Iceland's Westfjords - In Search of the Arctic Fox

Tour Code: ISL09

A 7-day holiday amongst dramatic scenery in search of Arctic Fox, as well as the country's breeding birds and cetaceans

7 days from
£3,295
Land only price from
£2,995
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Iceland’s western coastline is the country’s most inaccessible region, however arguably its most beautiful. The Westfjords region occupies approximately one fifth of Iceland’s total landmass, however, is home to just over 7,000 people, making it the most sparsely populated region in the country. It is for this reason that the wildlife of the Westfjords thrives, calling home to the largest population of Arctic Fox in the country, concentrated within the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the North. Accessible only by boat, and with no permanent human settlement since the 1950’s, the reserve was set up in 1975 to enforce the protection and conservation of Iceland’s only terrestrial mammal. Due to the lack of persecution, individuals here are more approachable than anywhere else in Iceland, and we’ll head out in dedication to search for these beautiful creatures. During our time here we will also enjoy Iceland’s many other creatures, including Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise and White-beaked Dolphins from a dedicated cetacean-watching boat trip, as well as a variety of seabirds, waders and waterfowl, all in bright breeding plumage, set within the spectacular scenery of Iceland’s Westfjords.

  • Search for Arctic Fox at Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
  • White-tailed Eagle, Slavonian Grebe, Ptarmigan & possible Gyrfalcon from Snaefellses 
  • Enjoy the Spectacular scenery of the Westfjords 
  • Minke and Humpback Whales, plus Glaucous & Iceland Gulls from Holmavik 
  • Watch waders and waterfowl in summer breeding plumage 
  • Seabird colonies home to various auk species including Brunnich’s Guillemot
  • Led by an expert naturalist guide 
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, transfer Hotel Langaholt
Day 2
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Day 3
Ferry to Brjánslækur, Látrabjarg. Transfer to Ísafjörður.
Day 4
Explore Ísafjörður and surroundings
Day 5
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Day 6
Whale-watching from Hólmavík
Day 7
Fly home from Ísafjörður (via Reykjavik)
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    Comfortable hotels throughout, each with private facilities.

  • Food:

    All included in the price, except for evening meals. Allow approximately £60 per day for these.

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 19th Jun – Thu 25th Jun SPACES £3,295
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Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Marcus John
Marcus John

Tour Leader: Marcus John

Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset. He was never without ‘The Observer’s Book of Birds’ and spent all his free time walking and cycling in the countryside between Wells and Cheddar. His obsession with birds soon extended to mammals and insects, as well as wildlife photography. Over the years, he has participated in various surveys for Natural Resources Wales and the BTO. He has also led walks and presented talks at RPSB events in Wales and England and is an active member of the Gwent Ornithological Society.

After graduating from Bristol University, he started a family and embarked on a career in education – but he never missed an opportunity to travel! Over the past thirty years, he has sought out wildlife across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Caribbean, and has been leading Naturetrek tours since 2011.

Ten years ago, he established our first tours to Ardnamurchan, and he has returned to lead in the Scottish Highlands every year since. He has subsequently taken Naturetrek groups to many European destinations, his favourites being Iceland and the Camargue. With a life-long interest in Africa, he has relished opportunities to lead tours in Ethiopia, Tanzania and The Gambia, and also has some expertise in Caribbean wildlife, having guided groups to both Jamaica and Trinidad.

Marcus has developed a strong reputation as a naturalist guide and his approachability, friendly advice and sense of humour are always appreciated by our clients!

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!