Overview
You will not want to go to sleep during this in-depth exploration of Iceland, with constantly changing landscape and possibility to see whales. Reach areas of Iceland that are not accessible from land, using the ship's zodiac fleets to further explore the coast. From lowlands to glacier ice, we will see the entire coast of Iceland with unforgettable experiences both on the mainland and on the many islands where seals and puffin seabirds gather. Along the way, we will visit isolated islands, cozy little towns, stand on the polar circle and black lava sand and feel a breath of saga history.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL TO REYKJAVÍK. BOARDING OCEAN ATLANTIC
After boarding and a welcome drink, the Expedition Leader will inform
you about the voyage, the ship's daily routines and the various
security and safety procedures. Before sailing, there will be a
mandatory safety drill. The Captain takes the ship out of Reykjavík
in the early evening, heading for the south coast.
DAY 2 - WESTMAN ISLANDS, SURTSEY AND UNESCO NATURAL HERITAGE
SITES AND CITY WALK IN HEIMAEY.
The Westman Islands were on the headlines of the world press in
January 1973, when a volcano erupted in the Heimaey island. All 5,000
inhabitants evacuated, but most have now returned, and today the
population is about 4,000. The Westman Islands are only 14 kilometers
off the southwest coast of Iceland and consist of 15 green small
islands and about 30 moorings. When you go sailing, you can see the
islands steep and grateful profiles in clear weather from a long
distance. They are beautifully raised by the sea, and looking at them,
one understands why an Icelandic poet would compare them with the
sapphires in a silver ring. The birdlife on these edges is unique and
hosts, among other natural beauties, puffins and not least the "Queen
of the Sea", the gannet. We start the day by passing close to one of
the world's newest islands, Surtsey. The island rose from the sea in
1963 and arrived in 2008 on UNESCO's list of world natural heritage
sites. The island is closed to the public and only researchers are
allowed. In the morning, we head to Heimaey, the only inhabited island
in the archipelago, where we can see the recently excavated houses
from the outbreak in 1973. After an exciting day at Heimaey, we set
the course to the southeastern corner of Iceland on the edge of
Vatnajökull National Park.
DAY 3 - DJÚPIVOGUR AND PUFFY BIRD COLONY VISIT AT HAFNARHÓLMI
During the night, we sail along the southern coast of Iceland,
dominated by Vatnajökull, Iceland's largest glacier. In the morning we
will make a call in the small, cozy port town of Djúpivogur.
Sheltered, but still very assessable from the ocean, the port is
actually one of the oldest in Iceland, and the people from Djúpivogur
take great pride in preserving some of the old houses. The town
attracts creative folks and the art exhibitions are worth a visit, not
least the permant Eggin i Gleðivík, 34 oversized bird eggs, carved out
of granite. The Cultural Centre is located in the beautiful red timber
house, Langabúð, and opposite this on the other side of the small
harbor is the old Hotel Framtid. An optional excursion is available
from Djúpivogur by Super Jeeps, the work horse in modern Iceland.
DAY 4 - WHALES AT HUSAVÍK AND THE POLAR CIRCLE AT GRÍMSEY
We have seen the northeastern corner of Iceland and sail into the bay
of Húsavík, known to be one of the best places to observe whales in
Iceland. Many whale species have been observed in these waters, and
the most likely to be seen are the acrobatic Humpbacks, the small and
agile Minke, and occasionally the gigantic Blue Whale and Sperm Whale.
We sail slowly around the bay with everyone's eyes searching for these
fascinating creatures.At noon, we sail further north to the island of
Grimsey and reach the northernmost point of the journey. Grímsey is
located about 40 kilometers from the mainland and is the only part of
Iceland, with an Arctic designation. The Polar circle crosses the
island at 66 ° 33 'N, and gives the island one full day of 24-hour
sunlight – on June 21st! We will still experience very light nights on our voyage. Over 100 inhabitants reside in
the little rocky island, all living close to the harbor in the only
city in the island. The fishing banks in the surrounding seas make the
economy flourish, the port is expanded, and there is a small airport
with daily flights to the mainland and the school for the children.
The island has been inhabited right back from the settlement of
Iceland and is mentioned in the sagas as an important land, rich in
fish and birds. The seabirds far exceed the number of inhabitants on
Grímsey, and bird cries can be heard 24 hours a day over the bright
Arctic summer. Up to 36 different species breed on the island and have
their nests on the rocks. One of Iceland's largest tern colonies is
here, and it is said that the runway must be cleared for terns before
the aircraft can land. We’ll make landing by Zodiacs during the
afternoon to experience the local life and explore the island's bird
life.
DAY 5 - HRÍSEY, AKUREYRI AND MÝVATN NATURE RESERVE (OPTIONAL
EXCURSION)
During the night and early morning, Ocean Atlantic cruises through
one of Iceland's longest fjords, Eyjafjörður, cutting south into the
land from the north coast. Sitting astride in the middle of the fjord,
Hrísey is home to 200 islanders, and after Heimaey, is the second
largest island off the coast of Iceland. We’ll make a morning call by
our Zodiacs into the small town on the south point of the island, and
enjoy an easy stroll through the settlement and into the outlying
grass plains. As hunting has been prohibited for many years, birdlife
is unusually rich. Especially ptarmigans and eiders are ubiquitous. We
continue the voyage a few miles further south to reach the beautiful
city of Akureyri, where we disembark just after lunch. The climate of
Akureyri is unique in these latitudes, with many more hours of
sunshine and higher temperatures than the rest of Iceland. Akureyri is
a center of trade and culture and is Iceland's second largest city.
With the emerging educational environment, the many cultural events
and the big fishing industry, Akureyri grows steadily, with more
Icelanders – and tourists – heading to the north coast's sunshine
city. Just stroll around town and enjoy the lively atmosphere with
cozy cafés and great restaurants, as well as lush gardens and the
splendid view from the city church, Akureyrarkirkja. Or join us for a
five-hour excursion to fabulous Goðafoss & Lake Mývatn.
DAY 6 - VESTFJORD, SNOWY AND DRAMATIC FJORD LANDSCAPE AT
VIGUR
The west fjords offer one unforgettable experience after another. We
start the morning sailing along the coast of Hornstrandir, the
northernmost part of the West Fjords. From here, there are only 300
kilometers to the eastern coast of Greenland. In 1975 the area was
converted into nature reserves, and currently has some of the
strictest rules to protect the peculiar and fragile nature. Along the
coast, there are good opportunities to see whales and seals, and the
mountainside is alive with the rich bird life. We continue into
Hornvik Bay, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in
Iceland, to see two of the largest bird cliffs in Europe where
millions of seabirds breed. In the afternoon, we sail further into
Isafjardardjúp, and take a walk on the island of Vigur at the mouth of
Hestfjördur to enjoy the view of the steep mountains and see the
terrific aerobatics of the Arctic Terns. A local guide will takes us
on a walk around the island, and coffee and light refreshments will be
served in the local café. In the evening, we leave Isafjardardjúp and
sail towards the southern part of the West Fjords.
DAY 7 - ISLAND LIFE AT FLATEY AND SNAEFELLSNES
We have passed Iceland’s westernmost point, the huge bird cliffs of
Latraberg early in the morning. After breakfast we make landing at
island of Flatey, the only one of Breidafjördur's numerous islands
inhabited all year. However, most of the colorful houses are holiday
homes only used in the summer months. The island has a rich part in
the history of Iceland and previously had great cultural significance
when in the 1100s an Augustine monastery was at the highest point of
the island. Later, the island became a focal point for trade with the
northwestern part of Iceland when the Danish king appointed Flatey as
an official trading station in 1777. Until the end of the last
century, the population grew until the island almost overcrowded in
comparison to its small size. Today, only two inhabited farms are
left. In the afternoon, we sail along the 100-kilometer long peninsula
Snaefellsnes, which with its dramatic cliff coast, hardened lava
floods, sandy beaches and volcanic peaks, is a picture of Iceland in
mini-format. We round the nest on the peninsula and can enjoy the view
of the nearly 1,500-meter-high snow-covered volcano Snæfellsjökull,
which was the center of Jules Vernes novel "The journey to the center
of the earth". The volcano with the almost perfect cone shape and the
surrounding area became in 2001 the Snæfellsjökull National Park.
DAY 8 - REYKJAVÍK AND RETURN HOME
In the morning Ocean Atlantic goes alongside in the port of
Reykjavik. It’s time to say farewell to the crew and begin the
homeward journey.
