Northern Lights Escapes shell

Planet

Carbon Reduction

Where possible, this tour has been designed to support lower-impact travel and encourage a more sustainable way of experiencing Iceland. Rather than covering huge distances every day or changing accommodation constantly, guests stay within one region of North Iceland for the duration of the journey. This slower style of travel reduces unnecessary driving while allowing visitors to experience places more deeply and at a more relaxed pace.

Food is also an important part of our sustainability approach. Vegan and vegetarian options are available throughout the tour, and meals focus heavily on locally sourced Icelandic ingredients whenever possible. By working with local restaurants, farms, fisheries, and small producers in North Iceland, the tour helps support regional businesses and reduces the environmental impact associated with imported products. Dining experiences are designed not only to showcase Icelandic food culture, but also to encourage thoughtful and responsible consumption connected to the local landscape and seasons.

We also prioritise small-group travel, creating a more personal experience for guests while helping to minimise environmental pressure on the communities and natural areas we visit.

Environment and Wildlife

Respect for Iceland’s natural environment and marine ecosystems is central to this experience. Whale watching excursions take place in partnership with North Sailing and Ocean Missions, organisations known for their strong focus on education, sustainability, and responsible wildlife tourism.

Tours are led by experienced local nature and marine guides who help guests better understand the fragile ecosystems of Eyjafjörður and the importance of protecting Iceland’s marine life. Sightings may include humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds, all observed respectfully in their natural habitat without disturbing feeding or migration patterns.

Throughout the journey, guests are encouraged to experience Iceland’s landscapes responsibly — whether visiting geothermal areas, hiking under the Northern Lights, or exploring coastal villages. The emphasis is on appreciation, education, and creating meaningful connections with the natural world rather than simply sightseeing.

People

Local Economy

Supporting the local economy is a central part of how this tour operates. Throughout the journey, guests stay in locally owned accommodation, dine in independent restaurants, and travel with regional activity providers rather than large international chains. By working closely with small businesses in North Iceland, the tour helps ensure that tourism income remains within the local communities that guests visit.

Accommodation in villages such as Hjalteyri and Árskógssandur provides a more personal and authentic experience while directly supporting communities outside Iceland’s heavily visited tourist areas. Restaurants and food experiences also prioritise local ingredients whenever possible, including Icelandic fish, lamb, dairy products, vegetables, and seasonal produce sourced from nearby farms and suppliers. We aim to showcase regional food culture while reducing dependence on imported goods and supporting small producers in North Iceland.

Activities such as whale watching, geothermal experiences, and guided excursions are operated in partnership with locally owned Icelandic companies that have deep knowledge and connection to the region. By choosing locally based partners, the experience helps create year-round employment opportunities and encourages sustainable tourism growth in smaller coastal communities.

Employment, Inclusivity, and Diversity

Our tours are built around local knowledge, local hospitality, and strong community connections. The guides, drivers, hospitality staff, restaurant teams, and activity partners involved in the experience are all based in Iceland and, wherever possible, from the local communities of North Iceland themselves.

By employing local people and working with regional partners, guests benefit from genuine insight into Icelandic culture, history, traditions, and daily life that cannot be replicated through larger mass-tourism operations. This local involvement creates a more meaningful experience for travelers while helping support long-term employment and economic stability in smaller communities.

We believe tourism works best when it strengthens local communities and creates positive relationships between visitors and residents. Our tours are designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and respectful to all guests regardless of background, age, gender, or travel experience. Small-group travel also creates a more relaxed and personal atmosphere where guests can connect more naturally with both the people and places they encounter throughout the journey.