Orcas and Aurora

The best place to see orca in Iceland

During the winter months, 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. Our boat trips are often rewarded by incredible close encounters with these mesmerizing cetaceans – our expert wildlife guides will shed light on their behaviour and help you identify dolphins and seabirds.

During recent seasons it seems that the migration of the herring has changed somewhat and that the months of March and April are by far the best time to see killer whales, as well as on occasion, passing humpback whales. March also normally brings better weather, meaning there is more opportunity to get to sea and the longer spring daylight makes whale watching easier. In addition the period around the spring equinox (mid-March to mid-April) is usually extremely good for aurora sightings, due to the angle of the sun and the Earth’s magnetic pull. For these reasons all our trips are now timed to operate during this period.

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.

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 'Other Information' tab.

Northern lights watching

You are in a prime location for witnessing the northern lights in this rural location, away from the city lights. If the aurora borealis appears, you may only need to step outside to witness the shimmering curtains of green and turquoise light. Experienced aurora hunters and photographers, our guides will explain the science behind the magic, and help you capture the phenomenon with your camera.

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 snowcapped 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.