Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise from Reykjavik

Begin Your Adventure

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.

Meander Dramatic Landscapes

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.

Explore Remote Coastlines

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.

Cross the Arctic Circle and Learn about Icelandic History

Travel to far-flung Grímsey, which lies upon the Arctic Circle (66° 33’ North) and earns Iceland its title as one of the world’s eight Arctic nations—just barely!

Take a Zodiac cruise around the island, brimming with a million seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and gulls, that far outnumber its small human population.

Visit resurgent Siglufjörður that, in its heyday, bustled with activity as the centre of the herring fishing industry.

Enjoy a wonderful re-enactment at the Herring Era Museum and make some time to pop into the bakery, chocolate factory, brewery, and Icelandic folk music center, too.

Visit Museums and Botanical Gardens

Immerse yourself in the charm of Akyureyri, Iceland's second-largest urban area! Opt to walk up the steps of Akyureyri’s monumental Lutheran church for a stunning panoramic view—it will be well worth it!

Explore the city’s shops, cafés, and restaurants and enjoy the variety of ten museums for you to choose from.

Stroll through Akuyeri’s botanical gardens which are among the northernmost in the world and miraculously grow several thousand plant species.

Enhance your journey with an optional excursion to Forest Lagoon. This captivating oasis is nestled in the Valaskógur forest and offers inviting pools, rejuvenating saunas, and a cozy bistro area, overlooking Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest fjords.

Go Whale Watching

Tour Húsavík’s Skjálfandi Bay, known as the whale capital of Iceland.

Be sure to bring your binoculars to spot the fifteen different whale species that frequent the area, as well as dolphins and dozens of varieties of birds.

Take advantage of Húsavík’s diverse museum offerings, including the Whale Museum, the Húsavík Museum, and the Exploration Museum, which houses artefacts from Apollo astronaut training in the area.

Wander a Picturesque Community and Visit the Skálanes Nature Reserve

Enjoy the chance to explore Seyðisfjörður, nestled at the tip of its namesake fjord.

Stroll the picturesque town of 700, known for its flourishing art scene, cobbled rainbow road, and excellent handicrafts, or take one of the numerous opportunities for hiking, including a walk up to Tvísöngur sound sculpture on a nearby hill.

Visit nearby Skálanes Nature Reserve, which is family-owned and operated. Learn about the centre’s research and interpretation of Iceland’s environment and cultural history that’s a model for sustainable tourism.

Opt to enhance your journey with an optional excursion to Vallanes Organic Farm, where Eymundur Magnússon and Eygló Björk Ólafsdóttir have been organic farming since 1985. Explore their premises with a guided tour, learn about their focus on developing Icelandic grains and vegetables, and savour local products during a tasting.

Witness Beautiful Glaciers and Lagoons

Soak in the sights of south Iceland, home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions.

Explore a unique mix of volcanoes, lagoons, and glaciers—as well as hot springs, geysers, and spectacular waterfalls—either ashore on foot or by Zodiac cruise.

Marvel at Volcanic Landscapes

Learn about the compelling history of this volcanically active area that has experienced two major eruptions in recent times.

1963 saw the formation of the island of Surtsey and the Eldfell eruption ten years later destroyed much of Heimaey, the largest of the Vestmannaeyjars and the only island here that is inhabited.

Enjoy a beautiful Zodiac cruise searching for the numerous species of seabirds, including the famous puffin, that nest in the steep rock faces along the ocean cliffs here.

Wave a Fond Farewell

Complete your journey back in Reykjavík, disembarking in the morning.

Take one last chance to explore this special city where food, culture, and nightlife abound.

If you have the time, be sure to visit the National Culture House, which preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts.

Our vessel for this voyage is the Ocean Endeavour. A 1B ice-class sailing boat with a maximum of 198-passengers and outfitted with 20 Zodiac boats, our ship is perfect for expedition cruises. Facilities include a top deck observation room, swimming pool, outdoor dining, sauna spa, library, and top-class navigation equipment.

Our three onboard lounges are excellent public spaces for our educational seminars, workshops, and entertainment. Launched in 1982, she’s been upgraded many times, most recently in 2010 and 2014. At 137-m (450-ft) length and 21-m (69-ft) breadth, the Ocean Endeavour is the pride of our cruises in Canada and beyond.

Learn more about the Ocean Endeavour.

No Single Supplement! Solo Adventurers are welcome. Most cabin categories on the ship are available as a private cabin to single travelers at no additional cost.

A recommended packing list will be provided upon booking.

This program features activities such as walking, wildlife viewing, and Zodiac cruising, all at a relatively easy to moderate level of exertion. The majority of shore landings are undertaken using Zodiacs. Zodiac embarkations involve descending gangway stairs with double handrails and stepping into the Zodiac from a small platform at water level (assistance is provided).