DISCOVER
ICELAND EXPEDITIONS
Straddling the mid-ocean ridge of the North Atlantic, with a population of only 360,000. Its emptiness is one of the things that makes it special and the island is an adventure playground of breathtaking experiences and landscapes; a paradise for those in search of nature at its most magnificent, and an inspiration to artists and photographers worldwide.
THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE
A land of contrasts, Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice. Volcanoes, boiling hot springs, bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers coexist with massive icecaps and glaciers.
Much of Iceland is still taking shape before your very eyes—raw, dramatic landscapes born of volcanic eruptions and the merciless scour of glaciers. Other areas have hardly changed since the first Viking settlers arrived more than 1,100 years ago and the rich cultural heritage remains strong in traditions and festivals, with Icelandic as one of the truest languages to old Norse.
And for truly off-the-beaten-path Icelandic winter exploration, from Arctic surfing under the northern lights to exploring the highlands by Superjeep, experience Iceland in Winter Light.
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EXTRAORDINARY
EXPERIENCESFrom active volcanoes and bubbling geothermal springs to glaciers, waterfalls, and the dramatic meeting of tectonic plates, Iceland provides an opportunity to witness the planet’s dynamic forces at work in some of the most breathtaking and otherworldly landscapes on Earth.
And for truly off-the-beaten-path winter exploration, from Arctic surfing under the northern lights to exploring the highlands by Superjeep, experience Iceland in Winter Light.
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EXTRAORDINARY
EXPERIENCESIn the frigid waters of the North Atlantic, divers are welcomed into a realm of crystal-clear visibility, vibrant marine life, and underwater geological formations like nowhere else on Earth. From ethereal kelp forests and haunting shipwrecks to the mesmerizing fissures where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, Iceland’s underwater world offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for those willing to take the plunge.
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EXTRAORDINARY
EXPERIENCESWhale watching in Iceland is a journey into the heart of the North Atlantic, offering an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these gentle giants in their pristine, icy realm.
GEOLOGICAL
CONTRASTS
Near the coast, there are green, fertile valleys with idyllic farms and bustling harbors, but the uninhabited interior is mainly a desert of mountains, icecaps, lava fields and vast plains—dramatic and hostile, yet inviting for exploration by helicopter, snowmobile or super-jeep. Rivers and thundering Waterfalls lead to a coast that is incredibly varied and teeming with life; tranquil fjords, vast, empty beaches and incredible towering sea cliffs make Iceland a delight to explore by sea.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
ICELAND
YACHTS FOR THIS
DESTINATION
MORE TO
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EXPEDITION YACHTING IN ICELAND
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every EYOS expedition is privately designed around your interests, with a customized itinerary, an experienced Expedition Leader and access to remote areas by yacht and tender. Depending on the yacht and itinerary, days may include hiking, Zodiac cruising, whale watching, wildlife encounters, visits to isolated communities and optional adventures by helicopter, Superjeep or snowmobile; specific inclusions vary by charter.
Summer, particularly June through August, offers long daylight hours, relatively mild conditions and excellent opportunities for hiking, whale watching and visiting seabird colonies. Winter and early spring provide a very different experience, with the possibility of surfing under the Northern Lights, exploring snow-covered landscapes, and heli-skiing.
A private yacht offers exceptional freedom and flexibility, allowing the Captain and EYOS Expedition Leader to adapt each day according to weather, local conditions and your interests. Rather than following a fixed schedule, guests can linger in secluded fjords, explore beaches and waterfalls accessible only by sea, and venture into remote regions such as the Westfjords and Hornstrandir with very few other visitors.
It may be possible during Iceland’s darker shoulder seasons, when glaciers and volcanic landscapes can be combined with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights. As the aurora is a natural phenomenon and volcanic activity cannot be guaranteed, EYOS will design the itinerary around the best seasonal opportunities and current conditions; summer voyages offer extended daylight instead of dark skies.
Yes! Iceland can be incorporated into a longer customized Arctic journey, with potential combinations including Greenland, Svalbard, the Norwegian fjords and the Faroe Islands, depending on the yacht, season and available time. EYOS can coordinate the entire expedition to create a seamless itinerary across multiple destinations.
Various expedition yachts EYOS works with—including Hanse Explorer, Solace, La Datcha and OCTOPUS, among others—are exceptionally well suited to exploring Iceland and the surrounding northern European and polar waters. The best choice will depend on your preferred dates, group size, interests and onboard requirements, and EYOS can recommend the ideal yacht for your expedition.