Iceland : Killer Whales and Northern Lights

Who for? Not just for whale enthusiasts but anyone wanting to experience the natural wonders of Iceland’s West and hopefully see the northern lights.

** Winter 2013/14 Solar Max book now **

Enjoy a four night break away in Iceland's stunning countryside amidst lava fields and the distinctive glacier-topped volcano that is Snaefellsjokull. In the early part of the year, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland sees killer whales visit remarkably close to the shore near the fishing village of Grundarfjordur on the peninsula's north coast. Staying in the heart of this charming village, you'll have every opportunity of seeing killer whales from the shore as well as on exclusive boat trips.

Highlights

• Stay in Grundarfjordur putting you in prime location for viewing orca even from the shore
• Two whale watching boat trips to see orca, white-beaked dolphin and seabirds
• Onboard orca experts and orca research scientists
• Opportunity to join in the scientific research
• Full day guided sightseeing tour of Snaefellsnes
• Northern lights excursions (additional cost)
• A bathe in the Blue Lagoon

Over the last four years the whales have arrived as early in the season as mid December to feed on herring and have remained until mid April. Based on the orca behaviour, late December, January, February and March provide the optimum time for whale watching both on boat trips out onto the fjord, and even from land!

Conveniently, this time of year is also good for aurora activity, so not only will you have memorable encounters with orca by day, but your evenings will bring the prospect of northern lights sightings. And while you can view the aurora from Grundarfjordur, on the evenings when they occur, you can opt to be transferred by coach out of the village where you can view displays away from all artificial light (at additional cost - payable locally).
more about this holiday | view trip report

WHALEFEST 7 nights | 16 February 2014 | from £904
		WhaleFest is a special week-long departure focusing on whales. With 5 nights in Grundarfjordur this one-off trip features additional whale-watching and a programme of lectures as well as one night in Reykjavik and one night staying near the Blue Lagoon. find out more »

YOUR EXPERT GUIDES
Enjoy the company of our experienced and knowledgable Iceland guides throughout the trip, as well as onboard cetacean experts on the two whale watching trips including a special orca research team*. With a wealth of travel and wildlife experience, you'll be in safe hands, 
About the Guides | About the Research

* from mid February onwards