Waterfalls cascade over verdant green rolling hills as a traveler stands in front, 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.
Two travelers stand beside a geyser emitting steam with earthtone rock all around 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.
Sheets of crystal teal ice wash ashore to a black sand beach in Iceland seen aboard Wild Iceland Escape Arctic cruise.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Exploring Iceland: Fjords, Waterfalls & Wildlife

Discover why Iceland is known as the “land of fire and ice” on the compact Exploring Iceland: Fjords, Waterfalls & Wildlife 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.

Discover 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 Wild Iceland Escape voyage with additional adventures ranging from pre- and post-cruise hiking excursions, special ice cave explorations and more.

Explore aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer. This small expedition ship is technologically advanced, fully stabilized and equipped with a well-rounded set of exploration tools including an ROV and enough kayaks and Zodiacs to send all guests out exploring at the same time. 

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



Itinerary

6-Day Exploring Iceland: Fjords, Waterfalls & Wildlife Itinerary

The 6-day Exploring Iceland: Fjords, Waterfalls & Wildlife 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 6-day Wild Iceland Escape Arctic voyage, operating round-trip from Reykjavik with visits to Djúpavík, Skagafjordur, Isafjordur, Vigur & Grundarfhordur.
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Day 1
Arrive Reykjavík, Iceland & Embark

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.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 2
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 3
Skagafjordur

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.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Isafjordur & 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.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Grundarfjordur

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 a 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.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Disembark Reykjavík, Iceland

Disembark in Reykjavík and 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; accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; excursions; services of expedition 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. 

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 6-day Exploring Iceland: Fjords, Waterfalls & Wildlife cruise begins and ends in Reykjavik (KEF). Plan flights to arrive to Reykjavik by 10:00am on Day 1 (or in time for a 12:00pm group lunch and pre-embarkation city tour). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Disembarkation is at 8:00am on the final day; plan flights to depart Reykjavik no earlier than 10:30am. 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. Optional excursions may include visiting a turf farm or botanical garden, floating a glacier-fed river, biking, a cultural town walk and more.

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

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

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

Aug 12 - Aug 17, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 6 days
From $6645USD
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.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Book Early & Save On 2026-27 Nat Geo Fleet Worldwide

Choose from a variety of cruises worldwide wen you book your 2026-27 departure and save in more ways!

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Groups Save 5% On Select 2024 & 2025 Nat Geo Fleet Worldwide

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2024 or 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

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

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Iceland Cruise

In conjunction with this cruise, the following pre-cruise option is 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.

Reykjavik’s Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon is a 2-day pre-cruise exploration of the famed Golden Circle (a driving route with geysers, waterfalls & other fascinating geologic formations), plus a visit to the Blue Lagoon thermal baths and a Reykjavik city tour.

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8 - 8 Day Cruise
Scotland's Highlands & Islands

This cruise highlights seldom-seen Scottish landscapes and top historical sights throughout the interior and along the coast. On the purpose-built Lord of the Glens ship, navigate through the canals that lead through the heart of the Scottish countryside.

Special Offer
From $9678USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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10 - 12 Day Cruise
Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway

On this 10- or 11-day adventure aboard 199-guest Ultramarine or 138-guest Ocean Explorer, cruise Spitsbergen's coastline and discover fjords, sea cliffs, polar bears and walrus.

From $6542USD
May Jun Jul
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13 - 14 Day Cruise
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic

This south Greenland adventure cruise offers activities for all abilities and opportunities to view the Northern Lights. Hike, visit local Inuit communities, Zodiac cruise, fly in a helicopter and even camp—all from 199-guest Ultramarine as your modern floating base camp.

Special Offer
From $9472USD
Jul Aug Sep Oct
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