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Trip Overview
Departures
Click for Dates + Prices
Duration
10 Days
Activities
Boating/Rafting
Hiking
Small-Ship Expedition
Wildlife Viewing
Physical Rating
Easy
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Experience Nature’s Marvels
This adventure promises a perfect blend of culture, nature and unforgettable moments. From cosmopolitan Reykjavík, round the immense island country and back, this 10-day small ship expedition is a constant highlight reel of nature at its most sublime. Get ready for black sand beaches, volcanoes, towering mountains, pounding waterfalls and dramatic fjords. The wildlife is equally impressive, with puffin colonies and whales stealing the show.
Birds, Bergs and Unbelievable Beauty
Go on a Cultural Odyssey
A wonderland for peculiar museums—dedicated to herring, ghosts, sharks, sea monsters and motorcycles—Iceland invites us to dive deep into history and culture. We poke around maritime museums, explore the world’s northernmost botanical gardens and travel back in time by visiting the Laufas Turf Houses from 1865. Optional excursions to a geothermal spa and organic farm round out this all-encompassing adventure.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Reykjavík, Iceland
Say Skál and Explore
Enjoy a day of independent exploration in Reykjavík—submerge in the healing waters of the famed Blue Lagoon, try the iconic Icelandic hot dogs or visit Yoko Ono’s white stone Imagine Peace Tower on nearby Viðey Island. Considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on the planet, the groovy cosmo capital of Iceland is the perfect launching pad.
Laugavegur is the main, buzzy street to see and be seen. There are endless cafes, museums, galleries and vintage and vinyl shops to poke around in. Try the best Icelandic cod and a shot of Iceland’s signature liquor, Brennivín. It’s a brand of schnapps made from fermented potato mash and caraway seed. Raise a glass and say skál.
We have an evening departure from the geothermal wonderland. Get ready to circumnavigate this volcanic island of black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, fjords and endless ribbons of waterfalls.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Day 2
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
A Natural Wonderland
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula’s mesmerizing coastline is adored for its ever changing landscape. Referred to as “Iceland in Miniature,” the natural wonders shift from black sand beaches to volcanoes, glacier tongues, hardened lava fields, daunting mountains, otherworldly basalt columns, pounding waterfalls, to dripping caves and gaping craters. This peninsula encapsulates all of these in one incredibly condensed region of 56 miles (90 km).
Seabirds abound for listers—be on the lookout for kittiwakes, Arctic terns and Iceland gulls. Near shore, sanderlings, ruddy turnstones, purple sandpipers, ringed plovers, red shanks populate the coast. Red-throated loons and horned grebes often delight birders too!
Orcas, minke whales and porpoises are common around Snæfellsnes Peninsula, but larger species of whales keep to deeper waters farther from the coast.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Day 3
The Westfjords
Puffins, Guillemots, and Coastal Charms
The multi-hued beaches and jagged cliffs of the Westfjords are a bonanza for birders. Three of the largest bird cliffs in Iceland are in this region, and estimates indicate that as many as two million pairs of Brünnich’s guillemots and common guillemots nest there. As we venture into the Westfjords, keep an eye out for fulmars, auks, northern gannets, large colonies of Atlantic puffins and glaucous gulls.
The beauty of the remote coastal fjords is arresting and an area that few travelers are privy to witnessing. By land, the Westfjords are really only accessible for a few months in the summer from May to September due to the heavy snowfall that buries the region. The Westfjords sometimes get cut off from the rest of the country during winter.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Day 4
Grímsey and Siglufjörður
Cross the Arctic Circle
Today we travel 25 miles (40 km) north to the isle of Grímsey, which sits (barely!) on the Arctic Circle at 66° 33’ North, earning Iceland its title as one of the world’s eight Arctic nations.
We cruise by Zodiac around the island to observe the racket and antics of millions of seabirds. Puffins, guillemots and gulls far outnumber its tiny human population of 100!
In Siglufjörður, the former hotbed of the herring fishing industry, we enjoy a re-enactment of the bygone days at the Herring Era Museum and tour the restored herring oil production facility. Iceland is known for its peculiar museums that are dedicated to sorcery and witchcraft, ghosts, stones, sharks, sea monsters and all things phallological. This one is Iceland’s largest maritime museum.
We have time to explore Iceland’s northernmost historic fishing village. Pop into the bakery for a kaffe and kleina (coffee and Icelandic donut)!
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Day 5
Akureyri
Urban Discovery
Immerse yourself in the metro charms of Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest urban area!
We have time to poke around the city’s shops and cafés. For museum buffs, there are TEN to choose from. Sverrir Hermannsson’s Sundry Collection is a quirky favorite (think matchbooks, used nails, razors, hand tools, antique sewing machines), but there are also museums dedicated to farmhouses, aviation and motorcycles. Or visit the White Plague Center, a former tuberculosis sanatorium. Note: You may need to take a taxi to reach some of these museums. Inside the Lutheran church there’s a large 3,200 pipe organ and an impressive model ship suspended from the ceiling.
Akuyeri’s botanical gardens are among the northernmost in the world and house an impressive collection of more than 7,000 plant species. Established in 1957 within a city park that had been created by local women in 1912, the gardens are free to walk around.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Day 6
Húsavík
Quirky Collections
Húsavík’s Skjálfandi Bay is known as the whale capital of Iceland. There are 15 different whale species that frequent the area, as well as dolphins and dozens of reeling bird species. The town’s wooden church, Húsavíkurkirkja, was designed and built in 1907 by Rognvaldur Olafsson. Built in the form of a cross, it was constructed with wood imported from Norway.
We have time to take advantage of Húsavík’s diverse and curious museum offerings, including the Whale Museum, the Húsavík Museum and the Exploration Museum, which houses artifacts from the Apollo astronaut training in the area.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Day 7
Seyðisfjörður
Finding Harmony
Today we explore Seyðisfjörður, a tiny town of 700 that dots the tip of its namesake fjord. Known for its vibrant art scene, cobbled rainbow road and artisan handicrafts, it’s easy to lose hours exploring.
We can opt to take a hike or walk to the Tvísöngur sound sculpture on a nearby hill. Each of the five interconnected domes has its own resonance that corresponds to a tone in the Icelandic musical tradition of five-tone harmony.
At the family-owned Skálanes Nature Reserve, we learn about the center’s research, sustainable tourism model and interpretation of Iceland’s environment and cultural history.
There’s an optional excursion to Vallanes Organic Farm, where Eymundur Magnússon and Eygló Björk Ólafsdóttir have been organic farming since 1985. Explore their inspiring premises on a guided tour that digs deep into their focus on developing Icelandic grains, herbs and vegetables. Bonus: sample their hyper local products during a tasting!
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Day 8
Southeast Iceland
Chasing Waterfalls and Glaciers
South Iceland is home to some of the country’s most stunning natural attractions born of the collision of geothermal and glacial cold. There are volcanoes, lagoons, glaciers, steamy hot springs, spouting geysers and enormous waterfalls to see—either ashore on foot or by Zodiac cruise. Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull, is found in the namesake national park.
Meditate and reflect in this remarkable, inspiring region of natural phenomena—it’s as wild as it gets! The landscape doubles as an ultimate group photo backdrop too!
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Day 9
Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Hot Stuff
Today, we unravel the dynamic history of this volcanic hotspot, from the birth of Surtsey in 1963 to the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption that stunned and stalled part of the world. Of Iceland’s 32 active volcanoes, Katla takes the spotlight, as it’s hiding under thick glacial ice and any eruption would lead to devastating flooding.
We take a super scenic Zodiac cruise in search of seabirds, including the “clowns of the sea.” Puffins nest in the nooks of the steep rock faces along the sheer ocean cliffs here and their animated antics are a pure joy to observe.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
-
Day 10
Reykjavík, Iceland
Arriving Full Circle
Our circumnavigation of Iceland closes with our return to Reykjavík, where we’ll disembark in the morning. Give your fellow Wild Women crew a big polar bear hug, and start plotting your next life-changing adventure together!
You may wish to extend your stay to absorb more of this cool city and all that it offers, from the best-ever fish and chips to outdoor gear shops like the legendary 66°North. There’s also Aurora Reykjavík, Iceland’s first and only Northern Lights Center. Take a walk through history and learn about mythology rooted in the Arctic Circle and sky above.
And don’t forget to stop at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur for a classic hot dog made out of pork, beef and lamb. It’s an Iceland pre-requisite.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
What’s Included
- Passage aboard the expedition ship Ocean Endeavour
- All onboard meals (even if you have seconds)
- Accommodation on the vessel (cabin categories 1–10 are subject to availability)
- A steely team of expert expedition staff
- Guided activities to stretch your legs and mind
- Sightseeing and community visits
- All Zodiac excursions
- Educational programming onboard, interactive workshops and evening entertainment
- A professional camera trial program for all skill levels
- Complimentary expedition jacket
- A handsome contribution to Adventure Canada’s Discovery Fund that supports local youth outreach, community support and habitat projects
- A Wild Women Expeditions Host
- Special access permits, entry and park fees
- Port fees, applicable taxes and the time of your life
What’s Excluded
Gratuities
Personal Expenses
Please Note:
All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.
Discount of 15% off savings with Wild Women Expeditions’ exclusive offer already applied to pricing,
Adventure Canada itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather, ice and sea conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.
Trip Add-Ons
Kayaking
$800 USD Per Person
Join us for this rare opportunity to experience magical places by water. Our qajaq (Inuit for “kayak”) program will bring you through pristine waters, near marine life and along a historic coastline. Limited space is available per departure, and an application process is required for this activity. Some kayaking experience is required.
*Price based on 2025 departure date.
Bicycle Rentals
Explore the stunning Arctic landscape on two wheels. A fleet of Kona mountain bikes is available for rent during set times throughout each expedition. Cycling excursions are only available in predetermined community visits, and passengers will be notified when they are available one to two days in advance of the excursion of the daily recap.
*Prices may vary based on departure dates.
The Ship & Cabins
The Ocean Endeavour
The Ocean Endeavour is a 198-passenger ice-strengthened vessel with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment and stabilizers. A doctor, paramedic and medical clinic offer complete peace of mind. The ship has several lounge areas, a library and multiple viewing decks, where you can relax by yourself or with your newfound crew.
Ship Specifications
Capacity: 198 passengers
Crew: 124
Registry: Bahamas
Ice Class: 1B
Length: 137 metres (450ft)
Breadth: 21 metres (19ft)
Draft: 5.8 metres (19ft)
Cruising Speed: 15 knots
Safety Features: 6 fully enclosed lifeboats and 8 life rafts. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull and the lifeboat and life raft capacity exceeds SOLAS requirements with at least 25% additional capacity above the number of people on board.
Food on Board
Enjoy open-seating meals in the roomy Polaris Restaurant, surrounded by ocean views. Adventure Canada staff mingle and share their expertise over meals. Breakfast and lunch include a wide variety of tasty and healthy choices. Globally inspired a la carte suppers offer options to suit every taste, including fish and vegetarian options. Desserts, made fresh daily, are a highlight! Food sensitivities, special diets, and personal choices can be accommodated with advance notice. Early-bird breakfast, afternoon tea, late-night snacks, and treats round out the offerings. And tea, coffee, and cookies are always available!
Life on Board
Life aboard Ocean Endeavour is as relaxed or as engaged as you want it to be. The onboard spa, library, hot tub, sauna, gift shop, multiple lounges, and viewing areas offer comfort and ease. Our programming is designed to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the regions we visit. Presentations, workshops, entertainment, and special events complete the excursions. From dances to polar plunges, from lounge concerts to theme parties, we love to have a great time together!
Choose Your Cabin
Below are details about the cabin options available. All cabins are shared with one of your new Wild Women friends. However, the earlier you book, the more likely you are to be paired with your travel companion.
Cabin Category 7
Select Twin
- Picture windows, unobstructed view
- Two lower berths
- Private bath
- Hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products
- Intercom, telephone, and flat screen TV
- Approximately 190 square feet
Cabin Category 6
Comfort Twin
- Picture windows, obstructed view
- Two lower berths
- Private bath
- Hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products
- Intercom, telephone, and flat screen TV
- Approximately 175 square feet
Cabin Category 5
Main Twin
- Picture windows, unobstructed view
- Two lower berths
- Private bath
- Hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products
- Intercom, telephone, and flat screen TV
- Approximately 115 square feet
Cabin Category 4
Exterior Twin
- Porthole window, unobstructed view
- Two lower berths
- Private bath
- Hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products
- Intercom, telephone, and flat screen TV
- Approximately 100 square feet
Cabin Category 3
Interior Twin
- Interior cabin
- Two lower berths
- Private bath
- Hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products
- Intercom, telephone, and flat screen TV
- Approximately 120 square feet
Cabin Category 2
Triple
- Interior cabin
- Three lower berths
- Two private baths
- Hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products
- Intercom, telephone, and flat screen TV
- Approximately 200 square feet
Cabin Upgrades
While we have reserved the cabin options above, you may have the option to book a different cabin for an additional cost, subject to availability.
Cabin Category 10
Suite
- Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view
- Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen)
- Private bath with full tub
- Refrigerator
- Hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products
- Intercom, telephone, and flat screen TV
- Approximately 310 square feet
Cabin Category 9
Junior Suite
- Picture windows, unobstructed view
- Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen)
- Private bath
- Sitting area
- Hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products
- Intercom, telephone, and flat screen TV
- Approximately 270 square feet
Cabin Category 8
Superior Twin
- Two picture windows, unobstructed view
- Two lower berths
- Private bath
- Sitting area
- Hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products
- Intercom, telephone, and flat screen TV
- Approximately 210 square feet
Cabin Category 1
Quad
- Interior cabin
- Four lower berths
- Private bath
- Hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products
- Intercom, telephone, and flat screen TV
- Approximately 240 square feet
Trip Details
The Ocean Endeavour
While you’ll be with the Wild Women group, this isn’t an exclusive Wild Women Expeditions or 100% women-only trip. The Wild Women group size can range from 10 to 40 women, but there will be other passengers along for the journey. In addition, the staff and crew of the Ocean Endeavour, a 198-passenger ship, will also be co-ed.
Our Expedition Cruise Partner’s Client Portal
Approximately three to four months prior to departure, you will receive an email with a unique URL link to our partner’s information portal. Please carefully and thoroughly complete these forms with your current personal and medical information, dietary preferences or requirements and other information as requested.
Your Guide to the Arctic
Click HERE for a more in-depth guide to all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including what you can expect on this expedition and the packing list.
Arrival and Departure
This expedition starts in Reykjavík, Iceland (airport code: RVK) and finishes in Reykjavík, Iceland (airport code: RVK).
The Wild Women Way
If you’re wondering how we roll, it’s together. The Wild Women Way is our modus operandi, our mantra and our rock solid foundation. You can learn more about our Wild Ways HERE.
How We Support You
Ready for a big adventure? On this trip we brave the elements, hike uneven coastal terrain and have several Zodiac transfers (from the ship to Zodiac and from Zodiac to shore). Yes, it can be a challenge, but you’re never alone. Like thousands of women before you, you’ll draw on the strength you didn’t know you had and tap into your inner explorer.
Like all our trips, this trip can be scaled to suit different abilities and comfort levels. If you have concerns or reservations about your ability to complete or enjoy this trip due to any physical or medical reasons, please contact us and let’s talk about it.
What the Trip Entails
- Entering and exiting the Zodiacs
- Maneuvering around tight spaces
- Walking on uneven terrain
- Being on a boat for an extended period of time
- Due to strong currents, there may be moderate movement on the vessel while navigating (most passengers are not affected but you may wish to consult your doctor about seasickness medication and prevention options)
- If you choose to go on the kayaking excursions, some kayaking experience is required
- Please note that Wild Women small ship expeditions are not 100% Wild Women exclusive or women-only. Staff, crew and fellow passengers on the Ocean Endeavour will be co-ed
- Physical Rating: Easy (Some physical activity included. Trips are the most leisurely with an average of 1-4 hours of physical activity each day.)