You’ve probably heard that Iceland is a great place to visit for nature travelers. It’s true! This small island country in the North Atlantic is like nowhere else in the world. Iceland’s combination of geologic wonders, abdundant and ever-present bird life, and subtle but fascinating flora make Iceland a delightful place to explore.

The plants and wildlife of Iceland are an interesting mix of European and North American species, as well as species representing either boreal or arctic environments. The low human population density on the island has allowed for nature to dominate Iceland’s beautiful landscapes.

What this far-flung land lacks in bird species diversity, it makes up for in sheer avian spectacle. Birds are singing, nesting, and foraging seemingly everywhere you go in Iceland. Millions of puffins and other seabirds crowd seaside cliffs while shorebirds and waterbirds are practically underfoot in many fields and wetlands. Their songs and cries fill the air 24 hours a day in the perpetual summer daylight.

Naturalists who also love geology will get their fill of stunning volcanic landscapes, many of which have been sculpted over millenia by glaciers or the pounding sea.

Iceland is sure to impress you deeply and leave you with lasting memories of a hauntingly beautiful, wild island.

EXTENSION TRIP: Complete the Ring! Extend your Iceland adventure with our “Complete the Ring” add-on—a gorgeous sweep through the island’s wild east and dramatic south, where every day feels like a highlight reel. We’ll cross vast lava fields and fjord-carved coastlines, bird in Iceland’s largest forest at Hallormsstaður, and follow the Eastern Fjords to the town of Höfn. From there, immerse yourself in the epic ice-and-fire landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park, with stops at the jaw-dropping Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, before continuing to the black-sand shores and sea cliffs around Vík. The finale is pure Iceland magic: a ferry journey to the Westman Islands for puffins, panoramas, and volcanic history—plus one last chance to savor coastal wetlands and breeding birds.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

Arrive in Iceland at Keflavik Airport, meet your guides, enjoy a light breakfast, and do coastal birding before heading into Reykjavik for an orientation, lunch, and free time to explore the city.

Day 2

Explore the famous Golden Circle, including Þingvellir (history + Mid-Atlantic Ridge geology), Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall, with excellent birding mixed in throughout the day.

Day 3

Travel north with stops on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, then ferry to tiny Flatey Island for evening birding and a relaxed stroll in near-endless summer daylight.

Day 4

Morning bird walk on Flatey, then ferry onward into the remote Westfjords, taking time for scenic stops as you work your way toward your lodge.

Day 5

Spend the day at Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs—one of Europe’s great seabird spectacles—for close-up views of nesting puffins and other seabirds, with an optional longer hike and a visit to the Hnjótur Museum.

Day 6

Explore the dramatic Westfjords with fjord and highland scenery, birding stops, botanizing, and a visit to the stunning Dynjandi waterfall.

Day 7

Boat to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve for an unforgettable day of hiking and exploration in Iceland’s wildest corner, with chances for Arctic Fox, wildflowers, and even whale sightings en route.

Day 8

A flexible day for local birding and relaxation in the Westfjords—enjoy the peaceful setting, with options like a hot spring soak or horseback riding.

Day 9

Scenic transit from the Westfjords to northern Iceland, with multiple stops for birds, culture, and landscapes as you make your way to Lake Mývatn.

Day 10

Full day of birding around Lake Mývatn—one of the world’s great duck-breeding areas—plus optional evening soaking at the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Day 11

Bird the Tjörnes Peninsula area, then walk in the otherworldly Ásbyrgi Canyon and visit thundering Dettifoss, with more geothermal and volcanic landscapes around Mývatn.

Day 12

Drive to Akureyri for departures home, or continue onward for the “Complete the Ring” extension trip.

EXTENSION TRIP Jul 11–16

Extension Day 1

Begin the Ring Road extension by crossing northeast lava fields and visiting Hallormsstaður National Forest, then overnight in Egilsstaðir in eastern Iceland.

Extension Day 2

Travel Iceland’s eastern shore via the Öxi mountain pass with waterfalls and fjords, birding ponds near Djúpivogur, and coastal stops before ending the day in Höfn.

Extension Day 3

Explore Vatnajökull National Park, including Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and Diamond Beach, plus glacier and Skaftafell walks, finishing the day in the seaside village of Vík.

Extension Day 4

Follow the southern coast for big scenery at Dyrhólaey and Skógafoss, view Eyjafjallajökull, then ferry to the Westman Islands for puffins, viewpoints, and volcanic history.

Extension Day 5

Morning exploring the Westmans, then ferry back to the main island with scenic stops en route to Flói Nature Reserve for breeding birds and owl searches, ending in Keflavik for a final night together.

Extension Day 6

Departures from Keflavik, with possible morning birding depending on flight times.

DEPOSIT: $3,200

SINGLE SUPP. fro MAIN TRIP: $1,700

SINGLE SUPP. for EXTENSION: $990

START DATE: July 1, 2027

DURATION: 12 days

GROUP SIZE: Up to 14

TRIP FOCUS: Birds and Natural History

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Double-occupancy lodging
• Ground transportation
• Breakfasts and lunches
• Excursions and park fees
• Guiding services

YOUR GUIDES

Steve Backus is an avid birder and naturalist with a background in the maritime industry hailing from North Carolina. An infinitely curious person by nature, he is drawn to explore the life around him and the environments they occupy. As a mariner, waterbirds are of particular interest to Steve and his time as a ship’s naturalist, a captain of wildlife cruises, a point counter at migration hot-spots, and many other employments and community science efforts has deepened his appreciation of birds.

David Jaffe has been guiding and teaching since 1991. His childhood interest in nature eventually led him to Evergreen State College, WA where he earned a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Geology. Later, he earned a M.S. in Applied Ecology from the University of Vermont.

David has led backcountry trips in Denali National Park, learned from students in Kentucky, and gained great insights while hitchhiking home from work in Yosemite National Park. He has experience as a naturalist in many of the lower 48 states and Baja California. David worked as a divemaster in Australia, Costa Rica, and India. He assisted with the establishment of a marine protected area off the coast of Madagascar and researched birds in Canada and South America. His understanding, love and enthusiasm about the natural world continues to grow.