Iceland - Northern Lights & Winter Wildlife

Tour Code: ISL04

A 5-day winter break to west Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula in search of Orca, wintering birds and the breathtaking Northern Lights.

5 days from
£2,295 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£2,045
book now

Highlights

Summary

Summary

Iceland’s west coast is home to stunning scenery, fascinating geological formations, and some wonderful winter wildlife! During this 5-day break we take in some of Iceland’s iconic scenery on the ‘Golden Circle’ tour, enjoy a whale-watching excursion to search for Killer Whales and other cetaceans, and look for seabirds such as Black Guillemot, Common Eider and Harlequin Duck. By day, we will also have an opportunity to see some of the wild and empty landscapes of west Iceland, keeping an eye open as we travel for one or two birds such as a lingering Whooper Swan or a party of wintering Snow Buntings. And by night, if there are clear skies, we will hope to enjoy the Northern Lights - dancing curtains of green and red light over a landscape of snowy mountains and dark fjords!

  • Stunning scenery: Gullfoss, Geyser and glacial-capped slopes of the Snaefellsnes Volcano
  • Look for pods of Orca
  • Black Guillemot, Common Eider and Harlequin Duck
  • White-beaked Dolphins & flocks of seabirds including Gannets, Kittiwakes & Fulmars
  • Excellent chance to see the Northern Lights
  • Led by expert naturalist guide

Grading

Grade A. Day walks only on flat ground (though it can be icy underfoot).

In the depths of winter, many holidaymakers journey south in search of some winter warmth and relaxation. We hope, however, that those with an adventurous spirit and the desire for a rather different, exciting winter break, might consider heading north instead — to Iceland, a land of volcanoes, bubbling mud-pools, waterfalls, glaciers and some surprising winter wildlife. If that is not enough to tempt you, the winter months also offer the best chance of witnessing nature’s most breathtaking light show, the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. On this short break, we will turn our eyes to the skies after dark each night in the hope that the Northern Lights will put on a display for us. On arrival, our tour leader will be happy to run a ‘camera clinic’, in order to ensure that any keen photographers in the group will be fully primed and ready, should the Aurora appear, to capture the event for posterity! Whilst we will be well placed for the light show, only ‘mother nature’ will decide whether or not a display will take place, with such factors as cloud cover and solar activity being out of Naturetrek’s control! We hope, however, that both will work in our favour and that during our short holiday in Iceland we will find ourselves mesmerised by dancing curtains of green and red light over landscapes of lava-fields, snowy mountains and dark fjords.

We begin our holiday with a short flight to Keflavik, Iceland’s international gateway, where we will spend our first two nights at a country hotel close to the capital. The hotel, situated next to a lake which is often frozen early in the season, is in easy reach of some of Iceland’s most celebrated scenery, including the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, an erupting geysir (Strokkur), and the beautiful Thingvellir National Park. We will visit all of these sites before returning to Reykjavík, Iceland’s small, colourful capital for some sightseeing.

Next, we drive north to the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the small attractive town of Stykkishólmur, our base for two nights. As the road threads its way through the wild and empty landscape of western Iceland, we will not only admire the scenery but also keep a look-out for birds such as Whooper Swan, a party of wintering Snow Buntings, or the occasional group of Harlequin Ducks — all risking life and limb in the shoreline surf. We will spend the next two days enjoying this beautiful coastline and its winter wildlife.

In recent years, large shoals of Herring have gathered during the winter in sheltered fjords off the rugged Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Whilst Herring attract a multitude of seabirds, and are the favoured prey of numerous cetaceans, by far their most formidable nemesis is the ocean’s top predator, the Killer Whale or ‘Orca’. Pods of Orca have been seen regularly in the Grundafjordur area over the past few years, feasting on the fish between the months of January and April. Sightings of Humpback Whales have also started to increase over the past couple of years and it is a rare privilege to watch these ocean wanderers at close quarters against a backdrop of spectacular scenery. So, if the weather permits, we will take a boat excursion on Grundafjordur one afternoon. White-beaked Dolphin are regularly spotted here, and both Common and Grey Seals inhabit these waters, while Kittiwake, Razorbill, Fulmar, Common and Black Guillemots, Northern Gannet, and both Red-throated and Great Northern Divers are among the birdlife we may see. Sightings cannot, of course, be guaranteed, and should the cetaceans prove hard to find, or conditions be unsuitable for sailing, we will instead turn our attention to the region’s magnificent scenery (which inspired Jules Verne’s ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’), as well as look for winter birdlife along this stunning coastline.

After a final night at Stykkishólmur, we retrace our route south, leaving the dramatic landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula behind us as we slowly return to the Reykjanes Peninsula and to Keflavik airport for our flight home.

 

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Keflavik; overnight Reykjavik
Day 2
'Golden Circle'; overnight Reykjavik
Day 3/4
Stykkisholmur
Day 5
Fly London
cloud_downloadDownload Full Itinerary
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    Comfortable hotels; all rooms have private facilities.

  • Food:

    All food included in the price.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 1st Mar – Wed 5th Mar FULL £2,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,045
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£250
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Marcus John
Marcus John

Tour Leader: Marcus John

Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset. He was never without ‘The Observer’s Book of Birds’ and spent all his free time walking and cycling in the countryside between Wells and Cheddar. His obsession with birds soon extended to mammals and insects, as well as wildlife photography. Over the years, he has participated in various surveys for Natural Resources Wales and the BTO. He has also led walks and presented talks at RPSB events in Wales and England and is an active member of the Gwent Ornithological Society.

After graduating from Bristol University, he started a family and embarked on a career in education – but he never missed an opportunity to travel! Over the past thirty years, he has sought out wildlife across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Caribbean, and has been leading Naturetrek tours since 2011.

Ten years ago, he established our first tours to Ardnamurchan, and he has returned to lead in the Scottish Highlands every year since. He has subsequently taken Naturetrek groups to many European destinations, his favourites being Iceland and the Camargue. With a life-long interest in Africa, he has relished opportunities to lead tours in Ethiopia, Tanzania and The Gambia, and also has some expertise in Caribbean wildlife, having guided groups to both Jamaica and Trinidad.

Marcus has developed a strong reputation as a naturalist guide and his approachability, friendly advice and sense of humour are always appreciated by our clients!

Wed 5th Mar – Sun 9th Mar FULL £2,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,045
Room sharing options:
If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.
Female sharing available
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£250
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Marcus John
Marcus John

Tour Leader: Marcus John

Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset. He was never without ‘The Observer’s Book of Birds’ and spent all his free time walking and cycling in the countryside between Wells and Cheddar. His obsession with birds soon extended to mammals and insects, as well as wildlife photography. Over the years, he has participated in various surveys for Natural Resources Wales and the BTO. He has also led walks and presented talks at RPSB events in Wales and England and is an active member of the Gwent Ornithological Society.

After graduating from Bristol University, he started a family and embarked on a career in education – but he never missed an opportunity to travel! Over the past thirty years, he has sought out wildlife across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Caribbean, and has been leading Naturetrek tours since 2011.

Ten years ago, he established our first tours to Ardnamurchan, and he has returned to lead in the Scottish Highlands every year since. He has subsequently taken Naturetrek groups to many European destinations, his favourites being Iceland and the Camargue. With a life-long interest in Africa, he has relished opportunities to lead tours in Ethiopia, Tanzania and The Gambia, and also has some expertise in Caribbean wildlife, having guided groups to both Jamaica and Trinidad.

Marcus has developed a strong reputation as a naturalist guide and his approachability, friendly advice and sense of humour are always appreciated by our clients!

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Whale Watching Cruises – See Whales in their Wild Habitat


Seeing whales in the wild is one of the top 10 things most people want to do during their lifetime. Scanning the water, waiting to hear a blow or see a dorsal fin, is one of the top wildlife experiences in the world, and it can get addictive! A sighting of whales in their natural habitat is consistently rated in the top 10 wildlife experiences in the world. These gentle giants of the ocean hold a special place in our hearts. Our dedicated small group tours offer the thrilling opportunity of an up-close-and-personal encounter in the wild; scanning the water, waiting for the sound of a blow or the sight of a dorsal fin is both thrilling and addictive.


Naturetrek Whale Watching Tours


Our dedicated small group whale-watching holidays encompass a range of destinations all over the world to offer the best chance of sightings on short trips or longer cruises. Whether it’s a day excursion in the UK or an extended 14-day cruise to an exotic far-flung location, we offer the chance to encounter these giant cetaceans in all of the world’s oceans, from the tropics to the Polar regions. 
Depending on the location, our itineraries can focus on one or several of the planet’s 86 key species, including Blue and Killer Whales, or form part of a broader wildlife-watching experience to encounter dolphins, birdlife and other marine species. Led by expert biologist or naturalist guides, our tours often allow participants to get thrillingly close to one of the most fascinating animals on Earth. We've been organising specialist wildlife tours for 32 years and our experience, passion and knowledge have earned us a reputation as the best in the business. Our range of whale-watching holidays is so popular that we are rapidly expanding our programme to include some of the most exciting, wildlife-rich places in the world.


Why book a Naturetrek whale & dolphin watching holiday?


    

  • Expert biologist-led & wildlife photographer-led holidays
    • 

  • Dedicated whale-watching tours focusing on one or a few key species
    • 

  • Many of our whale-watching tours offer the chance to see dolphins as well (and vice versa)
    • 

  • A range of tours from day trips out on small boats to week-long liveaboard cruises
    • 

  • A chance to look for cetaceans in all of the world’s oceans, from polar waters to the tropics
    • 

  • A wide range of the world’s 86 species are seen on our whale-watching holidays, including Blue Whales & Killer Whales
    • 

  • A wide range of the world's dolphin species have also been seen, from Bottlenose and Risso’s, to Spinner, Striped and Heaviside’s
    • 





Our specialist recommends...






"In the UK I'd recommend our full-day dolphin tours to look for White-beaked dolphins off Lyme Bay. Madeira offers a good variety of dolphins close to shore including Risso's, Atlantic Spotted and Common, while if you fancy warm tropical waters Sri Lanka or the Maldives offer a good range of acrobatic species in sunny conditions!" 

Sara Frost - Tour Leader & Marketing Manager




All Whale Watching Tours

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Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists


The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.


Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours


We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.


The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:



Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection


Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.


 




Our specialist recommends...






"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader




  


 


All Birdwatching Tours

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Seeing the Northern Lights


It is many people’s wish to experience for themselves the fantastic celestial phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Caused by particles from the sun disrupting the upper atmosphere and exciting atoms in the sky, it is an ephemeral, unpredictable and thrilling marvel of nature. One moment there might be a faint green glow on the horizon, the next minute there can be pulsating ribbons of green, magenta or even red light spreading across the sky. Every display is unique!


Auroral activity can be seen throughout the long, far northern winter, but it can be variable. At Naturetrek, we combine looking out for Aurora Borealis, as Galileo called it, with daytime searches for wildlife, ranging from winter birdlife to cruises for whale watching.


 




Our specialist recommends...






"If you travel to northern latitudes during the winter months you stand a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Our tours in Iceland visit remote regions with little light pollution so when the skies are clear, we will be on the lookout for Aurora. I recommend the 'Iceland - Northern Lights & Winter Wildlife' holiday for stunning winter landscapes, winter birds including Gyrfalcon, whale watching and Northern Lights. ” 

David Phillips – Operations Manager 


 




All Northern Lights Tours

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Register Interest for Future Dates

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!