Viking sushi boat trip

Considered one of Iceland’s most scenic fjords, Breiðafjörður on the west coast is encircled by mountains and dotted with over 3,000 islands, islets and skerries. This relaxed boat trip is a great way to see the mountains and islands around Stykkishólmur and offers a chance to sample some of the freshest seafood in the country. Spend your time motoring between islands and sea cliffs teeming with nesting birds, feast on Icelandic sushi and learn about local legends and geology along the way. This two- to three-hour boat trip offers a great introduction to the area as well as panoramic views.

The tour begins at the Seatours office in Stykkishólmur port, where the staff can check you in and direct you to your boat. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour departs.

Leaving behind the brightly painted houses of Stykkishólmur, motor out into Breiðafjörður, which is bordered on one side by the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and by the Westfjords on the other. Local legend has it that there are only two things that cannot be counted: the stars in the sky and the number of islands in the bay.

Spend a couple of hours journeying between islands, each of which is home to a variety of birdlife. Over 50 species make their home around the bay and you’re likely to see razorbills, European shags, cormorants, kittiwakes and, during the summer months, puffins. You may even see white-tailed eagles soaring overhead.

The boat can get fairly close to the cliffs to allow you to observe these birds at close quarters. Many of the islands also have interesting rock formations or local legends attached to them, which your captain will relate along the way.

Halfway through your boat journey, the crew drop the fishing nets and trawl the ocean floor. Hauling up the nets, they’ll spread a vividly hued collection of seafood across a table at the back of the boat, and expertly sift through taking out various edible delicacies. They’ll prepare the ‘Viking sushi’ and let you taste it straight from the shell with seasonings of wasabi paste, ginger and soy sauce if you prefer.

The boat has a large open deck as well as an indoor space downstairs in case of bad weather. There is a bar (infrequently manned) in the indoor lounge, which offers complimentary self-service tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

After a couple of hours exploring the bay and soaking up the mountain scenery, return to Stykkishólmur.