Important Information

Our Polar & Antarctic expeditions are subject to special payment terms and cancellation penalties, see below for more details:

• a non-refundable and non-transferable 25% deposit is required to secure your space, with final payment due 160 days prior to departure.
• up to 160 days before departure, we will retain the 25% deposit as a cancellation fee. If you have paid more than our minimum deposit and require a refund, we will retain the minimum deposit and refund the balance.
• between 159 and 90 days before departure, we will retain 75% of your full invoiced amount as a cancellation fee, and we will offer a 25% credit for future travel.
• under 89 days, we will retain the full invoiced amount of your booking as a cancellation fee.

Any credit resulting from a cancellation under clause 7 of our booking conditions (Cancellation by You) has an expiry date of two years from the date of the original cancellation and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by us. This credit is not transferable or redeemable for cash, and excludes flights as they will have their own booking conditions.

If full payment is not received 160 days prior to departure, Out Adventures reserves the right to cancel your booking based on the above cancellation terms.

ICELAND VISA: A visa is not typically required for American, Australian, British, and Canadian citizens travelling to Iceland for fewer than 90 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.

CULTURE SHOCK: Tourism in Iceland is well-developed enough to afford many of the luxuries of home. Nearly everyone speaks English, and locals are very outgoing and friendly.

LOCAL LGBTQ+ SCENE: While the scene is small and centred around Reykjavík, being LGBTQ+ in Iceland is a complete non-issue (they’ve already had a lesbian prime minister).

WEATHER: Summer in Iceland is pleasant but chilly. Daytime highs average in the low 60s°F (15°C), with evening temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C). Rain is always a possibility, so bring along an umbrella for the city and layers to keep you warm. You will be provided with an official Quark Expeditions parka to keep.

REQUIRED VACCINATIONS: Routine vaccines are recommended. Consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice on any additional vaccinations or health precautions before traveling to Iceland.

ELECTRICITY: The electrical supply on board the Ultramarine is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Passengers coming from the USA and Canada may need to bring a small 220v/110v converter. Before you purchase a converter, check your electronics, as most modern cameras, computers, smartphones, and devices are already compatible with 220/110 volts.

The electrical outlets in your cabin and around the ship accept standard European two-round pin plugs, so you may need to bring a travel adapter. You’ll also find a USB outlet at each bedside and some in the public presentation spaces.

Required adaptor for the Ultramarine: https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/us/denmark/
Required adaptor for Iceland: https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/iceland/
Hair dryers are included in each cabin.

CONNECTIVITY: Our hotel offers Wi-Fi. During the cruise, basic Wi-Fi is included, suitable only for email or texting apps. You can purchase ship-to-shore satellite communications and Wi-fi access on board. Pricing will be provided with your final trip documents. Connectivity while on the ship can be very sporadic.

We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, and it is our belief that each traveller has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from illness. Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, nor to isolate in the event of respiratory illness. Our Hosts and/or Group Leaders may ask those with respiratory or cold symptoms to wear a mask in confined areas. Local laws may be more strict and will always supersede our policies.

The Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, and features spacious suites, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships of its size, complemented by an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.

Out Adventures will be our own group of folks within a larger non-LGBTQ/mixed crowd. The ship holds up to 199 passengers.

Waters near Iceland in August can be rough, despite being summer, as conditions can be unpredictable and vary by year. We highly recommend that you discuss seasickness preventatives with your physician prior to the trip. If you are sensitive to noise, you should bring earplugs (especially if sharing a cabin).

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded folks. Whether we’re sitting around a campfire or indulging in five-star decadence, our goal is to make the experience magical. We also support the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations whenever possible, and seeking out authentic local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Breakfast daily, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.

Onboard snacks, soft drinks and juices, beer, standard wines and spirits, and cocktails are also included during dinner and bar service hours, pre-dinner, and evenings. Coffee, tea, and cocoa are available around the clock.

Arrival and departure transfers are not included on this tour due to the extreme costs of transportation in Iceland. Detailed transportation information will be provided in your final Trip Documents.

The starting point hotel in Reykjavik will be confirmed in the trip confirmation email approximately 10-11 months prior to departure. Standard check-in time is typically at 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check-ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.

The Ultramarine is scheduled to arrive in Reykjavik between 7 AM and 8 AM local time. After breakfast, and once the ship has docked, you will have time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour. After disembarkation, you will transfer to a central downtown location. More details will be sent with the trip confirmation email.

Please do not book your departing flight before receiving the official trip confirmation email – which will be sent approximately 11 months before departure.

All gratuities for included activities and meals are included on this tour; however, gratuities for the Ultramarine ship are not. If you’re pleased with your expedition and ship crew, we recommend budgeting between $380 – $450 US per guest for a gratuity. This can be paid in cash, or by credit card on board. More details will be provided in your final trip documents.

The local currency is the Icelandic Krona. We recommend carrying local currency for small purchases, but credit cards are accepted on the Ultramarine, and at most restaurants and hotels. 

NOTE: We recommend carrying approximately $200 USD to be used in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold. This should be in addition to any spending money.

Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. The following packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Out Adventures specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring.

Travel Documents

• Passport
• Flight itineraries
• Pre-trip packet
• Travel insurance confirmation including 24-hr emergency collect phone number
• Out Adventures invoice
• Photocopies or an email with photos of important documents such as credit cards/passport/drivers license (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well)
• Credit/ATM cards & cash

General Personal Items

• Smartphone/camera/tablet/charging cords
• Power Plug adapter (http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/iceland/) – The electrical outlets in your cabin and around the ship accept standard European two-round pin plugs, so you may need to bring a travel adapter. You’ll also find a USB outlet at each bedside and some in the public presentation spaces.
• Eye mask
• Earplugs
• Refillable water bottle (water refilling will be available on the Ultramarine)
• Luggage lock
• Guidebook/phrasebook/reading material
• Sunglasses
• Small travel umbrella
• Sun protection/hat

Shoes

• Socks (Normal and Thermal)
• Worn in hiking boots/shoes (NOTE: You will receive waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings, though you may wish to wear your own footwear during town and city visits)
• Comfortable non-slip closed-toed unheeled shoes for onboard (NOTE: Flip flops, sandals, or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
• Shoes you’d be comfortable wearing in a restaurant

Bottoms

• Pants/Jeans
• Good quality waterproof pants (MANDATORY for every zodiac ride)
• Shorts (for optional polar plunge and onboard sauna)
• Swimwear
• Pants you’d be comfortable wearing in a restaurant

Tops

• Short-sleeved shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Sweaters/fleece
• Jacket for cool mornings and evenings
• Lightweight waterproof jacket for warmer days when the parka is not suitable
• Collared shirts or polos you’d be comfortable wearing in a restaurant
• PLEASE NOTE: A Quark Expeditions parka will be included on the Ultramarine.

Other

• Polar weather accessories: Gloves, Scarf, neck warmer or balaclava, warm hat that covers ears,waterproof gloves and glove liners
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on rainy or windy days)

Health-related Items

• Face masks/hand sanitizer gel/sanitizing wipes
• Small First aid kit including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cold/flu tablets, diarrhea tablets, and rehydration packs
• Personal Medication in original bottles 
• High protection sunscreen/lip balm
• Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant
• Antibacterial gel/wipes

Medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must include medical coverage of US$50,000. Due to the remote nature of expedition travel, we recommend emergency repatriation/evacuation coverage of no less than US$250,000.

Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage.

All Out Adventures are led by an LGBTQ+ (or LGBTQ-welcoming) host. On this trip, we’ll also have a variety of crew and naturalists who will enhance our experience.

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meetups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a cabin with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room.

PLEASE NOTE: On this expedition, we will be sharing the Ultramarine ship with other non-LGBTQ/mixed travellers outside of our Out Adventures group. If there is an odd number of solo travellers without a single supplement, there is a chance you could be paired with a guest outside of our group.

We love when groups of friends join us on an OUT Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

• Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
• Mix up walking partners on excursions
• Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
• Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret 😉

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

This tour is rated 3/5 and is not suitable for those with limited mobility (guests must be able to get in and out of zodiacs and navigate stairs on the ship).

All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 – Relaxing

• Very little or no hiking
• Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Low altitude
• Suitable for all fitness levels

2 – Light

• Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
• Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

• Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
• Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
• Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

• Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
• Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
• Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

• Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
• Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
• Suitable for above average fitness level

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.