Exploring Iceland by land is a breathtaking experience—but exploring it by luxury yacht offers something rarer: a secluded, immersive journey through the island’s fjords, wildlife-rich coastlines, glacier-fed bays, and remote islets, far from the crowds.
Aboard a private yacht charter, travelers can witness Iceland’s natural beauty from the sea, with the comforts of a floating luxury hotel and the flexibility of a tailor-made itinerary. Whether you’re sailing through the dramatic Westfjords, cruising past puffin colonies in Breiðafjörður Bay, or anchoring near remote geothermal hot springs, Iceland by yacht is a voyage into raw luxury.
In this guide, we dive into the ultimate private yachting experiences in Iceland—routes, highlights, seasonal tips, and why Deluxe Iceland is the top choice for travelers seeking sophisticated, sea-based adventures.
Why Choose a Yacht to Explore Iceland?
Chartering a yacht in Iceland is not just a method of travel—it’s a statement of exclusivity and freedom. Here’s why discerning travelers are turning to the sea:
Access to Remote Regions: Iceland’s coastline is filled with fjords, uninhabited islands, bird cliffs, and fishing villages inaccessible by car or bus.
Flexible Itineraries: On a private charter, your route is shaped by your preferences, not a fixed schedule.
Ultimate Privacy: No crowds, no shared tours—just you, your guests, and the wild Icelandic coastline.
Floating Luxury: Modern yachts offer world-class comforts—plush cabins, gourmet kitchens, hot tubs, and full crew service.
From photography to wellness to adventure, these floating retreats are perfect for travelers seeking an immersive and luxurious Icelandic experience.
Top Routes for Private Yacht Charters in Iceland
1. The Westfjords: Raw Wilderness & Bird Cliffs
The Westfjords are Iceland’s most rugged and least populated region—making them an ideal destination for yacht-based exploration.
Highlights:
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve: Uninhabited, roadless, and stunning. Spot Arctic foxes, whales, and thousands of nesting seabirds.
Dynjandi Waterfall: Anchor in the fjord and take a short tender ride to one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls.
Sailing through Ísafjarðardjúp: Deep fjords, abandoned farms, and humpback whale sightings.
This area is best explored in late spring through early autumn, when sea ice has melted and marine life is at its peak.
2. Breiðafjörður Bay: Puffins, Islands & Hidden History
Between Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords lies Breiðafjörður, a bay studded with over 3,000 small islands, historic monasteries, and dramatic coastal cliffs.
Luxury Experiences:
Puffin Watching: Anchor near islands with puffin colonies and go ashore with a private guide and naturalist.
Sea-to-Table Cuisine: Fish for scallops and sea urchins directly from the yacht, then enjoy them freshly prepared on board.
Remote Hot Springs: Visit geothermal pools only accessible by boat, such as Reykjafjarðarlaug or Krossneslaug.
This route is ideal for slow travel lovers, combining marine wildlife, Icelandic history, and peaceful seascapes.
3. Snæfellsnes Coast: Glaciers, Volcanoes, and Sea Arches
Snæfellsnes is often called “Iceland in Miniature”, and its coastline is a dramatic blend of lava fields, glacier-topped volcanoes, and natural arches.
Must-Sees by Yacht:
Sailing past Snæfellsjökull Glacier: A cone-shaped volcano covered in ice, made famous by Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Arnarstapi Cliffs: Incredible basalt formations and sea arches visible only from the water.
Night at Anchor: Enjoy a peaceful evening in Búðir Bay, with views of the black church and nearby lava fields.
This route is great for shorter charters or as a day trip combined with land-based luxury lodges nearby.
4. North Iceland and the Arctic Circle
For adventurous summer travelers, the northern route offers long daylight hours, marine wildlife, and even the chance to cross the Arctic Circle.
Experiences Include:
Húsavík by Sea: Renowned for whale watching—spot humpbacks, blue whales, and orcas directly from deck.
Grímsey Island: The only part of Iceland that lies inside the Arctic Circle.
Siglufjörður: A charming fishing town with excellent harbors and museums, perfect for cultural immersion.
This journey is ideal for multi-day itineraries, especially in June to August, when the midnight sun makes night sailing an ethereal experience.
Onboard Luxury: What to Expect
Modern Icelandic yacht charters provide world-class amenities for a refined experience:
Spacious Staterooms: Queen or king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, and panoramic views.
Gourmet Kitchens: Onboard chefs can prepare fresh Icelandic cuisine, including langoustines, Arctic char, and lamb.
Jacuzzi Decks & Saunas: Warm up while watching seals or puffins nearby.
Tender Boats & Kayaks: For shoreline exploration, beach landings, or paddle-through sea caves.
Premium yachts may also include spa services, yoga instructors, or private guides who specialize in marine biology, photography, or Icelandic history.
Personalized Itineraries with Deluxe Iceland
Unlike basic charters, Deluxe Iceland builds entire luxury experiences around your preferences:
Want to forage for seaweed with a private chef? Done.
Interested in photographing puffins at golden hour from a Zodiac? They’ll arrange the timing and location.
Need a helicopter transfer from Reykjavík to meet your yacht in the fjords? They’ll coordinate everything.
Every detail—from your preferred champagne to your preferred anchor location—is curated to create a seamless blend of luxury and authenticity.
Seasonal Tips: When to Charter a Yacht in Iceland
May to September is the best window for yachting in Iceland.
June and July offer the midnight sun, ideal for extended exploration.
August and early September bring milder seas and active wildlife.
Outside of these months, conditions are too harsh for most sailing—but Deluxe Iceland can still arrange fjord cruises via small expedition vessels or Super Jeep routes along the coast.
Sustainability and Local Impact
Deluxe Iceland partners with eco-conscious yacht providers, ensuring that:
- Fuel-efficient vessels are used.
- Local seafood and ingredients are sourced responsibly.
- Wildlife is viewed respectfully from a distance.
- Anchor practices avoid harming delicate seabeds.
- Sailing Iceland’s fjords should leave no trace—only lasting memories.
Why Choose Deluxe Iceland?
When it comes to private yacht experiences, Deluxe Iceland offers:
- Curated Routes: Every itinerary is built from scratch to suit your group’s pace, interests, and comfort.
- Unmatched Access: Longstanding partnerships ensure privileged entry to private harbors, remote beaches, and exclusive hot springs.
- Luxury-Level Safety & Comfort: From seasoned skippers to marine-certified equipment, every trip meets the highest standards.
- Seamless Coordination: From airport transfers to gourmet provisioning, they handle everything so you can focus on enjoying the voyage.
- With years of experience orchestrating Iceland’s most luxurious land and sea adventures, Deluxe Iceland is your trusted partner for an unforgettable sailing journey.
FAQs
1. How many people can a luxury yacht in Iceland accommodate?
Most luxury yachts accommodate between 2 and 12 guests, depending on size and crew configuration. Deluxe Iceland will help you select the perfect vessel.
2. Do I need sailing experience to charter a yacht?
No. All charters include a professional crew and skipper—you simply relax and enjoy the experience.
3. Can the itinerary be changed mid-sail?
Yes, itineraries are flexible and often adapted based on weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and guest preferences.
4. What should I pack for a yacht trip in Iceland?
Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, soft-soled shoes, and optional items like cameras, binoculars, or books. Deluxe Iceland provides a detailed packing guide.
5. Can I combine a yacht charter with land-based travel?
Absolutely. Deluxe Iceland often pairs yachting with luxury lodges, helicopter tours, glacier adventures, and more.