A privately chartered boat to Drangey — a sheer-walled volcanic island rising 180 metres from Skagafjörður — delivers nesting puffins, guillemots, and the eerie wilderness of one of Iceland's most legendary outlaw hideouts. Utterly inaccessible except by sea.
What to expect
The boat crosses the glassy fjord with the snow-streaked Tindastóll mountains as backdrop, arriving at Drangey's only landing point — a series of iron ladders bolted into the cliff face. Your certified island guide leads you up and across the plateau, where Atlantic puffins nest within arm's reach and gannets wheel overhead. The guide narrates the saga of Grettir the Strong, who lived as a fugitive on Drangey for three winters in the 11th century. Eider duck colonies carpet the south cliffs; on calm days, seals haul out on the rocks below. The return crossing often yields sightings of harbour porpoise.
Good to know
Drangey Tours departs from Galtarós, ~20 min from the port by private car. Tours run late May–August (weather permitting); advance booking essential as the island has limited daily visitor numbers. The cliff ladders require reasonable mobility — not suitable for those with vertigo or limited agility. Wear windproof layers; conditions on the plateau are exposed. Allow 4–5 hours total.