Puffin stands on a lush rock ledge with bright green flora during the Wild Iceland Escape arctic cruise.
Bright fuchsia and white daisies grow in front of the pyramid-shaped Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik with a green person statue in front, seen the Wild Iceland Escape arctic cruise.
Two travelers stand beside a geyser emitting steam with earthtone rock all around during the Wild Iceland Escape arctic cruise.
Railings lead into the turquoise blue waters of the Blue Lagoon with steam rising and people bathing, during the Wild Iceland Escape arctic cruise.
A group of travelers forms a line while riding on horseback among green fields during the Wild Iceland Escape arctic cruise.
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$5030USD
Starting At
6
Days
Jun
Jul
Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Wild Iceland Escape

Discover why Iceland is known as the “land of fire and ice” on the 6-day Wild Iceland Escape cruise. Explore Iceland’s pristine fjords, fascinating tundra and dramatic waterfalls, accompanied by a dedicated team of naturalists. Encounter evidence of volcanic activity while soaking in geothermal hot springs, hike over cooled lava fields and view Iceland’s newest isle, Surtsey.

Spend 6 days discovering the rich biodiversity of the remote Westfjords, spotting nesting puffins and gannets on the Látrabjarg cliffs and watching for humpback and minke whales in the surrounding waters. Designed to explore the remote fjords and volcanic isles along Iceland’s western coast, the Wild Iceland Escape voyage reveals stark landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions, still warmed by geothermal activity; towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds; and snow-capped plateaus that rise into the clouds.

Not only are Iceland’s landscapes fascinating to explore, but the legacy of Viking explorers and intrepid fishermen is prevalent at historic villages and visitor sites. Choose the option to extend your 6-day Wild Iceland Escape voyage with additional adventures ranging from pre- and post-cruise hiking excursions, glacier helicopter rides, special ice cave explorations and more.

Read on for details about this trip, or view all of AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises.



Itinerary

Wild Iceland Escape Itinerary

The 6-day Wild Iceland Escape cruise explores the remote Westfjords of Iceland, beginning in Reykjavik, sailing northbound to Djupavik, then sailing southbound to end in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Route map of Wild Iceland Escape Arctic voyage, operating round-trip from Reykjavik with visits to Djúpavík, Arnafjordur, Latrabjarg Cliffs, Surtsey Island, Heimaey Island & the Westman Islands.
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Days 1 - 2
Arrive Reykjavík, Iceland & Embark

After an overnight flight to Reykjavík, Iceland, arrive in the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Enjoy a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and perhaps learn about Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures, artifacts and unusual whalebone carvings on display. Embark National Geographic Explorer in the afternoon.

Accommodations

n/a (day 1); National Geographic Explorer (day 2)

Meals

n/a (day 1); lunch and dinner (day 2)

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Day 3
Djúpavík

Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea, learning about Iceland and its incredible diversity. Spend the afternoon on the remote eastern side of the Westfjords to experience rural Iceland, which is difficult to access and seldom visited by many people but boasts spectacular beauty and rich history. Take advantage of the dramatic landscape of the fjord with optional hiking, leisurely explorations of the tundra and perhaps photography of wildflowers.

The tiny town of Djúpavík held its place on the map because of the golden age of herring. During its heyday in the 1930s, its herring plant was the largest concrete structure in Iceland. The plant closed in 1954 but remains as a small museum and a memory of the rich productivity of the herring industry in Iceland.  Visit the museum and learn about the significance of this resource to all of Iceland in the 20th century.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Arnafjordur & Latrabjarg Cliffs

In the early morning, the ship glides into beautiful Arnafjörður, along the northwest coast of Iceland. For a more active experience, disembark early and hike several miles along the base of the fjord to visit the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall. Alternatively, join the expedition staff on the bow of the ship and venture ever deeper into the fjord and go ashore by Zodiac to walk up to the base of the waterfall, passing nesting arctic terns along the way. This afternoon, sail past the immense Látrabjarg Cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs were once famous for egg collecting, where men tied to ropes lowered like spiders down onto the ledges. Conditions permitting, perhaps launch Zodiacs to see the incredible cliffs from the waterline.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Islands of Surtsey & Heimaey, 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 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Drive between the two volcanoes of the island then visit the ruins of old Viking houses dating back to the year 900 AD. Opt to hike up Eldfell volcano, formed during the 1973 eruption, for amazing views of areas engulfed by lava. In some places, the ground is still warm with thermal vents. Watch for nesting Atlantic puffins and gannets along the shores of the island. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey, a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you’ll see while cruising past the coast.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Disembark Reykjavík, Iceland

Today, disembark in Reykjavík. Choose to visit the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths or enjoy a visit to a hot spring, a geothermal power plant and an Icelandic horse farm, prior to flying home. Alternatively, partake in one of many optional post-voyage land extensions and continue to explore this amazing country!

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; meals indicated; alcoholic beverages (except premium brands); excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; gratuities to ship’s crew.

Exclusions

Air transportation; extensions; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $750 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
180 or more days – $750 of deposit retained (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 25% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

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

The Wild Iceland Escape cruise begins and ends in Reykjavik (KEF). Recommended group flights are available with transfers provided. Flights from the U.S. typically arrive at 6:15am on day 2 and are followed by an included city tour before embarkation at 4:30pm. Disembarkation is at 8:00am on day 6, followed by included daytime activities. Guests should plan to depart Reykjavik (KEF) at 5:00pm on day 6. 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 walking, hiking, kayaking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, wildlife observation and morning yoga and stretching.

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

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free 

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Jul 07 - Jul 12, 2021
National Geographic Explorer • 6 days
From $5180USD
Per Person
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Jul 20 - Jul 25, 2021
National Geographic Explorer • 6 days
From $5180USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn about the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

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.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires December 31st, 2020
10% Group Savings On 2021 Wild Iceland Escape Cruises

Book your group's 2021 Arctic cruise and save up to 10% on the total cruise price in this special deal.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Iceland Cruise

In conjunction with this cruise, the following pre- and post-cruise options are available for a seamless land-and-sea group travel experience with National Geographic guides and fellow passengers. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for further details and pricing.

Pre-Cruise Extensions

Reykjavik’s Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon is a relaxing, 1-day, pre-cruise extension that includes a soak in the surreal Blue Lagoon thermal baths and an in-depth guided experience along the famed Golden Circle, where the earth is alive with boiling and bubbling pools, geysers, a spectacular two-tiered waterfall and more.

Post-Cruise Extensions

Snaefellsnes is a geologically rich, 3-day, post-cruise extension that explores Langjokull Glacier’s aquamarine ice cave, the Viogelmir lava tube cave, walks along the coastline in Snaefellsness National Park, and perhaps a glimpse of the imposing Snaefellsjokull Mountain.

Iceland’s Volcanic Northeast is an adventurous, 3-day, post-cruise excursion into the heart of North Iceland, with Myvatn’s jagged lava fields, glacially carved canyons, standing on the rim of a vast volcanic crater, getting sprayed by dettifoss waterfall—the largest waterfall in all of Europe—and relaxing in two different geothermal hot springs as major highlights.

Iceland’s Highlands and Lowlands is an active, 4-day, post-cruise exploration, with snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and black-sand beaches awaiting exploration. This extension includes hiking the dramatic lava fields of Landmannalaugar, riding a Zodiac past the blue icebergs of the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, and taking guided hikes through Iceland’s unique geology, glaciers and geothermal hot springs.

Glacier Heli-Hiking is a scenic 3-day, post-cruise opportunity to experience Iceland’s magnificent landscapes from a unique aerial point of view. Tour two different glaciers by helicopter, with the rare opportunity to hike across a glacier.

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Wild Iceland Escape

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