25 photos to inspire you to visit Iceland by sea

I returned to Iceland last summer with Adventure Canada, exactly a decade after my first visit. This time, the experience was completely unique as we sailed to Iceland on their North Atlantic Saga trip. A decade ago, Iceland was still gaining popularity in tourism, and it was a more laid-back atmosphere. My earlier visit was a memorable road trip with friends and marked one of my first gigs as a full-time travel blogger. This time, exploring Iceland by sea on two Adventure Canada trips added a new and exciting dimension to my experience.

Exploring a place as it was originally settled holds a special allure. Vikings are thought to have reached Iceland in the 9th century, maybe even earlier. In pursuit of fertile land, numerous Norse settlers crossed the North Atlantic. Genetic evidence indicates a mix of Irish, Scottish, and Scandinavian ancestry, particularly among women, potentially as slaves.

Recreating their journey more than a millennium later by ship offers a remarkably cool way to arrive in Iceland. To provide a sneak peek into our adventure, here are 25 of my preferred photos from a few weeks spent exploring Iceland by sea – enjoy!