arctic tours iceland

Arctic Tours Icelands

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Arctic Tours Icelands - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Iceland tours

Embark on a journey of discovery and tranquility in one of the last truly untouched landscapes on earth, iceland. arctic hiking and expeditions offers curated multi-day hiking tours in the summer months. our tour leaders have 30 years of hiking, trekking and expedition experience in iceland and greenland and the south pole . come have the nature experience of a lifetime with us.

Laugavegur Trail

Copyright © 2024 Arctic Hiking and Expeditions

Design & Website by Copetti Marco from Orison-Design

• Einar Torfi Finnsson
• Kristinn Gardarsson

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• [email protected]

Deals of the Week   Solo is the new black   Up to 50% OFF

8 Day - Ultimate Iceland Highlight Hitter

• Fully Guided
• Coach / Bus
• Hiking & Trekking
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 The Golden Circle & South Coast
• Day 2 Vík - Skaftafell - Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - Höfn
• Day 3 East Fjords - Djupivogur - Egilsstadir
• Day 4 Studlagil, Lake Myvatn, Godafoss - Akureyri
• Day 5 Whale watching from Dalvik - Siglufjordur -Trollaskagi - Bifrost
• Day 6 West Iceland - Borgarfjörður
• Day 7 Snaefellsnes
• Day 8 Reykjavik - Highlands of Iceland

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Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by Arctic Adventures

Arctic Adventures is a leading Icelandic tour operator with over 30 years of experience servicing clients in adventure tours in Iceland. Our tour company offers a great selection of guided adventure tours in Iceland, including glacier tours, self-drive, group, incentive, mountain climbing, ice climbing, cross country skiing and more. We have a tour for people of all ages. If you or your travel group is looking for an adventure with environmental sustainability and your safety in mind, Arctic Adventures is a good choice as the tour operator for your next Iceland vacation.

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.4
• Itinerary Excellent 4.4
• Guide Excellent 4.6
• Transport Excellent 4.5
• Accommodation Excellent 4.1
• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator Arctic Adventures 4.5
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First

• KD Kerryn · 4th January 2024 It was understandable that the itinerary would be changed but we weren't told about any changes and had to ask before given any information on what we would see and when. Parts were cancelled last minute and all information had to be asked for a number... Show more Trip date: December 2023

• CA Chaim · 21st August 2023 Island is beautiful and the tour was outstanding Trip date: July 2023
• ZK Zofia · 21st July 2023 Very nice You can visit and explore the whole island in 8 days Trip date: July 2023

• GL Gary · 30th June 2023 Most of the experience was up to expectations. However for 6 of 8 days there was no functional PA on the bus. I advised Arctic Adventures seeking help for our driver/ guide to fix the problem at day 4. I didn’t even get a response let alone was there... Show more Trip date: June 2023
• MN MARGARET · 30th June 2023 We have 16 of us joined the tour. Arctic Adventure did not give us the lated itinanary after they changed.Tour Radar website still showed 3 year ago intinanary. We was confuse! They changed the pick up location in our first day last minuite! 16 of us... Show more Trip date: June 2023
• KC Karla · 10th January 2023 Was not aware it was a 6 day tour with 2 separate day tours added in. This may have changed my mind. I understand that some things have to be changed due to the weather but the last day I thought we would see some other things not JUST the snowmobile... Show more Trip date: December 2022
• EH Elesa · 19th December 2022 Great opportunity to experience the wonders of the Ring Road in safety and comfort. Our guide was competent in the faceb of challenging road and weathet conditions. Trip date: November 2022

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 14 May, 2024 Tuesday 21 May, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,527 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 15 May, 2024 Wednesday 22 May, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,527 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 16 May, 2024 Thursday 23 May, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €2,527 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 17 May, 2024 Friday 24 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,527 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 19 May, 2024 Sunday 26 May, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €2,527 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 21 May, 2024 Tuesday 28 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,527 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 25 May, 2024 Saturday 1 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €2,527 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 26 May, 2024 Sunday 2 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €2,527 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 27 May, 2024 Monday 3 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,527 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 28 May, 2024 Tuesday 4 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €2,527 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currency kr Iceland Krona Iceland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 14th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 14th June 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Arctic Adventures. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 35 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Arctic Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Arctic Adventures" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Arctic Adventures. Please familiarise yourself with the Arctic Adventures payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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• Whale watching .
• Polar Bear & Narwhal watching .
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• Exploring icebergs up-close via zodiacs. 
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Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

• Photo Workshops
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• Testimonials
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PHOTO WORKSHOPS IN THE ARCTIC REGION

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We lead exclusive landscape photo workshops, and expeditions across Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, as well as the remote Arctic islands of Norway and the countryside of Canada, with our accomplished photography guides. In addition to these unique locations, we are committed to exploring new destinations that present exhilarating photographic opportunities whenever possible.

Our photo tours, workshops, and expeditions are lead by award-winning local nature photographers in some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. Fueled by our passion and skills, we pursue the farthest expanses of the Earth so that our clients capture the perfect shot. 

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Whale Watching Iceland

Dalvík close to akureyri north iceland, whale watching in dalvík, iceland: experience unforgettable marine adventures.

Discover the thrill of whale watching in Iceland, where the majestic waters of Dalvik offer an impressive 98% success rate for sightings. Book your adventure with us and enjoy the flexibility to change your reservation date or time as your plans evolve. For added peace of mind, we provide full refunds on cancellations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Embark on a memorable journey with the best in Icelandic whale watching!

Whale Watching

Express Whale Watching

Midnight Sun Whale Watching

Whale Watching in Iceland: Discover the Rich Marine Life of the North Atlantic

Whale watching in Iceland is an enthralling experience, thanks to the country’s prime location in the North Atlantic, a natural habitat for diverse whale species. Travelers often encounter majestic humpback whales, sleek minke whales, playful white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, imposing blue whales, elusive sperm whales, and the striking orcas, also known as killer whales. Whale watching tours are available across various Icelandic coastal locales, including Dalvík, Hauganes, Hjalteyri, Akureyri, Husavik, Reykjavik, Grundarfjörður, Ísafjörður, Hólmavík, and Vestmannaeyjar. These enriching tours, lasting between 2 and 4 hours, often come with a guarantee—no sightings, no charge for the next tour. Dalvík: The Premier Destination for Whale Watching Situated in the charming fishing village of Dalvík on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, Arctic Sea Tours offers unparalleled access to Eyjafjörður fjord’s vibrant marine life, including whales, dolphins, and various bird species such as puffins. With an impressive 98% success rate in sightings, our tours are acclaimed as the best in Iceland. Our commitment to sustainable tourism is evidenced by our adherence to the Ice Whales code of conduct, ensuring minimal disturbance to the whales and their habitat. Arctic Sea Tours not only provides a thrilling whale watching experience but also educates about the ecological significance of these marine giants in Icelandic culture and history.

5 stars on TripAdvisor

Certificate of Excellence, eight years in a row: 2011 - 2018

"An amazing experience"

We booked an private sea angling tour with Arctic Sea Tours, which was an amazing experience. The fjord is amazing, the ship nice and the crew was very friendly. Last but not least; we caught a lot of fish. My girls loved the trip. ChristophRZH Zurich, Switzerland

More on tripadvisor

"Great excursion"

Friendly and well educated staff. Good facilities on board en and time enough to see the whales very closely. Also enjoy the seafish and bbq afterwards. Staff guarantees you will see whales, if not you can go another time free of charge. Ruben K The Hague, The Netherlands

"Whale watching"

Awesome experience with professional and knowledgeable crew! Well maintained boat; necessary safety equipment and nice cold and wet weather jump suit. Saw whales and on return home had hot chocolate and we stopped for fishing caught cod and when returned to the office they BBQ the fish for us to eat. Great time! dms111 Scarsdale, New York

"Best Whale Watching Experience Ever"

The tour was well organized and efficiently run. We saw perhaps 20 Humpbacks and two Minkes very close to the boat. The fishing was fun when we got back to harbor and the grilled fillets were heavenly. It was one of the highlights of our tour of Iceland

"Fantastic whale watching"

We had an amazing trip with this group seeing dozens of humpback whales close to the boat as well as some dolphins. The guys were really good with finding the whales and giving us information. We also did some fishing which didn’t really interest me though was good to see the size of the fish and enjoyed the fish barbecue. Important to know that you really need a car to get there. We were in akureyrei and had hoped to get a bus but they are variable, we ended up having to hire a car - we would h...

Where to Find Us in Dalvík, Iceland

Nestled in the scenic Eyjafjordur of northern Iceland, Dalvík is renowned for its exceptional whale watching opportunities. The town offers a naturally sheltered harbor that ensures smooth sailing and optimal whale sighting conditions, making it a premier destination for marine enthusiasts. Visit Arctic Sea Tours at our strategically located ticket office in the heart of Dalvík. You can find us at Hafnarbraut 22, just above the bustling harbor and close to the N1 gas station—your gateway to unforgettable whale watching adventures.

Latest Whale Watching News

Máni arrived in Dalvik 30th of April 2013

Máni is the biggest of arctic sea tours fleet and is an excellent whale watching boat, with good viewing platforms, good shelters, stable and safe. it is 20 meters long built 1977 in stykkishólmur - snæfellsnes peninsula - west iceland..

• by Freyr Antonsson
• April 30, 2021

New Owners of Arctic Sea Tours

In 2016 they merged with arctic adventures and after a few years of successful cooperation they‘ve separated on friendly terms in mid covid crisis. both parties believe this is the best way to move forward, to rise up again after a challenging time the world has faced together..

• April 18, 2021

People saving a whale from drowning

One year ago a humpback whale was saved from drowning after being entangled in a fishing net. the humpack was spotted in a whale watching tour by arctic sea tours in dalvik, north iceland..

• March 19, 2021

Read all news here

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey through Iceland's stunning landscape in our modified super jeeps.

Expert Guides

Immersive Landscapes

Lifelong Memories

OUR  UNFORGETTABLE TOURS

We offer a wide range of tours around Iceland in our modified super jeeps. Witness the majestic glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs, all under the guidance of our seasoned experts.

HEAR FROM OUR EXPLORERS

"Thanks Ásgeir for a fantastic day. You made our wet day very memorable. A great mix of amazing sites,  fun music and your history I think I’m in love with Iceland 🇮🇸 "

– Louise

SPECIALLY MODIFIED

FOR ICELANDIC TERRAIN

We offer clean and reliable vehicles 

Our trucks are professionally modified at the highest level 

Our driver-guides are seasoned off-road and glacier specialists

Our driver-guides are experienced and knowledgeable 

We offer customised tours, tailored to your needs

CAPTURING WILDERNESS

From thundering waterfalls and sparkling glaciers to vibrant geothermal pools and serene landscapes, our Instagram feed is a visual testament to the beauty we encounter on every tour.

Group Tours

Make the most of your time in Iceland

Our small group tours let you experience the spectacular natural beauty of Iceland.

There are never more than 19 guests on our group tours, because we believe small groups mean better experiences:

• The natural beauty of Iceland is more enjoyable with fewer people
• A higher guide-to-traveller ratio means personal interaction and time for questions
• It’s possible to go to areas larger coaches and bigger groups can’t reach

Our knowledgeable and entertaining local guides will make sure your tour is an experience to treasure. All you need to do is sit back, marvel at the scenery, and enjoy the stops.

Arctic Shorex group tours offer an affordable way to see the most famous sights from all the main Icelandic cruise ports.

If you’re looking for something personalised and extra-special, our private tours are a great option and can be completely customised to your interests and group size.

We can also facilitate travel agents/ tour leaders in customising their own private tours and pick-ups. Check our private tours at all Icelandic cruise ports for options, or send us an email to find out more.

Dynjandi & die Westfjorde (Deutsch)

Eine Tour nach Dynjandi, einem der spektakulärsten Wasserfälle Islands, über die malerischen Berge und die nördlichen Westfjorde mit einem Stopp im das charmante Dorf Þingeyri

Dynjandi & The Westfjords

A tour to Dynjandi, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, via the scenic mountains of the northern Westfjords, with a stop at Hrafnseyri open-air museum

Dynjandi Express

An express tour to Dynjandi, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, whilst driving through the stunning Westfjords landscape.

Dynjandi Express – Big Bus

Dynjandi Express auf Deutsch

Eine Tour nach Dynjandi, einem der spektakulärsten Wasserfälle Islands, über die malerischen Berge und die nördlichen Westfjorde

Fljotsdalur & Lagarfljot

Explore the scenic surroundings and Hallormsstadaskogur forest around the mystical Lake Lagarfljot, and the wider Fljotsdalur valley area.

Golden Circle & Kerid

Iceland’s most iconic tour of all. A perennial favourite that includes the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, Thingvellir National Park and the colourful …

Golden Circle auf Deutsch

Islands berühmteste Tour überhaupt, einschließlich Gullfoss-Wasserfall, Geysir-Geothermalgebiet und Nationalpark Þingvellir.

Isafjordur Culture Walk Group Tour

Join a local guide for a look around Ísafjörður – the largest town in the Westfjords, and one of the prettiest and most historic towns …

Myvatn & Godafoss

A small group tour from Akureyri to Godafoss waterfall and Myvatn lake.

Myvatn & Godafoss (Deutsch)

Eine kleine Gruppenreise zum faszinierenden Vulkansee Myvatn und zum atemberaubenden Godafoss Wasserfall.

Myvatn, Godafoss & Dettifoss

A Myvatn, Godafoss, and Dettifoss small group tour from Akureyri, taking in the fascinating volcanic Lake Myvatn area and the stunning Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls.

Myvatn, Godafoss & Dettifoss (Deutsch)

Eine kleine Gruppenreise zum faszinierenden Vulkansee Myvatn und zum atemberaubenden Godafoss- und Dettifoss Wasserfällen.

Puffins & Elves tour

A tour to remote Borgarfjordur Eystri, one of the best places to see the much-loved Atlantic Puffin. Also visit a turf roofed house and the …

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

A small group tour of the many wonders of West Iceland’s stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula and national park

South Coast Exploration

A small group tour to some of the highlights of Iceland’s south coast

South Iceland auf Deutsch

Tagestour Südisland – ab Reykjavík, Hveragerði & Selfoss

The Svalvogar Loop

A 4×4 tour around the rough and remote Svalvogar peninsula

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Greenland Hiking Tours

Arctic hiking and expeditions, experience the wilderness, greenland adventure tours, fully certified guides, 38+ years of experience, 6+ exclusives tours, popular tours.

view all popular tours

Crossing the Greenland Icecap

Trek from Karale to Tasiilaq fjord

The Icefjord trek

We invite you to truly unplug with one of our carefully curated, multi-day Greenland Hiking Tours. Come explore the largest and one of the least known islands on the planet with some of the most experienced tour leaders in Arctic exploring. All tours begin in Greenland and run from June to early September. Flights from Iceland to Greenland can be arranged as an extra service. Come have the adventure of a lifetime with Arctic Hiking!

Greenland Tour: Discover the Untouched Beauty of Eastern Greenland

If you’re an adventurer seeking to explore some of the world’s most pristine natural landscapes, then Greenland is the place for you . Located in the Arctic, Greenland is the world’s largest island, offering an otherworldly blend of rugged mountains, sparkling fjords, towering glaciers, and incredible wildlife.

Greenland Wildlife and Nature

Greenland is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife in the world. In the eastern region, you can encounter polar bears, muskoxen, and arctic hares, as well as rare bird species, such as the white-tailed eagle.

East Greenland activities

Cross-country skiing in Greenland

Cross-country skiing is a popular winter sport in Greenland , where the stunning snowy landscape provides a breathtaking backdrop for enthusiasts of all skill levels. With vast expanses of wilderness and a culture deeply connected to the outdoors, Greenland is the perfect destination for Nordic skiing . The snow-covered terrain is best explored by skiing, where visitors can follow well-groomed tracks or blaze their own trail. Along the way, skiers can take in the beauty of the Arctic tundra, spot wildlife, and experience the unique culture of Greenland's indigenous people. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, cross-country skiing in Greenland is an unforgettable adventure.

Hiking in Greenland

Hiking in Greenland is a breathtaking and unique experience, offering stunning views of the country's rugged terrain and spectacular natural wonders. With its vast, untouched wilderness and majestic glaciers, Greenland is a hiker's paradise . Visitors can explore the Arctic tundra, hike through valleys and canyons, and even trek across ice fields. Along the way, hikers can encounter incredible wildlife and learn about Greenland's fascinating history and culture. From the towering peaks of the country's mountain ranges to the sparkling waters of its fjords, hiking in Greenland is an unforgettable adventure that is sure to inspire and captivate nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Trekking in Greenland

Trekking in Greenland is an epic adventure that takes you through some of the most pristine and remote wilderness areas in the world. From rugged mountain ranges and vast glaciers to sprawling ice fields and towering fjords, Greenland's incredible natural beauty is on full display. As you trek through this stunning landscape, you'll experience the thrill of exploration and the joy of discovery, encountering Arctic wildlife and learning about the unique culture and history of the country's indigenous people. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a first-time adventurer, trekking in Greenland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

The eastern region of Greenland

The eastern region of Greenland is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore this beautiful country. This is where you’ll find the Sermilik Fjord , a stunning fjord system stretching over 150 kilometers, dotted with icebergs and offering a challenging but rewarding trekking experience.

Greenland Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime, and Greenland offers one of the best opportunities to do so. The eastern region is one of the best places to witness the incredible spectacle of the aurora borealis.

Greenland Tour: Book Your Adventure Today

A Greenland tour is a journey of a lifetime , offering an unforgettable experience of untouched natural beauty. The combination of trekking, hiking, and cross-country skiing offers a unique opportunity to explore this incredible country.

The Sermilik Fjord is just one of the many wonders that await you in eastern Greenland . Witness the incredible sight of icebergs floating in the sparkling blue waters, surrounded by towering mountains and majestic glaciers. Encounter the country’s unique wildlife, and witness the incredible Northern Lights.

Book your Greenland tour today and experience the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you’re a trekker, hiker, or cross-country skier, Greenland offers something for everyone . With its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and fascinating history.

Greenland is a destination that should be on every adventurer’s bucket list.

Travel articles.

Read the blog

What clothes to take on a hike in Greenland

Arctic Villages accommodation

Accommodation on the Karale and Icefjord treks

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• Einar Torfi Finnsson
• Kristinn Gardarsson

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Rob Dunbar in Greenland

Earth Systems Science

Rob Dunbar, whose research interests span climate change science and policy, marine ecology, glaciology, and biogeochemistry is the Keck Professor of Earth Sciences, a Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate Education and a senior fellow of the Woods Institute at Stanford University. In September 2022, Rob joined the Doerr School of Sustainability, where he led the creation of the Stanford Oceans Department.

He has traveled to the Arctic and Antarctic more than 40 times and spent more than seven years working near the poles—much of it at sea. He heads a Stanford research group that studies past, present, and future climate change as well as its impacts on oceanic and coastal environments. One current focus is on developing new and more accurate ways to quantify the rates of melting of ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland.

Rob works regularly with the U.S. government as well as the United Nations to help develop and implement solutions to environmental and resource problems. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences Board on Atmospheric Science and Climate and recently served on an NAS committee tasked with developing a strategic vision for future U.S. investments in Antarctic research. He has led more than 25 previous Travel/Study programs.

On this program, Rob plans to discuss the importance of the Greenland Ice Sheet in the global climate system as well as Arctic geopolitics and innovative approaches to combating climate change.

At Stanford: William Keck Professor of Earth Science; Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate Education; Senior Fellow of the Woods Institute for the Environment

Recipient of the Richard W. Lyman Award for exceptional volunteer service to the University

Adjunct Professor, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

BS, geology, University of Texas at Austin

PhD, oceanography, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD

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Ice dives, walrus snaps and whale encounters: the man telling extreme stories of an Arctic at risk

Andreas B. Heide has been shortlisted for a Shackleton award for his work in the far north, getting up close to nature to connect people emotionally with a fragile ecosystem

T o say the images of Andreas B. Heide during his working day are dramatic is an understatement: a freediver deep underwater in a black wetsuit, his lean silhouette enhanced by powerful bladed fins, looking up towards a group of orcas; or standing on an ice sheet next to a small sailboat in the Arctic , amid a sea full of dangerous looking ice floes in poor visibility.

But for the marine biologist and adventurer, plunging into freezing waters with orcas or embarking on a 4,500-mile sailing expedition from the Arctic north to the UK and back, documenting whale behaviour and their dramatic encounters with polar bears, whales and walruses, is all part and parcel of storytelling that he hopes can ultimately change human behaviour. He works with scientists and conservationists, photographers and drone pilots, to underline the importance of conservation in the extreme north, under challenging conditions.

The crew land at the Sjuøyane, Svalbard 2023, wearing a rifle for polar bear protection. From left: Zimbabwean sailor Tawanda Chikasha; Andreas B. Heide; Spanish marine biotechnologist Almu Alvarez; and Norwegian photographer Tord Karlsen. Photograph: Tord Karlsen/Barba

“There is a question we all ask ourselves, as environmentalists and journalists, which is, why, when as humans we are aware of climate change and plastic pollution, do we fail to act collectively to do something about it?” says B. Heide. “Part of that reason is a lack of knowledge.

“Imagine a photo of the moon from the moon’s surface. But then, imagine the moon’s surface with an astronaut on it, it’s completely different. It has an emotional response. That’s what we want to convey.”

At 80 degrees north in the pack ice 2023, taking a break after a day of walrus encounters. Photograph: Antoine Drancey/Barba

B. Heide, 44, is one of eight people to be nominated for the Shackleton medal for the protection of the polar regions , which recognises individuals putting everything on the line to protect the Arctic and the Antarctic. The winner of the award, judged by the explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and the historian and presenter Dan Snow, among others, will be announced on 10 May.

Born in the Norwegian coastal town of Stavanger, B. Heide spent his childhood close to the water. He began freediving at the age of 10, and had his first boat at eight or nine. He spent two years in the military as a parachutist, working with helicopters and submarines, to build up the skills needed to navigate the Arctic.

B. Heide documenting an orca pod in Northern Norway, 2018. The scooter is used for increased speed and agility in the water. Photograph: Matthew Ferraro/Barba

He says he wants to share knowledge and create an emotional connection with the marine environment. “To make people understand what they do matters for the Arctic ecosystem, including the polar bears and the blue whales and the orcas.”

He works with whales, he says, because they are the “ultimate ambassador for the ocean and spark an emotional connection among people”. “The larger an animal is, the more you connect with it. That’s human psychology.”

An inquisitive walrus filmed with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in Svalbard, 2023. Photograph: Antoine Drancey/Barba

From left: the underwater drone that captured the Walrus footage above; collecting blow samples from humpback whales using a drone in Iceland 2019, with the charity Whale Wise. Photographs: Antoine Drancey and Andreas B. Heide/Barba

He accepts that being freezing cold is part of his job, however painful. “Sometimes when I come to the surface, I struggle to speak because my lips are numb with the cold. I use a wetsuit often, because it is faster in the water. Speed is everything if you want to keep up with a whale. But sometimes we use drysuits which allow you to stay down for longer – you can stay in the water for half an hour with a drysuit.”

Heide believes his method of navigating the often treacherous Arctic conditions in a small sailing boat, Barba , helps him better connect with nature and people.

“If we were there in a €5m [£4.3m] state-of-the-art expedition vessel, it would be less impactful. In a small boat, you have to connect with nature and your life is governed by nature. You get sea spray in your face.

“Ernest Shackleton and his crew were out pushing the boundaries with the means they had at their disposal, with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to explore.”

B. Heide meeting with the former captive Russian Beluga whale Hvaldimir in Finnmark, Norway, 2019. Photograph: Peter Svanberg/Barba

• Seascape: the state of our oceans
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SEABOURN UNVEILS NEW EXPEDITION ITINERARIES FOR 2025-2026, EXPLORING ANTARCTICA, THE ARCTIC, AMAZON, KIMBERLEY, SOUTH PACIFIC AND MORE

 The ultra-luxury cruise line reveals new opportunities to experience the world’s most remote regions through 2025-2026 aboard its two new expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit 

SEATTLE, October 25, 2023 – Seabourn , the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, unveiled its 2025-2026 expedition itineraries that will explore the world’s most remote and exotic destinations aboard its ultra-luxury expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit . The ships will offer more than 40 exciting voyages to the Arctic, Antarctica, the Amazon, the Kimberley region in Australia, the South Pacific, the bucket list destination of the Northwest Passage, and more. All 2025 and 2026 expedition voyages are now on sale, with dates and full itinerary details available at www.seabourn.com .

The season will also feature a selection of newly curated experiences available to Seabourn guests, including:

·       A pearl reveal in the Kimberley alongside a master pearl cultivator while overlooking Kuri Bay in Australia

·       Visiting the Torngat Mountains National Park in Labrador in the Canadian Arctic, an Inuit-run reserve and home to polar bears and black bears

·       Transiting the narrow passage of the Bellot Strait and marveling at the colorful tundra and varied wildlife in the Northwest Passage

·       A night safari in the Amazon to spot nocturnal predators, such as black caiman stalking their prey along the banks

·       Snorkeling and scuba diving the stunning coral reefs of Fiji

“We had a vision to bring the world of Seabourn’s ultra-luxury style to the world of exploration. As we reveal our 2025-2026 expedition voyages, I am proud to say we have achieved this dream. Our ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition ships will take our extraordinary guests to truly bucket list destinations from Antarctica to the Northwest Passage to the Kimberley region in Australia without compromising their comfort and our well known Seabourn signature service,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “These voyages will deliver many unforgettable ‘Seabourn Moments’ to our guests as we take them closer to the wonders of the world and the history of human culture.”

Between May 2025 and March 2026, Seabourn Venture will operate 21 voyages, ranging from eight to 28 days from the Arctic to Antarctica. Beginning May 2025, Seabourn Venture will provide in-depth expedition experiences throughout Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland, surrounding guests with glittering towers of ice; offering in-depth, cultural shore excursions; and exploring East Greenland, in some of the most beautiful and uninhabited fjords in the world. Starting August 2025, the ship will set sail again for the legendary Northwest Passage, where guests will walk in the footsteps of seafarers and explorers who carved their way through this historic route. Lastly, the ship will make the trek south to Antarctica and spend three months exploring the “Great White Continent,” allowing guests to navigate around towers of ice and experience unforgettable encounters with wildlife.

Beginning in late March 2025, Seabourn Pursuit will embark on 20 unique voyages, ranging from 10 to 20 days. Starting with the South Pacific, guests will experience untouched coral reefs and diverse fish populations and will have numerous opportunities to interact with the incredible local cultures. Afterward, the ship will head to Australia’s Kimberley region to experience its red sandstone gorges, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, and Aboriginal life and history. Seabourn Pursuit will then make its way back across the Pacific to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands to explore the regions’ unparalleled biomass and striking landscapes embedded within some of the most productive seas in the world.

Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

Seabourn Venture will sail to the Arctic on voyages designed for guests who like to carve their own path and go where few have gone before. Newly expanded, Seabourn’s thrilling Svalbard experience will head through areas many other ships can’t reach, arriving just 600 miles from the North Pole for views of glittering towers of ice and wildlife on pack ice, including the elusive polar bear, through the ship’s cutting-edge GSS Cineflex camera. These voyages will offer connections with indigenous Arctic communities to discover their rich history and relationship with the natural elements. Featured expedition experiences include an optional overnight at the stunning luxury campsite of Camp Kangiusaq, Greenland; a driving tour of Lake Mývatn near Akureyri, home to Goðafoss, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland; a walking tour of Qaqortoq in southwest Greenland; and an optional exploration of the ice sculptures of Lofthellir Cave, formed naturally through thousands of years of dripping water.

Seabourn Venture will offer itineraries of eight to 26 days in length to Svalbard from mid-May to mid-June in 2025, between Reykjavik and Edinburgh or roundtrip from Edinburgh. The ship will also offer a 12-day voyage to explore Greenland from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq in late July 2025. Both voyages will include pre- and/or post-cruise charter hotel stays in Edinburgh or Reykjavik.

Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic

Seabourn Venture will offer two back-to-back 23-day voyages across the legendary Northwest Passage. Guests on these extraordinary voyages will experience the beauty of nature and the midnight sun lighting the way through the largest icebergs in the northern hemisphere, abundant sea life, diverse wildlife including polar bears, walruses, and more. Guests will gain new perspective through connections with indigenous communities that reveal rich history and traditions while passing along an understanding of what it takes to live their self-sustaining ways of life. Expedition experiences include an Arctic Circle Trail Hike in Sisimiut, Greenland; a guided tour in Pond Inlet at Nunavut, Canada, where guests may shop local handicrafts and get to know the local Inuit community; and a walk through the Sermermiut Valley to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre in Ilulissat, Greenland. There will also be a number of Zodiac and hiking expedition experiences throughout the Northwest Passage, including Beechy Island, Cambridge Bay, Bellot Strait and more. Featured destinations include modern, must-see Ilulissat in Greenland, named for the massive icebergs of the Jakobshavn Glacier, and Croker Bay, Devon Island, Nunavut, where a Zodiac expedition into the heart of a glacier-fed fjord will find fulmars, kittiwakes, walruses, and bearded seals.

Seabourn Venture will depart August 6, 2025, from Reykjavik to Anchorage, Alaska, followed by a second voyage departing August 27, 2025, from Anchorage to Reykjavik. Both voyages will include pre- and post-cruise charter hotel stays in Anchorage and Reykjavik.

Guests can take a safari-at-sea deep into the Amazon on Seabourn Venture , with roundtrip itineraries from Manaus that provide intimate access to rarely visited areas. Guests will have the opportunity to board Zodiacs by day or night to glimpse giant Amazonian lily pads, dancing pink botos, night owls, and hoatzin that practically pose for cameras amid the Varzea ecosystem created by the mighty river. The expert naturalists on the ship’s Expedition Team will be along to provide in-the-field education as guides introduce rich agricultural traditions of the subsistent economies that sustain themselves in the cyclical climate of the region. Optional expedition experiences offered will include kayaking excursions on the Amazon River.

Seabourn Venture will offer two nine-day voyages roundtrip from Manaus, departing October 12, 2025 and October 21, 2025. The ship will also sail on a 12-day voyage from Manaus to Rio de Janeiro departing October 30, 2025.

Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands

Both Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit will explore the beauty and majesty of Antarctica. These itineraries will offer included Zodiac outings to cruise among towering icebergs, observe penguin colonies up close, and join the ship’s Expedition Team to walk and hike across untouched and seldom-seen landscapes. Optional kayaking and submarine excursions will also be available. Weather permitting, examples of locations the ships may visit include the iconic photographic destination of Lemaire Channel/Kodak Gap; the alien landscape of Deception Island in black, grey and red; and Neko Harbour, a small cove kissed by cold winds, crackling sea ice, and the distant thunder of icebergs tumbling into the sea.

Between November 2025 through March 2026, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit will make 16 departures of 11- and 13-day voyages to Antarctica. All voyages include a pre-cruise charter hotel stay in Buenos Aires and roundtrip charter flights to Ushuaia, from where the ship will depart.

The sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia and the Falklands are as rich in biomass and photo-worthy landscapes as the nutrient-rich seas around them. South Georgia is home to king penguins, fur seals by the millions, plus multitudes of nesting albatross, rockhopper penguins and even an endemic songbird, the South Georgia pipit. In the Falkland Islands, guests may meet the two inhabitants of West Point Island as they gaze over their idyllic sheep farm surrounded by cliffs dotted with albatross nests. Included expedition experiences and featured destinations may include Bluff Cove Lagoon: Penguins & Tea outside of Stanley in the West Falklands; Stromness in South Georgia, site of the end of Ernest Shackleton’s famed expedition, where guests can recreate the final crossing to safety; and Grytviken, Shackleton’s final resting place and now a living museum in South Georgia history.

Choose from two 21-day voyages on Seabourn Pursuit departing December 16, 2025 and February 26, 2026 roundtrip from Buenos Aires; or a 28-day sailing on Seabourn Venture departing November 11, 2025 from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires. Voyages include a pre-cruise charter hotel stay in Buenos Aires and roundtrip charter flights to Ushuaia, from where the ship will depart.

Australia & the Kimberley Coast

Seabourn Pursuit will sail through one of the world’s few remaining wild frontiers in the northwest corner of Australia, with rugged sandstone peaks, gushing waterfalls, sunken mangrove forests, and more. The voyages to the Kimberley region will offer a number of included expedition experiences designed to get travelers out of their comfort zones, such as a cruise along the wildlife-filled Ord River; a scenic flight over the beehive-shaped domes of the Bungle Bungles sandstone range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and a [W(1]  Zodiac exploration of Montgomery Reef, home to some of the biggest tidal changes in the world. Experiences that explore local indigenous cultures will also be available, including a traditional face painting ceremony with the Wunambal Gaambera, the traditional landowners of Freshwater Cove, followed by a traditional smoke ceremony to send guests off with well wishes and a safe journey. Wildlife in the area includes saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, tawny nurse sharks, short-eared rock wallabies, white-bellied sea eagles, rainbow bee-eaters, and flying foxes.

Between May and July 2025, Seabourn Pursuit will explore the region with a series of 10-day departures between Broome and Darwin, Australia.

South Pacific

Seabourn Pursuit will sail through some of the least-traveled islands and atolls in the world, with itineraries designed with no two experiences alike. Explore unspoiled coral reefs with diverse fish populations, relics of World War II action in the Pacific Theater, and incredible local communities that are open to sharing their traditions and homes amid life in the most remote region on Earth. Guests will be captivated by one of seafaring’s greatest tales on Easter & Pitcairn Islands: Marooned, Moai, and Mutineers, with the opportunity to explore the legacy of indigenous Rapa Nui on one island and commune with the intrepid descendants of the famed Mutineers who abandoned The Bounty and made their home on another. Access the crystal-clear waters of Raja Ampat to snorkel or scuba reefs hidden among dramatic limestone karsts and experience an immersive cultural rendezvous in the rarely visited Asmat region of West Papua on Remote Shores of New Guinea & Indonesia. Local culture and history will also be front and center through encounters with tribes and communities who explored and settled the Pacific Ocean via ingenious navigation techniques on Polynesia to Melanesia: Island Cultures & Coral Gardens.

Seabourn Pursuit will sail on four voyages: a pair of 20-day voyages departing March 18, 2025 from San Antonio, Chile to Papeete, Tahiti; and October 10, 2025 from Papeete to San Antonio; an 18-day voyage from Papeete to Sydney departing April 7, 2025; and a 16-day Remote Shores of New Guinea & Indonesia departing April 24, 2025, from Sydney to Darwin.

Exploration, Adventure, and Luxurious Comfort

Both Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit offer the same luxurious small ship experience that travelers have come to expect from Seabourn, enhanced by world-class equipment that allows the line to offer its widest range of expedition activities led by an expert 24-person expedition team of scientists, scholars, naturalists, and more. Designed and built for remote, diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards, the ship includes a plethora of modern hardware and technology that extends the ship’s global deployment and capabilities. There is close to 30,000 square feet of deck space and special touches at every turn, as well as indoor and outdoor guest areas with nearly 270-degree views. In addition, a 4K GSS Cineflex Camera is mounted on the mast of the Constellation Lounge and capable of broadcasting imagery from miles ahead on monitors located throughout the ship and in guest suites.

The ships are also equipped with enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity with SpaceX’s Starlink, providing its expedition guests with faster service, greater connectivity and more reliable Wi-Fi wherever Starlink’s services are available.

Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture , like the rest of the ships in the Seabourn fleet, offer an abundance of space and elegance, eight dining experiences serving gourmet cuisine, and luxurious all-suite accommodations, including a pair of two-level Wintergarden suites.

For more details about Seabourn, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, contact a professional travel advisor, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com .

About Seabourn:

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of seven modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK).

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Multi-day Tours

6 Day Tours

7 Day Complete Iceland

The ring road, golden circle, jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, snæfellsnes, northern lights and more.

The very best of sensational Iceland in just seven days. Sounds good, right? During this tour, we will show you the most stunning and legendary places, from incredible waterfalls and erupting geysers to the Golden Circle to Snæfellsnes Peninsula. There are numerous awaiting you, including whale watching, glacier hiking, visiting ice caves, hot springs, steaming geothermal areas, and chasing for Northern Lights.

This tour will show you the most majestic sights and scenery around the famous Ring Road and the delights of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. We will take you to steep fjords with ragged-toothed mountains reaching into the sky, black sand beaches, lava fields, and charming fishing villages, whose histories are deeply woven into Icelandic life's fabric and beyond.

Snæfellsnes in West Iceland was celebrated as a top winter destination , and concurrently, this tour in the region received a nomination for the Best Tour in Iceland by TourRadar.

• The Ring Road
• The Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir, Þingvellir)
• Vatnajökull Glacier Hike
• South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara)
• Skaftafell National Park
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Lake Mývatn Geothermal Area
• Goðafoss Waterfall
• Barnafoss & Hraunfossar Waterfalls
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Crystal Ice Cave

Wilderness Center

• Northern Lights (Sept-Apr)
• Whale watching in north of Iceland
• Mývatn Nature Baths
• Hotel Room with Private Bathroom - 6 Nights
• Breakfast Each Morning at Your Hotel
• Guided Minibus Tour
• Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull Glacier (April-Oct)
• Crystal Ice Cave Tour (Oct-April)
• Whale watching in Dalvík

What to bring

• Warm layers
• Waterproof top layer
• Hiking boots
• Strong hiking boots are essential

Tour Snapshot

Discounts work for travel time in April 1st- May 15th, 2024 .

• “Tour of the Year” Award Winner
• Top Winter Destination - West Iceland
• Expert Guides
• Small Group Experience
• No Booking Fees
• Best Price Guarantee
• 7 Days Tour Around Iceland Guidebook

On the first day, we will take you to the most famous waterfall in Iceland, Gullfoss. Gullfoss Falls is an amazing 32-meter waterfall cascading down in two stages. It is located in the canyon of the Hvítá River, part of the famous Golden Circle. 

Next, we'll visit the most important historical site and geological wonder, Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir). The cliff of the Almannagjá ravine runs right through Þingvellir, straddling two continents where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates have been slowly drifting apart. Þingvellir has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, and you'll indeed find out why! Next up is an erupting geyser at the Geysir geothermal area. Strokkur, the most active geyser, spouts torrents of scalding water every 5 to 10 minutes. 

Then it is onwards to Iceland's best-known black sand beach, Reynisfjara. Reynisfjara black sand beach is known as one of the most dangerous places in Iceland. The phenomenon called "sneaker waves" is quite often here. It's when the occurring wave is much bigger than the previous one, and it can easily pull you back into the sea. With precaution, this site is truly one of the most beautiful you will ever see.

Full details of the places you will see on other days can be found in the itinerary. Each night you will stay at a different country hotel or guesthouse, putting you in the perfect location every time. You will stay in a country hotel for the night, if the forecast is good, this is a great location to look out for the Northern Lights between September - April months.

 Your guide will give you exclusive advice on the best ways to find them! 

The tour returns to Reykjavík on day 7 at around 20:00 in the evening. In Iceland, the weather can sometimes influence schedules.

Here you can find a detailed list of information containing everything you need to know about your tour around Iceland:   7 Days Around Iceland Adventure Guide .

Flybus Transfer:   Book your transfer to & from Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik Capital .

Day 1 - The Golden Circle & South Coast

The day starts with pick-up from your accommodation or a nearby pick-up point in Reykjavík. The three attractions of the famous Golden Circle are first up on the agenda. Þingvellir National Park is an important place in the heart of every Icelander. In the year 930 CE/AD, the Icelandic people established their parliament here, the oldest continually operating parliament in the world. There is more to Þingvellir than great history. It's listed as UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its historical, geological, and cultural importance. You will see Þingvallavatn, home to the Silfra fissure, which delves down between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The cliff of the rift valley runs right through the National Park.

The geothermally active hot spring area at Geysir is another Golden Circle attraction. Great Geysir , which gave us the English word geyser to describe this sort of hot spring, is no longer active. Strokkur , a nearby hot spring, spouts spectacular torrents of superheated water every 5 to 10 minutes. A visit to Gullfoss waterfall will complete our Golden Circle. Feel the force as the falls thunder through the high rugged canyon, dropping 32 m in two stages.

Next, we take a scenic drive along the beautiful South Coast , stopping at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall . Here you have a unique opportunity to experience the power and wonder of nature. Don't just view these falls from a distance – walk the pathway which takes you right behind the elegantly falling cascade. We head onwards to the scenic Skógafoss waterfall . Here, the water crashes over the former sea cliffs, and those cliffs extend for many kilometers, marking the coastline long ago. Watch out for rainbows – the incredible spray makes Skógafoss an ideal spot to catch single or double rainbows! 

The day's final stop is at Reynisfjara black sand beach , home of the legendary Reynisdrangar peaks, said to be the figures of two trolls who were turned into stone when they faced the morning sun! You will also see the incredible basalt column cave as you wander along the beach.

After a full day of sightseeing, we make our way to a country hotel in the area around Kirkjubaerklaustur, a charming South Coast village. From September to April, your guide will give you special tips to find the Northern Lights in the area.

Day Highlights

• Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Skógafoss Waterfall
• Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Northern Lights (September-April)
• Visits to Golden Circle Highlights
• Visits to the Most Famous Waterfalls on the South Coast
• One Night Hotel Accommodation (Vík area)

Accommodation

Adventure Hotel Geirland

Day 2 - vík - skaftafell - jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

We enjoy breakfast and check out from our hotel. Today, we continue our journey along the south coast in the direction of Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park . Vatnajökull glacier, Hvannadalsnúkur, the highest peak in Iceland, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and many other natural treasures can be found within this 13,600 km2 protected wilderness area. Iceland has three national parks: Þingvellir, Vatnajökull, and Snæfellsjökull – on this tour, you will see them all.

We will stop at Skaftafell for a glacier hike led by one of our certified glacier guides. Equipped with crampons and all the necessary glacier equipment, you will be led onto a Vatnajökull outlet glacier. These glacier tongues/outlet glaciers are unique places, with crevasses, moulins that can drill down to the glacier's base, and many incredible vistas for you to explore. Our guides love to be asked questions, so don't be too shy to ask!

From October to April, we replace the glacier hike with an exhilarating journey through Vatnajökull's crystal ice cave . Each winter, the glacier meltwater freezes into new ice caves that wind their way through the glacier's heart. See Iceland's mighty ice caps from the inside!

After your bracing glacier hike, our comfortable minibus will take you to experience yet more glacial magic at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon . As we approach the main highway, you will glimpse a procession of mystically floating icebergs. These, often towering and amazingly shaped chunks of ice, broke free from the edge of the retreating Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Occasionally, you will see seals frolicking in the enormous lake between these stunning ice sculptures. So, you feel as if you are in a film scene? Well, actually, you are! Footage of a couple of James Bond movies and other films has been shot here.

Some with glittering blue ice, those icebergs make their way to the sea at Diamond Beach , a black sand beach just a few minutes walking from the Glacier Lagoon. The icebergs which been brought ashore by the tide come to rest here. Usually, you will see quite a few sitting like fine diamond jewels or giant shining clear quartz crystals on the coal-black sand. Some people call it Crystal Beach!

In the evening, we will lay our heads in comfortable accommodation in the South East area , a charming seaside town. In winter, search for the Northern Lights near the hotel.

• Vatnajökull National Park
• Crystal Ice Cave (Oct-April)
• The Diamond Beach (Crystal Beach)
• Northern Lights (Sept-April)
• Hotel breakfast
• One night hotel accommodation (Höfn area)
• Guided minibus tour
• Guided Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull Glacier (April-Oct)
• Ice Cave Tour (Oct-April)
• Certified Glacier Guide
• All glacier hiking equipment
• Visit to Jökulsárlón and the Diamond Beach

Adventure Hotel Hof

Day 3 - east fjords - djúpivogur - wilderness center.

We leave the Vatnajökull National Park area behind, but the sensational scenery continues! We follow the twisting and turning roads, flanked by the coast on one side and majestic mountain peaks on the other, through the East Fjords to Egilsstaðir . This picturesque town on the banks of the Lagarfljót River is home to the legend of Largarfljótasormurinn, the Largarfljót worm . Tales of the giant Largarfljót worm, which is said to reside in the lake and show itself from time to time, are firmly established within Icelandic folklore tales.

We stop off at Djúpivogur , a small and remote fishing village. The North Atlantic waves wash over the black sandy beach, and a rich birdlife thrives. Most Icelandic birds live and nest around the area during the summer months. Locals lie to joke that there are probably more birds here than people. Djúpivogur is home to just over 1100 people. As a community, they have a reputation for being welcoming and strongly committed to eco issues.

Later, we'll head to an interactive historical center where you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horse riding. Nestled between Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and Lake Lagarfljót, the Wilderness Center provides an authentic Icelandic experience.

You can explore exhibits showcasing life in the rugged highlands. During your stay, admission to the museum is free. Upon arrival, you'll cross an old wooden bridge to step into history, with accommodation provided in charming historic buildings. Enjoy meals prepared with local ingredients, and after your adventures, relax in the hot spring spa.

Our accommodation for the night is located in the picturesque area of Egilsstaðir. Scout out the Northern Lights in winter.

• Djúpivogur Fishing Village
• The town of Egilsstaðir
• The Wilderness Center
• Guided minibus tour in East Fjords
• Visit to the fishing village of Djúpvogur
• Free access to Wilderness Museum
• One night hotel accommodation

Day 4: Stuðlagil Canyon - Lake Mývatn - Goðafoss - Akureyri

Today is filled with stunning North Iceland highlights . The drive up from Egilssaðir will take us through wild and remote landscapes, we will start from Stuðlagil Canyon , one of the world’s most enchanting basalt rock formations .

We continue to the Dimmuborgir lava formations , known as the 'dark cities.' Some of these lava forms will tower above us like fairytale giants. Dimmuborgir was formed when the roof of a giant lava tube collapsed. Although entirely natural, some formations may remind you of certain things. Can you guess which one is known as The Church (Kirkjan)?

We continue our drive around picturesque Lake Mývatn on the way to Akureyri, making a stop at the stunningly beautiful Goðafoss Waterfall , known as the "Waterfall of the Gods." It's about 30 m (98 ft) wide, shaped like a horseshoe, and holds a special story from the year 1000 AD when pagan idols were thrown into the falls as a symbolic act.

As we are traveling around the beautiful Lake Mývatn and heading towards Akureyri, you’ll see stunning natural wonders, including bubbling mud pots and unique lava formations. One of the top attractions in the area is the Mývatn Nature Baths , also known as the "Blue Lagoon of the North.” This is a popular spot to take a relaxing dip in the authentic hot springs (optional extra).

Enjoy the warm geothermal waters, drawn from deep down, about 2500 m (8200 ft). These waters are full of minerals, silicates, and tiny geothermal creatures that make you feel refreshed. It's a great way to relax and enjoy Iceland's northern nature.

We will stay at a country hotel in Akureyri, the second-largest city in Iceland. The clear skies around Akureyri make for great Northern Lights hunting in winter. 

• Stuðlagil Canyon
• Lake Mývatn
• Myvatn Nature Baths (optional extra)
• Námaskarð Geothermal Area
• Dimmuborgir lava formations
• Guided minibus tour to all highlights
• Time to explore the magnificent attractions
• One night hotel accommodation (Akureyri area)

Berjaya Akureyri Hotel

Day 5 - whale watching from dalvík - siglufjörður -tröllaskagi - laugarbakki.

We start the day with a drive through Akureyri , the capital of North Iceland. On a few departures, there is time to make a short stop. On your way to the picturesque fishing town of Dalvík, you will, in good visibility, get fabulous views of Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland.

Your whale-watching boat tour from Dalvík will take you across Eyjafjörður Fjord, chasing after whales, dolphins, and other wonderful ocean life. Humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises are usually seen. Occasionally we can even see seals and blue whales!

We continue to drive the scenic road sandwiched between the towering mountains of Iceland's best ski resorts and the glorious fjord, taking us around the Tröllaskagi peninsula . We pass through charming villages and hamlets before stopping at Siglufjörður. In the early part of the twentieth century, this village was known as the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic. People rushed to cash in on the boom, and the town acquired a klondike-style gold-rush atmosphere.

Today, the great shoals of herring are long gone, but the rich history and character of those times in Siglufjörður are exceptionally well-preserved. The villages around this peninsula will give you an excellent feel for the kind of life lived in Icelandic places, which seem to be falling off the world's edge.

We travel onwards through farmlands with many fields of Icelandic horses to Laugarbakki. Your accommodation for the night will be at a country hotel in this area. Your guide will help you search for the Northern Lights at night from September to April.

• Akureyri - Capital of the North
• Whale Watching from Dalvík
• Trollaskagi Peninsula
• Siglufjörður Fishing Village
• 3 hour Whale Watching boat tour
• Opportunity to try sea angling
• Eyjafjörður and Akureyri scenery

Hotel Laugarbakki

Day 6 - borgarfjörður - reykholt - hraunfossar - borgarnes.

Today we focus our attention on the area around Borgarfjörður in West Iceland . This area was voted one of the best travel destinations by Lonely planet in 2016. Our first stop is at Grábrók , a volcano crater. Where we take a short hike to the top, in good visibility, there are spectacular views over the lava fields and the landscapes stretching way into the distance.

Your next stop will be very different! We'll visit Deildartunguhver hot spring . This Borgarfjörður jewel is the most powerful hot spring in Europe, supplying most of the hot water utilized in the area. We will also see the Hraunfossar waterfall, where the ice-cold water pours out of the lava in thousands of creeks, forming the vast and picturesque falls. Onwards to a very different nearby waterfall, Barnafoss . The name of this beautiful waterfall means 'Children's Falls,' and your guide will tell you all about the legend behind it!

Our final stop of the day is at Reykholt , an important place in the history of Iceland, particularly in medieval times. We will show you Snorralaug, the hot spring pool which bears the name of Snorri Sturluson, the 12th/early-13th-century scholar, lawyer, historian, and saga writer. Stand by the pool where Snorri is reputed to have bathed and contemplate the threads of Icelandic history woven together.

After a day filled with wonders, you are driven through the charming Borgarfjörður countryside. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Borgarnes. Spend the night chasing the Northern Lights in the winter months!

• Borgarfjörður
• Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
• Barnafoss Waterfall
• Hraunfossar Cascades
• Hike up to Grábrók, a volcano crater
• Visits to the highlights of Borgarfjörður
• Visit to the historic site of Reykholt
• One night hotel accommodation (Borgarnes)

Hotel Borgarnes

Day 7: borgarnes - snaefellsnes peninsula - reykjavík.

Today, our expert Snæfellsnes guide will pick you up around 8 a.m. You'll spend a whole day exploring the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula , its craggy cliffs, black pebble beaches, seabirds, and glacier mountains.

We will drive you through the spectacular countryside with breathtaking mountains and coastal views. Stop at the charming seaside village of Arnarstapi , where you'll have the chance to visit the natural Miðgjá rock arch, then the 19th-century Búðakirkja church.

For lunch, we'll stop at the village of Hellnar (food and drink not included).

Next, we head into Snæfellsnes National Park , where we will have the chance to stroll around the moss-covered lava landscapes and admire views of Snæfellsjökull Glacier . This glacier was featured in the work of the famous novelist Jules Verne. He chose this glacier for the entry point into the underworld when he wrote Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Onwards to the magnificent black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur , framed by crazily shaped cliffs. You get time to explore the beach and even try your hand at the 'lifting stones' the fisherman used to lift these boulders to proclaim their strength. This coastline is magnificent, but it can also be treacherous. The remains of the British Trawler, Epine, which was shipwrecked here, are evidence of that.

On the way back to Reykjavík, you will be driven through legendary scenery. Your next stop will be at Kirkjufell . Many people say this is the most photographed Icelandic mountain, and you can also be a judge of that. In the evening, after a week of sensational sights and exciting adventures, we will drop you off in Reykjavík. We return to the city at around 8:00 p.m . We will drop you off at your original pick-up location.

• Village of Arnarstapi
• Djúpalónssander Black Beach
• Mount Kirkjufell
• Snæfellsness specialist guide
• Lunch stop at a local restaurant (Food not included)

Pick up Information

Pick-up Information :

Pick-up is at 08:00 a.m. from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavík. Picking everyone up can take up to 30 minutes. Your patience is much appreciated.

Available pick-up points:   Arctic Adventures’s pick-up list .

Please note

* Bathing in the geothermal water at Vök Baths will cost extra. You can book bathing as an extra when you arrange your tour or pay when you arrive at the baths.

Sometimes we may need to change glaciers or glacier outlets on this tour for various reasons, including weather conditions. Glacier outlets used on this tour include Svínafellsjökull, Falljökull, and Sólheimajökull, all amazing and unique glaciers, equally as beautiful. From October 11 to April, we replace the glacier hike with a tour through the Vatnajokull ice caves.

Attractions Map

If we arrive in iceland on the same date as we booked our tour, could we miss out on it.

We always recommend booking a multi-day tour starting at least one day after arriving in Iceland. If you’re flying in from the US or will be landing early (4-6:30 am) you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour.

Is it guaranteed that we will see the Northern Lights during the tour?

Most of the hotels we use during our tours are remotely located and therefore ideal for spotting the northern lights. If the forecast is in your favor, then it is more than likely that you will be able to see the magical show put on by the dancing northern lights during your tour with us. Most of the hotels offer a Northern Lights wake-up call-up on request if the lights are spotted.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon; therefore, we can unfortunately never promise they will be seen. Their appearance depends upon atmospheric and weather conditions. The best time to see them is between September and March when it’s dark and clear. The sky needs to be as dark as possible, so the best places to see them are well away from city lights (that’s where we are going!). For more information on the Northern Lights, please look at our blog about Northern Lights .

I'm not sure I have all suitable gear, do you offer any for rent?

If you are not sure that you have suitable gear for your tour, we offer some necessary items for rent. For most of our multi-day tours, we rent out waterproof jackets and pants as well as hiking boots. You can book these items and more under the selection “Extras” in the booking widget when booking your tour on our website.

If you have already booked the tour and wish to add some rental gear to your booking, you can do so at least 24 hours prior to your tour starting by using our customer portal - My Adventures , or contacting our customer care .

What will the average driving per day be?

We drive on average around 300 km (186 miles) per day on our multi-day tours. You will be spending approximately 4-5 hours in the car each day. We do of course stop on multiple locations throughout the tour for sightseeing, activities, bathroom breaks and lunch stops.

Does this tour suit me?

We do welcome participants of all ages older than the listed minimum age for each tour. We have people of ages ranging from 8-99 years joining our multi-day tours.  Our average group usually consists of participants between the age 20-55 years. We do get a lot of solo travellers joining our tours, as well as families and friends.

If you have difficulties participating in any of the activities included in the tour, for example, a glacier activity, you are more than welcome to skip it. You can explore your surroundings in the meantime or wait elsewhere. Our guide should be able to drop you off at a nearby place where there are some services available.

What is my luggage allowance on a multi-day tour?

For multi-day tours, each participant is allowed to bring a small backpack and 1 piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). If you have more or heavier luggage with you, you will need to book storage for the surplus luggage before you arrive, there is a small fee for using this facility. Luggage storage in Reykjavík can be added during the booking process of your order in the extras section.

* The combined dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in).

Which type of meal options are available for me on the tour?

Breakfast is included at all the hotels we stay in during the tour. The breakfast will be a typical breakfast buffet, offering bread, toppings, cereal, yogurt, fruits, coffee, and tea etc.

Your guide will also find a good place for the group to eat lunch. We always try to choose places that have a wide selection of dishes on the menu, so there will be options available for everyone. The dinner is usually at the hotels we stay at for the night.

Are meals included in the tour?

If your tour includes accommodation, breakfast is always included during the tour at the hotel/guesthouse restaurant.

Meals and beverages are otherwise not included on your tour. (Unless it’s specifically stated in the description of the tour)

On our multi-day tours, we will be making stops at restaurants and convenience stores where you will be able to purchase all necessities. Cash is not necessary, as credit cards are almost always accepted. Having a small amount of cash doesn’t hurt though.

I'm a solo traveller, is there a single supplement?

A single supplement is available if you want to have your own room, but you are not required to pay a single supplement. If you are a single traveler and do not wish to book a single room, you’ll be roomed with another traveler of the same gender.

What kind of rooms can be expected when booking the multi-day tour with Arctic Adventures?

When booking with Arctic Adventures, you are guaranteed an accommodation at a nice country hotel and/or a guesthouse. The hotels we have partnered up with are all of the same standard and offer nice rooms with made-up beds. The rooms come with private or shared bathrooms, depending on your booking. The standard room is a twin room but it’s possible to request a double room or a triple room, with no extra charge.

If you are traveling solo, you will have to add the single room fee if you wish to have a single room.

All hotels have free Wi-Fi. Towels, a hairdryer and a kettle are accessible at all of the hotels. Hotel breakfast is included!

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Have a question about one of our tours.

Arctic Adventures offers pick up service from selected Reykjavík pick up points. Note that you can always update your pick-up / drop-off location through our customer portal: https://my.adventures.is You can press the login button in your confirmation email for an easy login to the customer portal. If you experience an error with logging into the customer portal or can't find your booking, please contact us on Facebook Messenger, or send us a message here below. Chat with us on Facebook Messenger

Four Tours Designed To Teach Travelers About Climate Change

In 2022, there were 963 million international tourist arrivals worldwide.

That’s 963 million opportunities for the travel industry to be a positive influence and drive transformative change. More specifically, that’s 963 million chances to increase knowledge about the realities of the climate crisis in vivid and unforgettable ways and inspire dedication to protecting the planet and fighting for climate action.

If you spend any amount of time searching online for travel experiences designed to provide education specifically about climate change, there continues to be an underwhelming amount of information and options.

But at least a handful of thoughtful travel companies and tour operators in business today have begun crafting tours that integrate first-hand education or exposure to the environmental challenges unfolding worldwide as global temperatures warm and weather patterns the world over make dramatic shifts.

From journeys that bring travelers to Iceland to witness and learn first-hand about glaciers that are rapidly retreating in the face of warming temperatures to citizen science projects that allow travelers to participate in research and data collection about the changing planet, to itineraries that include traveling alongside educators, scientists, and individuals with Ph.D.s, here are some of the emerging ways travel companies are shining a light on the serious challenges facing the planet in an attempt to inspire climate action.

1.Earth Watch, Climate Change in the Mackenzie Mountains

Earthwatch offers an inspiring number of thoughtfully designed tours that delve deep into the climate crisis.  From the Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge tour to the Climate Change: Sea to Trees at Acadia National Park trip, and Climate Change in the Mackenzie Mountains, Earth Watch provides a unique variety of ways to engage in thoughtful travels alongside scientists and Ph.D.s in order to learn more about our fragile planet. The company also offers tours focused on ocean health, and wildlife and ecosystems. 

Its 11-day Mackenzie Mountains tour in particular, takes travelers to the majestic Mackenzie Mountains, a range that forms the border between Canada’s Northwest Territories and the Yukon. An area that’s on the front line of climate change, participants will use sophisticated equipment to collect data about permafrost and soil—work that helps reveal global-warming-related changes in the region. Additional activities include monitoring the status of the tree line, and record information on native plant species, says the company’s website.

There will also be time spent observing native mammals and birds in this striking and beautiful region. And here too, there’s a climate change-related purpose: travelers will record when and where animals are spotted and how many are observed. By helping researchers learn all they can about this fragile environment now, travelers will be helping to preserve it for the future, says the company’s website.

2.Global Family Travels,  Immerse in Iceland’s Dynamic Geology: A Transformative Adventure to Inspire Climate Change Action

A trailblazer when it comes to crafting trips designed to illuminate the challenges unfolding around the world, Global Family Travels offers an immersive, living science experience in Iceland.

The nine-night trip provides the opportunity to explore the beauty of Iceland’s landscape and learn about how climate change has impacted the country’s geography, how warming ocean temperatures are threatening some local wildlife and of course, take an up-close look at the heartbreaking retreat of glaciers.

“From beginning to end, this new trip to Iceland (which is appropriate for travelers from 8 to 80

years old) was created to educate participants about our changing climate and inspire them to

take up the cause, spreading the critical message about the need to protect this planet we call

home,” says Global Family Travels founder and CEO Jennifer Spatz.

Want to learn more? Read the company’s blog about the trip . There’s also an informational webinar that provides more details about this impactful itinerary.

“By the time you leave Iceland you will truly know the impacts of climate change, how to treat the environment in a sustainable way and hopefully have some ideas about what you personally can do to minimize your impact and help mitigate climate change,” says Spatz.

3.Intrepid Travel, Citizens Science Program, Antarctica 

Like the other companies on this list, Intrepid Travel believes that “when people know better, they do better.” This includes how climate change is reshaping the world.

On its small-group Antarctica journeys, which range from 11- to 23-days, Intrepid invites travelers to take part in a unique Citizen Science program that allows for assisting researchers and science coordinators in collecting data and making observations.

“Citizen Science is a way to harness the power of thousands of travelers around the world to observe, record, and report on natural phenomena,” says the company’s website. “This is particularly useful in remote and isolated destinations like Antarctica, where it is challenging to support long-term academic observation teams. Scientific research in the Antarctic is often a costly, time-consuming and difficult task.”

In particular, Intrepid's Antarctica tours feature partnerships with NASA, Oxford University, Happy Whale and other research organizations, giving passengers the ability to track animal migration, observe weather patterns, and measure the health of phytoplankton (the tiny microscopic organisms that form the basis of the ocean’s entire food chain).

“Antarctica and the Southern Ocean play critical roles in the regulation of the Earth’s climate system and in many ways are the ‘canary in the coal mine’ of climate change,” the company’s website explains. “In the coming years, politicians and regulatory bodies will decide the fate of Antarctica and our scientists need all the information they can get to help inform this future policy.”

4.Natural Habitat Adventures, Climate Change & Our Wild World

It’s hardly an overstatement to say that our planet is warming at a dangerous pace, a reality that Natural Habitat Adventures points out is impacting ecosystems, habitats, wildlife and people.

“As lovers of nature, we feel acutely how much is at stake,” says the company’s website. “From the Amazon to the Arctic, as rain forests burn and sea ice melts, wild places are under duress. That’s why we believe it is critical to understand what is happening so we can influence our leaders to respond and alter our behaviors accordingly.”

With this in mind, Natural Habitat Adventures launched a special trip series called Climate Change & Our Wild World, which was crafted to bring travelers face-to-face with the how the warming climate is impacting the world. And, ideally, the trips “inspire hope and action on behalf of our planet.”

Trips included in this special series exploring the Amazon, East Greenland and even spending time with Canada’s polar bears—an animal whose plight has been particularly devastating as the sea ice that polar bears depend upon rapidly melts.

They also include traveling alongside World Wildlife Fund (WWF) experts who will provide information all along the way regarding the impacts of climate change on the wild places being visited. Trip participants will meet conservationists, researchers and other experts. 

The Nat Hab trips, along with the others mentioned in this story, have been designed with this critical concept in mind:

“We only tend to advocate for issues we feel personally invested in. And there’s no more powerful way to spark that incentive than to experience these places for yourself."

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