Voyage Overview
Explore Iceland—a land of spectacular geology that is rich in wildlife, culture, and human history.
Geologically, Iceland is one of the youngest countries on Earth. On this voyage, you’ll explore Westfjords, one of the remotest and most pristine regions in Iceland—ideal for nature hikes and bird and whale viewing. Discover diverse landscapes including thundering waterfalls, lava fields that breath steam and verdant valleys that stretch beyond the horizon. Atlantic puffins can be found in large numbers in Iceland, and you’ll have many opportunities to encounter these charismatic birds nesting in their burrows. Note: In order to experience some of the incredible scenery of Iceland, a number of the shore excursions on this itinerary require coach travel away from the coast.
Trip Details
Duration: 9 Days
Ship: Sylvia Earle, Premium Ship, 132 passengers
Start at: Reykjavik, Iceland
End at: Reykjavik
Highlights:
- Witness the incredible diversity of Iceland’s landscapes forged by the powerful seismic activity that has shaped the island’s appearance and way of life.
- The cliffs at Latrabjarg are the easternmost point in Europe and home to a large colony of nesting puffins.
- Hike on Vigur Island where you can get close to rare Arctic birdlife.
- In Husavik, keep your eyes and cameras peeled for the fluke of a whale tail as it descends for a deep dive.
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive Reykjavik
Day 2: Embarkation
Day 3: Arnarstapi / Grundafjordur
Day 4-5: Westfjords
Day 6: Husavik & Akureyri
Day 7: Siglufjordur
Day 8: Vigur Island
Day 9: Disembark Reykjavik
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative and transferred to our group hotel. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense. Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavik (or similar)
Day 2: Embarkation
Breakfast and check-out. Join our guided Golden Circle and Geothermal Energy tour. With 85% of it’s electricity sourced from renewable sources, Iceland sets an outstanding example when it comes to sustainable energy. Our journey takes us to the famous seismic sights of the Golden Circle route – Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and history-rich Thingvellir National Park, before we experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power plants on the planet at the Geothermal Energy Exhibition and Ljósafossvirkjun Power Station. We’ll also spend time at a true eco-village. Powered with thermal and solar energy, Sólheimar is fully sustainable, boasting greenhouses and forestry programmes, while it’s sustainable workshops are dedicated to candle-making, carpentry, weaving and soap-making. Late afternoon we return to Reykjavik for embarkation.
Day 3: Arnarstapi / Grundafjordur
At Arnarstapi, our Zodiacs tender us ashore. Located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this area features diverse landscapes characterised by lava fields, glistening fjords and home to Breidafjordur Bay which is rich in birdlife. The area is crowned by the magnificent, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, a 700,000-year-old dormant subglacial volcano, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day and immortalised in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness. Options include a bus tour to Mount Kirkjufell, one of the most famous mountains in Iceland, or a choice of hikes including a glacier hike at Snæfellsjökull Glacier.
Day 4-5: Westfjords
Over the next two days, we explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.
At Patreksfjordur, a shore excursion by coach takes us to Latrabjarg cliffs. As Europe’s largest bird cliff, Latrabjarg is home to millions of seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, fulmar and guillemot. Enjoy the impressive variety of natural wonders and unspoiled nature. Latrabjarg also happens to be the westernmost point in Europe, east coast of the North American continent on the other side of the Atlantic. Alternatively, enjoy a shore excursion by coach to Rauthasnduris to explore the beach and seal watching.
At Dynjandi, witness one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls – a difficult feat in a country that is filled with spectacular cascading falls.
Day 6: Husavik & Akureyri
Arrive in Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland. Choose from a selection of shore excursions to best suit your interests and level of fitness. Choose to visit Godafoss Falls and soak at Myvatn Nature baths, an outdoor hot spring bathing complex surrounded by mountain views. Alternatively, explore both Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, the Mývatn region and Krafla.
In the evening, we reboard our vessel in Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city outside the capital area and is blessed with a superb snow-capped mountain backdrop.
Day 7: Siglufjordur
Siglufjordur is the northernmost town on Iceland’s mainland and is a historic fishing town whose fortune has been closely linked to the success of the fishing industry. It’s an area of spectacular natural beauty surrounded by mountains and the fjord. In the morning, our expedition team will lead you on a guided hike suited to your level of fitness. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore this quaint town at your leisure, visiting the numerous galleries, museums, artisanal workshops and local church. If we’re lucky, we might get to taste some local beer.
Day 8: Vigur Island
On Vigur Island, birdwatchers can try and tick a few species on their list, while others can enjoy walks and hikes of varying levels of difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds.
Day 9: Disembark Reykjavik
During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey. Transfer to Keflavik airport or to your centrally located hotel.
Note: We do not recommend booking flights departing prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation, as we may experience delays at the conclusion of the voyage.
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Voyage Ship
Sylvia Earle
This new purpose-built small expedition vessel honors the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Dr. Sylvia Earle. As the first woman to become chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first “Hero for the Planet” in 1998 – this ship pays tribute to Dr. Sylvia Earle’s long-standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife.
Sylvia Earle Cabins & Deck Plan
Captain’s Suite
DECK 4
The singular Captain’s Suite on Sylvia Earle is the most spacious accommodation onboard and has a prime low midship location. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite. The Captain’s Suite features additional amenities including 1 free pair of binoculars per suite, free stocked mini bar (replenished as needed) and 1 free bottle of champagne. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined.
437 sq. ft. (40.6m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Junior Suite
DECK 7
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points high on the ship. When you aren’t enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites’ separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony. The Junior Suite features additional amenities including 1 free pair of binoculars per suite, free stocked mini bar (stocked once only) and 1 free bottle of champagne. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined.
417 – 420 sq. ft. (38.8 – 39.1m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Balcony Stateroom Superior
DECK 4
DECK 6
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined.
284 – 336 sq. ft. (26.4 – 31.2m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Balcony Stateroom Category A
DECK 4
DECK 6
The 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins are a premium cabin and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions which provide easy access between decks via the internal stairs or elevator. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined. Starting the Arctic 2026 season there will be 6 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom A cabins (#407, 409, 410, 412, 607 & 610) available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.
226 – 301 sq. ft. (21 – 28m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Balcony Stateroom Category B
DECK 4
DECK 6
The 17 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 & 6. Many are fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined. Starting the Arctic 2026 season there will be 2 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom B cabins (#606 & 603) available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.
202 – 235 sq. ft. (18.8 – 21.8m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Balcony Stateroom Category C
DECK 4
DECK 6
The 11 Balcony Stateroom C cabins are the most economical balcony stateroom, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are either in the most forward or aft location or in a mid-ship location with a smaller cabin size. Size listed is cabin and balcony size combined. Starting the Arctic 2026 season there will be 2 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom C cabins (#611 & 614) available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.
181 – 233 sq. ft. (16.8 – 21.6m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Aurora Stateroom Superior
DECK 7
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. The Staterooms feature French balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
185 – 195 sq. ft. (17.2 – 18.1m2)
1-2
1 king or 2 twins
Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
DECK 3
There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located low on the ship, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
215 sq. ft. (20m2)
1-3
3 twins or 1 king + 1 twin
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Reykjavik on Day 1.
- Visit Iceland’s famous Golden Circle prior to embarkation, on Day 2.
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
- Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Exclusions:
- International or domestic flights not mentioned in the itinerary, unless specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel accommodation and meals unless specified in the itinerary.
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
- All items of a personal nature including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges.
Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
Adventure Options
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? If willing to share a cabin, we can match you with another passenger of the same gender to avoid a single supplement.
Single occupancy price is 1.5x the per person share price.
