Feb 12, 2014 | root_ks8kzico

Trip Preview: Wildlife and Landscapes of Iceland

Home to the melodious humpback whale and the elegant puffin, Iceland enchants visitors with its spectacular array of wildlife and breathtaking natural scenery. See for yourself on an eight-day adventure with the Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents and Volunteers. The journey begins at the Reykjavik Zoo and Aquarium, which serves as a rehabilitation center for wild animals. The aquarium boasts more than 20 species of fish and the zoo houses both Icelandic farm animals and wild native species. PS-Arctic-Fox Take a whale watching trip and see minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and humpback whales in their natural habitats. Humpback whales’ mesmerizing songs can travel great distances underwater.  They most likely use them to communicate with other whales and attract potential mates. Humpback_Whale_by-Gillfoto Stop by one of the islands during puffin season (mid-May to mid-August) to observe these adorable, native birds during their downtime. Dubbed “clowns of the sea,” puffins can dive to depths of 200 feet to catch their prey. Their waterproof feathers keep them dry as they use their webbed feet to steer through the water. Puffin Stand at the foot of Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Now entirely covered by an ice cap, the volcano erupted for more than one month in 2010. The ash cloud that emerged from the mountain reached as far south as the coast of England. PS-Volcano Visit the Skogar Folk Museum for a glimpse of the Iceland of yesteryear. Featuring a collection of historic buildings, including a church, a schoolhouse, and several farms, the museum contains artifacts that tell the story of the country’s traditions, sociology, demography, museology, and mythology. PS-Skogar Cruise along Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Maybe a curious group of seals will make an appearance. Huge icebergs float in the lagoon, and Vatnajokull can be seen from the boat. At more than 300 feet thick and covering an area of more than 5,000 square miles, visitors will be flabbergasted by the monstrous size of Europe’s largest glacier. Glaciers-by-Andrew-Bowden Explore caves, walk up to a volcano crater, and view wildlife up close on Heimaey Island – the largest of the Westman Islands. Heimaey-by-Michael-Clarke See the famous Geysir and Strokkur, a natural, active hot spring.  Take in the impressive Gulfoss waterfall, then visit Thingvellir National Park to learn about Iceland’s folk stories, sagas, and the legends of the hidden people. PS-Gulfoss Learn about modern-day Iceland in the capital city of Reykjavik. Boasting hundreds of attractions, the city has something for everyone. PS-Reykjavik These activities and more await you. Register for your spot on the trip today to experience the glory of Iceland.

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