About the Port
Surtsey Island rose from the North Atlantic during a series of volcanic eruptions in the 1960s, emerging as one of the youngest landmasses on Earth. Its pristine, untouched ecosystem earned it UNESCO World Heritage status, and access ashore is restricted to researchers studying how plant and animal life colonizes new terrain from scratch. For travelers, the island is best experienced from the water, where the raw volcanic landscape remains largely as it was the day it formed.
Small-boat and zodiac excursions circle the island's dramatic cliffs, offering close views of seabird colonies that thrive undisturbed on the rocky slopes, including one of the region's largest gatherings of Atlantic puffins. The surrounding waters make for a striking, atmospheric outing, pairing volcanic geology with abundant birdlife in a setting that feels remote and untouched even by Icelandic standards.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Surtsey Island.
Circle the Island by Zodiac
Small-boat outings trace the volcanic cliffs up close, revealing raw lava formations shaped by eruptions in the 1960s. Expect a short but memorable run along the shoreline rather than any landing ashore.
Watch the Puffin Colonies
Scan the rocky slopes for one of the region's largest gatherings of Atlantic puffins, along with other seabirds nesting undisturbed on the cliffs. Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for the best views from the water.
Read the Volcanic Landscape
Look for layered ash, cooled lava flows, and barren ground still in the earliest stages of plant colonization. A guide or naturalist aboard can help point out how quickly, or slowly, life has taken hold since the island's birth.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Surtsey Island
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2027 | Atlas Ocean Voyages | World Voyager | 7 | $6,236 | |
| Jun 28, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 17 | $13,260 | |
| Jul 5, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 10 | $9,770 | |
| Jul 8, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 7 | $5,670 | |
| Jul 15, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 7 | $4,060 | |
| Jul 19, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 10 | $8,230 | |
| Jul 22, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 7 | $4,130 | |
| Jul 26, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 10 | $8,860 | |
| Jul 29, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 7 | $4,760 | |
| Aug 9, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 10 | $7,810 | |
| Aug 12, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 7 | $3,710 | |
| Aug 16, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 10 | $7,810 | |
| Aug 19, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 7 | $3,710 | |
| Aug 23, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 10 | $7,775 | |
| Aug 26, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 21 | $7,364 | |
| Aug 26, 2027 | Windstar | Star Pride | 7 | $3,675 | |
| Sep 4, 2027 | Atlas Ocean Voyages | World Voyager | 10 | $8,154 |