Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise
Highlights
Highlights
- Visit Grímsey on the Arctic Circle, home to over a million seabirds and a hundred people
- Seek whales off the coast of Húsavík, Iceland’s whale capital
- Visit the Vestmannaeyjar islands, home to Eldfell, the youngest volcano in Iceland
- Cruise Iceland’s extraordinary fjords and sea cliffs
- View spectacular volcanoes, waterfalls, and glaciers!
Map
Map
Overview
Tour Overview
Iceland is literally a cool hot spot: the land of fire and ice. Circumnavigation by sea offers the best of Iceland’s out-of-the-way wonders!
At the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is unique in every way. Dominated by geology and the sea, a unique culture has emerged here that is ancient and contemporary all at once.
Active volcanoes, emerging islands, lava fields, and glaciers make every landscape awe-inspiring and hiking, sublime. At sea, the mountains are a constant backdrop as we spot seabirds and marine mammals in the long summer light!
Towns nestled among the fjords offer unique cuisine, handicrafts, art and architecture—and our local hosts will ensure we appreciate Iceland’s culture and history at its very finest.
Departures & Cabins
DEPARTURES & CABINS
This cruise runs bi-annually, on every odd year.
Deck Plan
What's Included
What's Included
Tour Price Includes
- Passage aboard the Ocean Endeavour
- Applicable taxes and credit card fees
- Complimentary expedition jacket
- Special access permits, entry, and park fees
- Expert expedition team
- Guided activities
- Sightseeing and community visits
- All Zodiac excursions
- Port fees
- Pre-departure materials
- Educational program
- Interactive workshops
- Evening entertainment
- All shipboard meals
Tour Price Does Not Include
- Commercial and charter flights
- Program enhancements/optional excursions
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
- Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
- Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
- Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation
Gallery
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland
After a day of independent exploration in Reykjavík, you’ll embark for an evening departure.
Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavík was established in the year 874 CE. Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth.
Day 2: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Discover one of Iceland’s most amazing coastlines, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region known for its dramatic beauty and fascinating geological history.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often referred to as "Iceland in Miniature" due to its diverse range of natural wonders. From black sand beaches to a volcano, a glacier, lava fields, mountains, waterfalls, caves, and craters, the peninsula encapsulates many of Iceland's unique landscapes in one area.
Delight in the many opportunities to observe seabirds and marine life as you explore this spectacular destination.
Day 3: The Westfjords
Be among the lucky few to explore the Westfjords, a region known for its jagged bird cliffs and multi-hued beaches—only about ten per cent of the rest of Iceland’s visitors ever make it here!
Soak up the breathtaking beauty of the coastal fjords and marvel at the immense mountains that loom overhead. Here, nature's splendour awaits at every turn.
Day 4: Siglufjörður And Grímsey
In its heyday, Siglufjörður bustled with activity as the centre of the herring fishing industry. Today Siglufjörður is resurgent. The Herring Era Museum, which includes re-enactments, is wonderful. Foodies will enjoy visiting the bakery, chocolate factory, and brewery. The folk music centre is a wonderful resource for Icelandic folk music.
Grímsey Island lies on the Arctic Circle. Its small human population shares the island with nearly a million seabirds! These include puffins, guillemots, and gulls. A Zodiac cruise among rock formations is a trip highlight.
Day 5: Akureyri
Iceland’s second-largest urban area, Akureyri, enjoys a relatively mild climate and ice-free harbour. Shops, cafes, and restaurants make for good exploring of the urban kind, along with ten museums to discover and explore.
Akuyeri’s botanical gardens are among the northernmost in the world, miraculously growing several thousand plant species. The view from the steps of the monumental Lutheran church is worth the walk!
Day 6: Húsavík
Húsávík, on Skjálfandi Bay, is known as the whale capital of Iceland. Fifteen different whale species frequent the area; we also hope to see dolphins and dozens of varieties of birds. Various museums await exploration, including the Whale Museum, Húsavík Museum, and the Exploration Museum, which houses artefacts from Apollo astronaut training in the area.
Day 7: Seyðisfjörður
Seyðisfjörður is nestled at the tip of its namesake fjord. The picturesque town of 700 is known for its flourishing art scene, cobbled rainbow road, and excellent handicrafts. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, including a walk up to Tvísöngur sound sculpture on a nearby hill.
Nearby Skalanes Nature Reserve is family owned and operated. The centre for research and interpretation of Iceland’s environment and cultural history is a model for sustainable tourism.
Day 8: Southeast Iceland
The south of Iceland is home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions. Here we have opportunities to explore a unique mix of volcanoes, lagoons, and glaciers—as well as hot springs, geysers, and spectacular waterfalls.
Day 9: Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Vestmannaeyjar lies off the south coast of Iceland and comprises fourteen islands, numerous rocks, and skerries. Only the largest island, Heimaey, is inhabited. Heimaey rose to global prominence when it was nearly destroyed by the eruption of the volcano Eldfell in 1973. Nearby sea cliffs dotted with massive sea caves offer excellent opportunities for birds, including the much-loved puffins.
Day 10: Reykjavík, Iceland
We’ll disembark the Ocean Endeavour in the morning.
What to Expect
What to Expect
Our small ship Iceland Circumnavigation cruise program allows you to experience the best of the natural world, while enjoying the comforts of our friendly floating hotel. The ship generally makes crossing between islands at night, so every morning you awake to new vistas and discoveries. Every day we offer a combination of interesting shore excursions and fun shipboard activities. You can choose which elements of the program you want to participate in.
This expedition cruise necessitates passengers to be in reasonably good health. Zodiac cruises and transfer times can be lengthy. You must be able to climb stairs between decks on the ship, as well as the external gangway stairs to transfer between the zodiac and ship.
Some of our shore landings will be ‘wet’, requiring waterproof boots. Once you have left the zodiac, you’ll find our shore excursions accommodate both those who wish to enjoy a gentle stroll and those who prefer more active hikes. The excursion may involve walking over uneven or sandy terrain in variable weather conditions. Our onboard specialists will join us on these shore excursions to provide interpretation and narration to these wonderful landscapes and experiences.
Each evening we will gather in the lounge to recount the day’s events and share memorable stories. Our onboard musician will provide some lively entertainment during happy hour and the expedition leader will outline the following day’s schedule. Our resource staff of naturalists, historians, and other guest speakers will give informative talks at various times throughout the voyage.
Meals in the ship’s dining room are a great opportunity to meet new friends and recount the day’s adventures. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Safety is also a top priority with Eagle-Eye Tours – our team has extensive experience in the field, and all of our Voyages are run in conjunction with operators with the highest safety standards.
When the ship is underway, it is a wonderful time to join a naturalist on deck, take photos of the stunning scenery, or get caught up on some reading in the library.
Weather, ice, government regulations, and community requests may necessitate changes to the planned itineraries and/or the cancellation of certain shore excursions and enhancements. Published itineraries are examples only and we reserve the right to change or modify the itinerary and landing sites at any time prior or during an expedition. Changes will be communicated at your expedition orientation or during your onboard expedition briefings.
We know that everyone travels for different reasons. Over the years, however, we have found one common element among the guest who choose to travel with us – a thirst of knowledge and authentic experience. Knowing this drives us to ensure the highest quality learning experience on our trips, by taking time to carefully design each trip we offer.
Ship & Deck Plan
Ship & Deck Plan
Ocean Endeavour
Sailing with a maximum of 198-passengers, Ocean Endeavour is the perfect vessel for expedition cruising. Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges and a top deck observation room, she is purpose-built for passenger experiences in remote environments. The Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to freely explore throughout the Arctic summer.
Launched in 1982, she has had numerous upgrades, most recently in 2010 and 2014. At 137 meters (450ft) in length, Ocean Endeavour has plenty of interior and exterior space. Enjoy multiple decks offering comfortable lounge chairs, outdoor dining, a swimming pool, sauna and even a hot tub! The spacious interiors allow for multiple workshops and presentations to occur simultaneously. Community is at the heart of Adventure Canada’s expedition experience. We gather together to learn, enjoy a drink, sing a song or share a yarn – connecting with one and other. The three lounges aboard Ocean Endeavour are fantastic public spaces for seminars, events and dialogue.
The Ocean Endeavour’s private spaces are stylish and comfortable. All cabins have private washroom facilities, a phone for internal calls, radio, TV and air-conditioning.
Ocean Endeavour’s crew is experienced, and friendly. Her shallow draft and maneuverability allow her to access isolated fiords, bays and secluded communities. The stylish vessel is at home among the glorious settings we seek. Enjoy the class and comfort of a boutique hotel, while venturing to some of the world’s last great frontiers aboard the Ocean Endeavour!
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