Home > Expeditions > Iceland: Circumnavigating the Land of Fire & Ice
Iceland: Circumnavigating the Land of Fire & Ice
- 11 Days
- Departure/Arrival:
- Reykjavik, Iceland - Reykjavik, Iceland
- Voyage code:
- ICE004S
- Voyage type:
- Discovery
- Ship:
- Sylvia Earle
- Price:
-
Unavailable
Plus Air Credit of USD $1,500 / AUD $2,200 / GBP £1,100 pp*
Summary
Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Iceland: Circumnavigating the Land of Fire & Ice expedition.
Explore the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’ where snow-capped peaks rise above glaciers and active volcanoes rumble. Explore Westfjords, one of the remotest and most pristine regions in Iceland—ideal for nature hikes and sea kayaking. Across the Arctic Circle at Grimsey Island, stretch your legs on hikes across the island and discover cliffs teeming with seabirds. Our team of experts will interpret this fascinating country— one of the world’s youngest. It’s a land of spectacular geology that is rich in wildlife, culture and human history.
Note: In order to experience some of the incredible scenery of Iceland, a number of the shore excursions on this itinerary require coach travel away from the coast.
Highlights
• Witness the incredible diversity of Iceland’s landscapes forged by the powerful seismic activity that has shaped the island’s appearance and way of life of the people.
• Visit Grimsey Island, located above the Arctic Circle, and features impressive cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds including charismatic puffins.
• Explore the highland area between the fjords of Dyrafjordur and Arnarfjordur, often referred to as the Alps of the Westfjords
• Discover Seydisfjordur, a hidden gem on Iceland’s east coast.
Vaccines
Aurora Expeditions requires all embarking crew, Expedition Team and our passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to embarking on any of its cruises.
It is important to note, that all travellers need to check and comply with the vaccine requirements of the country they are travelling to. Some countries have their own vaccination requirements. For example, Greenland; only accepts EMA approved vaccines which are: Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Novavax.
As of 5th February 2022, Aurora will require all passengers to have also had a booster vaccination prior to boarding, if more than 5 months have passed after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination (and at least 2 months after completing a J&J COVID-19 vaccination).
Officially certified proof of vaccination and booster will be required ahead of travel and we will require that it be emailed to Aurora no later than 15 days prior to departure.
Aurora Expeditions does not require passengers to undergo tests for COVID-19 prior to embarkation or during the voyage. We do not conduct routine COVID-19 testing unless required by the relevant authorities. However, passengers who report symptoms of COVID-19 to the medical team during a voyage will be tested.
Full vaccinations must occur four weeks prior to the embarkation date of the voyage and proof of vaccination will be required to be provided to Aurora Expeditions in advance of the voyage.
Acceptable vaccinations are limited to: Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Novavax, Comirnaty, Spikevax, Vaxzevria, Jcovden, Nuvaxovid, COVID-19 Vaccine (inactivated, adjuvanted) Valneva, VidPrevtyn Beta, Sinovax and Sinopharm.
Gallery
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Reykjavik
Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.
The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Please note the hotel will not accept early check in, including your luggage, before 4pm on the day of arrival. If you wish to check in earlier than 4pm, you must book an early check in prior to arrival.
Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavik Hotel
Day 2 Embarkation Day
This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Your luggage will be collected from your hotel and transferred directly to the port for clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.
Breakfast and check-out. Join our guided Golden Circle and Geothermal Energy tour. With 85% of its electricity sourced from renewable sources, Iceland sets an outstanding example when it comes to sustainable energy. Our journey takes us to the famous seismic sights of the Golden Circle route - Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and history-rich Thingvellir National Park, before we experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power plants on the planet at the Geothermal Energy Exhibition and Ljósafossvirkjun Power Station. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners, expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure.
Day 3 Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Arnarstapi is the starting point of our adventures on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, gateway to Snæfellsjökull National Park. Snaefellsnes Peninsula is an area of diverse landscapes that is characterised by lava fields and glistening fjords and home to a vast array of birdlife. The area is crowned by the magnificent, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, a 700,000-year-old dormant subglacial volcano, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day and immortalised in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
You can choose from three shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness:
Option 1 - Highlights of Snaefellsness
Duration: 8 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate (dependent on fitness)
Our first stop will be the dramatic black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur, where you can marvel at the black sands and colossal rock formations, volcanic landscapes, and remains of a 1948 shipwreck. Next, you'll visit Búðir, a picturesque hamlet surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Stop to admire Búðakirkja, the 19th-century church, and explore the area before enjoying lunch at Hotel Búðir. The restaurant is renowned for its fresh and local food, sourcing fresh ingredients directly from local farmers and fishermen. At the conclusion of lunch, re-join the coach to travel to Snæfellsjökull National Park, encompassing a large area of Snæfellsnes Peninsula's western tip. For the more active, explore some incredible hiking trails, or simply enjoy your drive through the park and take in the beauty that surrounds you. Concluding your day, we continue to the iconic Mount Kirkjufell, a favourite among photographers and known to many as a filming location for the TV show "Game of Thrones." Not far from this majestic mountain is a waterfall that completes the picturesque scene.
Option 2 - Natural Wonders of Snaefellsnes
Duration: 8 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Upon disembarkation, we will hike the coastal trail that connects the two villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Now a National Reserve, this easy level hike encompasses geology, wildlife, amazing photo opportunities, folklore and most of all adventure. This old trail takes us along the wild shoreline with a view of the ocean and extraordinary columnar basalt and lava cliff formations on one side and stunning mountains and Snæfellsjökull Glacier on the other. The cliffs are alive with a wide range of bird species such as the Arctic Tern, the kittiwakes, gulls and fulmars. Next, you'll step into the 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir Cave, replete with stunning geology, fascinating rock formations, and colourful volcanic rock. We will meet at our base near the cave, where your friendly guide will provide you with all the equipment that you need, including a helmet and headlamp (we strongly recommend that you wear comfortable and sturdy footwear, as the volcanic rock can be quite difficult to traverse). Then your friendly guide will give you a brief safety talk before we descend the spiral staircase into this subterranean wonderland. The tour meanders through the path of the lava flow around 200 meters into a large cave that lies around 35 meters beneath the surface of the earth, where we will be greeted by some rainbow-coloured volcanic rocks and incredible petrified lava formations. The cave is a fairly easy walk, although it will involve a degree of climbing. Following lunch, re-join the coach and travel to the iconic Mount Kirkjufell, a favourite among photographers and known to many as a filming location for the TV show "Game of Thrones." Not far from this majestic mountain is a waterfall that completes the picturesque scene.
Option 3 - Snaefellsnes Adventure
Duration: 8 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
The Land of Fire and Ice is well-known for its incredible landscapes and contrasting terrains that include several natural and geological wonders rarely found anywhere else on Earth. The unique geological history of Snæfellsnes will draw you in where you can explore sites revealing Iceland's unique geological history up close. Your first stop is at the Pufubjarg bird cliff, home of nesting puffins and fulmars. From here, hike along the rugged coastline to witness the exceptionally beautiful Londrangar basalt cliffs, a geologic wonder that looks like a huge rock castle. There are many local birds here, and they are a noisy bunch. Puffins, but especially fulmars, nest in the many cavities in the two pillars. From here you hike across a pretty lava field covered in moss to Malarrif, where you can see the lighthouse and explore the beach. Following an early lunch, re-join the coach and head for Eldborg crater, located on a short volcanic rift, just 200 metres in diameter, and 50 metres deep. It is the largest crater on this rift and was created in an eruption which occurred somewhere between 5000 and 6000 years ago. Unlike many of Iceland’s volcanoes, it has a very classic shape, with smooth sloping sides and a very definite crater. A marked hiking path leads through a shrub-covered lava field to the top of the crater offering incredible views of Snaefellsnes National Park. Concluding your day, we continue to the symmetrical, hexagonal-shaped basalt columns at Gerðuberg Cliffs. Stand in awe at these impressive cliffs, a natural marvel that spans 500 metres. To enjoy the best view, take a walk by the structures. Climbing up the cliff is possible but to really soak in the views of this geological structure, it's best to enjoy a walk alongside the cliffs.
Days 4 Patreksfjordur, Westfjords
Over the next three days, we explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.
At Patreksfjordur, a shore excursion by coach takes us to Latrabjarg cliffs. As Europe’s largest bird cliff, Latrabjarg is home to millions of seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, fulmar and guillemot. Enjoy the impressive variety of natural wonders and unspoiled nature. Latrabjarg also happens to be the westernmost point in Europe, east coast of the North American continent on the other side of the Atlantic.
In the afternoon, enjoy the bountiful silence and magnificent landscapes as we make our way north, spotting whales and other wildlife along the way.
Day 5 Thingeyri, Westfjords
Thingeyri, a quaint village nestled on a slender strip of land, graces the shores of one of Iceland's most picturesque fjords, Dýrafjörður. Much like many other coastal settlements in Iceland, the village's culture and industry have been intricately woven with the influence of the sea over centuries. The surrounding landscape is adorned with towering mountains, lending a distinctive charm to the scenic expanse that envelops Thingeyri. This idyllic region is often hailed as the "Alps of the Westfjords," especially the highland area nestled between the majestic fjords of Dyrafjordur and Arnarfjordur. The beauty of Thingeyri lies not only in its coastal simplicity but also in the dramatic backdrop of high mountains that paints a captivating portrait of this Icelandic village.
You can choose from three shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness:
Option 1 - That Viking Thing Experience
Duration: 2 hours + free time
Level of difficulty: Easy
Today you will step back in time and learn about the Viking ways and how the hardy Norse people lived off the land. Walk through a recreated Viking area, learning about what is fact and what is fiction in the many stories you've heard about the famous Vikings. A short hike brings you to the old ruins of the Viking meeting place called a Thing - the closest translation in English is 'parliament.' Step inside the interactive Viking Museum for a chance to dress up in authentic hand-sewn Viking clothing, take photographs, drink Icelandic Viking beer, bake your own Viking bread, and explore the museum - all part of learning more about Viking ways.
Option 2 - Sandafell Mountain Hike
Duration: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate-Difficult (dependent on fitness level)
For avid explorers, Iceland is littered with hidden gems, and possibly the best-kept secret of all is the Westfjords. Lying in the most north-westerly area of the island, this sprawling area of natural beauty is truly a hiker’s paradise. Rocky peaks, deep crevices, and charming Icelandic towns all add to the appeal of the Westfjords, not to mention the various hiking trails snaking across the unusual countryside. Today we will hike Sandafell, offering gorgeous views over the town, surrounding mountains and the water below.
Day 6 Holmavik & Djupavik, Westfjords
We visit the small towns of Holmavik and Djupavik, where kayakers can paddle in the peaceful waters surrounded by towering mountains while others can enjoy walks and hikes of varying levels of difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds including impressive waterfalls and deep fjords. Discover Icelandic folklore at the Witch and Sorcery Museum and visit an abandoned herring museum converted into an exhibition and gallery space.
Day 7 Grímsey Island
Located approximately 40 km (25 miles) off the mainland, Grímsey is a verdant grassy island, probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. Many people travel to Grímsey just to say they have stepped across the imaginary line. With a tiny population of approximately 100 inhabitants, it’s a fantastic place for Zodiac cruising, kayaking, and photographing seabirds such as guillemots, gulls and puffins.
Leaving Grímsey to return closer to the mainland, we spend time scanning the waters of Skjálfandi Bay around Húsavik, a town known as the Iceland’s ‘whale watching capital’, home to up to 24 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 variety of birds. The largest animal on earth, the blue whale, has also been spotted in Skjálfandi Bay, and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of this magnificent creature as well as others, such as orcas, fin whales and pilot whales.
Day 8 Akureyri
Picturesque Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city outside the capital area and is blessed with a superb snow-capped mountain backdrop.
Choose from three shore excursions in Akureyri to best suit your interests and level of fitness:
Option 1 - Góðafoss, Lake Myvatn & Myvatn Baths
Duration: 8 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Easy
Our first stop will be the the Goðafoss waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. In the year 1,000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall earning the waterfall its name - waterfall of the gods. There is a 400-metre trail, easy and mostly flat, approximately 10 minutes to get to the main viewpoint.
Next, you'll visit Lake Myvatn.
At the conclusion of lunch, re-join the coach to travel to Mývatn Nature Baths (2 hours). Drawing on a centuries-old tradition, the tastefully designed complex offers bathers a completely natural experience that begins with a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam rising up from a fissure deep in the Earth´s surface and ends with a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 metres / 8,200 feet. To conclude your day, we end with a transfer to Húsavik, before reboarding the ship to sail to Seydisfjordur.
Option 2 - Góðafoss, Lake Myvatn & Dimmuborgir
Duration: 8 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Moderate (depending on fitness levels)
Our first stop will be the the Goðafoss waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. In the year 1,000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall earning the waterfall its name - waterfall of the gods. There is a 400-metre trail, easy and mostly flat, approximately 10 minutes to get to the main viewpoint.
Next, you'll visit Lake Myvatn’s Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters. Wander the marked walking paths through the area. You can easily walk around the bowl-like landmasses or take a hike to reach the top for a magnificent view of the scenic surroundings. At the conclusion of lunch, re-join the coach to travel to Dimmuborgir, an area strewn with enormous lava rocks and cliffs. The formation of these extraordinary lava cliffs and pillars are the result of molten lava flowing over a pond in the eruption of Lúdentsborgir and Þrengslaborgir some 2,300 years ago. The most famous of these formations is "The Church", aptly named, as this is a cave, open at both ends and with a dome-like ceiling.
To conclude your day, we end with a transfer to Húsavik, before reboarding the ship to sail to Seydisfjordur.
Option 3 - Hverfjall Volcanic Crater Hike, Dimmuborgir & Dettifoss
Duration: 8 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous (dependent on fitness levels)
Our first stop will be Dimmuborgir, an area strewn with enormous lava rocks and cliffs. The formation of these extraordinary lava cliffs and pillars are the result of molten lava flowing over a pond in the eruption of Lúdentsborgir and Þrengslaborgir some 2,300 years ago. The most famous of these formations is "The Church", aptly named, as this is a cave, open at both ends and with a dome-like ceiling. From here walk up the steep slopes of Hverfjall Crater and around the crater’s rim for otherworldly and awesome views of the surrounding landscape. This is a 9km loop trail and takes approximately 3 hours or 3.5 hours to include walking around the rim.
At the conclusion of lunch, re-join the coach to travel to Dettifoss waterfall in northeast Iceland and is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The falls are 100 metres / 328 feet wide and have a drop of 44 metres / 144 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. To conclude your day, we end with a transfer to Húsavik, before reboarding the ship to sail to Seydisfjordur.
Day 9 Seydisfjördur
Located in the east coast of Iceland, we enjoy a sail along a long, scenic, calm and deep fjord that snakes for 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) from its mouth to the head of the fjord to the town of Seydisfjordur, nestled beneath Mounts Strandartindur and Bjolfur.
We spend some time exploring Seydisfjordur, a picturesque fishing village that is renowned for its charming collection of colourful wooden buildings located around the lagoon. Take a stroll around town and discover the timber houses that are remnants from when the Norwegians settled here and established the herring fishing facilities from 1870-1900. From the valley above the town, the river Fjardara tumbles down in beautiful cascades to the lagoon. There are a number of delightful hiking trails to explore, or alternatively, you can discover a flourishing cultural scene with an arts centre, the famous blue church that stages music concerts and the only two cinemas in the east of Iceland. Back in town, browse the stores where you will discover handicrafts by local artists and artisans – perfect as a souvenir or gift.
Day 10 Westman Islands
You can choose from three shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness:
Option 1 - Eldheimar Volcano Museum & Puffin Viewing
Duration: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Easy
Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Heimaey is the main island in the archipelago, with a population of around 4,200. Various catastrophes have befallen the island of Heimaey and its inhabitants throughout history. Probably the most tragic incident was the volcanic eruption in 1973. Visit a unique volcano museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption, the emergence of Surtsey Island in 1963, and the geology of the Westman Islands. We'll continue our drive to Stórhöfði cape for some puffin watching, offering ample photo opportunities to capture shots of the charming little birds. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the island if time permits.
Option 2 - Eldheimar Volcano Climb & Museum
Duration: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Difficult
Learn more about the geology and volcanology of Iceland during a two-hour hike up a volcano. Reaching the summit, you can still feel the warmth emanating from its subterranean activity. At the end of the hike, you visit a unique volcano museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption, the emergence of Surtsey Island in 1963, and the geology of the Westman Islands. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the island if time permits.
Day 11 Disembark Reykjavik
During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey. Transfer options are as follows:
1. Direct to Keflavik Airport. 2. Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg (outside the Fosshotel Reykjavik). 3. For late afternoon and evening airport departures, Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg (outside the Fosshotel Reykjavik) where we will hold your luggage on the coach until your departure to the airport at 1pm.
Note: We do not recommend booking flights departing prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation, as we may experience delays at the conclusion of the voyage.
Inclusions
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Reykjavik on Day 1.
- Half-day tour of Reykjavik on Day 2, prior to embarkation.
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
- Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
- Wi-Fi. Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.
Exclusions
- International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges.
Included Activities
Bird watching
Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations
Photography
Polar plunge
Walking
Trips ashore
Whale and mammal spotting
Zodiac cruises
Add-on Activities
Sea Kayaking
From USD $620.00/pp
Sea Kayaking Vacations One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond. Sea kayaking holidays in …
Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking Vacations
One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond.
Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica, the Arctic, and some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you.
In Antarctica, keep your camera on-hand for unforgettable encounters with penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, prepare to paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large iceberg.
Led by experienced guides, you and your small group of like-minded adventurers will paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Paddling is one of the best ways to access and intimately explore the beautiful coastlines we visit and therefore make the most of your time in the wild and remote destinations we visit.
‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. Weather permitting, the sea kayaking activity is normally available anytime the other expeditioners go out. Rather than travelling large distances, our aim is to ensure you see as much as possible. We paddle between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, often taking a snack and a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy on our excursion.
Each small group of kayakers (up to 10 per guide) will have their own intimate exploration of the small hidden bays and coasts that are inaccessible to Zodiacs. Of course, we also make time for your own shore excursions and wildlife encounters.
The elements play an important role in our sea kayaking program. It is important that you have an adventurous attitude and understand that the weather can impact our kayaking time.
What about beginners up to the challenge?
Our guides do not offer instructional classes for beginners. Therefore, the sea kayaking option is unsuitable for complete novices. However, there is often ample time to gain the required experience before you depart. We may be able to recommend a reputable sea kayak operator in your area for some tuition prior to the trip. Your guide will assess your ability on the initial paddle, and if you have insufficient experience, he or she reserves the right to restrict your participation in rougher conditions.You should be fit enough to paddle for up to three hours and climb between moving Zodiacs on the water. Regular exercise is recommended, because the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the experience. The more paddles you can do before the trip, the better. We recommend at least three outings prior to your voyage.
Polar regions
During summer the air temperature in the Antarctic Peninsula, Greenland and Spitsbergen are generally above freezing but can range from -4°C to +5°C / 24.8°F to 41°F. The water temperature in the polar regions is close to freezing and winds sweep off the glaciers, making paddling a chilling experience. In South Georgia, there are stronger winds and swells than in Antarctica. Scotland, Iceland, Norwegian coasts are warmer with water temperatures of around 12 °C/ 53.6°F.
Temperate regions
The northern waters are warmer than the polar regions but water temperatures of around 12 °C/ 53.6°F mean you may opt to wear your paddle jacket on a warm, sunny day or our dry suits on a cool day. Surf landings are not likely, but you must be capable of paddling in a small swell or wind chop, with winds up to 20 knots. With that being said, we will not paddle if wind conditions are too strong and there is no sheltered area for paddling.
Tropical regions
In Costa Rica and Panama, April is the end of the dry season. The shoulder season begins in May, bringing increased humidity. Afternoon rain showers are possible in May with temperatures ranging from 26-36 °C (80- 96 °F). Winds are generally light at this time of year. The water temperature ranges from 27 -29 °C. Surf landings are not likely, but be prepared to paddle in a small swell or wind chop, with winds up to 15 knots. Again, we will not paddle if wind conditions are too strong and there is no sheltered area for paddling.
The Sea Kayaking activity is available for an additional surcharge and includes guided excursions and kayaking equipment. Fares for this activity start from US$900, AU$1,250, £460 or €550.
Prices are indicative only and are variable. They are calculated based on the days of voyage, ability to carry out the activity and exchange rates.
Top reasons to choose a Sea Kayaking holiday
See wildlife unobtrusively
Kayaking is one of the best ways to spot rare wildlife, from penguins to puffins.
Better access
Access intimate bays and coves that bigger crafts can't reach.
Knowledgeable guides
Our experienced sea kayak guides will help bring your chosen destination to life.
Become an expert
Hone your kayaking skills and gain a hobby for life!
Make friends
Become lifelong friends with your small group of like-minded adventurers.
Stay fit on your holiday
Being active every day on your holiday means you don't have to feel guilty about being spoilt by our expert chefs!
Enhance your experience
Add another layer to your once-in-a-lifetime holiday and make the most out of your time in some of the most remote places on earth.
It's fun!
Have the time of your life exploring some of the wildest places on earth from the water.
Sea Kayaking Vacation FAQs
Our guide to paddler ratio is 1:10 and we provide an accompanying safety Zodiac. There are 26 places available in Antarctica and tropical voyages, 20 in temperate regions, South Georgia and all Arctic trips except in Franz Josef Land where the maximum is 16 kayakers.
Kayakers must be 14 or over.
Sea kayaking is offered in place of regular shore excursions. We aim to paddle as often as possible. Depending on the voyage, we generally aim to paddle twice per day.
We will give you a drybag for extra clothing, binoculars and anything that needs to be kept dry. You should also carry a water bottle. We recommend bringing a waterproof camera or phone, or ensuring you have a good quality waterproof case.
If the weather changes during our outing we will head back to the ship and perhaps join a shore excursion. The ship’s captain, expedition leader and kayak guide always maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. We do not attempt to paddle too far away from the ship. The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances.
The kayaks are made with a hard plastic and are easily paddled in swell and conducting shore landings, and through small patches of brash ice. We manoeuvre around the larger ice chunks and floes.
Polar regions
Kayaking in the poles offers a unique wildlife viewing experience. In Antarctica, we have many opportunities to encounter penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally we may even spot leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, we’ll paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large icebergs, however we maintain a safe distance from polar bears and walruses. Our guides carry rifles and flare guns in the Arctic to ensure your safety against polar bears.
Temperate regions
Kayakers in wild temperate regions will have a unique wildlife experience, with possible encounters with seals and basking sharks. You will have the opportunity to view some of the largest sea bird colonies in the northern hemisphere.
Tropical regions
The superb wildlife-viewing opportunities are endless in the astonishingly biodiverse nature reserves we visit. Kayaks offer a unique opportunity to view marine and land mammals, coral reefs, tropical fish, sea birds and an astonishing range of rainforest birds. We will bring our snorkelling gear with us during our paddles and take advantage of any opportunities to view marine life up close.
In the unlikely event of a capsize, your experienced guide will assist by righting the kayak, stabilising it then pumping it out. Paddlers will re-enter with the guide’s help, or with a support Zodiac. With drysuits and warm clothing underneath you will be comfortable in cold water for up to half an hour. Note that the kayaks have separate compartments with bulkheads, which means they will float after a capsize.
No. Each kayaking place is for one person only. Passengers are unable to share a kayaking place as we customise the kayaks and dry suits for each individual kayaker at the beginning of each voyage.
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Svalbard Odyssey
Expedition
Enjoy the best of Svalbard, a world of near-endless daylight, where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, guillemot cries echo from towering cliffs, and beluga whales rise from the sea....
12 Days
From USD $11,785.50/pp
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*Terms & Conditions apply. Valid on select ship voyages only. Offer is valid on new bookings only aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle which must be booked and deposited by March 31, 2024. Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and capacity controlled. The promotion is only available in conjunction with the back to back voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer. The promotion can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 pp in the booking currency is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please see full terms and conditions.
^Terms & Conditions apply. Additional 5% discount valid on both voyages but two voyages must connect back to back in terms of dates to be eligible. Offer is valid on new bookings only aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle. Promotions are subject to availability at the time of booking and capacity controlled. The promotion is only available in conjunction with early bird voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer. The offer can be withdrawn at any time and are not redeemable for cash. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. Please see full terms and conditions.