
but still very assessable from the ocean, the port is actually one of
the oldest in Iceland, and the people from Djúpivogur take
great pride in preserving some of the old houses. The town attracts
creative folks and the art exhibitions are worth a visit, not least the
permant Eggin i Gleðivík, 34 oversized bird eggs,
carved out of granite. The Cultural Centre is located in the beautiful
red timber house, Langabúð, and opposite this on the
other side of the small harbor is the old Hotel Framtid.
An
optional excursion is available from Djúpivogur by Super
Jeeps, the work horse in modern Iceland. In the
afternoon, we re-embark Ocean Atlantic and continue north along the
dramatic coastline of the east fjords. The area has the lowest
population in Iceland, and fishing is the big business. One of the
fjords we’ll pass is Mjóifjörður,
which means the narrow fjord, flanked by high mountains with steep
cliff sides and numerous waterfalls.
DAY
4: WHALES AT HUSAVÍK AND THE POLAR CIRCLE AT
GRÍMSEY.
We
have seen the northeastern corner of Iceland and sail into the bay of
Húsavík, known to be one of the best places to
observe whales in Iceland. Many whale species have been observed in
these waters, and the most likely to be seen are the acrobatic
Humpbacks, the small and agile Minke, and occasionally the gigantic
Blue Whale and Sperm Whale. We sail slowly around the bay with
everyone's eyes searching for these fascinating creatures.
At
noon, we sail further north to the island of Grimsey and reach the
northernmost point of the journey. Grímsey is located about
40 kilometers from the mainland and is the only part of Iceland, with
an Arctic designation. The Polar circle crosses the island at 66
° 33 'N, and gives the island one full day of 24-hour sunlight
– on June 21st! We are well into July, but will still
experience fair nights on our voyage.
Over
100 inhabitants reside in the little rocky island, all living close to
the harbor in the only city in the island. The fishing banks in the
surrounding seas make the economy flourish, the port is expanded, and
there is a small airport with daily flights to the mainland and the
school for the children. The island has been inhabited right back from
the settlement of Iceland and is mentioned in the sagas as an important
land, rich in fish and birds.
The
seabirds far exceed the number of inhabitants on Grímsey,
and bird cries can be heard 24 hours a day over the bright Arctic
summer. Up to 36 different species breed on the island and have their
nests on the rocks. One of Iceland's largest tern colonies is here, and
it is said that the runway must be cleared for terns before the
aircraft can land. We’ll
make landing by Zodiacs during the afternoon to experience the local
life and explore the island's bird life.
DAY
5: AKUREYRI AND MÝVATN NATURE RESERVE (OPTIONAL EXCURSION).
We
continue the voyage a few miles further south to reach the beautiful
city of Akureyri, where we disembark just after lunch. The climate of
Akureyri is unique in these latitudes, with many more hours of sunshine
and higher temperatures than the rest of Iceland.
Akureyri
is a center of trade and culture and is Iceland's second largest city.
With the emerging educational environment, the many cultural events and
the big fishing industry, Akureyri grows steadily, with more Icelanders
– and tourists – heading to the north coast's
sunshine city. Just stroll
around town and enjoy the lively atmosphere with cozy cafés
and great restaurants, as well as lush gardens and the splendid view
from the city church, Akureyrarkirkja. Or join us
for a Seven-hour excursion to fabulous Goðafoss & Lake
Mývatn.
DAY
6: VESTFJORD, SNOWY AND DRAMATIC FJORD LANDSCAPE AT VIGUR
The
west fjords offer one unforgettable experience after another. We start
the morning sailing along the coast of Hornstrandir, the northernmost
part of the West Fjords. From here, there are only 300 kilometers to
the eastern coast of Greenland. In 1975 the area was converted into
nature reserves, and currently has some of the strictest rules to
protect the peculiar and fragile nature. Along the coast, there are
good opportunities to see whales and seals, and the mountainside is
alive with the rich bird life. We continue into Hornvik Bay, which is
considered one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, to see two of
the largest bird cliffs in Europe where millions of seabirds breed.
In
the afternoon, we sail further into Isafjardardjúp, and take
a walk on the island of Vigur at the mouth of Hestfjördur to
enjoy the view of the steep mountains and see the terrific aerobatics
of the Arctic Terns. A local
guide will takes us on a walk around the island, and coffee and light
refreshments will be served in the local café. In the
evening, we leave Isafjardardjúp and sail towards the
southern part of the West Fjords.
DAY
7: ISLAND LIFE AT FLATEY AND SNAEFELLSNES
We
have passed Iceland’s westernmost point, the huge bird cliffs
of Latraberg early in the morning. After breakfast we make landing at
island of Flatey, the only one of Breidafjördur's numerous
islands inhabited all year. However, most of the colorful houses are
holiday homes only used in the summer months.
The
island has a rich part in the history of Iceland and previously had
great cultural significance when in the 1100s an Augustine monastery
was at the highest point of the island. Later, the island became a
focal point for trade with the northwestern part of Iceland when the
Danish king appointed Flatey as an official trading station in 1777.
Until the end of the last century, the population grew until the island
almost overcrowded in comparison to its small size. Today, only two
inhabited farms are left.
In
the afternoon, we sail along the 100-kilometer long peninsula
Snaefellsnes, which with its dramatic cliff coast, hardened lava
floods, sandy beaches and volcanic peaks, is a picture of Iceland in
mini-format. We round
the nest on the peninsula and can enjoy the view of the nearly
1,500-meter-high snow-covered volcano
Snæfellsjökull, which was the center of Jules Vernes
novel "The journey to the center of the earth". The volcano with the
almost perfect cone shape and the surrounding area became in 2001 the
Snæfellsjökull National Park.
DAY
8: REYKJAVÍK AND RETURN HOME
In
the morning Ocean Atlantic goes alongside in the port of Reykjavik.
It’s time to say farewell to the crew and begin the homeward
journey.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUSIONS
- 7-night
cruise in a shared outside double cabin with private bathroom/toilet
- English-speaking
guides
- Zodiac
excursions and most tours on land
- Near-port
town walks with expedition team
- Information
briefings and lectures by expedition team
- Full
board on the ship
- Free
coffee, tea and afternoon snacks on the ship
- Taxes
and tariffs
- Guiding
and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
- Special
photo workshop
- Welcome
and farewell cocktails
- Digital
visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery,
species list and more!
EXCLUSIONS
- International
flights to/from Iceland.
- Hotel
accommodation in Iceland.
- Travel
insurance.
- Cancellation
insurance.
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Single
room supplement.
- Meals
not on board the ship.
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea).
- Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day).
- Personal
expenses.
- Anything
not mentioned under 'Price includes'.
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Bus
Excursions
- Lectures
- Zodiac
Cruises
