When vast shoals of overwintering herring gather along the coast of West Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula, it’s one of the best places for an unforgettable orca watching experience. Based in the colourful fishing town of Stykkisholmur, this small-group holiday led by Wanderlust award-winning guides puts you in prime position for whale watching, enjoying spectacular scenery and, with luck, witnessing the northern lights.
The best place to see orca in Iceland
During the late winter into spring, the coastal waters of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula are often teeming with herring – a food bounty which can attract large pods of killer whales, dolphins and numerous seabirds. This time of year also typically brings more stable weather, producing better conditions out at sea and longer hours of daylight for whale watching.
Our boat trips are often rewarded by incredible close encounters with these mesmerising cetaceans and our expert wildlife guides will shed light on their behaviour as well as help you identify seabirds.
Renowned whale and dolphin researcher Erich Hoyt believes this is the “best place in the world to see killer whales in winter”. We’ve been fortunate to have many orca research teams and cetacean experts join this trip, including zoologist and TV presenter Mark Carwardine.
Northern lights watching
You are in a prime location for witnessing the northern lights in this rural location, away from the big city lights. If the aurora borealis appears, you may only need to step outside to witness the shimmering curtains of green and white light. And travelling in the period around the spring equinox often means more active aurora. Seasoned aurora hunters and photographers, our guides will explain the science behind the magic, and help you capture the phenomenon with your camera.
Expert guides
Experienced guides Cathy Harlow and Alexa Kershaw have been leading this holiday since 2012. Both have been highly commended in Wanderlust magazine’s World Guide Awards and add something extra special to an already thrilling itinerary. With their in-depth knowledge, good humour and meticulous attention to detail you can be sure they will go the extra mile to make this a holiday to remember. See more under ‘Our Guides’ tab.
Highlights of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Not just for whale enthusiasts or aurora seekers, this holiday is a perfect opportunity to enjoy some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery. Dominated by the snow capped peak of a 1,446m-tall volcano, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula has black-sand beaches, blowholes and basalt sea stacks. Wildlife includes Arctic foxes (tricky to spot in their white winter coats) and white-tailed eagles, while the region is rich in culture, with everything from troll legends to turf-roofed houses.
Itinerary
On arrival at Keflavik Airport meet your driver and guide and transfer to the small fishing town of Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula – a drive of around 3 hours. Check into your accommodation for 4 nights. Get acquainted with the group over a delicious welcome dinner this evening and keep an eye out for the northern lights.
Fransiskus Hotel
Start the morning with a whale watching boat trip from Olafsvik. The length of the trip depends on whale sightings but usually lasts around 3 hours and if unsuccessful, don’t worry you’ll have another boat trip on day 4! After lunch (payable locally) enjoy some free time to explore the area.
Whale Watching from Olafsvik
After breakfast set off on the road for a full day tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the company of a knowledgeable driver and your expert guide. See sweeping lava fields and the mystical Snaefellsjokull; a glacier sitting atop a sleeping volcano. This area was the setting and inspiration for Jules Verne’s famous book ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’.
Enjoy a morning at leisure to relax or explore Stykkisholmur’s colourful houses and busy harbour. This afternoon you’ll return to Olafsvik for second opportunity to cruise in search of orca. Don’t forget to look out for white-beaked dolphin & seabirds too!
Whale Watching from Olafsvik
After breakfast, you’ll leave Stykkisholmur and head back to the airport with a stop en-route in Reykjavik, which includes time to explore at your leisure. Say your goodbyes to the guide and the rest of the group, then check in for the late afternoon flight.
Prices
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Breakfast throughout, one evening meal
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Expert guide throughout
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Two whale watching boat trips
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Excursions as per itinerary
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Services of driver
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £2043 Excluding Flights
4 Nights
Feb-Mar
Group Size
This escorted group requires a minimum of 10 participants in order to operate, and will have a maximum of 16.
Note: on occasion tours may operate with less than the minimum number of participants specified above (or exceed the maximum number indicated) – please refer to our booking conditions for more details
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Eric
34
Countries visited
5
Successful whale watching trips
Departure & price guide
From prices are per person in a room with private facilities.
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
