Fire & Ice: 10-Night Aurora Iceland Expedition Cruise

Iceland: Circumnavigating the Land of Fire & Ice is a 10-night expedition round trip from Reykjavík aboard Douglas Mawson, running July 17 to 27, 2027. It suits travelers who prefer hiking boots and Zodiacs to motorcoaches, and who want to reach Iceland’s wilder corners, including the Westfjords, with an expedition team. July is peak summer, with nearly round-the-clock daylight and seabird colonies at their busiest.

From Reykjavík, the route heads to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for Arnarstapi, known for its basalt cliffs and sea arches, and Grundarfjörður. In the Westfjords, Patreksfjörður and the thundering, multi-tiered Dynjandi waterfall are among the highlights, along with the small village of Þingeyri. This is the least-visited region of Iceland, and arriving by sea is one of the easiest ways to see it.

On the north coast, Akureyri is Iceland’s second city and a base for the Lake Mývatn area. Grímsey Island, straddling the Arctic Circle, is a summer home for puffins and other seabirds. Seyðisfjörður and Djúpivogur bring the quieter east coast, and the Westman Islands close the loop with another chance for puffins and dramatic volcanic scenery before the return to Reykjavík. As with all Aurora voyages, the itinerary is Captain’s Choice and can change with weather and sea conditions.

Douglas Mawson is a small, purpose-built expedition ship, and Aurora’s style is active and hands-on, with experienced guides, frequent Zodiac outings and citizen science programs you can join. The emphasis is on getting out into nature rather than shopping in port. We’ll confirm which inclusions come with your fare.

Want a few nights in Reykjavík or along the South Coast before you sail? We can arrange it. Share your dates and cabin preferences and we’ll check current fares and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I see puffins on an Iceland cruise in July?
July is a good month for puffins, which nest in Iceland in summer. Grímsey and the Westman Islands are well known for them, though wildlife sightings always depend on conditions.

How is an Aurora Iceland expedition different from a regular cruise?
The ship is small, the itinerary leans on nature and landings rather than big-city ports, and an expedition team leads Zodiac outings and walks. The route is weather-dependent rather than fixed.

What should I wear in Iceland in July?
Summer temperatures are cool, often in the 50s Fahrenheit, with wind and rain possible. Waterproof layers, a warm hat and good walking shoes are the essentials.