Top 5 reasons to go on an Iceland expedition cruise
- Avoid the crowds on the Golden Circle tourist trail and discover Iceland’s lesser-explored, diverse terrains - from creaking glaciers and crashing waterfalls to active volcanoes and bubbling geysers
- Experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun in summer, or choose a shoulder-season voyage in September for a chance to see the sky awash in the kaleidoscopic colours of the Northern Lights
- Spot elusive wildlife – from whales and puffins to Arctic foxes and reindeer – on land excursions or during immersive zodiac cruises
- Enrich your journey with insights from naturalists, geologists and historians who bring Iceland’s ever-changing landscapes and absorbing Viking sagas to life
- Access all this easily and at a low cost with regular, direct no-frills flights from both Europe and the US
Sunset on Iceland
Sparsely populated landscape
An Icelandic waterfall
Admire placid fjords
Hiking Iceland's lush landscapes
Kayak around Iceland's coastline
Iceland's rugged coastline
One of Iceland's majestic waterfalls
Choosing your expedition cruise to Iceland
Vessels
Iceland offers a wide variety of expedition vessels – from nimble micro expedition ships carrying just a handful of passengers to purpose-built polar and luxury options.
A vessel with generous deck space, or even your own balcony, can make all the difference when it comes to seriously soaking up the astounding scenery.
If you're venturing to the northern coast, closer to the Arctic Circle, on an Icelandic expedition cruise, vessels with high ice-class ratings are better equipped to navigate variable sea and ice conditions, particularly in spring.
Some voyages combine Iceland with neighbouring regions such as Greenland, adding a true Arctic experience.
Exploring Iceland by zodiac
Landing sites on Iceland
Stunning landscape of Iceland
You can generally expect one to two off-ship excursions per day, always led by your onboard expedition team. This might include exploring on land or cruising by zodiac. In one of these inflatable boats, you might travel beneath towering basalt sea cliffs teeming with seabirds in the Westfjords, navigate hidden coves along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or explore iceland's most geologically active area around Lake Mývatn.
Some of the most memorable wildlife encounters – from humpback whales in the water to seals hauled out on rocky shores – happen while you’re in a zodiac.For the more adventurous, kayaking is often available at calm and scenic landing sites, offering a quieter, even more immersive way to explore.
On land, you’ll have the chance to hike through dramatic volcanic landscapes and across coastal tundra. In certain areas, you may visit remote fishing villages or learn about the island nation's layered history, from Viking settlements to abandoned turf houses. With expert guides on board your Iceland expedition cruise to interpret what you’re seeing, you'll learn all about the country's intriguing past.
Our Voyages to Iceland
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Offering a full circumnavigation of Iceland at the height of summer, this voyage is unprecedented. Situated astride the mid Atlantic ridge and on the rim of the Arctic Circle, this voyage explores Iceland’s dominant themes: geology, wildlife and culture -…
- 10 Days
- $19,000
Introductions to the High Arctic don’t come much better. Traverse wildlife-rich Svalbard via East Greenland’s towering icebergs and autumnal tundra, then continue on to Iceland. Aurora sightings are possible at any point.…
- 15 Days
- $14,983
In the Land of Ice and Fire, where snow-capped peaks rise above glaciers and active volcanoes rumble, stroll along black-sand beaches strewn with glittering icebergs and walk amongst geysers and bubbling mud pools. Explore spectacular fjords and impressive waterfalls during…
- 11 Days
- $13,995
Swoop says
In Iceland everything feels very raw and elemental - the bubbling geysers, the active volcanoes. In Heimaey, you can even see where lava floes have half buried some of the houses. I also love that the people are all so friendly.
Nardus Erasmus Polar Consultant
About Iceland
Climate and landscapes
This North Atlantic island sits just below the Arctic Circle, its rugged coastline stretching more than 3,000 miles (5,000 km) and sliced with over 100 fjords. Circumnavigational expedition cruises of Iceland tend to try and visit the small island of Grímsey in the north, the only part of the nation that sits inside the Arctic Circle proper.
Despite Iceland's northern location, the subarctic climate is moderated by the North Atlantic Current, bringing milder temperatures than you’d expect at this latitude. In summer, average temperatures hover around 50-55 °F (10-13 °C).
Icelandic scenery
Wildlife on Iceland
While on your Icelandic expedition cruise, there’s a good chance of spotting humpback or minke whales in summer, while orcas are regular visitors in spring, especially around Snæfellsnes in the west.
Iceland doesn’t have polar bears or walruses, but what it lacks in Arctic giants, it makes up for in drama and diversity. Cliffside nesting seabirds – puffins, fulmars, guillemots – fill sites like Látrabjarg, Vestmannaeyjar, Dyrhólaey and Vigur by the thousands.
Arctic foxes, Iceland’s only native land mammals, roam remote tundra and cliff bases. Reindeer, meanwhile, introduced in the east and northeast, wander Iceland’s wild highlands.
Watch out for characterful puffin
Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Our team of experts are ready to help you with any questions about a trip to the Arctic.
