The Area: Breidafjordur Bay Nature Reserve
Breidafjordur Nature Cruise is a 3-day excursion in the Nature Reserve of Breidafjordur Bay, in West Iceland. Large parts of the bay are little known by travellers, therefore this is a unique opportunity to explore the area on land and enjoy the dramatic view from sea. The area is known for
uncountable islands
deserted fjords and inlets
incredible bird life
historic places
untouched nature
towering bird cliffs
volcanic craters
This tour is ideal for travellers that want to experience a true adventure, explore lesserknown areas and still have the comfort of a high quality hotel and gourmet cuisine in the evenings. Every night is spent in the charming Hotel Flatey on the Island of Flatey.
The charming Island of Flatey
The Island of Flatey is an unforgettable place and one of only two Island on Breidafjordur bay that is still inhabited (only 5 persons) whole year around. Most of the houses are from the 19th century and walking around this old village feels like travelling back in time. During your visit, you can:
watch numerous species of birds
visit the oldest library in Iceland
explore old times
visit the church with its striking artwork
Hotel Flatey is a charming boutique hotel located at the heart of the old village. The hotel is newly established in converted houses overlooking the old market square.
Detailed Itinerary for Breidafjordur Nature Cruise
Day 1. Birds, sightseeing, fresh scallop tasting, sea angling, Flatey Island
08:00 Pick-up from hotels in Reykjavik (optional at extra cost)
11:00 The tour starts at the harbor in Stykkisholmur. The Nature Cruise starts by exploring the archipelago area of the Breidafjordur Bay. Here we sail around numerous islands, explore strangely shaped cliffs and navigate powerful tidal currents. You will also see countless birds, e.g. puffins, arctic turns, eider ducks,shags, and perhaps the majestic white-tailed eagle!
At Dimonaklakkar, the highest island on the bay, we go ashore. There is a stunning view from the top and the island offers an excellent opportunity to watch birds up-close. Then a small net-plough is cast overboard and shellfish delicacies are brought on board. Everyone gets the chance to taste the delicious shellfish straight from the sea.Seafood simply doesn’t come any fresher than this!
Now it´s time for some sea angling! The captain takes us to known fishing grounds and everyone gets to try.
16:00 Arrival at Flatey Island. Hotel Flatey is located 1 km. from the harbour (luggage will be transported). Guided walk around the old village, church & historic sites. Free time to relax and enjoy this peaceful Island.
20:00 Dinner at the hotel. Tonight the chef offers a variety of fish-dishes including today’s catch!
Day 2. Latrabjarg Cliffs, birds, whales, seals, coastline,
08:00 Breakfast and briefing of today’s itinerary.
09:30 Sail from Flatey towards the coast in a north-westerly directly towards Látrabjarg Cliff.
11:00 Látrabjarg Cliff is a 14 km long, sheer cliff (444 m.) and the tip, Bjargtangar, is the westernmost part of Europe. It is fascinating to see the cliffs from sea, look up at the countless birds and watch seals on skerries. For centuries, brave men were roped down the cliffs during the breeding season to collect eggs. Sometimes as much as 40.000 eggs and 36.000 birds were taken in this area alone.The cliffs were therefore a vital part of the areas food supply.
12:30 Lunch is served on-board. Afterwards we continue to explore the area.The area is known for whales and seals - so keep an eye out for them.
17:00 Arrival at Flatey. Free time to relax and enjoy this timeless island.
20:00 Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3. Deserted fjord, old ruins, unspoiled nature, natural pool,
08:00 Breakfast and briefing of today’s itinerary.
09:30 Departure from Flatey. The day starts by explore the surrounding islands. Then we head towards a deserted inlet ‘Skálmafjörður’. At 'Svínanes’ (e. the Cape of Pigs) the group is taken ashore on zodiacs. Fee time to explore the area which is known for old ruins and unspoiled nature.
12:30 Lunch is served at the seashore. Today’s treat is a beach barbeque!
14:00 Back on board Saerun. Now we head along the coast and into Vatnsfjordur Fjord. Here the boat is anchored and passengers transferred ashore by zodiacs.
Enjoy a soak in a natural geothermal spring, located by the seashore or explore the area on foot.
16:30 Departure from Vatnsfjordur.
18:30
Arrival in Stykkisholmur
18:45
Transfer to Reykjavik (optional at extra cost)
Please note:
- All timings are estimates.
- Itinerary may change due to weather conditions.
- Departures in August offer less chance of bird watching.
Terms and conditions
Cancellation more than 30 days prior to scheduled departure is fully refunded. Cancellation less than 30 days prior to departure incurs 50% cancellation
fee. “No shows” will be charged in full.
Seatours reserves the right to cancels departures if minimum numbers are not reached (up to 6 weeks before departure
