Price from
$262
Summer (Jun - Aug)
Hear Viking sagas and learn about local history from our expert guide
Admire the rich birdlife and scout for puffins, fulmars, kittiwakes, and gannets
Explore the spectacular caves Fjósið and Klettshellir, which are only accessible by boat
Learn about the island’s volcanic eruption in 1973 and the formation of new land and a new island
Vestmannaeyjar is an archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. The islands were formed by a submarine volcanic eruption and the largest island, and the only inhabited one, is Heimaey. The other islands are visited frequently by the locals for bird hunting and egg collection. The latest volcanic eruption was in the year 1973 and many houses are still underneath the new lava.
On this approx. 1,5 hour sailing trip we will sail around Heimaey and we will see the island from sea which is spectacular. During the sailing a guide will tell you about the history of the islands, settlement/viking sagas, the geological history, the volcanic eruption on the island in 1973 as well as in inform you about Surtsey the youngest island in the world which is a part of the archipelago. We will see various rock formations and sail along the new lava that enlarged the Heimaey island by 2 km.
There are numerous bird species around Vestmannaeyjar that nest on the cliffs and on the surrounding islands. We will see plenty of birds and seabirds such as the iconic puffin, fulmars, kittiwakes and gannets. Often, we also see seals and whales sometimes duck up in high summer such as orcas, porpoises and dolphins.
During the sailing we will visit two sea caves, “Fjósið” which is inside the cape Höfði, that is known to be the windiest place in Europe and Klettshellir which is known for its marvelous acoustics.
The boat Halikon is a 14,73 metre passenger ship that takes 50 passengers. There is seating for 28 passengers indoors and about 10 passengers outdoors as well as plenty of space for standing.
Practical information
Language: English
Requirements: Dress according to the weather
Remarks: Please note that this tour is weather dependant and sometimes it is not possible to circumnavigate. When circumnavigation is not possible passengers are guaranteed the experience of seeing the bird cliffs from as many different angles as possible. Kindly note that the puffins leave land mid-August and wildlife sighting cannot be guaranteed.
Walking information: Minimal walking
Not wheelchair accessible
Language: English
Expedition cruises offering this activity
See some of the world's most wonderful nature on a cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions