Know Before You Go: Iceland Tours

There are different seasons of tourism in Iceland. While colder months offer winter festivities and northern lights, we travel during the warmer summer months to maximize our hours of daylight for wilderness excursions. July and early August are the best times to see puffin colonies, and September is a stunning time to visit as the country shows off a fabulous array of fall colors. These months also allow us access to the wild highlands, which are blocked off by snow during the winter.

Because of this Nordic island nation’s geographic placement in the North Atlantic, the weather in Iceland is highly variable. During the summer months, days can be mild and sunny but can become windy and rainy without warning, so it is best to come prepared for anything.

Although days can be entirely dry and comfortable, rain is possible any time of year, so please pack accordingly.

Iceland boasts great multitudes of seabirds, including puffins, Arctic terns, black guillemots and eider ducks, which flock by the thousands to breed in nesting sites along the coast. July and early August are the best times for bird viewing, as by late August and early September, puffins and other seabirds that nest here will likely have migrated away from the area. The island’s marine life is another incredible draw, and boat excursions will give us a chance to spot humpbacks, minke whales and harbor seals. In the highlands, keep an eye out for Arctic fox, Iceland’s only native terrestrial mammal.

Iceland is known for its beautiful and rugged geological features that are reminiscent of an ancient period. Epic monuments of ice and fields of lava dot the Icelandic countryside. Throughout this trip, we will visit and explore glaciers, geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, basalt pillars, black sand beaches, frigid fjords and more.

We will travel around Iceland in comfortable private buses, planes, 4x4 “super Jeeps” and by boat. We have carefully constructed this itinerary to spend less time in transit and more time participating in the wilderness activities that Iceland is famous for.

Rain and cold temperatures are possible throughout the year—a thin base layer, a warm fleece and waterproof rain gear, along with a warm hat and gloves, will help you be prepared for weather swings. Check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.

This expedition is rated as “moderate,” which means you must be able to walk a minimum of 2 miles over uneven and some hilly terrain. Optional hikes of increased difficulty are available to all travelers. Please click here for the explicit physical requirements of this Iceland adventure.

Our hotels and lodges have been specifically selected to comfortably place us as close as possible to Iceland’s natural wonders. The accommodations we stay at range from remote boutique properties to simple, clean and comfortable hotels.

The national unit of currency in Iceland is the krona (ISK). Click here to check the current conversion rate for USD to ISK. Since U.S. dollars are not accepted in Iceland, it is recommended you exchange cash beforehand in your hometown or at the Keflavik airport.

Internet access will be available at almost all of the accommodations on this itinerary. Although there is cell phone service throughout most of the country, please keep in mind that the connection may be slow and unreliable. With the focus of our trips on immersive nature experiences, Nat Hab encourages minimizing the use of electronics, so we kindly ask that guests refrain from using technology during group activities.

The minimum required age for this trip is 12 years old because the full, action-packed days can be challenging for youngsters. If you’re looking for a tour designed specifically for children, teens and families, check out our collection of Family Adventures to the Arctic, the Galapagos Islands, Africa and more.

Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 for details on group size and pricing.

Guests are responsible for booking roundtrip flights from their home city to Reykjavik, Iceland (via the Keflavik airport). We recommend that you use Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk, as our Air Travel Specialists are intimately familiar with the requirements of our trips and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel into Reykjavik. Please check the Getting There & Getting Home section on the Dates, Prices & Info page for details on required arrival and departure times for this adventure.

Nat Hab is happy to reserve a hotel room for you in Reykjavik before your Iceland tour begins, but please note that pre-nights are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please speak with our Travel Desk if you’re interested in booking extra nights.

Not only is Reykjavik beautiful and tranquil, but it also offers a multitude of engaging activities for those guests who want to arrive early to explore the city before their itinerary begins. Because of this small size, it is very walkable, and you will be able to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Popular museums and exhibitions include the National Museum of Iceland, Aurora Reykjavik (Northern Lights Center), the historic Arbaer Open Air Museum and the Einar Jonsson Museum. Other well-known attractions are the Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Harpa Concert and Conference Center, which is right on the waterfront. You can also relax at one of Iceland’s luxurious heated swimming pools or take a day trip to the famous Blue Lagoon.