Expedition
Killer whale research expedition: Iceland
Next trip 8 days from 10 July 2028
Prices from US$9,662
Booking information
10 July 2028 鈥� 8 days for US$9,662* per person (*Prices based on 2027 departure, 2028 prices to be confirmed shortly.)
Alternative dates are available for 2028, please contact Natural Habitat Adventures for more information.
Register your interest for 2029 and we will contact you when confirmed details including finalised dates and prices are available.
Join a first-of-its-kind orca study research expedition to Iceland’s volcanic Westman Islands, working alongside researchers studying killer whales in the wild. Observe these remarkable predators, contribute to scientific research and discover the connections between marine life, ocean ecosystems and Iceland’s dramatic volcanic landscapes.
During this expedition join marine scientists studying killer whales around Iceland鈥檚 Westman Islands, where July鈥檚 long daylight hours and productive coastal waters provide excellent research opportunities. Depending on wildlife activity, weather, sea conditions and research requirements, you may assist with photo identification, behavioural observations and acoustic monitoring, or observe specialist techniques such as drone surveys and biological sampling. Your involvement will support research into killer whale behaviour, communication and responses to environmental change.
Begin in Reykjav铆k before exploring Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, riding Icelandic horses beneath Eyjafjallaj枚kull volcano and discovering the glacial wilderness of 脼贸rsm枚rk. Continue to the Westman Islands for three days of hands-on killer whale research, helping scientists identify individuals, record behaviour and investigate underwater communication. Look out for Atlantic puffins and other seabirds, explore the lava fields of Eldfell volcano and visit the SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary.
Throughout the expedition, you will work alongside marine scientists, including Dr Filipa Samarra, gaining firsthand insights into killer whale behaviour, feeding strategies and conservation. Through hands-on fieldwork, scientific briefings and informal discussions, discover how researchers track individual whales, study their complex social interactions and investigate the impact of environmental change on these remarkable marine predators.
Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, ocean lovers and science-curious travellers, this expedition combines potential killer whale encounters, active participation in marine research and Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes, offering a rare opportunity to contribute to scientific discovery.
In partnership with Natural Habitat Adventures and Earthwatch Expeditions.
Itinerary
This is an active scientific research expedition, requiring flexibility as activities depend on whale movements, research priorities, weather and sea conditions. The research team and expedition leaders may adjust the itinerary to maximise opportunities for scientific observations and data collection while ensuring safety and minimising disturbance to wildlife.
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjav铆k and meet the group
Your Icelandic adventure begins in Reykjav铆k, the world’s northernmost capital, where volcanic landscapes, glaciers and the North Atlantic Ocean have shaped the country’s natural history.
On arrival at Keflav铆k International Airport, transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity to explore the city’s colourful streets, waterfront and cultural attractions.
Day 2: Explore Iceland’s South Coast and ride Icelandic horses
Today, explore Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, where volcanic activity, glaciers and the Atlantic Ocean have created a landscape of extraordinary contrasts.
Visit Sk谩lakot Farm, a family-run establishment beneath Eyjafjallaj枚kull volcano, to discover the history of Icelandic horses. Descended from animals brought by Norse settlers over 1,000 years ago, this hardy breed is renowned for its multiple distinctive gaits, including the smooth, four-beat t枚lt.
Enjoy a guided horseback ride through the surrounding countryside, taking in views of the volcano and its dramatic foothills.
Later, discover the region’s black-sand beaches, lava fields, waterfalls and glacial valleys on a guided walk. Learn how volcanic eruptions and glacial erosion have shaped the landscape, and how meltwater connects Iceland’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Day 3: Discover the glacial wilderness of 脼贸rsm枚rk
Venture into 脼贸rsm枚rk Nature Reserve, a remote Highland valley surrounded by glaciers, including Eyjafjallaj枚kull and M媒rdalsj枚kull.
Travel in specially adapted 4×4 vehicles across rugged terrain and braided glacial rivers, whose channels continually shift as meltwater carries sediment from the surrounding ice caps.
Enjoy a guided walk through this spectacular landscape of towering ridges, volcanic deposits and wide gravel plains.
You will also explore one of southern Iceland’s remaining native birch woodlands, learning how vegetation survives in this challenging environment and how ecosystems recover following volcanic disturbance.
Day 4: Travel to the Westman Islands and meet the killer whale research team
This morning, travel to Landeyjah枚fn and take the 40-minute ferry to the Westman Islands, a volcanic archipelago rising from the North Atlantic.
Your destination is Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island, where you will spend the next four nights. Its surrounding waters support an abundance of marine life, including fish, seabirds and killer whales.
As you approach, look out for dramatic sea cliffs that provide a nesting habitat for thousands of seabirds, including Atlantic puffins.
On arrival, settle into your accommodation before meeting the marine research team who will introduce you to the scientific work taking place around the islands.
During an introductory briefing, discover how researchers investigate killer whale populations using photographic identification, behavioural observations and acoustic monitoring. Learn how individual whales can be recognised by their distinctive dorsal fins and markings, allowing scientists to track their movements and social relationships over time.
Your research team will also explain how you will contribute to ongoing investigations into the feeding behaviour and ecology of these remarkable marine predators.
Days 5-7: Participate in killer whale research and explore Heimaey
Spend three days alongside marine researchers, investigating the behaviour, movements and feeding strategies of killer whales around the Westman Islands.
Depending on weather conditions and whale activity, you will contribute to observations from coastal viewpoints and aboard small research vessels.
Scan the ocean for signs of wildlife, including feeding seabirds, surface disturbances and the distinctive dorsal fins of killer whales. When conditions allow, venture out by boat to observe the whales and document their movements, social interactions and hunting behaviour.
You will have opportunities to contribute to several research activities:
- Photo identification: Photograph dorsal fins and markings to help identify individual whales and monitor populations.
- Behavioural observations: Record feeding activity, group interactions and movements to investigate hunting strategies.
- Acoustic monitoring: Help document underwater vocalisations to better understand killer whale communication.
- Additional research: Depending on conditions, observe or assist with drone surveys and biological sampling investigating whale health and diet.
Your participation will support research into how killer whales respond to changes in prey availability and their marine environment.
Beyond the research, explore Heimaey’s fascinating volcanic landscape. Walk across lava fields created during the 1973 eruption of Eldfell, which transformed the island and threatened its harbour. Discover how volcanic activity reshapes landscapes and how ecosystems recover.
July is a particularly rewarding time to visit the island鈥檚 seabird colonies, as Atlantic puffins are in the midst of their breeding season, with adults regularly returning to their burrows carrying fish for their chicks. Observe this fascinating activity while discovering how seabird feeding patterns and breeding success provide valuable scientific insights into fish populations, ocean health and changing marine conditions.
You will also visit the SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary to discover the challenges of marine mammal care and conservation.
Throughout your time on Heimaey, the research team will share their expertise, offering a deeper understanding of killer whale ecology and the importance of long-term scientific monitoring.
Day 8: Return to Reykjav铆k and transfer to airport
After breakfast, return by ferry to the Icelandic mainland before travelling to Keflav铆k International Airport for your onward flight.
Your expedition concludes having gained firsthand experience of marine research and a greater understanding of killer whale behaviour, Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and the interconnected ecosystems of the North Atlantic.
FAQs
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour begins in Reykjav铆k, Iceland’s capital, and ends at Keflav铆k International Airport. Airport transfers are included as part of the itinerary, with a return ferry crossing from the Westman Islands to the mainland on the final day.
How fit do I need to be to enjoy this tour?
A moderate level of fitness and good mobility are recommended. You should be comfortable walking on uneven volcanic terrain, rocky coastal paths and occasionally slippery surfaces. Research activities may involve several hours outdoors, including observing killer whales from coastal viewpoints and boarding small research boats. You will also explore Iceland’s South Coast and the rugged 脼贸rsm枚rk Nature Reserve. Some days may involve early starts or extended periods of wildlife observation, so a reasonable level of stamina is important.
How much travel is involved?
The itinerary combines road journeys, a ferry crossing, 4×4 excursions and small research boat trips. You will travel from Reykjav铆k along the South Coast, explore 脼贸rsm枚rk in specially adapted vehicles and take a ferry to Heimaey in the Westman Islands, which takes approximately 35鈥�40 minutes. Four nights on Heimaey provide a comfortable base for your marine research activities, reducing the need for frequent hotel changes. Boat excursions and research schedules will depend on weather, sea conditions and killer whale movements.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
July is an exciting time for marine wildlife around Iceland’s Westman Islands. Killer whales are the main focus of the expedition, with opportunities to observe their feeding behaviour, social interactions and movements during research excursions. The islands are also home to large colonies of Atlantic puffins, which are actively raising their chicks in July, alongside guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and other seabirds. You may also encounter seals and other marine mammals. Wildlife sightings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
What research will I take part in during the tour?
You will work alongside experienced marine scientists, contributing to ongoing studies of killer whale behaviour, movements and feeding strategies. Research activities may include photographing dorsal fins to identify individual whales, recording group interactions, monitoring feeding activity and collecting acoustic data to investigate underwater communication. Depending on conditions and research priorities, you may also observe or assist with drone surveys and biological sampling. Fieldwork takes place from coastal observation points and aboard small research vessels.
How does this research help killer whale conservation?
You will be contributing to ongoing research led by Dr Filipa Samarra, Lead Investigator of the Icelandic Orca Project, investigating what Iceland鈥檚 killer whales eat, how they move and how changing prey availability affects their health and survival. Through coastal observations and boat-based surveys, help gather valuable data to better understand these marine predators, their responses to environmental change and the conservation strategies needed to protect them.
What will the weather be like?
July is one of Iceland’s mildest months, with temperatures typically ranging from 10掳C to 15掳C, although coastal winds can make conditions feel considerably cooler. Daylight lasts for much of the night, providing extended opportunities for wildlife observation and research. Weather can change quickly, particularly at sea, with sunshine, rain and strong winds possible on the same day. Pack warm, waterproof layers, sturdy walking shoes and suitable clothing for boat excursions, where conditions can feel significantly colder.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
All of our tours are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own room, you will need to pay a solo supplement. However, if you are happy to share a room with a fellow guest of the same sex, we will do all we can to match you with another guest so you do not have to pay the solo room supplement.
Booking information
Booking administration
This tour is operated by our trusted partner Natural Habitat Adventures on behalf of New Scientist Discovery Tours. Their dedicated specialist team will be your main point of contact from booking until you return home, handling your reservation, payments, travel documents, pre-departure information and any questions about your tour or travel arrangements.
Meet the expert
Dr Filipa Samarra
Filipa is a marine biologist and lead investigator of the Icelandic Orca Project, specialising in the behaviour, ecology and communication of killer whales in the North Atlantic. She is also a director at the University of Iceland Research Centre in Vestmannaeyjar and holds a PhD in Biology from the University of St Andrews.
Her research explores how killer whales adapt their feeding strategies, social relationships and vocal communication to changing environmental conditions. Combining field observations, photographic identification and underwater acoustic recordings, she investigates how individual whales move, interact and respond to prey availability.
On this research expedition, you will gain firsthand insights into Filipa’s research and contribute to ongoing studies of Iceland’s killer whales. By helping photograph and identify individuals and record their behaviour, you will support long-term monitoring of these remarkable marine predators. Her team’s rediscovery of an adult male orca after more than 20 years highlights the importance of sustained research in understanding and protecting these wide-ranging animals.
Highlights
- Take part in one of the first long-term efforts to understand what Iceland鈥檚 killer whales eat and how shifting prey affects their health, reproduction and survival
- Join marine scientists on a unique expedition studying killer whales in the wild around Iceland’s Westman Islands
- Venture onto the North Atlantic aboard research boats, searching for killer whales and observing their hunting behaviour
- Contribute to real scientific research through whale identification, behavioural studies and underwater acoustic monitoring
- Discover the secrets of killer whale communication, listening to their underwater calls and investigating social behaviour
- Explore the volcanic Westman Islands, home to spectacular seabird colonies, including thousands of Atlantic puffins.
- Venture into the remote 脼贸rsm枚rk wilderness, crossing glacial rivers and exploring landscapes shaped by fire and ice
- Ride Icelandic horses beneath Eyjafjallaj枚kull volcano and discover the extraordinary geology of Iceland’s South Coast
- Maximum 12 guests
What鈥檚 included
- Seven nights accommodation
- Services of Nat Hab鈥檚 professional Expedition Leader(s), local guides and research staff
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day
- Select alcoholic beverages
- Some gratuities
- Airport transfers on Day 1 and the final day
- All activities and entrance fees
- All taxes, permits and service fees
What鈥檚 not included
- Travel to and from Iceland
- Alcoholic beverages not specified above
- Some gratuities
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable)
- Optional activities
- Personal items (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
- Airline baggage fees
- Airport and departure taxes (if applicable)
- Required medical evacuation insurance and optional travel protection insurance
Accommodations
Hotel Reykjavik Saga, Reykjavik
A stylish four-star hotel centrally located in the heart of Reykjavik and a short walk from Lake Tj枚rnin, the cathedral and art museum. Opened in 2022, this boutique style hotel has soundproof rooms, free wifi and a sauna.
Hotel Vestmannaeyjar, Westman Islands
Situated on Heimaey in the Westman Islands, this welcoming hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving Icelandic cuisine and a relaxing spa. Ideally located for exploring Eldfell volcano, spotting Atlantic puffins and discovering the island’s dramatic coastal landscapes.
