Even though it’s named Iceland, the island is in fact only covered by ice for up to 10% of its surface area. The rest of the island’s geography is still being formed by its active volcanoes.
Despite its proximity to the Arctic Circle Iceland enjoys surprisingly mild winters at its southern end thanks to the North Atlantic and Irminger Currents. Southern end temperatures range around 0°C during the winter. However the north end temperatures can drop much further to -25°C.
Arctic Foxes are the only mammals indigenous to Iceland; all other mammals arrived with the settlement of humans on the island. While there is an occasional Polar Bear, they are considered visitors from Spitsbergen and Greenland, and there is not considered to be any sort of Icelandic Polar Bear population.
The seas however are full of life, fisheries playing a major role in Iceland’s economy. These fish are part of the food chain that feeds local Harbour and Grey Seals and Whales. Birds are numerous along Iceland’s shores, and the species include Kittiwakes, Puffins, and Skuas.
Cruises to Iceland
22 Días Explorador Extenso Océano Ártico - Noroeste de Islandia - Spitsbergen
29 may. - 20 jun., 2026
•Código del viaje: HDS02D26
Dejando atrás los mágicos fiordos islandeses y la isla de Grimsey, adéntrese en el hielo compacto del estrecho de Dinamarca y haga escala en la remota Jan Mayen antes de navegar por el hielo compacto de camino a Spitsbergen. En busca de la fauna más...
Océano Ártico - Noroeste de Islandia - Pack Ice - Grimsey - Jan Mayen - Ice Edge - Spitsbergen
29 may. - 13 jun., 2026
•Código del viaje: HDS02C26
Esta aventura única por el Ártico le llevará desde los mágicos fiordos de Islandia y la isla de Grimsey hasta el hielo compacto de la escarpada costa de Groenlandia, antes de explorar la salvaje y remota Jan Mayen y adentrarse en el hielo compacto del...
Explorador del Noroeste de Islandia - En el hielo compacto
29 may. - 5 jun., 2026
•Código del viaje: HDS02-26
Adéntrese en un mundo de mitología nórdica, costas salvajes y dramáticas, y miles de aves marinas en su viaje desde Islandia, cruzando el Círculo Polar Ártico y encontrándose con los bordes del hielo marino, con buenas posibilidades de ver focas, ballenas...
Groenlandia Oriental, Scoresby Sund - Islandia , Aurora Boreal, Fly & Sail
1 oct. - 12 oct., 2026
•Código del viaje: RVR19-26
Navegue por el sistema de fiordos más grande de la Tierra en un histórico buque de tres mástiles, teniendo la oportunidad de encontrarse con exótica fauna ártica como bueyes almizcleros y liebres árticas bajo la encantadora aurora boreal. También pueden...
Explorador del Noreste de Islandia, Aurora Boreal, Caminata y Navegación - Incl. Traslado en autobús
12 oct. - 18 oct., 2026
•Código del viaje: RVR20-26
El norte y el este de Islandia se caracterizan por sus pequeños pueblos, costas espectaculares, fiordos estrechos, cascadas, zonas geotérmicas, volcanes y montañas. Aquí estamos en plena naturaleza, y el paisaje es impresionante. Este destino ofrece...
Último blog e historia de un cliente
8 maravillas científicas del Ártico
El paisaje helado del Ártico no sólo contiene joyas paisajísticas, sino que también suscita fascinantes avances en la investigación. He aquí algunos de los ocho mejores.
Lo más destacado y la vida salvaje
Vea los aspectos más destacados que puede experimentar:
Vea los aspectos más destacados que puede experimentar:
Map of
Iceland photo
Iceland cruise reviews
Trip far exceeded our expectations. The expedition guides and the Doctor Moniek were very knowledgeable, patient, kind, and wonderful. We got to know them fairly well. it was hard to say goodbye at the end of the trip. The places we went , the scenery we saw, hiked over and through, was truly new unspoiled, uncharted territory. Best ever trip and I share the experience with everyone and recommend this trip and others that Oceanwide offers
Galería de fotos
About Iceland
Weather in Iceland
Despite the name, Iceland enjoys surprisingly mild winters at its southern end despite its proximity to the Arctic Circle. This is thanks to the North Atlantic and Irminger Currents, with temperatures around 0°C. However, the north end experiences much colder temperatures, dropping to -25°C.
You should dress for cold weather and utilize layers to ensure you can remain comfortable with changing temperatures. Depending on the activity you are taking part in, you may need warmer or looser clothing to regulate your body temperature. Waterproof outer layers are essential for activities by boat or during adverse weather. Wind chill can be a factor, especially in the highlands.
Facts about Iceland
- Iceland has over 30 active volcanoes and is still being shaped and formed by volcanic activity. Surtsey, a small uninhabited island, was formed in 1963 after a volcanic eruption on the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago.
- Iceland is home to one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies, hosting millions of puffins every summer.
- Iceland experiences midnight sun and polar nights. The sun barely peeks over the horizon in winter, while it rarely sets in summer.
- Iceland is a global leader in renewable energy. Geothermal and hydroelectric power meet almost 100% of its electrical and heating needs.
- Iceland's parliament, the Althing, is among the oldest parliaments in the world, dating from 930 AD.
- Iceland has little forest cover. Overgrazing and volcanic activity means that today, Iceland is dominated by lava fields and grassland.
Visiting Iceland
You can visit Iceland on a number of our expedition tours. Often, these are combined with Greenland, which lies around 300km to the North of Iceland, across the Denmark Strait. A visit to Iceland will allow you to take in staggering natural beauty, with hiking options among lava fields and rugged mountainous terrain. Wildlife opportunities are varied and frequent, with the skies, seas, and land populated by many different species - ideal for photographers and birdwatchers!
Iceland is served by a busy international airport in Reykjavik. Most expedition cruises depart from Reykjavik or Akureyri in the North. It is a diverse land of mountains, ice, fire, snow, and rock and is best visited with time to spare!
