Iceland Wildlife Safari

This carefully researched itinerary takes in amazing scenery created by thousands of years of nature working at its hardest. Firstly discover the vast lavascapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula before heading north. A chiseled peninsula, dominated by the glacier which gives it its name - Snaefellsnes has much to explore.

Sheer bird cliffs and jagged sea stacks around the tip, contrast with sandy beaches and open marshland providing perfect habitats for a variety of birds. It is also the jumping off point for some great whale watch trips. Then in the north at Myvatn, be based at a comfortable hotel across the road from the lake, very wellknown to bird lovers, which actually boasts the world’s largest population of breeding ducks during the summer months. Less than an hour’s drive from here, is Husavik, Europe’s whale watching capital and home to the fascinating Whale Museum which is well worth a visit.

By happy coincidence, the whale and bird watching trips take place amidst some of Iceland’s most striking scenery and within easy reach of key places of interest. The details of the bird watching trip which is included in the cost of the holiday is shown below. If you take the option of including whale watching, you’ll be issued with open vouchers, at a supplement, allowing you to take a trip at whatever time suits you best – please see the optional excursions page for details.

Around 300 different birds have been recorded in Iceland, one third of them seabirds, although only 70 species breed regularly. Lake Myvatn is Iceland’s premier birding area, where fourteen species of duck and other wildfowl can be easily observed, including rarities like Barrow’s goldeneye, harlequin duck, great northern diver and the Slavonian grebe.

Snaefellsnes with its many ponds, lakes, wetlands and dramatic coastline offers the keen birder a wealth of opportunities for spotting wildfowl, waders and sea birds. Early May is good for arriving migrants and passage migrants. Late May and early June is the peak of the breeding season, when most species are paired up and on their nests. From mid-June onwards the young can be observed with their parents but by early August, most have fledged and the cliff nesting sites are emptying.

Before you travel, you’ll receive a detailed dayby- day itinerary, compiled by one of our naturalist guides telling you exactly where to find key species.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Please find further information about this tour from the links on the left-hand side of this page or call our office on 01737 218 800 to talk to one of our advisors. Please note, we are able to tailor-make the itinerary shown so please do not hesitate to ask.