Quick Email
888 308 4904
Experience the geological extremes on one of the world’s youngest islands. Walk on lava fields and ice sheets. Feel the wondrous power of hot springs and waterfalls. Cruise into the Westfjords and spot nesting sea birds. Hike along magnificent stretches of coast. Icelandic experts and musicians add insight and energy to the expedition.
• Experience all of Iceland’s geological manifestations: glaciers, geysers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots, and lava-scapes of unearthly beauty
• Meet local Icelandic experts ranging from economists to filmmakers and enjoy exclusive music performances.
• Explore Iceland’s wild western coast; Siglufjörður in the north; the rarely visited rugged east coast; and the Westman islands in the south, among the planet’s youngest archipelagos
• Actively explore by taking Zodiacs into fjords and serene bays
• Customize your experience by taking a pre- or post-expedition extension
Day 1 - Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship
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.
Day 2 - Westfjords
Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside stunning scenery. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit the Eider Farm and learn about the down cleaning process.
Day 3 - Skagafjörður
Skagafjörður is the gateway to north Iceland, known for its glacier rivers, Icelandic horses, and saga history. Take a float trip on the Jökulsá river or visit a historic rural turf farm to understand rural life in Iceland. Or choose to explore Drangey Island and learn about Grettir the Strong and the saga named after him. You'll also have a chance to spot the multitudes of birds that call the island home, such as kittiwakes, shearwaters, and possibly even ravens and gyrfalcons.
Day 4 - Siglufjördur
Siglufjördur was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. We stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland's northern most mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association for an afternoon of conservation in their local woods
Day 5 - Húsavík
Húsavík, the site of the first house built in Iceland, is our gateway to the geological exploration of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as the Lake Mývatn area, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed from the hoof of Odin, filled with hiking and waterfall exploration, or stay along the coast and take a slower pace to the day with forest bathing, bird watching, and a soak in the GeoSea bath.
Day 6 - Grímsey / At Sea
This morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grímsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here we celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars, and puffins in burrows. Enjoy an afternoon at sea as we sail around the northern corner of Iceland to start our journey south.
Day 7 - Borgarfjörðurhöfn
Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Bakkagerði is well known for its local puffin colony. Walk across boardwalks to witness these colorful symbols of Icelandic wildlife. Once you have your best puffin photos, take an invigorating hike up to the best panoramic view of the fjord or bike along the fjord for an alternative view.
Day 8 - Djúpivogur
Arrive in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast to explore the foot of the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, go by 4x4 vehicle to visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the countryside around Djúpivogur or join a hike to the black sand beaches of southern Iceland.
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—which we see as we cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. We visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.
Day 10 - Reykjavík / Disembark
Today, disembark in Reykjavík and take a morning excursion. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
A next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation.
Endurance is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Code PC5 (Category A) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore unchartered waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities.
TOOLS FOR EXPLORATION:
Expedition Landing Craft
Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, which we use to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. With 8 of these boats and two loading stations used every time we disembark, we’re able to transfer guests off the ship quickly, so you can be out on adventures, not idly waiting. The expedition landing craft we use is 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat.
Remotely Operated Vehicle
Capable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colourful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean.
Kayaks
National Geographic Endurance will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity.
Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch.
Underwater camera
Our undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in Alaska, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colourful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrives in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment.
Video microscope
Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures.
Hydrophone
This underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real-time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system.
Electronic charts
An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge.
Open bridge
You’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. Venture’s open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers.
| Luxury star rating: | 5 |
| Guests #: | 126 |
| Crew #: | |
| Ice Class: | PC5 |
| Speed: | 16 |
| Refurbished: |
| Year built: | 2020 |
| Length: | 124m |
| Width: | |
| Draft: | 5 |
| Tonnage: | 1250 |
| Registry: | |
| Elec Outlets: | 2 Flat |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.
