Andy Jones
Known to many as 'The Iceland Naturalist', Andy has led wildlife trips to Iceland for more than thirty years and to the Azores for almost as long. Vegetation cover on the Azores is extensive and there are several endemic plants. Iceland’s harsher conditions mean wildlife needs to be tough to survive. We asked him what he finds so special about these seemingly very different destinations.
‘The geology is very similar,’ said Andy. ‘Basalt rocks, formed by volcanoes in the recent geological past, underpins the ecology. The landscapes are agonisingly beautiful and provide a wonderful backdrop for a wildlife trip.’
Andy continued, ‘My favourites? Well, we see lots of cetaceans but for me it’s always the birds that steal the show. The endemic Azores Bullfinch is a speciality but my favourite is Cory’s Shearwater. In Iceland I’ve so many — Great Northern Divers, Harlequins and Barrow’s Goldeneyes but my heart invariably misses a beat when a Gyrfalcon appears!’
Andy was a warden on Skomer Island, a ranger with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the RSPB's senior investigations officer and a Wildlife Trust director. He studied geology and is an enthusiastic field naturalist.
Follow this Guide
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NEW! South-East Iceland - birding, volcanoes and glaciers
- 22 May - 29 May 2021
A gentle tour of geology and birdlife in SE Iceland
Prices from £2995 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Iceland in Summer
- 19 Jul - 26 Jul 2021
Birds, cetaceans and geology - 'Complete Iceland'!
Prices from £2995 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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A lovely blend of birds, whales, plants and geology amidst incredible coastal scenery.
Prices from £2595 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Iceland in Summer
- 04 Jul - 11 Jul 2022
Birds, cetaceans and geology - 'Complete Iceland'!
Price TBC. Deposit £500
Duration: 8 Days
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Birds, whales, plants and geology amidst incredible coastal scenery
Price TBC. Deposit £0
Duration: 8 Days
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Iceland Birds, Orcas and Borealis
- 23 Feb - 26 Feb 2023
A short-break to Iceland, featuring Birds, marine mammals, geology and the Aurora Borealis.
Price TBC. Deposit £0
Duration: 8 Days
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Iceland in Summer
- 17 Jul - 24 Jul 2023
Birds, cetaceans and geology - 'Complete Iceland'!
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Duration: 8 Days
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A lovely blend of birds, whales, plants and geology amidst incredible coastal scenery.
Price TBC. Deposit £0
Duration: 8 Days
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Iceland in Summer
- 08 Jul - 15 Jul 2024
Birds, cetaceans and geology - 'Complete Iceland'!
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Duration: 8 Days
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Birds, whales, plants and geology amidst incredible coastal scenery
Price TBC. Deposit £0
Duration: 8 Days
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Iceland Birds, Orcas and Borealis
- 27 Feb - 02 Mar 2025
A short-break to Iceland, featuring Birds, marine mammals, geology and the Aurora Borealis.
Price TBC. Deposit £0
Duration: 8 Days
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NEW! South-East Iceland - birding, volcanoes and glaciers
- 24 May - 31 May 2025
A gentle tour of geology and birdlife in SE Iceland
Price TBC. Deposit £0
Duration: 8 Days
-
Iceland in Summer
- 14 Jul - 21 Jul 2025
Birds, cetaceans and geology - 'Complete Iceland'!
Price TBC. Deposit £0
Duration: 8 Days
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A lovely blend of birds, whales, plants and geology amidst incredible coastal scenery.
Price TBC. Deposit £0
Duration: 8 Days