Iceland Circumnavigation Expedition | Ocean Endeavour
10 Days
From AUD 7,935
STYLE: Small Ship Cruise
Trip Code: ACADICN
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Reykjavík, Iceland
Finish: Reykjavík, Iceland
SHIP: Ocean Endeavour
Destination
Arctic
Departure Date
04/07/2023
Accommodation
Cabin on board ship
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OVERVIEW
The incredible sights of Iceland await on this remarkable 10 day journey. Discover the otherworldy landscapes of this remote landscape. A modern nation on an ancient island, witness the incredible work of Earth in action as you witness active volcanoes, lava fields, geysers and glaciers. Landscapes beyond imagining wait on this incredible journey.
**Please note that due to the recent increase in global fuel prices, a fuel surcharge has been applied to all voyages across the Arctic 23 season. This has already been applied to the price**
ITINERARY
Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavík, was established in 874 AD. Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Food, culture, and nightlife abound! The National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda, and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts. We depart Reykjavík in the evening aboard the Ocean Endeavour after an organized tour.
Today we will explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region known for its dramatic beauty and fascinating geological history. There will also be many opportunities to observe seabirds and marine life as we explore one of Iceland’s most amazing coastlines.
Only about ten percent of Iceland’s visitors ever see this region, known for its jagged bird cliffs and multihued beaches. Coastal fjords, immense mountains, and tiny villages can be found here, and a traditional lifestyle is embraced by the region’s inhabitants.
In its heyday, Siglufjörður bustled with activity as the centre of the herring fishing industry. Today Siglufjörður is resurgent. The Herring Era Museum, which includes re-enactments, is wonderful. Foodies will enjoy visiting the bakery, chocolate factory, and brewery. The folk music centre is a wonderful resource for Icelandic folk music.
Grimsey Island lies on the Arctic Circle. Its small human population shares the island with nearly a million seabirds! These include puffins, guillemots, and gulls. A Zodiac cruise among rock formations is a trip highlight.
Iceland’s second-largest urban area, Akureyri enjoys a relatively mild climate and ice-free harbour. In addition, Akureyri is surrounded by mountains, which shield it from strong winds.
First settled in the ninth century, Akureyri provided a base for Allied units during the Second World War.
Nearby Lake Myvatn offers stunning contrasts: one side of the lake features rugged volcanic remnants, while the other side is blessed with lush vegetation and varied bird life.
Húsavík, on Skjalfandi Bay, is known as the "Whale Capital" of Iceland. Fifteen different whale species frequent the area; we also hope to see dolphins, and thirty varieties of birds.
The Húsavík Museum is located by the harbour. There are also numerous other museums including the Exploration Museum, which houses artefacts from Apollo astronaut training in the area; a whale museum, and a turf house museum.
Seydisfjordur is nestled at the tip of its namesake fjord. The town of seven hundred is known for its flourishing art scene, colourful roads, and shopping.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the Skálanes Nature Reserve. Family-owned and -operated, this is a centre for research and interpretation of Iceland’s environment and cultural history, and a model for sustainable tourism. The 3,000-acre area is a habitat for approximately fifty different bird species during the summer time, and, in particular, the eider duck.
The south of Iceland is home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions. It boasts a unique mix of volcanoes, lagoons, glaciers—as well as hot springs, geysers, and spectacular waterfalls.
Vestmannaeyjar lies off the south coast of Iceland and comprises fourteen islands, numerous rocks and skerries. Only the largest island, Heimaey, is inhabited.
Numerous species of seabirds nest in the steep rock faces along the ocean cliffs. The volcanically active area has seen two major eruptions in recent times: the formation of the island of Surtsey in 1963, and the Eldfell eruption ten years later that destroyed much of Heimaey and nearly blocked its harbour.
Reykjavík, or “steamy bay”, is a cosmopolitan capital city and as much a part of the Icelandic experience as the midnight sun or the fire and ice that creates the island’s landscape.
Today we disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport.
WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?
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Browse the unique cultural highlights of Reykjavik, Iceland's modern capital, renowned for being one of the greenest cities in the world.
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Discover one of the worlds newest Islands, Surtsey was discovered in 1963 when a sailor mistook plumes of smoke for a sailing ship when in actuality it was the formation of a new island from an active volcano.
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Discover the vast landscapes of Iceland; volcanoes, waterfalls, bird cliffs, mountains, glaciers and fjords await.
Ocean Endeavour
Your experiences through the Ocean Endeavour's in-depth expedition program is the number one priority! The ship carries forward-facing zodiacs for exploration and remote landings and offers additional activities such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, ice camping and hiking plus a photography program, all designed to enhance your polar experience. This small, well-appointed expedition ship allows you to explore the world’s remotest regions while enjoying the class and comfort of a hotel. There are spacious lounge and bar areas and a top deck observation room with panoramic windows, as well as lecture theatres, a library and a polar boutique. The ample deck areas are equipped with comfortable lounge chairs and feature a heated saltwater pool, saunas and even a hot tub. Travellers can also enjoy health and fitness amenities including a gym, spa treatments and yoga classes designed to enhance your personal wellness. Onboard, the extensive range of cabin options includes dedicated single cabins for solo travellers, suites and triple cabins that feature two bathrooms. The ship offers an unmatched sense of space with plenty of both interior and exterior areas, where you can enjoy the company of your fellow travellers or enjoy Antarctica in quiet solitude. It's a truly immersive Antarctic adventure for explorers of any age. SAIL WITH CONFIDENCE: In such unprecedented times, we now more than ever understand your want to travel safely and with the support needed to fully enjoy your expedition to the Antarctic in the most responsible and healthy manner possible. For more please see our Sailing With Confidence - Covid-19 Response * PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM * ICE CAMPING * SEA KAYAKING * SNOWSHOEING * DAY PADDLE SHIP LAYOUT
With her ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for expedition cruising to the Polar regions. It's designed to adventure travellers who want to get off the ship and onto the ice, with a wide range of expedition activities, citizen science research programs, and opportunities to learn about Antarctica's history and biology from passionate guides.
WHY CHOOSE THIS SHIP
We quantify our carbon usage and then purchase carbon credits from various projects to offset our impact.
During every Antarctic voyage, you have the chance to observe, record, and report on natural phenomena as part of a collaboration project with Antarctic scientists. Find out More
This is one of the highest in the industry and ensures our guests personally experience the professionalism and expertise of our expedition team, which will maximize their experience.
With a large fleet of 22 zodiacs, our large team of boat drivers allows small groups to hit the water and venture onto the ice in smaller congregations.
We have increased our number of solo-use cabins on the Ocean Endeavour, making solo travel to Antarctica more economically viable while bolstering our social distancing measures and maximizing the safety and the experience of all of our passengers.
Yoga, hiking, kayaking, zodiac expeditions, our exclusive photography program, showshoeing and camping. 
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Unique to the Ocean Endeavour, this workshop is perfect if you are passionate about photography, or just passionate about capturing the beautiful landscape and wildlife you will encounter on your incredible Antarctic adventure. Learn More >
Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers. Learn More >
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group. Learn More >
Snowshoeing allows you to go even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go! Learn More >
As part of a small, expertly guided group, you will paddle between icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or drift quietly as you absorb the majestic scenery. Learn More >
Ice Class:
Length: 137.10 M
Breadth: 21.00 MMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 16.0 knots
Electricity: 380 / 220 V, 50 Hz a.c. Passenger
Capacity:200
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Accommodation
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Standard
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Superior
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Deluxe
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
| Departing | Ending | Duration | From Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 04 Jul 2023 | 13 Jul 2023 | 10 | AUD 7,295 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Important Information
Cabin accommodation on board vessel
All meals whilst on board
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition crew
All scheduled landings and excursions by zodiac
All port fees, park entry fees and special permits
Nikon camera Training program
Complimentary expedition jacket for use during duration of voyage.Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance
Gratuities for staff and crew
Beverages (other than tea and coffee)
Personal expenses such as laundry and onboard communication
- 2 (light adventure)
No single supplement on limited cabins cat 3-7. Contact us for more details.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Departure date, seasonality and availability.