Duration
4.3 HOUR
Activity Level
Moderate
Experience Details*
Marvel at the spectacular scenes of rugged mountains and idyllic, secluded coves as you sail across the Jökulfirðir (glacier fjord) towards the nature reserve of Hesteyri. At the eponymous tiny village here, time has stood still since 1952 when the isolated residents decided to leave their community, which was cut off from roads, phones and electricity.
Wildlife flourishes in the area and, as your local guide shows you around, you might spot Arctic foxes and numerous species of birds as well as the lazy seals that roll around on the shore. Delve into the past as you visit the old whaling station and step inside the former doctor’s house to enjoy a hot drink and pancakes with traditional rye bread and smoked lamb
At a glance*
Duration: Half day guided tour including refreshments.
Activity: Moderate level of walking.
Transport: By boat and on foot.
Why Book? For a blend of nature and history in a long-deserted outpost.
Itinerary*
Boat trip to Hesteyri > Guided walk of Hesteyri > Refreshments
What's included*
Local guide
Refreshments of tea or coffee and Icelandic pastries
Essential information
There is a gangway to negotiate to board the boat. There is up to 2 hours of walking, with some gravel and grass in the village. The boat crossing takes approximately 1 hour. Given the nature of this tour (boat transfer and walking) we do not recommend this tour for those guests with limited mobility. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress according to weather. The guide will not use a microphone. Due to tides it may necessary to ferry people on shore on a Zodiac. Dress in layers and bring waterproof outerwear. Walking is required for this tour on gravel paths and uneven surfaces. There is also approximately 200 yard walk from the ship to where the boats are docked.
ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS, You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.
BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS, For any excursion involving water, passengers are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.
SCUBA DIVING, All passengers wishing to participate in a certified dive tour must hold a PADI open water scuba certification or BSAC Ocean Diver certification. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate divers with either a PADI Junior Open Water or a PADI Scuba Dive rating due to the depth limitations imposed by these qualifications. In line with the recommendations by the sports-diving industry, we strongly recommend that divers undertake a refresher course if they have not been diving within the last six months. You must be aged 15 or over, carry your dive certification card with you and we recommend that you carry your diving log or proof that you’ve recently completed a refresher course. If you are a certified diver, but are unable to meet our requirements we recommend taking the Discover Scuba excursion as an alternative. For Discover Scuba courses you don’t need any scuba experience but you must be 15 or over and be able to swim. You’ll also need to complete a medical/liability consent form before you go - but if you suffer from asthma, diabetes, heart problems or other medical conditions you won’t be able to take part. Please visit www.padi.com/padi/en/sd/whatsrequired.aspx for more information.