Exploring Nature’s Wonders

If you consider yourself an outdoorsy person, Iceland is where you belong. During your journey with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, you’ll visit lava fields, hike the rim of a volcanic crater, view the majesty of Goðafoss, Iceland’s largest waterfall, and immerse yourself in the nation’s remote countryside to see the unique Ásbyrgi Canyon, believed to be formed from the hoof of Odin’s mighty steed.

Encountering Wildlife

Iceland is an absolute dream come true for animal lovers. With National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, you’ll get the chance to visit remote areas by boat and see majestic places impossible to view while traveling solely on land. Small islands like Vigur (a tiny island home to a single family) and Grimsey offer a look at humble families living off the land who share their space with a variety of birds, including puffins, Arctic terns, and eider ducks. While visiting Grimsey you’ll have the incredible chance of setting foot on the Arctic Circle, as its boundary runs straight through the island.

Nurturing Young Explorers

There is an immense amount of activities in Iceland for children who want to learn more about the world. Teens and younger kids can indulge in birding and mastering binocular use, learn to build paper airplanes to better understand the different wing types of various birds, try on blubber gloves to imagine how whales and other sea creatures protect themselves from frigid temperatures, and even work with onboard photographers to make their own music video à la Icelandic superstar Björk. There will never be a dull moment.

Bathing In Style

When visiting Iceland, a GeoSea bath is a must. Pools of naturally heated, mineral-rich waters abound throughout the country, and many Icelanders view geothermal bathing as a way of life. These baths can be helpful in soothing aching muscles, relieving stress, and nourishing the skin. After a day of hiking and waterfall chasing in towns like Húsavik, what could be better than relaxing in a heated pool while the kids splash around nearby?

Learning From Experts

Onboard a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ ship, families will meet and have opportunities to speak with top experts in a variety of fields. Photo instructors offer guidance on how to take gorgeous images of nesting puffins, Icelandic horses, and sulfur cauldrons. Naturalists explain in great detail about the local seabirds and the migration patterns of whales.

Meanwhile, cultural specialists interpret fascinating local customs, including many Icelanders’ belief in mystical creatures like elves, gnomes, fairies, trolls, and mountain spirits and ghosts, and why they are important to natives. This whimsical aspect of Icelandic culture is sure to stir the imagination of children and adults alike.