Iceland Circumnavigation: Mountains, Volcanoes and Waterfalls 2027
A 12-day expedition circumnavigating Iceland aboard Ultramarine, exploring waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic coasts, black sand beaches, puffin cliffs, Arctic Circle waters, Zodiac landings, kayaking, helicopter perspectives and Icelandic culinary traditions.
Iceland is a country shaped by collision: fire and ice, lava and glacier, Atlantic weather and volcanic earth.
This 12-day circumnavigation offers a complete expedition perspective on the island, travelling roundtrip from Reykjavik aboard Ultramarine. Rather than treating Iceland as a sequence of overland highlights, the journey follows the coastline by small polar ship, combining Zodiac exploration, shore landings, hiking, kayaking, cultural encounters and, where conditions allow, aerial perspectives.
The result is an Icelandic journey seen from multiple angles: sea cliffs alive with birds, black volcanic beaches, immense waterfalls, glacial landscapes, remote villages, geothermal character and the dramatic meeting of the North Atlantic with one of the world’s most geologically active islands.
For Exclusive Elite Travel clients, this is the Iceland itinerary for travellers who want more than a classic land tour: a full island circuit with expedition access, expert interpretation and the comfort of a refined polar vessel.
Journey at a Glance
Expedition Name: Iceland Circumnavigation: Mountains, Volcanoes and Waterfalls
Region: Iceland, Westman Islands, East Fjords, North Iceland, West Fjords, Arctic Circle waters and Reykjavik
Duration: 12 days
Start / End
Reykjavik, Iceland
Ship: Ultramarine
Ship Capacity: Up to 199 guests
Staff and Crew: 140 staff and crew
Ice Class: PC6
Core Experience: Complete Iceland circumnavigation, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic cliffs, black sand beaches, puffins, whales, northern seabirds, Zodiac cruising, kayaking, shore exploration, helicopter-supported perspectives, expert lectures and Icelandic culinary experiences.
Pricing
Available on request, according to departure date, suite category, cabin availability and any special offers valid at the time of proposal or reservation.
Departure Availability
A selected departure operates in summer 2027. Availability, suite categories, final routing and optional activities should be confirmed privately before proposal.
The Expedition Route
Reykjavik
The journey begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital and natural gateway for the circumnavigation.
Before or after the expedition, private arrangements may include the city’s design scene, Nordic architecture, museums, restaurants, geothermal experiences and cultural life.
Westman Islands
The Westman Islands bring volcanic drama, birdlife and remote coastal landscapes. This is an ideal setting for the expedition style of travel: approaching by sea, reading the cliffs from Zodiac level and observing the relationship between volcanic landforms and Atlantic wildlife.
South and East Iceland
As the ship continues around the island, the coastline reveals black beaches, glacier-fed landscapes, lava formations, remote settlements and the visual contrasts that define Iceland.
Possible route points may include Djúpivogur and Seyðisfjörður, gateways to East Iceland’s fjords, mountains and cultural texture.
North Iceland and Arctic Circle Waters
The northern section of the journey may include Húsavík, known for whale-rich waters, and Grímsey, the island associated with crossing the Arctic Circle.
This region brings a stronger northern identity: seabirds, open water, coastal communities and the sense of Iceland reaching toward the High Arctic.
West Fjords, Dynjandi and Vigur
The West Fjords are among Iceland’s most remote and atmospheric coastal regions.
Possible highlights include Dynjandi, one of Iceland’s most striking waterfalls, and Vigur, known for birdlife and island heritage. This part of the journey is especially well suited to Zodiac cruising, walking, photography and slower observation.
Ultramarine: Expedition Access Around Iceland
Ultramarine gives this Iceland itinerary a distinctive expedition identity.
The ship accommodates up to 199 guests, with 140 staff and crew, and has a PC6 ice classification. Its design supports both refined onboard comfort and serious off-ship exploration.
Key features include:
Two twin-engine helicopters
20 quick-deploy Zodiacs
Spacious suites
Exceptional wildlife-viewing areas
Science Hub
Polar presentation spaces
Tundra Spa
Sauna
Steam room
Fitness centre and studio
Multiple dining and lounge venues
Wraparound deck for observation
While Iceland can be explored overland, Ultramarine adds something different: coastal access, ship-based continuity, Zodiac perspective, expert interpretation and the possibility of seeing familiar landscapes from a less familiar angle.
Included Activities
Activities are always subject to weather, sea state, safety and operational conditions, but may include:
Zodiac cruising
Shore landings
Guided hikes and walks
Expert presentations
Photography opportunities
Wildlife observation from ship, shore and Zodiac
Science & Discovery programming on selected sailings
Polar plunge, if scheduled and conditions allow
Culinary experiences rooted in Icelandic ingredients and traditions
Optional Adventure Activities
Optional activities vary by departure and conditions, and should be requested in advance.
Possible options may include:
Helicopter flightseeing
Exclusive heli-landing
Sea kayaking
Paddling excursion
Guided Photography Programme
Culinary experience focused on Icelandic food traditions
These activities are weather-dependent and subject to operational approval, availability and local conditions.
Wildlife and Landscape
This expedition may offer opportunities to encounter:
Puffins
Whales
Northern seabirds
Coastal bird colonies
Volcanic cliffs
Black sand beaches
Glaciers
Waterfalls
Geothermal landscapes
Remote fjords
Arctic Circle waters
Iceland’s strength lies in contrast. It is at once volcanic and glacial, intimate and elemental, culturally rich and geologically raw.
What the Expedition Programme Includes
Inclusions vary by suite category and final arrangements, but the core framework may include:
A 3-in-1 polar expedition parka to keep
Loan of waterproof neoprene muck boots
Leadership by an experienced expedition team
Zodiac cruising and shore landings
Guided walks and hikes
Educational programming and expert presentations
Three meals daily, plus snacks
Complimentary select beer, wine and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Basic Wi-Fi where satellite service permits
Taxes and port charges
Online photo journal after the voyage
Port transfers to and from the vessel where applicable
Entrance fees to relevant parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic landmarks where included in the programme
Extension Possibilities
A private Reykjavik extension can be arranged before or after the expedition.
Options may include:
Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
Reykjavik design and art scene
Norse heritage experiences
Hveragerði geothermal area
Seljalandsfoss
Skógafoss
Gullfoss
Reynisfjara black volcanic beach
Golden Circle
Private culinary or cultural experiences
Exclusive Elite Travel Perspective
For Exclusive Elite Travel clients, Iceland Circumnavigation: Mountains, Volcanoes and Waterfalls is best positioned as an expedition-led alternative to the classic Iceland land itinerary.
Its distinction lies in the completeness of the route and the variety of perspectives: ship, Zodiac, shore, kayak, helicopter where available, and expert-led interpretation. Instead of moving from hotel to hotel, guests remain within a single expedition environment while the island unfolds around them.
This journey is ideal for travellers who want Iceland’s drama without reducing it to a checklist: waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, birds, coastal communities, Atlantic weather and the deeper geological intelligence of the island.
A request begins with suite category, optional activity preferences, desired pre- or post-expedition arrangements and any private Iceland extensions required around the voyage.
