March 2025 - Return to Iceland’s Southcoast
9 Days & 8 Nights in Iceland
March 22nd to 30th, 2025
We'll be capturing the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland's South Coast, taking full advantage of April's long days for photography.
- A collaboration between Outdoortravelphotography LLC and FGomez Photography LLC -
Join us…
on a weeklong adventure led by us, Francisco and Robert, as your guides through southern Iceland. Discover Iceland’s stunning landscapes, enjoy great food and company, and capture stunning images and create memories that will last a lifetime.
This photo tour will be limited to no more than 6 participants to ensure we will get the most out of every location we visit.
Depending on weather conditions, we'll aim to photograph daily from about 5:30 am to 9:30 pm, taking breaks for breakfast, recharging, uploading photos, lunch, group dinners, and more.
Iceland March‘25 - Airport and Hotel Locations
Day 1-3
Saturday - Monday morning (Sunrise ~7:20, ~Sunset 7:45)
Francisco and I are looking forward to welcoming you at the airport upon your arrival from the States following your overnight flight. For those traveling from New Jersey, we recommend flying out of Newark on the evening prior (departing on Friday 3/21) with an IcelandAir flight. If you're considering adding extra days to your trip and exploring Iceland before the tour starts, we'd be happy to pick you up from the Blue Lagoon or any hotel in Reykjavik.
Saturday we'll kick off our day in Reykjavik with a traditional Icelandic breakfast before making our way to Hotel Geysir, stopping at a couple places along the way, including Reykjavik’s Sun Voyager and Þingvellir’s Öxarárfoss waterfall.
Note: Depending on volcanic activity the first day plans may change if there is a chance to capture a volcanic eruption from a safe distance.
At our hotel we'll aim for an early group dinner, followed by us capturing images of Strokkur geyser during the golden and blue hour light.
All day Sunday and on Monday morning, we will expand our explorations of the Golden Circle with short road trips to Brúarfoss and Gullfoss waterfalls. If the morning light is expected to be good, we will leave before sunrise to take advantage of the soft side-light and return for breakfast afterwards. To bridge the gap between waking up and breakfast we will have some snack foods (nutrition bars, fruit, etc.) available for you. Snacks will also be available at our hotel for purchase.
Sun Voyager
Öxarárfoss
Gullfoss
Strokkur
Brúarfoss
Day 3-5
Monday - Wednesday morning (Sunrise ~7:05, ~Sunset 7:40)
Saying goodbye to Strokkur geysir in the morning as we will leave the Golden Circle area behind. Our next planned stop will be in or near Vik, the southernmost town in Iceland. The weather in this region, particularly around Vik, can be quite unpredictable, often accompanied by strong winds. Depending on the conditions, we may visit nearby attractions. Alternatively, we'll reserve exploration of the surrounding areas for later in our stay in Vik and concentrate on local landmarks such as Vík í Mýrdal Church and the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks.
Following lunch and a visit to the Icewear store, we will continue our trip to Magma Hotel, where we will be staying the next two nights. As before, we will settle in and venture out in time before sunset to photograph the Eldhraun lava field, likely the largest on earth followed by a late dinner.
The following day, we'll explore nearby sites, making our way to Stjórnarfoss waterfall and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon (weather permitting, as March can still bring icy conditions). If time allows we may also visit the nearby basalt columns of Dverghamrar.
Vík i Myrdal Church and the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
Eldhraun lava field
Stjórnarfoss waterfall
Drone Photo showing the outflow of Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon where it meets the Eldhraun lava field
Day 5-7
Wednesday - Friday morning (Sunrise ~6:35, ~Sunset 7:40)
On Wednesday morning, we'll set out after breakfast, heading eastward with a few stops planned along the way. About 90 minutes into our drive, we'll reach Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. We'll start exploring the area from a less crowded spot that gets us close to the ice in the lagoon. Our next destination is Diamond Beach just a few minutes down the road, where ice fragments on the black sand offer an opportunity to capture the waves retreating from the ice. We will depart the area mid-afternoon to head to Berjaya Hotel, where we will be staying for the next two nights.
On Thursday morning, our plan is to leave the hotel early, drive for approximately 30 minutes, and reach Stokksnes headland and Vestrahorn Mountain in time for sunrise (weather permitting). We'll then head back to the hotel for breakfast. The rest of the day will be dedicated to photographing lesser known Skutafoss waterfall and potentially exploring other nearby areas. In the early evening, we'll return to Stokksnes for sunset. If we're fortunate, we might encounter Icelandic horses roaming the area or even inside the Viking village movie set. If we are really lucky, we may be even able to catch some of the late-season Northern Lights in the area.
Friday we will travel back to Vik. Depending on the weather conditions, and we want to do, we will decide on Thursday which place(s) to re-visit on the return trip.
Stokksnes Dunes
Stokksnes Beach with Vestrahorn mountain
Nearby Viking Village Movie Set
Nearby Viking Village Movie Set
Day 7-9
Friday - Sunday (Sunrise ~6:45, ~Sunset 8:00)
We aim to arrive in Vik by mid-afternoon to check into Hotel Katla, located a few minutes outside the center of town, which will serve as our base for exploring the area on the final couple of days of our Icelandic adventure.
From Friday afternoon through Sunday morning, our itinerary includes visits to Seljalandsfoss, Kvernufoss, and Skogafoss, waterfalls, as well as Reynisdrangar black sand beach. Sunday morning, we'll need to depart the area and make our way back to the airport, aiming to arrive by early afternoon for our return flights.
Vik Sunrise
Kvernufoss
Skogafoss Close-up
Seljalandsfoss with Francisco
Cost
The cost for double occupancy is $4800 per person, single room cost is $5600.
To secure your spot on the tour at sign-up, a deposit of $1,000 is required.
See additional details toward the bottom on this page including including terms and conditions, and the registration link.
Included in the price
Arrival and departure services at Keflavik (KEF) airport
Comprehensive transportation throughout the entire journey
Coverage of fuel and parking expenses
Lodging in well-rated hotels (linked in descriptions)
Complimentary internet access at the hotels
Daily breakfast and dinner
Daily preview of the following day's itinerary
Photography guidance services provided by Robert and Francisco
Not included in the price
Air travel arrangements for the journey to and from Keflavik
Lunch and snacks, beverages, including alcoholic drinks
Travel insurance coverage
Mandatory health insurance (potentially included in your comprehensive travel insurance)
Expenses such as cell phone internet access, personal purchases, gratuities not related to the guides and our activities, and any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusive section
Meet your Guides
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Francisco will return to Iceland for a third time in 2025. He found his love for the rugged vast landscapes in 2021 during a week-long trip with Robert.
With a wealth of experience as a seasoned tour guide and educator, Francisco has spent years leading photographers through the diverse terrains of his native Colombia. His knowledge finding unique compositions will ensure you come home with unique and memorable captures of Iceland.
Besides capturing stunning images with his Nikon Z9, Francisco is well versed in iPhone photography and capturing aerial images with his drone. Follow him on Instagram.
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Robert is heading back to Iceland for the seventh time, drawn once more to its amazing landscapes and unique allure.
His continuous return to Iceland is fueled by his unwavering curiosity and the endless opportunities for exploration it offers. Whether leading tours with photographers, friends, or family, Robert ensures a balance between popular attractions and hidden treasures, allowing everyone to enjoy the serene beauty of lesser-known spots away from the crowds.
Equipped with his Canon R5, Robert's photography style embraces simplicity, focusing on capturing the essence of his subjects in his compositions. For more of his photographic journey, follow him on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best practices for dealing with changing weather conditions, and are there specific gear recommendations for photographing in Iceland that time of the year?
Iceand’s diverse landscapes mean varying weather. Here are quick tips and gear suggestions:
Layer Up: Wear layers for temperature changes and bring a waterproof outer layer.
Weather-Resistant Bag: Choose a bag that's weather-resistant to protect your gear.
Lens Protection: Use lens hoods and filters; pack a lens cleaning kit.
Sturdy Tripod: Bring a stable, well-built tripod for varied conditions.
Versatile Lenses: Pack a mix of lenses for different landscapes and lighting.
Camera Rain Cover: Have a rain cover for your camera with accessible controls.
Weather Apps: Stay updated with a reliable weather app for real-time forecasts.
Extra Power and Storage: Carry extra batteries and memory cards for longer shoots.
We will have more detailed recommendations for signed-up participants on our Iceland Insider page.
How many people will be on the tour?
We have a limit of 6 participants for our trip. We've chosen Iceland as our destination because with 6 participants and 2 guides, you'll have ample learning opportunities and the freedom to explore at your own for your unique compositions at the places we visit. Keeping the group small, ensures comfortable travel and flexibility for any unexpected changes, like bad weather or road closures. In order for the trip to move forward as advertised, we'll need a minimum 4 participants.
Why join us?
We're excited to share Iceland's stunning landscapes with you through our passion for landscape photography, and we're eager to revisit our favorite locations with you. With over 30 years of combined landscape photography experience, our goal is to lead a small group tour that not only helps you capture the best compositions at each spot but also encourages independent exploration to express your unique vision.
Photographers of all skill levels are welcome to join us as we create a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, fostering connections and friendships that last. As our adventure fills up, you'll gain access to our exclusive Iceland Insider page, offering practical information and gear recommendations to help you prepare for the trip. We invite you to compare our offerings with other and visit this page to see images taken by our group from our most recent trip.
Will there be changes to the above itinerary?
We retain the right to make adjustments in response to new photographic opportunities, such as observing a volcanic eruption from a safe distance, or if road and/or weather conditions pose safety risks.
I see ice cave photos from your 2023 trip, will we visit an ice cave?
On our last trip, we were able to secure a full-day tour to an ice cave that required extensive hiking on a glacier to access. We're currently looking into the possibility of offering a similar private tour with less hiking to a cave in a different part of Iceland. The tour operators we contacted have asked us to get in touch again towards the end of the year when they finalized their schedule for the Winter 24-25 season. This will be an optional excursion at an extra cost to be determined. We'll keep everyone updated as we get more information.
I see photos from your 2023 trip with Northern Lights. Will we get to see them?
Perhaps. Northern lights make their appearance when the conditions are just right—clear skies, darkness, and strong solar activity are all necessary. On our last trip, they were vary faint, but our cameras were able to pick them up. While Northern lights are often visible in Iceland until as late as April, there's no guarantee. The sun's solar cycle, which typically lasts 10-11 years, likely peaked around 2023-2024, but should still offer good opportunities in 2025. With several hours of complete darkness while we are there, along with clear skies and some active solar flares, there's always the chance of a sighting. On our Iceland Insider page, we'll provide tips for capturing these elusive lights for photographers who've signed up for the trip.
Will there be a lot of hiking, especially through snow and ice?
Most of the sights we plan to photograph will be conveniently close to the parking lots, requiring only a short 5-15 minute walk each way. However, a few times there might be hikes of up to 30 minutes each way to reach specific spots. While Iceland's South Coast generally has milder temperatures compared to the north, we still expect some snow and ice in certain areas, which adds a great element to our photographic compositions. Our insider page will have additional insights on what weather conditions to anticipate and how best to prepare for them.
As US citizens, do we need a Visa to go to Iceland and/or the rest of Europe if we wanted to extend our trip?
Beginning in 2025, US citizens will need an EU Travel Authorization to visit any European Union country. Although this requirement has been postponed in the past, it is now scheduled to take effect in 2025. The application process is simple, can be completed online, and costs only a few dollars. We will keep all our participants informed about the latest entry requirements. Please keep an eye on this website for updates.
If I have any other questions, can I email you?
Yes, reach out to us at anytime.
Robert @ outdoortravelphotography@gmail.com
Francisco @ fgomezphotos@aol.com
How do I sign up, and what else should I know?
First, please read through our policies below. Then, complete the sign-up form to reserve your spot. Since the trip is limited to only six participants, we recommend sending a deposit of $1,000 shortly after signing up. We accept payments via check and Zelle. Payment details will be provided after we receive your registration.
Participant Agreements and Policies
Please take a moment to review and sign the attached PDF documents, covering essential information such as liability waivers, refund policies, payment details, insurance requirements, and privacy policies, and ensure they are returned by February 1st, 2025 for a seamless participation in our Iceland trip. Click on the titles below to open and access the respective documents. Thank you!