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Experience an unforgettable journey around Iceland onboard the OCEAN DIAMOND. Discover this mystical land steeped in Viking traditions and volcanic landscapes rarely seen anywhere else on earth. This voyage reveals a diverse array of natural wonders and the Icelandic way of life. A range of exciting shore excursions offers countless ways to interact with Iceland’s culture, nature, history and people.

Itinerary

Use your leisure time in Reykjavik to discover the unique charm of the world’s northernmost capital. Inquire about pre-tour packages. Or explore the sights of south and west Iceland on a self-drive road trip (prices 2020 upon request).

The OCEAN DIAMOND docks in Old Reykjavik Harbor in the heart of the city, a five-minute stroll from the main squares, shopping and dining. The ship departs in the evening.

Stykkisholmur is the starting point of our adventures on the Snaefellnes Peninsula. Often called “Iceland in Miniature” because of its diverse landscapes, the area is home to bird-rich Breidafjordur Bay and Snaefellsjokull glacier, which sits atop a 700,000-year-old dormant volcano that was featured in the Jules Verne novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Today‘s destination is Isafjordur, an idyllic town in the Westfjords region. This secluded peninsula is connected to the Icelandic mainland by only a narrow strip of land and includes many roadless areas where cars have never been. The landscape includes jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.

By morning we reach the fjord town of Siglufjordur, once the hub of the global herring industry and now enjoying a rebirth in popularity. Learn about the golden age of herring at the award-winning Herring Era Museum located on the vibrant harbor-front. In the early afternoon we head to Grimsey Island. Located about 25 miles (40 km) off the mainland on the Arctic Circle, the island harbors a variety of bird species including puffins, guillemots and gulls. Later we set sail for Akureyri, Iceland’s lovable second largest city. If weather conditions do not allow an excursion to Grimsey, we visit Hrísey, the second largest island of Iceland. With only 153 inhabitants, the island is located in Eyjafjörður, about 35 kilometers north of Akureyri.

Ranging inland from Akureyri, we visit the fascinating Lake Myvatn region, where the schizophrenic landscape looks as if “heaven and hell” have clashed. One side of the lake features rugged volcanic remnants, while the other side is blessed with lush vegetation and varied bird life.

In the early morning hours we steam into Skjalfandi Bay and Husavik. Often called the “Whale watching capital” of Iceland, the town’s offshore waters are home to 15 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 variety of bird. Watching these graceful ocean giants in their Arctic habitat is an unforgettable experience.

Iceland’s East Fjords are best explored from the impossibly picturesque port of Seydisfjordur, nestled between the sea and steep mountains. Activities include seal spotting, horseback riding, and visiting the beautiful nature reserve Skalanes.

The fishing village of Djupivogur is today’s starting point to explore Vatnajökull Glacier (opional). Go on a fourwheel-drive Jeep tour (optional) or take a boat trip in the Jökulsarlon Glacier lagoon (opional). Icebergs of all shapes and sizes are floating in the water - an unforgettable adventure on a body of water that didn’t exist at the beginning of the last century, as the lagoon was recently formed by the retreat of the Breidarmerkurjökull Glacier tongue.

Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngest land masses on earth. We go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island, where half-buried houses remain from a violent 1973 eruption. During the shore landing there is time for bird watching and you might even spot whales.

After breakfast we bid farewell to the OCEAN DIAMOND as we sail back into Reykjavik.

You have the option to stay on in Reykjavik and take day tours on land or leave Iceland for home.

Notes