available in Iceland
offering Safaris
Reserves and Wildlife
Areas
Overview
Situated in the North Atlantic ocean, Iceland is bursting with natural wonders and few people – its the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Interestingly, the name ‘Iceland’ is a bit of a misnomer – with only about 10% of it covered by glaciers while the rest has a fairly mild climate and plenty of hot springs and thermal pools. As such ‘The Land of Fire & Ice‘ is a more apt name, embracing Iceland’s active volcanoes, geothermal hot spots, spouting geysers, glistening glaciers and brooding icecaps.
Iceland is also known for the amazing northern lights during the winter months and beautiful summer midnight sun. Wildlife lovers can enjoy summer puffin watching and year round whale watching. Seek out puffins from May to August when they’re nesting in places like Dyrholaey and Latrabjarg, as well as other seabirds swarming around sea cliffs such as razorbills, gannets, kittiwakes, fulmars, Arctic terns and guillemots. Lake Myvatn is home to a wealth of birdlife; red throated diver and ducks such as the harlequin and Barrow’s goldeneye.
As for cetaceans, Iceland is a hotspot with over 20 species from harbour porpoise and white-beaked dolphin to orca, minke, fin, sperm, humpback and blue whales. West Iceland is one of the best places to see killer whales feeding on winter shoals of herring (Feb-Mar) – you can get some impressive sightings if you’re lucky, from both sea and land! Peak season for seeing whales is April to September when boat cruises depart from Husavik, Olafsvik and Reykjavik, amongst others, in search of dolphins and whales.
Snæfellsjokull National Park is home to a 700,000-year-old stratovolcano with a glacier covering its summit, while its coastal region contains a variety of birdlife, especially during the breeding season, and is an excellent spot for whale watching – visitors might see the white-beaked dolphin, humpback whale and seals. Much of the of the area is a lava field covered in moss which supports over 130 species of plants.
Vatnajökull National Park, the largest national park in Europe, covers approximately 14% of Iceland and encompasses Iceland’s highest mountain (Hvannadalshnúkur), largest glacier (Vatnajökull), and Europe’s most powerful waterfall (Dettifoss). In addition, the park also boasts striking scenery ranging from glaciers and rivers to volcanoes and canyons. Visitors can expect to spot many species of birds, as well as Arctic foxes and reindeer. Activities include hiking the high peaks, walking trips and volcano safaris.
Situated in the south, Thingvellir National Park is Iceland’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge – there are very few places on earth where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge can be seen on land. In Thingvallavatn Lake, the largest natural lake in Iceland, the water is crystal clear with visibility ranging from 90-120 meters at times, perfect for snorkelling and diving.
Travel Seasons
- Oct – Apr – Low Season. Winter, mountain roads and some minor roads will be closed. Winter activities include snowmobiling, superjeep tours, whale watching and lava caving. There are long nights and possible northern light sightings – some hotels offer wake-up calls if the aurora appears.
- May & Sep – Shoulder Season. This is a great time to visit if you like fewer crowds, cheaper prices and can handle the more varied weather. There can be snow inland and windier conditions, come prepared for every type of weather.
- Jun – Aug – High Season. Summer, the busiest time of year with accommodation in Reykjavik and the south in particular full to bursting. It’s also the most expensive time and pre-booking is essential. The long days are great for exploring the countryside and the mountain roads will be open to 4×4 vehicles.
General Information
- Currency – Kronur
- Languages – Icelandic, English
- Size – 102,775 km2
- Population – 338,349 (2017 estimate)
Health and Safety
- Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Click below to find out more:
- There are no vaccinations required for Iceland, but make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
Pros
- Remarkable natural wonders
- Great birding in season
- Fantastic hiking
- Renowned whale watching
- Wide range of activities
- Northern lights and midnight sun
Cons
- Not a traditional wildlife area
- Can be expensive during the high season
- Accommodation gets booked up quickly in high season so pre-booking is essential
Arriving in Iceland
- International flights arrive into Keflavik airport
Getting Around
- Iceland is an easy country to self-drive around, good roads and little traffic
- Internal flights are available between the main hubs of Keflavik, Akureyri, Egilsstadir and Isafjordur
Visas
- Visas are generally not required for visits less than 90 days, but check Iceland Visas >>
Iceland Safaris
Winter Wildlife and Aurora Self Drive
- 6 Days
This Iceland self-drive holiday combines Reykjavik with the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This is a prime spot...
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Country:Iceland,
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Departures:Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
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Length:6 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Reykjavik
Iceland Backroads
- 15 Days
This 14-night self-drive itinerary showcases Iceland's spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula, less-visited...
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Country:Iceland,
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Departures:Jul, Aug, Sep
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Length:15 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Keflavik International Airport
Orcas and Aurora
- 5 Days
During the winter months, herrring gather along the coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland...
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Country:Iceland,
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Departures:Feb, Mar
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Length:5 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Reykjavik
National Parks and Natural Wonders
- 11 Days
A stunning 10-night self-drive through a succession of Iceland's scenic wonders from Reykjavik in the...
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Country:Iceland,
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Departures:May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
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Length:11 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Reykjavik or Akureyri
Iceland & Greenland Discovery
- 14 Days
On this fantastic 14-day adventure, travel on Iceland's ring road and discover stunning scenery and dramatic...
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Country:Iceland,
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Departures:May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
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Length:14 Days
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Start/end:Start in Keflavik, Iceland, end in Keflavik, Iceland
Partners offering Safaris in Iceland
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