Iceland's Westfjords & North Coast AE Expeditions

What's Included

  • 27 Jul - 05 Aug 2025
  • Return flights from the UK
  • 8 Nights onboard Sylvia Earle
  • Overseas Transfers*
  • Expedition Jacket (on polar itineraries only)*
  • Water bottle*
  • Full Board Drinks (with meals)*
  • Shore Excursions*
*included onboard your cruise
Cabin & Fares
Inside Not
Available
Outside from £6,796 per person
Balcony Sold Out
Suite from £10,716 per person
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Call us today on 0207 749 9220 or enquire online.
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Promotions

  • Up to 25% off Select 2025 voyages*
  • Early Bird: Up to 25% off 2026*
  • Solo Specials*
*Select voyages. T's and C's apply

Your Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Reykjavík, Iceland

    Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of AE Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the AE Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense. Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavik Hotel (or similar)

    Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

  • Day 2

    Reykjavík, Iceland

    Breakfast and check-out. Join our guided Golden Circle and Geothermal Energy tour. With 85% of its electricity sourced from renewable sources, Iceland sets an outstanding example when it comes to sustainable energy. Our journey takes us to the famous seismic sights of the Golden Circle route - Gullfoss waterfall, geysir, and history-rich Thingvellir National Park, before we experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power plants on the planet at the Geothermal Energy Exhibition and Ljósafossvirkjun Power Station. We’ll also spend time at a true eco-village. Powered with thermal and solar energy, Sólheimar is fully sustainable, boasting greenhouses and forestry programmes, while its sustainable workshops are dedicated to candle-making, carpentry, weaving and soap-making. Late afternoon we return to Reykjavik for embarkation. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners, expedition team and crew.

    Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

  • Day 3

    Grundarfjørdur, Iceland

    At Arnarstapi, our Zodiacs tender us ashore. Located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this area features diverse landscapes characterised by lava fields, glistening fjords and home to Breidafjordur Bay which is rich in birdlife. The area is crowned by the magnificent, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, a 700,000-year-old dormant subglacial volcano, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day and immortalised in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness. Options include a bus tour to Mount Kirkjufell, one of the most famous mountains in Iceland, or a choice of hikes including a glacier hike at Snæfellsjökull Glacier.

  • Day 4

    Westfjords, Iceland

    Over the next two days, we explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation. At Patreksfjordur, a shore excursion by coach takes us to Latrabjarg cliffs. As Europe’s largest bird cliff, Latrabjarg is home to millions of seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, fulmar and guillemot. Enjoy the impressive variety of natural wonders and unspoiled nature. Latrabjarg also happens to be the westernmost point in Europe, east coast of the North American continent on the other side of the Atlantic. Alternatively, enjoy a shore excursion by coach to Rauthasnduris to explore the beach and seal watching. At Dynjandi, witness one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls – a difficult feat in a country that is filled with spectacular cascading falls.

  • Day 5

    Westfjords, Iceland

    At Patreksfjordur, a shore excursion by coach takes us to Latrabjarg cliffs. As Europe’s largest bird cliff, Latrabjarg is home to millions of seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, fulmar and guillemot. Enjoy the impressive variety of natural wonders and unspoiled nature. Latrabjarg also happens to be the westernmost point in Europe, east coast of the North American continent on the other side of the Atlantic. Alternatively, enjoy a shore excursion by coach to Rauthasnduris to explore the beach and seal watching. At Dynjandi, witness one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls – a difficult feat in a country that is filled with spectacular cascading falls.

  • Day 6

    Husavik, Iceland

    Arrive in Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland. Choose from a selection of shore excursions to best suit your interests and level of fitness. Choose to visit Godafoss Falls and soak at Myvatn Nature baths, an outdoor hot spring bathing complex surrounded by mountain views. Alternatively, explore both Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, the Mývatn region and Krafla. In the evening, we reboard our vessel in Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city outside the capital area and is blessed with a superb snow-capped mountain backdrop.

    The town of Húsavík sits below Húsavíkurfjall mountain on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi bay. Just above the town is lake Botnsvatn, a popular place for outings. The lake is just the right size for a nice hike around it. The lakes surroundings are rich in vegetation and bird life and trout is said to be abundant, though small. Húsavík harbour lies below the bank right in the heart of town. The harbour once boasted a large fishing fleet, bustling with the activity of fishermen. It still serves as a fishing harbour but today's activity revolves more around the successful whale watching businesses. The first organised whale watching excursions in Iceland started from here in 1995. Since then, whale watching has become a major attraction and Húsavík continues to be the leading destination for whale watching. In addition to the tours, a fascinating whale museum is located right by the harbour. Húsavík is considered to be the oldest settlement in Iceland. The Swedish explorer, Gardar Svavarsson, spent one winter there in 870 AD during which time he built himself a house from which the settlement derives its name.

  • Day 7

    Siglufjørdur - høfn, Iceland

    Siglufjordur is the northernmost town on Iceland’s mainland and is a historic fishing town whose fortune has been closely linked to the success of the fishing industry. It’s an area of spectacular natural beauty surrounded by mountains and the fjord. In the morning, our expedition team will lead you on a guided hike suited to your level of fitness. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore this quaint town at your leisure, visiting the numerous galleries, museums, artisanal workshops and local church. If we’re lucky, we might get to taste some local beer.

  • Day 8

    Vigur Island, Iceland

    On Vigur Island, birdwatchers can try and tick a few species on their list, while others can enjoy walks and hikes of varying levels of difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds.

    Vigur Island is a little more than a mile (1.6 km) in length and about 450 yards (412 m) wide. This green oasis punctuates the waters of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord east of the town of Isafjordur. The island is home to a single farming family and has some meticulously preserved historical landmarks including Iceland’s only windmill, built in 1840 and used until 1917 for grinding imported wheat from Denmark; and a 200-year-old rowing boat, which is still in use to ferry sheep to the mainland. Summer is the best time to see large numbers of Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns and Black Guillemots. One of the export articles from this small island was eider down and one can see where the eider ducks nest and how the down is collected and cleaned.

  • Day 9

    Reykjavík, Iceland

    During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey. Transfer to Keflavik airport or to your centrally located hotel. Note: We do not recommend booking flights departing prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation, as we may experience delays at the conclusion of the voyage.

    Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

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On Board

 

The Sylvia Earle is a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet. Paying tribute to Dr. Sylvia Earle and six pioneering conservationists with public decks honouring their contributions and shining a light on their important conservation causes. Certified 100% Climate Neutral, with a fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, expert lectures and participative Citizen science programs, to enrich your knowledge and connection to the places we travel to. The Sylvia Earle is a comfortable base camp for adventure. With a maximum of 132 expeditioners, our aim is to get you off ship experiencing the natural environment as much as possible and our smaller groups also mean we can tread lightly, making a positive impact to the environment.

Our expeditions face some of the worst Mother Nature can throw at us. However, this won't be problem on the Sylvia Earle with the introduction of the patented X-BOW™, created by Norwegian ship designer ULSTEIN. As one of the leaders in marine∘ engineering, ULSTEIN's X-BOW™ is an inverted bow concept that's been built on over 100 vessels in the shipping industry and allows for more gentle sea crossings, improved comfort and reduced emissions. Excitingly, we are the first expedition∘ cruise operator to utilise this technology for the challenging open ocean waves! 

Outside from £6,796 per person

Aurora Stateroom Superior

With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.

Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.

Cabin Inclusion

  • 1 x mug per person
  • 1 x drink bottle per person
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica voyages only)

Amenities

  • Twin or king bed
  • Private En-suite
  • Porthole window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Sofa bed (can sleep 3rd passenger in select cabins)
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Safe for storing valuables
  • 42" flat-screen TV

Aurora Stateroom Triple Share

Cabin Inclusion

  • 1 x mug per person
  • 1 x drink bottle per person
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Amenities 

  • Twin single beds
  • Private En-suite
  • Porthole window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Safe for storing valuables
  • 42" flat-screen TV

Balcony from £6,956 per person

Balcony Stateroom Category C

We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.

Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.

Cabin Inclusion

  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

Amenities

  • Twin or king bed
  • Private En-suite
  • Balcony
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Sofa bed (can sleep 3rd passenger in select cabins)
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Safe for storing valuables
  • 42" flat-screen TV

Balcony Stateroom Category B

We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.

Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.

Cabin Inclusion

  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

Amenities

  • Twin or king bed
  • Private En-suite
  • Balcony
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Sofa bed (can sleep 3rd passenger in select cabins)
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Safe for storing valuables
  • 42" flat-screen TV

Balcony Stateroom Category A

We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.

Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.

Cabin Inclusion

  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

Amenities

  • Twin or king bed
  • Private En-suite
  • Balcony
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Sofa bed (can sleep 3rd passenger in select cabins)
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Safe for storing valuables
  • 42" flat-screen TV

Balcony Stateroom Superior

With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.

Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.

Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Cabin Inclusion

  • 1 x mug per person
  • 1 x drink bottle per person
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica voyages only)

Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Amenities

  • Twin or double bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Private balcony
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Safe for storing valuables
  • 42" flat-screen TV

Suite from £10,716 per person

Junior Suite

The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.

Cabin Inclusion

  • 1 x mug per person
  • 1 x drink bottle per person
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica voyages only)
  • 1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
  • 1-hour spa treatment (per person)*
  • Free stocked mini bar^
  • 1 x free bottle of champagne per suite

*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.

^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.

Amenities

  • Twin or king bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Private balcony
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Safe for storing valuables
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Seperate lounge area

Captain's Suite

The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.

Inclusion

  • 1 x mug per person
  • 1 x drink bottle per person
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica voyages only)
  • 1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
  • 1-hour spa treatment (per person)*
  • Free stocked mini bar^
  • 1x Free bottle of champagne per suite
*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.


Amenities

  • Twin or king bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Private balcony
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Safe for storing valuables
  • Seperate lounge area
  • 42" flat-screen TV

Introduction

From the moment you step onto the Sylvia Earle, we aim to give you the best hospitality service possible. Starting with the official Captain's Welcome, as our guests, you're welcome to 24 hours complimentary coffee, tea and snack facilities in addition to a range of different menu options and courses for each meal. 

Dining

One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Whatever adventures the day holds, you will be fuelled-up with hearty meals and delicious morning/afternoon teas cooked by our onboard chefs.

Meals are a great time to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open seating dining area. Share stories with your fellow travellers and ask our expedition team questions that may have come up during the day.

Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and our chefs offer different menu options and courses for each meal. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild.

We also invite you to join your captain and expedition team for informal Captain’s Welcome and Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.

The Rockhopper Restaurant

More information coming soon.

Gentoo

More information coming soon.

Introduction

When you’re relaxing during a sea day or you have a little downtime on the ship between excursions, what is there to do onboard the Sylvia Earle? Plenty!

The Sylvia Earle is also decked out with other facilities for your enjoyment. There is a library on Deck 5 with books and maps and a Wellness Centre complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa. Feeling a little sore after walking around all day? Treat yourself to a massage at the Wellness Centre and feels the aches disappear!

Observation Points

Let's face it – you don't want windowless rooms when travelling around some of the most beautiful locations around the world. This is why the Sylvia Earle is designed with plenty of dedicated observation spaces – ideal for keen bird spotters, wildlife watchers and those wanting to watch the scenery go past.

From the indoor 180-degree lounge and outdoor 360-degree open deck, both on deck 8, to the 270-degree open sundeck on level 7, there are plenty of observation points to share around the ship! 

Bars & Lounges

Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down.

The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the breeze with.

Library & Multimedia Centre

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, plug in and organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends.

Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.

Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on Deck 7.

Glass Atrium Lounge

Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship.

Observation Lounge

The Observation Lounge can be located on deck 8.

Introduction

When you’re relaxing during a sea day or you have a little downtime on the ship between excursions, what is there to do onboard the Sylvia Earle? Plenty!

The Sylvia Earle is also decked out with other facilities for your enjoyment. There is a library on Deck 5 with books and maps and a Wellness Centre complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa. Feeling a little sore after walking around all day? Treat yourself to a massage at the Wellness Centre and feels the aches disappear!

Enquire about this cruise with our team of experts.

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