Orcas and Aurora
Overview
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 peaceful town of Grundarfjordur, 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.
Highlights
- Two whale watching boat trips in search of orca included
- Watch for white-beaked dolphin & seabirds like gannet, fulmar & eider
- Learn about wildlife and the northern lights from our award-winning guides
- Full-day tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s stunning coast and volcanoes
- Watch for the northern lights against a spectacular backdrop
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Breakfast throughout, one evening meal
- Expert guide throughout
- Two whale watching boat trips
- Excursions as per itinerary
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
Full description
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.
Prices & Dates *
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £120 per person with Icelandair (with higher fares during peak times). When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
These are starting prices in £ per person based on two sharing standard rooms with private facilities, unless otherwise stated.
| Departure | Duration | Twin Price | Single Price | Status of Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 11 Mar 2020 | 4 nights | £1,076 | £1,207 | Guaranteed |
| Wed 18 Mar 2020 | 4 nights | £1,076 | £1,207 | Guaranteed |
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Breakfast throughout, one evening meal
- Expert guide throughout
- Two whale watching boat trips
- Excursions as per itinerary
- Services of driver
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection »
Important note: The appearance of the orca to the shores of Iceland is an unpredictable event. Their arrival time has varied from year to year and we can not guarantee sightings. If the orca are not in the region at the time of your visit, alternative (non whale watching) arrangements may be made.
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
Private departures
Please contact us for a private departure on any date suitable for you. This itinerary can be tailor made to fit your requirements and group size.
Itinerary & Accommodation
Itinerary & Accommodation
Day 1: arrive in Iceland
On arrival at Keflavik Airport meet your driver and guide and transfer to the small fishing town of Grundarfjordur 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 (3 course set menu - chef's choice) before a relaxing evening awaiting the northern lights.
Day 2: whale watching
Start the morning with a whale watching boat trip from Grundarfjordur (starting at approximately 10:00 - subject to change locally). 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 a guided village walk around the town and learn about the history of the area.
Day 3: explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula
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'.
Day 4: whale watching and afternoon at leisure
Your second morning whale watching boat trip starts at approximately 10:00 (subject to change locally). Don't forget to look out for white-beaked dolphin & seabirds too! Afterwards enjoy an afternoon of lunch (payable locally) and take advantage of some free time to relax at the hotel or take a short hike around the local area. Your guide can advise on the best routes.
Day 5: depart Iceland
After breakfast, you'll leave Grundarfjordur 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.
Grundarfjordur Bed & Breakfast
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Guesthouse
A comfortable guesthouse conveniently located for whale watching and an ideal base for exploring the magical Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Discover MoreYour Guides
Cathy Harlow
A true Iceland expert, Cathy has worked as a guide in Iceland for 30 years, is author of the Horizon Visitors' Guide to Iceland and contributor to several other publications on travel on the island. She has worked as a whale watch guide in Tysfjord and Lofoten in northern Norway, where hundreds of orcas gathered to feed on overwintering herring in the fjords.
Sometimes working alongside orca research teams, she has gathered a wealth of knowledge on killer whales, one of the most enigmatic of cetaceans. Cathy has also worked as a natural history guide and tour leader in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Azores, Dominica and Bahamas. Read Cathy's profile
"It's hard to describe a typical day on one of our trips. You often see orcas cruising offshore, or, out on the boat, be circled by several pods of whales gorging on herring in the fjord. While the adults are hunting, the youngsters often play, rolling around, slapping their tails on the surface and even popping up to have a look at the people on the boat"
Alexa Kershaw
Fascinated by wildlife since childhood, Alexa began studying cetaceans off the west coast of Scotland for her Masters degree in Ecological Management 20 years ago. After falling in love with the Hebrides, she spent many years living on the Isle of Mull, guiding whale watching trips while studying harbour porpoises and minke whales.
She has since worked as a researcher, guide, campaigner and consultant on a wide variety of marine mammal research projects, including visual and acoustic surveys in the North and Baltic Seas, photo-id studies in South Africa and New Zealand, aerial surveys in Australia and Belize and a 5,000nm research voyage crossing the Atlantic.
Alexa is a keen wildlife photographer, passionate about conservation, and combines her cetacean research with her love of guiding and sharing her knowledge of the marine environment. She has led whale watching trips for Discover the World in Scotland, Iceland and South Africa and is thrilled to be returning to Iceland this year. Read Alexa's profile
Both Cathy and Alexa have been highly commended in Wanderlust magazine's World Guide Awards.
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