Iceland: Circumnavigating the Land of Fire & Ice

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Arrive at Keflavik International Airport and transfer to our Embarkation Suite (conditions apply below). Explore Reykjavik at your leisure before returning to our Embarkation Suite at the designated times for the group transfer to Sylvia Earle.  

Important information

• Complimentary airport arrival transfers are available as group transfers for passengers arriving at Keflavík International Airport before 11.00 am on Day 1 only.

• If you arrive after the airport-transfer cut-off, please make your own way to the Embarkation Suite before 2.00 pm to complete mandatory check-in.

• If you are already in Reykjavík, please bring all your luggage to our centrally located Embarkation Suite and complete mandatory check-in between 9.00 am and 2.00 pm.

• At the Embarkation Suite, luggage storage, Wi-Fi, tea, coffee and light refreshments are available, along with assistance from Aurora Expeditions staff regarding your voyage and time in the city.

• Embarkation Suite location: To be advised approximately six months before departure.

• Your main luggage will be transferred to the ship at 2.30 pm. Please keep passports, medication, money, cards and anything else you may need during the day in your hand luggage.

In the late afternoon, join the group transfer to Sylvia Earle. Once onboard, settle into your cabin before attending the mandatory safety briefings as we prepare to set sail on our Icelandic adventure.

This evening, meet your Expedition Team and fellow travellers at a welcome dinner and raise a toast to the journey ahead.

Grundarfjörður is our gateway to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region often described as ‘Iceland in miniature’ for its remarkable concentration of glaciers, lava fields, mountains, fishing villages and wave-sculpted coastline. Dominating the peninsula is the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, immortalised by Jules Verne in Journey to the Centre of the Earth. We plan to travel ashore by Zodiac, taking in views of the surrounding coast before making a dry landing.

Personalise your expedition with an included ‘Your Choice’ experience suited to your interests and fitness level.

Option 1 – Kirkjufell, Craters & Coastal Wonders

Duration: 7 hours, including lunch

Level of difficulty: Comprehensive. Coastal hike approximately 3.4 kilometres (2.1 miles) one way; easy technical difficulty; approximately 1–2 hours.

Terrain: Lava fields, rocky and uneven ground that may be slippery when wet, and an elevation change of approximately 52 metres (173 feet). Good mobility is required.

Begin with one of Iceland’s most recognisable views: arrow-shaped Kirkjufell rising beside the cascades of Kirkjufellsfoss. Continue across the peninsula to Saxhóll, an ancient volcanic crater where a staircase leads to the rim and sweeping views across moss-covered lava fields towards Snæfellsjökull. At Djúpalónssandur, walk across a dramatic black-pebble beach scattered with the rusted remains of a British trawler wrecked here in 1948. You may also test the historic lifting stones once used to assess the strength of local fishermen.

After lunch, choose how you would like to explore. Walk the celebrated coastal trail towards Hellnar, passing the Gatklettur sea arch, sculpted lava formations and basalt cliffs busy with Arctic terns, kittiwakes, gulls and fulmars. Those preferring a gentler pace can spend more time discovering Arnarstapi and its harbour, while faster hikers may have the opportunity to complete the return walk. We then return to Grundarfjörður through the peninsula’s mountainous interior, where lakes and wide-open scenery reveal yet another side of Snæfellsnes.

Option 2 – Snæfellsjökull Coastal Hike

Duration: Up to 7 hours, including lunch

Level of difficulty: Active

Elevation: Predominantly low-lying coastal terrain with undulating sections and short ascents and descents. Maximum elevation gain is approximately 100 metres (328 feet).

Terrain: Uneven coastal paths, lava fields, rocky trails and grass-covered tracks. Surfaces may be slippery when wet and exposed to strong winds. Good fitness, balance and mobility are required. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip are strongly recommended.

Djúpalónssandur to Arnarstapi – Fast Hikers

Distance: Approximately 14.7 kilometres (9.1 miles)

Level of difficulty: Challenging

Begin at Djúpalónssandur, where a black-pebble beach is scattered with the rusted remains of a British trawler wrecked here in 1948. From the shore, follow the longer coastal route through ancient lava fields and exposed volcanic terrain. Dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and sweeping Atlantic views accompany you towards Arnarstapi.

Malarrif to Arnarstapi – Moderate Hikers

Distance: Approximately 9 kilometres (5.6 miles)

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Begin near the Malarrif Visitor Centre, beneath the distinctive lighthouse and glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull. Follow the gentler coastal route through moss-covered lava fields, passing rugged cliffs, sea stacks and wave-sculpted formations on the way to Arnarstapi.

In Arnarstapi, admire the striking Gatklettur sea arch and basalt cliffs, which provide nesting habitat for Arctic terns, kittiwakes, fulmars and gulls. Reunite with your fellow hikers before returning to Grundarfjörður having experienced one of the country’s most memorable coastal hiking routes.

Iceland is well-known for its spectacular waterfalls. The iconic Dynjandi waterfall, located in the Westfjords region, is regarded as one of Iceland’s most impressive and majestic waterfalls. At the top, the cascading water is roughly 100 feet wide and tumbles down about 330 feet into the fjord. Its name Dynjandi means, “the thundering one” and its vast size, enormous sound, and sheer force is overwhelming. It has also been nicknamed, ‘The Bridal Veil’ because of the way the water sprays and spreads over the rocks.

Today we enter the Westfjords, one of Iceland’s most remote and sparsely populated regions. Ancient glaciers have carved a dramatic world of deep fjords, broad valleys and sheer-sided table mountains that fall towards the North Atlantic. Waterfalls thread down the mountainsides, small farms sit beneath immense cliffs and the winding coastline reveals new perspectives at every turn. As we navigate these sheltered waterways, the Expedition Team will interpret the geology, wildlife and human stories of a landscape that feels wonderfully removed from modern life.

Conditions permitting, we travel ashore by Zodiac to visit Dynjandi, the jewel of the Westfjords. This magnificent waterfall tumbles approximately 100 metres (328 feet) down a broad, tiered mountainside, widening like a bridal veil as it descends. A walking trail follows a succession of smaller cascades towards the main falls, offering ever-changing views across Arnarfjörður and the surrounding peaks. Whether you choose to walk towards the base or admire the panorama from below, the scale, sound and setting of Dynjandi make it one of Iceland’s most memorable natural landmarks.

Later, we continue north through the Westfjords. Relax on deck as mountains and isolated valleys slip past, and keep watch for seabirds, seals and whales in the nutrient-rich waters. The long summer light lends an added beauty to this quiet afternoon of scenic expedition cruising.

Vigur Island is a little more than a mile (1.6 km) in length and about 450 yards (412 m) wide. This green oasis punctuates the waters of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord east of the town of Isafjordur. The island is home to a single farming family and has some meticulously preserved historical landmarks including Iceland’s only windmill, built in 1840 and used until 1917 for grinding imported wheat from Denmark; and a 200-year-old rowing boat, which is still in use to ferry sheep to the mainland. Summer is the best time to see large numbers of Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns and Black Guillemots. One of the export articles from this small island was eider down and one can see where the eider ducks nest and how the down is collected and cleaned.

This morning, travel ashore by Zodiac to Vigur, a small island jewel in the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord. Home to only a handful of residents but vast numbers of seabirds, Vigur offers an intimate glimpse of traditional island life. Follow gentle paths through rolling green landscapes where puffins, Arctic terns, eider ducks and black guillemots nest in season. Learn about the island’s long tradition of sustainable eiderdown farming, discover its historic buildings and visit the tiny post office. With its lively bird colonies, sweeping fjord views and warm Icelandic character, Vigur is a place of rare charm.

Back onboard, spend the afternoon exploring the deep fjords and sheltered bays of Ísafjarðardjúp. Towering, flat-topped mountains rise directly from cold, nutrient-rich waters, creating a spectacular setting for scenic cruising and wildlife watching.

Keep your camera and binoculars close as we search for humpback and minke whales, dolphins and seabirds. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but these productive waters offer exciting possibilities. Your Expedition Team will help scan the fjord and share insights into its geology, ecology and centuries of human history.

Akureyri, called the Capital of the North is the second largest urban area in Iceland, and a lively one at that. Hemmed by the 60-km (37-mile) long Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is sheltered from the ocean winds and embraced by mountains on three sides. Late 19th-century wooden houses impart a sense of history, and the twin spires of a modern Lutheran church rising on a green hill near the waterfront, provide a focal point. To the south of Akureyri is the pyramid-shape rhyolite mountain Súlur. Beyond it is Kerling, the highest peak in Eyjafjörður District.

Set against a backdrop of snow-streaked mountains at the head of Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is Iceland’s largest urban centre outside the capital region. Its sheltered setting, colourful streets and celebrated botanical gardens make an inviting gateway to northern Iceland’s waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and geothermal wonders.

Personalise your expedition with an included ‘Your Choice’ experience suited to your interests and fitness level.

Option 1 – Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn & Mývatn Nature Baths

Duration: 7 hours, including lunch

Level of difficulty: Comprehensive

Terrain: Easy, well-maintained paths at Goðafoss, with some uneven surfaces and moderate ascents and descents elsewhere.

Begin at Goðafoss, the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, where the Skjálfandafljót River pours across a broad horseshoe-shaped ledge. A short, mostly level trail leads to the main viewpoint. Continue to Lake Mývatn and the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, formed when hot lava flowed across wetlands. Follow marked paths around these distinctive formations or climb to a viewpoint overlooking the lake and its volcanic surroundings.

After lunch, unwind in the naturally heated waters of Mývatn Nature Baths. Fed by geothermal water drawn from deep beneath the earth, the pools offer a relaxing conclusion to a day exploring northern Iceland’s elemental landscapes.

Option 2 – Geothermal Iceland: Krafla Crater, Dimmuborgir & Námaskarð

Duration: 7 hours, including lunch

Level of difficulty: Active. Easy on boardwalks and moderately uneven on the lava-field loop.

Terrain: The Víti crater trail includes a manageable ascent of approximately 20–30 metres (65–100 feet) from the car park and takes about 45 minutes to complete. Uneven volcanic ground requires good fitness and mobility. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is strongly recommended.

Begin at Dimmuborgir, a labyrinth of lava pillars, cliffs and caves created when molten lava flowed across wetlands around 2,300 years ago. Follow trails through this extraordinary landscape and discover formations such as ‘the Church’, a dramatic lava cave with a domed ceiling and openings at both ends.

After lunch, explore the otherworldly Krafla region, where the turquoise waters of Víti crater contrast with dark lava fields and volcanic ridges. Continue to Námaskarð, a vivid geothermal landscape of rust-red earth, sulphur-stained slopes, bubbling mud pools and hissing steam vents—a powerful reminder that Iceland remains geologically alive.

In the late afternoon, return to the ship and depart for Grímsey Island, watching for whales and seabirds along the way.

Around 40 kilometres (25 miles) off Iceland’s north coast, grassy Grímsey is best known for straddling the Arctic Circle. A small community calls the island home, while vast numbers of seabirds occupy its dramatic cliffs during the breeding season. Conditions permitting, explore on foot, by Zodiac or by kayak, and enjoy the symbolic moment of crossing the Arctic Circle. Keep watch for guillemots, gulls, kittiwakes and puffins along the coast.

As we return towards the mainland, we scan the waters of Skjálfandi Bay near Húsavík, Iceland’s celebrated whale-watching capital. Up to 24 cetacean species have been recorded in these productive waters, including humpback, minke and blue whales, as well as dolphins, orcas, fin whales and pilot whales. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the bay offers an exciting setting for time on deck with the Expedition Team.

Seyðisfjörður, a beautiful 19th-century Norwegian village on the east coast of Iceland, is regarded by many as one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, not only due to its impressive environment, but also because nowhere in Iceland has a community of old wooden buildings been preserved so well as here. Poet Matthías Johannessen called Seyðisfjörður a 'pearl enclosed in a shell'. The community owes its origins to foreign merchants, mainly Danes, who started trading in the fjord in the mid-19th century. But the crucial factor in the evolution of the village was the establishment of the Icelandic herring fishery by Norwegians in 1870-1900. The Norwegians built up a number of herring-fishing facilities, and in a matter of years the little community grew into a boom town. Today, about 800 people live in Seyðisfjörður. The local economy has long been based on the fisheries, while light industry also flourishes. Tourism is playing a growing role, as the picturesque town in its spectacular surroundings attracts more and more visitors. The car/passenger ferry Norrøna, which plies between continental Europe and Iceland every summer, docks at Seyðisfjörður every Thursday. Seyðisfjörður has been a cosmopolitan community from its foundation, and the ferry service has contributed to ensuring that it remains so.

Tucked at the head of a long fjord and framed by steep, waterfall-streaked mountains, Seyðisfjörður is one of Iceland’s most picturesque communities. Stroll among colourful timber buildings introduced by Norwegian merchants during the herring era, follow paths beside the cascading Fjarðará River or explore hiking trails leading into the surrounding valley. The village is also known for its flourishing creative scene, with artists’ studios, locally made handicrafts and the much-photographed blue church adding to its distinctive character.

It may be surrounded by pulse-raising volcanic scenery, boast extraordinary wildlife, and sit on a dramatic, jutting fjord - but it's fair to say Djúpivogur likes to take things slow. In fact, Djúpivogur relishes its peace and quiet so much that it's won recognition as a 'Cittaslow' - a Slow City. So prepare to take a new, leisurely look around, as you relax into the breathtaking natural glory of Iceland, and explore this unique location - filled with folklore, fabulous food and fantastic fjords.

In Iceland’s east, we plan to travel ashore by Zodiac at Djúpivogur, our gateway to Vatnajökull National Park and the immense ice cap that dominates the region. Today’s experiences reveal a landscape shaped by glaciers, volcanic forces and the restless meeting of ice and ocean.

Personalise your expedition with an included ‘Your Choice’ experience suited to your interests and fitness level.

Option 1 – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

Duration: 8 hours, including an extended coach journey from Djúpivogur and return

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Terrain: Uneven surfaces, sand, steps, and some moderate ascents and descents.

Travel into Vatnajökull National Park to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where immense icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull drift through still waters towards the sea. Board a specially designed amphibious vessel to cruise among these sculpted formations, whose shades of white and blue change with the light.

After lunch, continue to Diamond Beach. Here, fragments of ancient glacial ice wash onto black volcanic sand and glitter like gemstones—a striking meeting of glacier, ocean and volcanic coastline.

Option 2 – Wonders of Vatnajökull National Park & Canyon Hike

Duration: 9 hours, including an extended coach journey from Djúpivogur and return

Level of difficulty: Active

Terrain: The Múlagljúfur Canyon hike is approximately 3.8 kilometres (2.35 miles) each way and takes around three hours. The route gains approximately 315 metres (1,033 feet) along a narrow, unpaved trail with two shallow stream crossings. Good fitness and mobility are required.

Hike into dramatic Múlagljúfur Canyon, a lesser-known landscape carved by glacial rivers. The trail climbs beside vegetation and mountain streams to reveal sweeping views of Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, jagged peaks, waterfalls and dark volcanic formations.

After lunch, explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on foot, watching immense icebergs drift slowly from glacier to sea. Complete the day at Diamond Beach, where luminous fragments of ice sparkle against black volcanic sand.

Return to the ship by Zodiac after your shore excursion.

The name Vestmannaeyjar refers to both a town and an archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. The largest Vestmannaeyjar island is called Heimaey. It is the only inhabited island in the group and is home to over 4000 people. The eruption of the Eldfell Volcano put Vestmannaeyjar into the international lime light in 1973. The volcano’s eruption destroyed many buildings and forced an evacuation of the residents to mainland Iceland. The lava flow was stopped in its tracks by the application of billions of liters of cold sea water. Since the eruption, life on the small island outpost has returned to the natural ebb and flow of a small coastal fishing community on the edge of the chilly and wild North Atlantic.

Enjoy a relaxed morning onboard as we sail towards the Westman Islands. Join informative presentations from the Expedition Team and spend time on deck watching for whales and seabirds.

Rising from the sea off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions over the past 10,000 years. The archipelago comprises 15 islands and numerous rocks and skerries, providing refuge for rich marine life and one of the world’s largest Atlantic puffin colonies. Heimaey is the only inhabited island and offers a compelling blend of dramatic geology, resilient community history and abundant birdlife.

Personalise your expedition with an included ‘Your Choice’ experience suited to your interests and fitness level.

Option 1 – Eldheimar Volcano Museum & Puffin Viewing

Duration: 3 hours | Level of difficulty: Leisurely

Terrain: Uneven ground, steps, and some moderate ascents and descents.

Discover Heimaey’s extraordinary volcanic story at Eldheimar Museum. In January 1973, an eruption began without warning on the edge of town, forcing the island’s residents to evacuate and transforming the landscape forever. Through preserved homes and compelling exhibits, learn about the Eldfell eruption, the birth of nearby Surtsey in the 1960s and the geological forces that continue to shape the archipelago.

Continue to Stórhöfði cape, where we hope to watch puffins and enjoy far-reaching coastal views. If time permits, there may also be an opportunity to explore independently before returning to the ship.

Option 2 – Eldfell Volcano Climb & Eldheimar Museum

Duration: 3 hours | Level of difficulty: Active

Terrain: A steep but manageable ascent on rocky and sometimes muddy paths, with loose volcanic gravel and numerous steps. The route gains approximately 221 metres (725 feet). Good fitness and mobility are required, and sturdy footwear is strongly recommended.

Learn about Iceland’s geology on an invigorating hike up Eldfell, the volcano born during the 1973 eruption. From the summit, take in sweeping views across Heimaey and feel residual warmth in parts of the young volcanic terrain. Afterwards, visit Eldheimar Museum to hear the personal stories of the eruption, explore the formation of Surtsey and understand the forces that created the Westman Islands. If time permits, enjoy some independent exploration before returning to the ship.

As we depart, we plan to sail past Surtsey, a UNESCO World Heritage site that rose from the sea during an eruption beginning in 1963. Reserved for scientific research, this young island offers a rare opportunity to observe how life colonises new land.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavík and plan to disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and fellow travellers before transferring to Keflavík International Airport or a central Reykjavík location.

Note: We recommend booking flights departing Reykjavík after 12.00 pm today in case of delays.