For those wanting to explore Iceland at their own pace, with a chance of spotting Orcas in their natural environment, our 6 day Self Drive Orca Discovery trip is an ideal choice. From Keflavik Airport you will pick up your hire car and drive to Reykjavik, where you will spend one night. Depending on the season we can arrange an organised small group Northern Lights Hunt for you on your first evening (24th August – 15th April).

The following day you will jump in your hire car and head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Western Iceland, famed for its dramatic landscapes and home to the fascinating 1,446m glacier-capped volcano Snæfellsjökull which dominates the scenery here.  

You will spend 3 nights in the fishing town of Ólafsvík, located on the west side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Ólafsvík is the best place in Iceland to see Orcas, which are most often seen in Winter (when the herring is in the fjord), Spring and early Summer, with the best sightings between March and June.  Aside from Orcas, other species likely to be seen here are humpback whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, Minke Whales, dolphins and occasionally blue whales.  For a chance to spot some of the aforementioned whales, you will join a 70 passenger vessel and head out into the waters surrounding Snæfellsnes.  The vessel (formerly a rescue/floating healthcare boat for Norwegian offshore islands) is powered by twin engines and designed for a smoother ride.  It has a below deck saloon with comfortable seating as well as an upper deck for optimal whale viewing. You will be accompanied by a highly experienced and knowledgeable crew who are constantly working on photo ID and researching the various species that are spotted.  



A further two full days on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula allows for further self exploration of this picturesque region of Iceland, whose highlights include Snaefellsjokull National Park, Kirkjufell Mountain, Djupalonssandur Beach, Budakirkja, Ytri Tunga Beach, and Londrangar Basalt Cliffs. Such wildlife to keep an eye out for include seals, puffins, white-tailed eagles and other seabirds.

Alternatively, for those who are up for a challenge (on select dates only) we can arrange an exciting one-day hike to the summit of Snæfellsjökull glacier, the crown jewel of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – a dormant stratovolcano and glacier. It was this iconic glacier that inspired Jules Verne’s ’Journey to the Center of the Earth.’ 

A final night in Reykjavik allows you additional time to explore the city, journey to the Golden Circle or simply relax in the Blue Lagoon. We can arrange additional day trips from here if you desire. Please Contact Us for further information.