Iceland; newest land on Earth

Overview

There is a land that marks the meeting place of two continents, where the tectonic plates that form Europe and America split. This is a land that is still emerging from the Ocean creating a endless tapestry of rushing waterfalls, lush green meadows and dramatic volcanoes. This is Iceland, a country, an island, nearly a continent in its own. Here we can unspoilt Arctic wilderness. But this is also a crossroad between continents where we can find American species such as Barrow’s Goldeneye, Great Northern Diver and Harlequin Duck nesting along with a nice array of Eurasian specialties. This new land is also an isolated land, and only 13 species of songbirds are to be found in the island regularly. Some of them have evolved into specific races.

Our itinerary will start in the South-West end of the island where we shall connect with the first colonies of Auks and also with some of the specialties that have made this island so famous for many birdwatchers. A couple of offshores will provide us good chances to connect with the wonderful array of sea mammals living in these waters. Here, we will have chances for Killer Whale but also for White-beaked Dolphins. Grey (or Red) Phalarope also ranks high in the list, and we will make an effort to try to connect with this very scarce species. Leaving the coast behind us, we will move North-east, through impressive extensions of lava fields and spouting geysers to arrive to Myvatn. Here, we will enjoy two full days to connect with the good variety of birds nesting around. From Arctic Skua to Barrow’s Goldeneye, and from Purple Sandpiper to Great Skua and Gyrfalcon, we will enjoy every minute in this amazing land!

Pláning

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Day 1. Travel day.

If not flying with us, we will have a coordinated arrival to the island during the afternoon of day 1. Overnight in Keflavik.

Day 2. Olasvik.

During the morning we will explore the lagoon and river in Olasvik, where we shall find our first Harlequin Ducks of the trip. Iceland is the only nesting ground for this amazing duck in Europe, loves the fast flowing streams during the summer months. Other interesting species here includes Red-breasted Merganser and Common Eider. It is always worth scan the gulls around, since a Glaucous Gulls may remain. From here we will explore some cliffs at the far end of the peninsula, where we will have a first opportunity for Brünnich’s Guillemot along with Common Guillemots and Razorbills. Along the way we may find the firsts Purple Sandpipers of the trip, still a common nesting species in Iceland.

In the afternoon, we will have the first offshore of the trip. This is a famous area to try to see Killer Whales, and the offshore specifically moves in an area where a pod of these magnificent dolphins move. This very interesting offshore can produce other interesting species including Long-finned Pilot Whale, Atlantic White-sided Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise.

Day 3. Stykkismholmur.

This day we will drive to Stykkismholmur from where we will take a boat trip to explore the Breidafjördur archipielago. A number of sea birds colonies are located in the area. Along with some very confiding Atlantic Puffins, here we will see Black Guillemots. We will also land in the island of Flatey, where the last Grey Phalaropes nesting in Europe remain. There are only a few pairs, and we will spend some time trying to connect with these little Arctic gems.

Day 4. Transfer day to Myvatn.

This day we will transfer from the West of the island to the heart of this amazing land. In our way we may stop to enjoy some wetlands. If lucky, we may find a the first Slavonian Grebes, Great Skuas or Rock Ptarmigan of the trip, or even an Arctic Fox crossing the road at some point! Arrival to our accommodation in the afternoon.

Days 5 & 6. Myvatn.

Along these two we will explore the area of Myvatn. This extensive land has some of the most spectacular landscapes in the island, and along with them it concentrates some of the most impressive areas for wildlife in Iceland. As key piece of the area we find the Myvatn Lake; 16 species of Ducks and Geese have been reported nesting here! Greater Scaup is common here, but we will also see Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Long-tailed Duck and another speciality of the island, Barrow’s Goldeneye. During these two days we will also visit one of the best spots for Harlequin Duck of the island while enjoying the common Snow Buntings. The numerous ducks and geese atrack Great Skuas coming from their nesting grounds in the coast. Of course, this is the best area to try to see Gyrfalcon as it hunts around the lagoon and the tundra around, where Golden Plovers are nesting in good numbers. Back to the lake, there is always a chance for an American species to show up, being American Wigeon and Ring-necked Duck the most likely. In the second afternoon, we will start transfering South, back to Reykjavík. Last overnight in our way back to Reykjavík.

Day 7. Húsavik.

This day we will cover the short distance to the Northern harbour of Húsavik. From this pintoresque town, known as the Icelandic capital of whale watching we will take our last offshore, this time to explore some of the best waters in Europe to see Minke Whales. Here it is normal to see pods of these wonderful animals as they feed in the calm waters. Along with them there are also chances for White-beaked Dolphin but also for the occasional appearance of for Fin & Humpback Whales!

Day 8. Travel day.

Early morning flight, leaving the always impressive Iceland behind us.

Información adicional

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WHAT’S INCLUDED

7 nights of accommodation in twin / double room, breakfasts, birding guides, ground transport, offshores along the itinerary, reservee entrances/ fees and travel insurance. Pricing includes VAT.

NOT INCLUDED

Flight tickets to Iceland / from Iceland. Lunches & dinners along the itinerary. Alcoholic and soft drinks are not included, any other item not listed as “INCLUDED”

ASSEMBLING

Tour participants will assemble in Reykjávik International Airport during the afternoon of day 1.

ACCOMMODATION

We will be sleeping in hotels and B&B along the itinerary. Evening meals always in the accommodation.

WEATHER

Despite being June, temperarutes can be low. You can expect between 10ºC and 20ºC most of the days. Still, temperatures can also be below 5ºC. Weather is variable most of days and it is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day. Anti-mosquitoe lotion is also important in some of the habitats, especially around Kuusamo & Ivalo.

PASSPORT, VISA & HEALTH

Iceland doesn’t request Visa to any EU, UK, US nor Canadian citizens. All Passports must have 6 months validity beyond the return date. We recommend you to contact your local health authorities to get updated information before travel.