Price

€3.699,00 price per person (max. 6 persons)

Guides

Stefan Gerrits & Stijn Smits

Tour description

Iceland, and in particular Northern Iceland, is a land of contrasts, vast plains still draped in snow, partially frozen waterfalls roaring with meltwater, and steaming geothermal fields that seem to rise straight from another world. As spring returns, the days grow long, light lingers late into the evening, and the landscapes open up endless opportunities for photography, both from the ground and from the air with drones.

Our journey begins in the south and gradually takes us northward, allowing us to experience a cross-section of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes along the way. We will visit world-famous locations such as the Black Sand Beach at Vík and the mighty Skógafoss waterfall, each offering dramatic compositions. With drones we’ll explore Iceland from a completely different perspective, capturing glaciers and the intricate networks of meltwater rivers that from above resemble living ecosystems carved into the land.

In the north, we arrive at the legendary Lake Mývatn region, where fast-flowing rivers provide the perfect setting for photographing Harlequin Ducks with creative slow shutter techniques. Barrow’s Goldeneyes can also be found here, adding variety to our waterbird portfolio. Beyond the rivers, the area offers spectacular natural wonders: the thundering Goðafoss waterfall, bubbling mud pools, and surreal lava formations shaped by geothermal forces. The haunting calls of Whooper Swans echo across still waters, and Rock Ptarmigans, shifting into their summer plumage, appear against lingering snow patches. Throughout, Icelandic horses, shaggy, strong, and iconic, bring both character and drama to the sweeping volcanic landscapes.

The cliffs of Northern Iceland teem with seabirds: Northern Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills, and the ever-charismatic Puffins return to their breeding colonies, filling the skies with sound and movement. From dramatic aerial shots of waterfalls and glaciers with drones to intimate portraits of Iceland’s wildlife, this tour combines the best of landscape, drone and wildlife photography in one of Europe’s most striking settings.

Are you ready to trade everyday scenery for the raw power of Iceland’s north, waterfalls, wildlife, glaciers, and wild landscapes captured both from the ground and from above? Let nature guide your lens on this unforgettable photographic adventure.

Key experiences

1. Drone photography over glaciers and meltwater rivers

   One of the most unique aspects of this trip is the chance to use drones to capture Iceland’s dramatic landscapes from above. Vast glaciers and the intricate networks of meltwater rivers unfold into natural artworks, resembling branching ecosystems etched across the land. This aerial perspective offers once-in-a-lifetime images not possible from the ground.

   
   

   

   
   

2. Harlequin Ducks on fast-flowing rivers

   Northern Iceland is one of the very best places in Europe to photograph the spectacular Harlequin Duck. Along the roaring, ice-cold rivers of the north, these striking birds battle the currents with endless energy. Here we will experiment with slow shutter speeds, blending the power of the water with the elegance of the ducks to create dramatic, painterly images. Sharing the same rivers, the rare Barrow’s Goldeneye adds yet another jewel to this Arctic setting.

   
   

   

   
   

3. Cliffs alive with seabirds

In spring, the cliffs of Northern Iceland erupt into one of nature’s grandest spectacles. Tens of thousands of seabirds return from the open ocean to claim their breeding grounds, the air thick with calls, wings, and motion. Northern Gannets dive like spears into the sea, Guillemots and Razorbills crowd together in endless black-and-white patterns, while Puffins, with their colorful beaks, bring flashes of brightness to the scene. The sheer noise, the smell of salt and sea, and the raw energy of so many birds in one place is overwhelming and unforgettable. From close-up portraits of Puffins balancing on the cliff edge to wide-angle shots that capture the scale and drama of the colonies, every moment offers world-class photographic opportunities.

Program overview

Below you will find a general itinerary for the trip. Please note that this program serves as a guideline rather than a fixed agenda, and the actual day-to-day plan may vary depending on weather and light conditions. In Iceland, nature always sets the pace, from shifting winds to sudden snow showers, and these elements will determine our exact photographic opportunities and priorities. While wildlife sightings and specific conditions can never be guaranteed, we remain flexible and adjust the schedule whenever unique opportunities or local tips arise. During the online participant meeting before the trip, we will walk through the exact program in detail, so everyone knows what to expect and how best to prepare.

Drone photography will also depend on weather, particularly wind, and we plan our sessions with enough flexibility to make the most of favorable conditions. This way, we maximize our chances of capturing Iceland’s glaciers, rivers, and coastlines both safely and spectacularly from above.

No matter the circumstances, the journey is designed with multiple opportunities each day to ensure an exceptional and rewarding photographic experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik, airport pickup & transfer

Upon arrival at Keflavík Airport, you will be welcomed by your tour leaders, Stefan and Stijn. From the airport, we transfer to our accommodation in the Southern Iceland area, using two spacious vehicles that will serve us throughout the trip and ensure comfort and flexibility. On the way, we make our first photographic stops, a waterfall and one or two glacial rivers for drone photography, giving us an immediate taste of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. In the evening, we gather for dinner, review the itinerary, and discuss potential photographic highlights and conditions for the coming days.

Day 2 and 3: Waterfalls, rivers & the southern coast

We begin with some of Iceland’s most iconic southern landscapes and birdlife. At Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, we photograph the sheer power of Iceland’s waterfalls, often with Northern Fulmars swirling in the spray. According to Nordic legend, a Viking hoard of gold lies hidden beneath the falls of Skógafoss. Today, the real treasure is the colony of Northern Fulmars nesting in the cliffs. Sometimes described as Europe’s “mini-albatrosses”, fulmars are masters of the wind and sea, their populations now declining across Europe but still thriving here. Photographing them as they cross the 60-metre falls in shifting curtains of mist and spray is a challenge—but also one of the most rewarding moments of the trip.

Along the coast at Reynisfjara, dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches provide striking compositions, while glacial, including yellow-hued, rivers are photographed from above with drones, revealing abstract patterns and colors only visible from the air. Glaciers provide further opportunities both from the ground and with drones.

Day 4: From glacial rivers to ice lagoons and Puffin colonies

After breakfast we travel east, beginning with a glacier lagoon, where icebergs and frozen structures drift slowly into the Atlantic, creating opportunities for both sweeping landscapes and abstract compositions, often accompanied by Snow Buntings, Harbor Seals or Grey Seals along the shoreline. In the afternoon, we plan for Stokksnes and Vestrahorn, capturing their dramatic black dunes and jagged peaks. These sessions are weather-dependent; if conditions are unfavorable, we instead dedicate time to photographing nearby glaciers, where shifting light and textures provide equally powerful subjects. The day ends at the East Coast, where we settle in for late-afternoon/early-evening light with Atlantic Puffins. With thousands of birds just meters away, we’ll capture portraits, behaviors, and flight shots in soft golden tones, an unforgettable finale to the day.

Days 5: Puffins and the journey North

This day is mainly dedicated to Atlantic Puffin photography along the East Coast. Thousands of Puffins nest close to the cliffs, offering extraordinary opportunities to capture them at eye level in soft Arctic light. In the nearby harbor, Common Eiders gather, where colorful reflections from boats and buildings create striking abstract compositions on the water. In the late afternoon we begin our journey northwards towards Kópasker, with plenty of opportunities for landscape photography along the way. As we travel, we may also encounter Rock Ptarmigan. At this time of year they are likely still in their white winter coats, perfectly camouflaged in snowy terrain, or strikingly conspicuous when snow is absent. Our route takes us through areas where snow lingers and areas already thawed, giving us the chance to capture both scenarios.

Days 6: Cliffs and colonies

We head to the far north of Iceland, where dramatic cliffs and towering sea stacks rise from the ocean, alive with seabirds. Here, Northern Gannets reign supreme, their sleek white-yellowish bodies and golden heads cutting sharp lines against the dark basalt. These are Europe’s largest seabirds, sometimes called the “arrows of the sea” for the way they plunge like spears into the water from heights of over 30 metres. According to Norse legend, gannets were seen as messengers of the gods, messengers of both bounty and storm. Alongside the gannets, we will also photograph Atlantic Puffins, Guillemots, and Fulmars, each bringing their own energy and rhythm to the cliffs. Over the course of 1-2 days, we will visit up to three different sites, giving us a variety of backdrops and light conditions for both wide-angle colony scenes and intimate portraits.

Days 7: Towards the jewel of the rapids

We return to the cliffs in the morning for another chance to photograph Northern Gannets and Puffins in the changing light of the North Atlantic, capturing both colony chaos and quiet moments on the ledges. In the afternoon we travel inland towards Lake Mývatn, a haven for ducks, geese and swans and one of the best places in Europe to photograph Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes. The Harlequin, with its striking patterned plumage, is often called the jewel of northern rivers, a fast-moving duck perfectly adapted to the white-blueish water rapids of Iceland. Barrow’s Goldeneyes, rare outside of Iceland, gather here in good numbers, their vivid yellow eyes and glossy heads catching the light as they dive and display. Photographing these species against the backdrop of rushing rivers makes for dynamic, action-filled images and a true highlight of the tour.

Day 8 and 9: Geothermal wonders and Harlequin Ducks

These days are split between Iceland’s geothermal landscapes and its northern birdlife. We will go back-and-forth between them. We explore steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vividly colored ground where minerals stain the earth in surreal patterns. All of these features are born from the immense volcanic forces beneath Iceland’s crust, where heat and pressure rise so close to the surface that the land itself hisses, steams, and boils. These otherworldly scenes are perfect for both wide-angle landscapes, drone and abstract detail photography. Alternatively, we return to Lake Mývatn and the Laxá River for additional time with Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, ensuring the best possible photographic opportunities with these rare species. Evenings may be spent reviewing images or, if conditions allow, capturing the elusive beauty of the Northern Lights.

Day 10: Return home

After breakfast we transfer back to Keflavík Airport for departure flights, carrying with us images and memories of Iceland’s untamed rivers, waterfalls, seabird cliffs, and volcanic landscapes.

General Travel Information

Participant Meeting

Before the trip, we will organize an online participant meeting so you can get to know your fellow travelers and ask any questions about the trip.

Maximum group size

You can book this trip individually or with your own group. The group size is a maximum of 6 people excluding the guides.

Guidance

Depending on your place of departure, you will either travel alone or with a group to Reykjavik, Iceland. From there, your tour leaders, Stefan and Stijn, will take care of all arrangements and guidance throughout the trip until your return home.

Accommodation

We will stay in five (sometimes six) different hotels along our route. The trip is based on half board (breakfast and dinner included). Lunch is usually enjoyed on the go or at a photography location, and we will also make regular stops at supermarkets to purchase supplies for lunch.

Passport and Visa

You must have a valid ID card or passport. These must remain valid throughout your stay. A visa is not required for Iceland.

Extra costs

This trip is available to book starting at €3,699. The supplement for a single room or private use of a double room is €350. There are limited single rooms available.

• 1 person in a shared double room

  If you book this option, you'll share your room with someone of the same gender. The room will have separate beds. If no one of the same gender is available, you'll need to pay the supplement for a single room.

• 2 people in a double room

  This option is perfect for couples or friends traveling together. You can indicate in the booking notes whether you'd like a double bed or two separate beds.

• 1 person in a single room

  This option provides you with your own room, with a supplement for single use. If you are in a double or triple room alone, the same supplement applies.

Materials

We are happy to provide advice on which equipment and other necessities you should bring. Of course, you are free to make your own choices, but always be mindful of the maximum allowed weight for your flight.

Flight and Transportation

You will book the flights yourself, and they are not included in the price. However, we will provide you with ample notice before departure regarding the best flights to book, and we will inform the hotel of your estimated arrival time.

Health and Difficulty

Iceland does not have any specific health risks different from those in countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany or any other Western country. If you do wish to have more information, we recommend consulting the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before your departure to stay informed about the latest developments in the country.

Remember to bring any necessary medication with you.

Difficulty: easy-medium

During the hikes to the sights, we may have to walk through deep snow, which can be intensive. There may also be some climbs, but these are rarely longer than 10 to 15 minutes. The days can be very windy.

Terms and Conditions

What if I need to cancel my trip?

In the event of cancellation, you must inform us as soon as possible. As we also incur cancellation costs from our partners, we will have to pass these on to you according to the schedule below, which is also indicated in the terms and conditions and the travel information provided to you. You can always contact your cancellation insurance provider.

Cancellation fee timelines

• 5 to 3 months before departure: 25% of the total trip cost

• 3 to 2 months before departure: 50% of the total trip cost

• 2 to 1 month before departure: 80% of the total trip cost

• Less than 1 month before departure: 100% of the total trip cost

Extraordinary circumstances

In the event of trip cancellation by the local organization due to exceptional and unforeseen circumstances, such as extreme weather conditions, death, conflicts, or airline disruptions, no refunds will be provided for those reasons. You can always consult your travel insurance provider for assistance.