West Iceland Photography
Tour NEW!
For photography, there's a lot to be said for being based in one area and getting to know its landscapes, wildlife and ever-changing light. And there are few places in Europe more wild and diverse than West Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula. On this small-group tour, you'll photograph everything from seascapes and volcanic craters to orcas, seabirds and, with luck, the dancing lights of the aurora borealis. Based in a guesthouse right on the shore, with views of the iconic Kirkufjell mountain, discover what many have called 'Iceland in miniature'.
6nt (7-day) West Iceland Landscapes, Northern Lights & Orcas Photography Tour
on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Join a group of just five like-minded enthusiasts on a photography tour based on the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula – often referred to as 'Iceland in miniature'. Accompanied by award-winning photographer Will Gray, you’ll spend a week focusing on an incredible range of landscapes and seascapes. Timed to coincide with a reliable period for aurora activity, it's a superb opportunity to photograph the northern lights. An orca and dolphin watching boat trip is also included.
Highlights
• Stunning photography locations on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Spring equinox period for peak northern lights activity
• Photograph orcas, dolphins and seabirds on a boat trip (included)
• Stay in a coastal guesthouse in Grundarfjörður with stunning views of Kirkjufell
• Step outside the front door to capture the aurora over Kirkjufell
• Visit all of the best locations on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, including Kirkjufell, Kirkjufellsfoss, Berserkjahraun lava fields, Lóndrangar sea stacks, Djúpalónssandur beach, Hellnar coast, Svörtuloft cliffs, Saxhóll crater, Stykkishólmur harbour, Búðir black church and the seal colony at Ytri-Tunga
• Accompanied by professional photographer Will Gray
• Small group size of just five, ensuring plenty of one-to-one tuition
• Lightroom processing sessions
• Transport in a comfortable people carrier or minibus
• All breakfasts and picnic lunches included
*By clicking the link above, you will be asked to complete a simple form to register your interest and reserve a place. I will then send you details of how to complete your booking and pay your deposit. If you have any questions you can email me at will.gray@me.com
Will Gray explains what makes this trip special...
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is like Iceland in miniature. It has everything from mountains, volcanoes and waterfalls to black-pebble beaches, sea cliffs and sea arches. Based in one location on the peninsula, we can easily reach all of the key photographic locations – without travelling huge distances, or moving on each day. And what a base it is! Our guesthouse is right on the coast with direct views across the bay to Kirkjufell mountain. If the northern lights appear, we can literally step outside the front door for spectacular views. We will also be able to photograph eider and harlequin ducks, which are frequently see along the coast here.
I've designed these tours to coincide with prime time for aurora borealis activity. February and March are also key months for encounters with pods of orca off the coast of West Iceland. Hunting over-wintering shoals of herring, they can often be seen close inshore. A whale-watching boat trip from Ólafsvík is included in the tour. I'll also help you seek out seals and sea eagles to photograph.
Travelling in a small group with just myself and five other photographers, we will be nimble enough to adapt our plans to find the best available conditions. There will also be ample opportunity for one-to-one tuition, including Lightroom sessions.
I'll provide breakfasts at our comfy guesthouse, as well as picnic lunches, hot drinks and snacks while we're out and about. Dinners are not included – we'll take our pick from the good range of restaurants on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, many of which offer excellent seafood.
To help you get the most out of your photography, I'll provide demonstrations on everything from long exposure techniques for waterfalls to capturing the moment an orca surfaces. In 35+ years as a photographer, writer and zoologist, I have travelled all over Iceland. The Snæfellsnes is one of my favourite destinations.
Tour dates
24 February – 2 March 2027
2028 and 2029 dates will be released about a year before the tours commence.
These dates are based on pick-up at Keflavík airport on day 1 and drop-off at Keflavík on day 7
Duration
The West Iceland Landscapes, Northern Lights and Orcas Photography Tour is 6 nights, 7 days, Keflavík–Keflavík. This does not include flights to and from Iceland. You are welcome to extend your trip before or after the tour.
Group size
Maximum of 5 clients, plus photographer Will Gray. We will use a comfortable people carrier or minibus, with plenty of room for luggage.
Cost
£2,250pp
Price includes single supplements, but excludes flights to and from Iceland.
Flights
You need to arrange your own flights to and from Keflavík International Airport, ideally arriving no later than 12:00 on day 1 and departing no earlier than 17:00 on day 7.
Please contact me if you need advice on flights.
Photography level and gear
This tour is suitable for beginners through to enthusiast photographers. Click here for a suggested list of what to bring. You will get more out of the trip if you already have a good knowledge of your camera's controls and a basic understanding of processing images using Lightroom.
Included
• Fully escorted tour, with photography tuition by Will Gray
• Transport in a comfortable people carrier or minibus with winter tyres
• 6 nights accommodation in a waterfront guesthouse in Grundafjordur
• All breakfasts and picnic lunches
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Orca watching boat trip
• Option to include the Golden Circle on day 7
• Coffee, tea, snacks and picnic lunches
• Lightroom sessions, photo critiques and photo sharing during the tour
Not included
• International flights to and from Keflavík Airport
• Personal travel and photographic insurance
• Dinners
RESERVE A PLACE ON THIS PHOTO TOUR
Complete the form opposite and we will be in touch to confirm details.
By completing this form, you are simply registering your interest in this photography holiday. You don't need to pay anything yet and there's no obligation for you to go ahead with the booking if you change your mind. When we get back to you to confirm your place, we will also send you a link to complete a Booking Form, and we will also provide details of how to pay your deposit, and the remaining balance for the photography holiday.