Wild Iceland Escape | Explorer | IExpedition

Exploring Iceland: Fjords, Waterfalls and Wildlife

  • Overview

    Discover the land of fire and ice on a compact, six-day voyage to the remote fjords and volcanic isles along Iceland’s western coast. Venture across an island formed by volcanic eruptions where the ground is still warmed by geothermal activity. Set out by Zodiac to navigate dramatic shorelines from the wild Westfjords region to the volcanic Westman Islands. Explore the legacy of Viking explorers and intrepid fishermen during visits to historic villages.

    Expedition Highlights

    • Actively explore Iceland’s pristine fjords and mysterious lava fields on daily hikes, Zodiac cruises, and more while accompanied by a dedicated team of naturalists

    • Delve into the rural history of Iceland at a turf farm or float down one of its glacial rivers in the northern region of Skagafjörður

    • Discover the rich biodiversity of the remote Westfjords, spotting nesting puffins along the coast and watching for humpback and minke whales in the surrounding waters

    • Capture your picture of the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell, alongside a certified photo instructor or National Geographic Photography Expert

    • Extend your expedition with a tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle

    Duration: 6 days
    Passengers: 126 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Reykjavik, Iceland
    Disembarkation Point: Reykjavik, Iceland
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • 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 spend the day exploring the sights, sounds, and tastes of this Arctic capital before embarking the ship in the afternoon.

    • Day 2 - Djúpavík

      Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea learning about Iceland and its incredible diversity. We spend the afternoon on the remote eastern side of the Westfjords to experience rural Iceland. This corner of Iceland is difficult to access and is seldom visited but boasts spectacular beauty and rich history. We take advantage of the dramatic landscape of the fjord to offer 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. We visit the museum and learn about the significance of this resource to all of Iceland in the 20th century.

    • Day 3 - Skagafjörður

      Skagafjörður is the gateway to north Iceland, known for its glacial 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. Finally, learn about Grettir the Strong and the saga named after him by exploring Drangey Island and spotting the multitudes of birds that call the island home like kittiwakes, shearwaters, and possibly even ravens and gyrfalcons.

    • Day 4 - Ísafjörður / Vigur

      Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit an eider farm and learn about the down cleaning process. Get to know the capital of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður, on a walking
      tour—complete with local sights, sounds, and tastes—or venture through the trails at a local forest.

    • Day 5 - Grundarfjörður

      Serving as the center of trade on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula since the 15th century, Grundarfjörður is now best known for its Kirkjufell Mountain and picturesque waterfall. Alongside the National Geographic Photography Expert, capture your own
      images amongst this dynamic landscape and the weather swirling around the Peninsula. Alternatively, hike through a local lava field or explore the town’s Saga Center.

    • Day 6 - Reykjavík / Disembark Ship

      Disembark in Reykjavík and 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.

  • Adventure Activities
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
    - Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
    - All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
    - Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
    - 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
    - Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
    - Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
    - Complimentary reusable water bottle
    - Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
    - Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
    - Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
    - Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
    - Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis
    - Crew gratuities
    - Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
    - All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Passport, visa, and immigration fees
    - Travel protection plans
    - Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
    - Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
    - Pre- and post-expedition extensions
    - Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
    - Private transfers
  • Map
    Screenshot 2024 08 27 at 13.20.31
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER

    Inaugurated in 2008, National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship. The embodiment of the National Geographic alliance, her design and equipment is the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience. Originally built for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her excellent maneuverability and just-right size made her a natural choice for addition to our fleet. Drawing on our nearly 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise, we completely redesigned and rebuilt her. Explorer is uniquely equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploration; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions we explore. She provides a peerless expedition experience. Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 cabins, including 13 cabins with private balconies, six spacious suites and 14 cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. At 367 feet with six decks, she is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer startling views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Explorer instantly fosters a welcoming environment where enthused and curious passengers share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.

    Features & Facilities
    • Luxury expedition vessel
    • Affiliated with National Geographic
    • Dining room & Bistro
    • Large observation decks
    • Open Bridge
    • Library
    • Observation lounge
    • 24 hour beverage station
    • Wellness Centre
    • Gym
    • laundry
    • Spa
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 148
    Crew #: 70
    Ice Class: 1A
    Speed: 18
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 112m
    Width: 16
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 6471
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
national geographic explorer category 1 cabin

Category 01

12 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025
Cabins feature one or two portholes. Most cabins feature two single beds that can be converted to a queen. Cabins feature one queen-sized bed. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
USD$ 5,980pp
USD$ 5,980pp
national geographic explorer category 2 cabin

Category 02

12 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025
Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
USD$ 7,052pp
USD$ 7,052pp
national geographic explorer category 3 cabin

Category 03

12 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025
Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
USD$ 7,353pp
USD$ 7,353pp
national geographic explorer category 4 cabin

Category 04

12 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025
Cabins feature two single beds than can convert to a queen-sized bed, and at least one large window, climate controls, sitting chair, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. All cabins feature climate controls, sitting chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
USD$ 8,392pp
USD$ 8,392pp
national geographic explorer category sa

Category SA

12 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025
These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
USD$ 8,782pp
USD$ 8,782pp
national geographic explorer category 5 cabin

Category 05

12 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025
Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
USD$ 9,107pp
USD$ 9,107pp
national geographic explorer category SB Single cabin

Category SB

12 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025
These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
USD$ 9,167pp
USD$ 9,167pp
national geographic explorer category 6 cabin

Category 06

12 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025
These spacious cabins can be converted into triples. They have two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, sofa-bed, chairs, two large windows, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
USD$ 10,911pp
USD$ 10,911pp
national geographic explorer category 7 cabin

Category 07

12 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025
These large cabins with private balconies have two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas with a sofa-bed and can be converted to triples. Cabins also include a desk with chairs, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
USD$ 12,637pp
USD$ 12,637pp