a bright red house on a green pasture in iceland while the national geographic explorer ship motors on the sea in the background
steam rises from a blue lagoon and geothermal hot springs in iceland
icelandic horses with wind brushing their hair aside stand on the tundra in iceland
waterfalls cascade over rocks in iceland
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

A Circumnavigation of Iceland

A Circumnavigation of Iceland, a small ship cruise aboard the 126-guest National Geographic Endurance or 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, introduces Iceland’s geology in all its world-class manifestations: glaciers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots and rock and lava-scapes of unique beauty. These features alone makes a circumnavigation a compelling idea. Add in the other itinerary components—Iceland’s people, their unique cultural heritage and contemporary character, the island’s geography and birdlife—and experiencing all of Iceland in one expedition is irresistible.

Geologically young, Iceland is located on both the Iceland hotspot and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which means it is highly geologically active with many volcanoes—hundreds of them, in fact. Most famously, the volcano in Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010. On this comprehensive itinerary, actively explore Iceland’s wild western coast; Siglufjordur in the north; the rarely-visited rugged east coast; and the Westman Islands, one of the planet’s youngest archipelagos. See Europe’s largest icecap while traveling with an expert team, including a National Geographic photograher, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a Global Perspective guest speaker, an undersea specialist, a wellness specialist and a video chronicler. 

This Circumnavigation of Iceland cruise allows for off-ship adventures every day—Zodiac cruises, hikes and walks, or kayaks allow for personal encounters with beauty and wildness. You’ll have a choice of activities, plus your choice of naturalists to join—for a moveable feast of personalities, insights and interests, and the option to relax, too. Enjoy the view from the ship’s panoramic glass windows. Or visit the fitness center with its generous views of the ice vistas, or ease into the sauna or a massage in the wellness center.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises and Iceland cruises.



Itinerary

A Circumnavigation of Iceland Itinerary

This Iceland cruise is an 10-day expedition that introduces Iceland’s geology in all its world-class manifestations and begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland.

A circumnavigation of Iceland cruise route map, operating round-trip from Reykjavik with visits to Flatey Island, Latrabjarg, Isafjordur, Siglufjordur, Akureyri, Lake Myvtan, Husavik, Djupivogur, & the islands of Heimaey, Surtsey & Westman.
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Day 1
Embark Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport and have a panoramic overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, before embarking the ship in the afternoon.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer

Meals

lunch, dinner

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Day 2
Flatey Island

Explore Iceland’s western frontier, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming little hamlet, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Exploring Northwestern Iceland

Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside bird-covered cliffs. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit the Eider Farm and view the down cleaning process.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Ísafjördur

Located in the Westfjords, Ísafjördur is surrounded by water on three sides and was sculpted by glaciers. Explore by Zodiac and hike ashore to view the local landscape and photograph flowering plants.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Siglufjordur & Akureyri

Siglufjördur was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a re-enactment and a tasting. Continue to picturesque Akureyri, backed by snow-capped mountains. Explore the old town with its beautifully maintained period houses, or visit the botanical garden.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Lake Mývatn & Húsavík

Begin the day by visiting an unforgettable sight: Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Then drive to Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. This is world-class field geology! See the bizarre mud pools at Hverarönd—so hot they actually bubble. At the Krafla geothermal area, see the explosion crater at Viti. After lunch ashore, meet the ship in Húsavík and watch for whales as you sail north to the land of the midnight sun. Take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars and puffins in burrows, all bathing, courting and fishing—another wonderful photo opportunity.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
At Sea & Skálanes

Spend the morning at sea as the ship rounds the northeast rugged northeast corner of Iceland. This afternoon, visit Skálanes Nature Reserve outside of Seydisfjörður, to see and learn about the fascinating ongoing archaeological excavations, in addition to observing the peninsula’s bird cliffs and abundant wildflowers.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Djúpivogur

Dock in Djúpivogur to explore the vast Vatnajökull icecap. Via small boat, get up-close and personal with the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, go by 4×4 vehicle to visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the countryside around Djúpivogur or visit a local farm to meet the families living in rural Iceland.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Islands of Heimaey & Surtsey, Westman Islands

The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keep an eye out for it while cruising past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit this crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

Today, disembark in Reykjavík and take a morning excursion. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Expedition parka to keep; all accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expeditions leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking. 

(For expeditions booked prior to May 1, 2023: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.) 

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

A Circumnavigation of Iceland begins and ends in Reykjavik (KEF). Recommended group flights are available with transfers provided. Embarkation time may vary as it is based upon arrival of group flights. Disembarkation is at 8:00am on Day 10, followed by an included morning activity. Guests should plan to depart Reykjavik (KEF) at 5:00pm on Day 10. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking, Zodiac excursions, photography, morning yoga and stretching, glacier viewing and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Jul 04 - Jul 13, 2024
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11400USD
Per Person
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Jul 08 - Jul 17, 2024
National Geographic Endurance • 10 days
From $18034USD
Per Person
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Jul 17 - Jul 26, 2024
National Geographic Endurance • 10 days
From $17663USD
Per Person
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Jul 18 - Jul 27, 2024
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11285USD
Per Person
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Aug 01 - Aug 10, 2024
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11285USD
Per Person
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Aug 15 - Aug 24, 2024
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11285USD
Per Person
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Jun 01 - Jun 10, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11510USD
Per Person
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Jun 15 - Jun 24, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11628USD
Per Person
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Jun 29 - Jul 08, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11628USD
Per Person
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Jul 09 - Jul 18, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 10 days
From $18782USD
Per Person
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Jul 13 - Jul 22, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11628USD
Per Person
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Jul 18 - Jul 27, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 10 days
From $18400USD
Per Person
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Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Endurance

The 126-guest National Geographic Endurance is the newest addition to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability and sustainability as well as for in-depth education and an unmatched range of exploration in the polar regions.

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. She is fully stabilized, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing comfort.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Todd Smith • June 17th, 2022
Expert Aboard: National Geographic Resolution & Endurance Ship Review

AdventureSmith's founder writes this firsthand review of the National Geographic Resolution & Endurance. Learn what makes these the best-in-class, next-generation expedition ships, from X-Bow design to on-deck igloos.

Testimonial

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Everything We Hoped For & More"

The trip was amazing, it was everything we hoped for and more. Iceland is a a beautiful country with breathtaking scenery, a fascinating history, interesting culture and abundant wildlife.

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

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