Iceland

OVERVIEW

Iceland, a land of stark natural beauty, is a destination like no other. Nestled on the edge of the Arctic Circle, it boasts surreal landscapes that range from glaciers to geysers, volcanoes to waterfalls. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Iceland is a pioneer in sustainability, leading the world in renewable energy and conservation. From the otherworldly Blue Lagoon to the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, Iceland offers an awe-inspiring and educational journey, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to explore the wonders of our planet while understanding the importance of sustainable living. Our local partner, Arctic Adventures is one of Iceland's leading tour operators with a long history of providing unforgettable experiences.

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS

LEARNING ORIENTATED

Discover why Iceland is a global leader in renewable energy production through geothermal and hydroelectric power. Witness the impact of climate change on the glaciers and discover the work taking place to preserve the unique biodiversity and marine ecology in the country.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Iceland's environmental and social policies and practices are shaping the country's sustainable future. On this adventure, students will engage with local experts, communities, and organisations to gain firsthand knowledge whilst also having the opportunity to take part in scientific research.

On this adventure, students will be able to join Ocean Missions on a citizen-science tour to participate in ocean research and gain a deeper insight into marine conservation. Students will also be able to witness the work of the Sea Life Trust at their Beluga Whale and Puffin Rescue Sanctuary

LOCATION

Iceland is a Nordic island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean, just below the Arctic Circle, situated between Greenland and the British Isles. Direct flights are available to it's capital city, Reykavik from a number of UK airports.

Experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power plants on the planet. They will also visit a hydroelectric power station. Students will have the opportunity to continue their learning over lunch at the Friðheimar Tomato Farm, an award-winning geothermally powered greenhouse.

On this adventure, students will visit some of the world's most spectacular waterfalls and geysers. They can have a relaxing dip in the Blue Lagoon or even take the Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tour in the crystal clear water between two continental plates. Fresh lava fields and craters, or the bubbling mud pools of Gunnuhver and the Seltún Geothermal Area can all feature on the itinerary.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

What other trip offers students a chance to study glaciers from the inside?

Students will travel in an adapted 8x8 NATO missile carrier on Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull, to the incredible man-made ice tunnel. On arrival, an expert guide will explain how large volcanic events are evident in the layers of ash frozen in time. The impact of climate change will be studied and visibly witnessed. The tunnel itself is an incredible feat of engineering with a fascinating story of how it was built.

The majestic blue glacial waters that come from Langjökull will be strikingly evident at the Hraunfossar Waterfalls which run down the brims of the Hallmundarhraun lava field and into Hvítá River

climate change & glacial conservation

The natural splendour of Vestmannæyjar is the home of the Beluga Whale & Puffin Sanctuary. Students will have the opportunity to travel aboard an electric ferry and then discover the conservation work taking place at the sanctuary.

Students can also take a boat trip along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula coastline to spot Orcas, Sperm, Humpback, Minke and Pilot whales (plus dolphins and porpoises). The Bjarnarhöfn shark-museum offers an insight into the biology of the Greenland Shark as well as its importance in Icelandic history.

biodiversity conservation

Students can join a citizen-science whale-watching tour aboard an emission-free, silent sailboat from Húsavík in North Iceland - the country's Whale Watching Capital.

What makes this tour different from other traditional whale-watching tours is that passengers will directly participate in citizen-science research, led by marine experts on board. During the sailing, they use a specially designed manta trawl to gather samples from the bay, which are then examined to estimate the exposure and ingestion of microplastics in the ocean, related to zooplankton abundance and whale presence. The potential threats to the ecosystem and marine fauna of the sea will be discussed on board. The tour’s primary goal is to participate in protecting and preserving the rich biodiversity of Skjálfandi Bay.

MARINE ECOLOGY

Sustainability is reflected in the choice of accommodation and food on the trip. There are so many different activities to choose from in Iceland that are relevant to a sustainability-focused trip and you will find that the people you meet along the way care passionately about the environment and will be thrilled to share their experiences.

REYKJAVIK & BEYOND

Accommodation

The Original Eco Certified Hostel in Reykjavik, the newly renovated Reykjavik city hostel is the perfect spot for the group to stay. There is an option to add camping to the itinerary as part of a kayaking adventure.

Food & Drink

Almost all meals are included in the trip, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Trips to the Efstidalur Dairy Farm and Friðheimar Tomato Farm provide a chance to sample some of their famous ice-creams and tomato soup.

Recreation

This adventure has so many activities in the itinerary there is no time to worry about finding things to do. The hostel does however provide some space to play board games or just relax. A trip to a hot spring is also always a good idea.

Optional Extras

There are so many options in Iceland. You could add a kayaking and overnight camping trip or a hike on one of their incredible number of trails.

Iceland for All

If you like what you see but want to take a trip as a family or an individual then we can help!

Red Kite Adventures can design an amazing Icelandic experience for everyone. If you want to travel individually, as a family or as part of a group, let us make all of the arrangements. We can sort everything including flights, accommodation and an incredible selection of sights and activities to suit everyone. Our chosen partner operators not only bring outstanding service through their staff, support and trips, they are also fully committed to sustainable tourism.

Iceland can be visited at any time of year and it provides a lifetime of memories to all who visit it. Here are just some of the things you could do and see.

• Spectacular hiking on glaciers or the famous Laugavegur trail

• Geographical wonders of volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls and glaciers

• Ice caves, lava caves or snorkelling in the Silfra Fissure

• Rich biodiversity on land and at sea. Whales, seals, puffins and much more

• The Northern Lights and much, much more.

Our 100% financial protection applies to all bookings.

If you would like to find out more then please do get in touch. Give us a call or submit an inquiry below.

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