Volcanic fires and moving tectonic plates have shaped Iceland’s landscape, and the water around the country is full of glaciers, icebergs, and whales. A yearly event above the Earth called the northern lights (or aurora borealis) can also be seen brilliantly there.
Due to feedback from experts and travelers, U.S. News has decided that the following tours of Iceland are the best ways to see everything this amazing place has to offer. All of these tours are led by highly knowledgeable individuals who are excited to share their knowledge about the unique features of their country.
This small-group trip takes you from the Jokulsárlón glacier lagoon to the edge of the huge Vatnajokull glacier in a rough car. From there, you’ll hike to an ice cave. You can see the result of calving, the process by which icebergs break off of glaciers, on the walk with up to 14 other people. Visitors often say nice things about the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides.
From October to the middle of April, trips leave from the lake every day at 9:40 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. The tours last for two to three hours. Adult tickets cost about $187.65, which includes transportation to and from the cave and the use of safety gear. Tickets for kids ages 6 to 15 cost about $140.74. Even though the trail to the cave is marked as easy, kids younger than 6 are not allowed to go on this trip. Arctic Adventures offers a range of tours through ice caves, hikes on glaciers, and other activities.
- Price: Adults from about $188; kids from around $141
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
2. Reykjavik Sailors – Whale Watching
While April to October is considered peak season for whale watching off Iceland’s coast, humpback, minke, and orca whales, as well as porpoises and dolphins, inhabit the waters all year. Reykjavik Sailors, located on Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, offers whale-watching boat trips throughout the year starting at 1 p.m. with additional 9 a.m. departures from March through mid-November and 5 p.m. departures from mid-May through September. Tourgoers report spotting ample wildlife and appreciate that the guides take the time to point out and identify the various sea creatures.
Trips generally last from three to 3.5 hours. Tickets cost approximately 11,990 króna (about $88) for adults and 5,995 króna (about $44) for children 7 to 15. (Kids 6 and younger can tag along for free.) Transportation from area hotels is available for an additional fee. Snacks and beverages are available aboard the boat, which features outdoor viewing platforms as well as heated indoor space. Reykjavik Sailors also operates tours of the northern lights, among other options.
- Price: Adults from 11,990 króna (about $88); kids from 5,995 króna (about $44)
- Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours
3. NiceTravel – Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Kerid Volcano
This day-long trip takes you to the most famous places in the Golden Circle, such as Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss, as well as a volcanic crater and a beautiful lake. Geologically and historically, the park is important because it sits on a fault line between two tectonic plates and was the site of a Viking government that ruled for hundreds of years beginning in 930 AD. Geysir, a hot spring that sends clouds of steam into the air; Gullfoss, also known as the “Golden Waterfall” because of the way the water falls more than 100 feet into a narrow canyon; Kerid, a colorful red-earth volcanic crater; and a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon’s warm waters. People who go on tours always say that the scenery is beautiful and that the guides are friendly and knowledgeable.
Every day of the year, tours happen. Pickups happen in different parts of Reykjavik between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., and taxis come back to the city around 8 p.m. Prices start at about 16,900 króna ($124) for adults and 14,900 króna ($110) for kids ages 5 to 15. This price gets you into all the activities but not lunch or bathing suits.
- Price: Adults from 16,900 króna (about $124); kids from 14,900 króna
- Duration: 11 hours
4. Ice Lagoon Adventure Tours – Zodiac Boat Tour
On this trip, you will use an inflatable rigid boat to explore the Jokulsárlón glacier lagoon. This lagoon is part of Vatnajokull National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Europe’s biggest glacier. You might see wildlife like seals and different kinds of birds, as well as icebergs and the glacier wall. People who have been on tours always say that the guides are passionate and knowledgeable, and they say that there are lots of photo chances.
There are several trips a day, every day from May to October. They leave in the morning and the afternoon. The tour lasts for about an hour and a half, which includes getting from the check-in area to the dock and spending at least an hour on the boat. Tickets for adults cost about 13,900 króna, which is about $102, and kids ages 6 to 14 can get in for about 8,500 króna, which is about $63. Kids must be at least 6 years old to ride. It is about 236 miles from Reykjavik to the park with the lagoon, which is in the southeast of the country. Ice Lagoon Adventure Tours also does trips just for you.
- Price: Adults from 13,900 Icelandic króna (about $102); kids from 8,500 króna (about $63)
- Duration: 75 minutes
5. Your Friend in Reykjavik – Walk With a Viking
Take this two-hour walking tour of the center of Reykjavik to see the sights. Some of the most interesting places in Reykjavik are the first Viking house, Hallgrímskirkja church, the Parliament building, and the port. People on tours say that this walk is a great way to get to know the city, and they always say that the guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager.
Up to 12 people can leave from Ingólfur Square every day at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $42 for adults and $25 for kids ages 7 to 15. (6 and younger kids don’t have to pay.) Your Friend in Reykjavik also does special tours of the city on foot.
- Price: Adults from $42; kids from $25
- Duration: 2 hours
6. South Coast Waterfalls, Glacier & Black Sand Beach Tour
This full-day trip lets you see the southern side of Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and other interesting features. The best parts are Skógafoss, a waterfall that drops almost 200 feet next to the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, and Seljalandsfoss, a slightly taller waterfall. Other great parts are Reynisfjara, a beach on the North Atlantic Ocean with black volcanic sand and basalt columns, a lunch stop in the fishing village of Vik, and Sólheimajokull glacier. People who go on tours always say that the view is amazing and the guides are very helpful.
Prices start at about 10,493 króna ($107) for adults, 13,990 króna ($103) for teens and young people (12–15), and 6,995 króna ($52) for kids 2–11. For an extra fee, you can get transportation from different places in Reykjavik. Pickups happen between 8 and 8:30 a.m., and the whole bus trip takes about 10 hours. Vik’s prices don’t cover any food or drinks. Note: You have to walk on uneven ground to get to the ice. Bus Travel Iceland also has trips that go to the Northern Lights, the Golden Circle, and other places.
7. Troll Expeditions – Snorkeling in Silfra
The only place on this trip where you can snorkel between tectonic plates is at this site. The Silfra fissure is in Thingvellir National Park, which is about 30 miles northeast of Reykjavik. It is in the area where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates have slowly pushed apart. Its water comes from the Langjokull glacier melting, and it is so clean that you can see about 330 feet into it. People who snorkel love the unique experience and the professional, caring hosts.
Snorkeling trips leave at least twice a day, all year long. The earliest tour leaves at 8 a.m. and the latest at 4 p.m., based on the season. Prices start at about 21,900 króna, which is about $162. This price includes all the snorkeling gear you need and shots taken underwater. A tour with lessons on how to swim lasts about three hours, and you spend about fifty minutes in the water. Groups can only have six people, and people in them must be at least 12 years old and no more than 69 years old. Travelers should know that people aged 60 to 69 need a note from their doctor saying they can take part. The tour is not open to people who can’t swim or who are pregnant. There are also weight limits for this trip. Troll Expeditions also organizes guided hikes on glaciers, day trips, and longer trips to the South Coast, the Ring Road, and other places around the country.
- Price: From 21,900 króna (about $162)
- Duration: 3 hours
8. Wake Up Reykjavik – Reykjavik Food Tour
This three-hour walking tour of downtown Reykjavik lets you try a variety of Icelandic foods. As well as ice cream and street food, you can try eight classic dishes, such as fish and grass-fed lamb. (Vegetarians and people with allergies or other food needs can usually get what they need.) Take a walk between stops and see interesting places like the Parliament building and city hall. People who like food usually like how friendly the guides are and how much they know about both food and history.
Every day from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., tours begin outside the Harpa music hall. Prices start at about 15,900 króna ($118) for adults and 9,990 króna ($77) for kids ages 4 to 12. Get up There are also day trips from Reykjavik to the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and other places.
- Price: Adults from 15,900 króna (about $118); kids from 9,990 króna (about $77)
- Duration: 3 hours
9. ĺshestar – Lava Tour
On this two-hour small-group horseback tour, you’ll see the green hills and lava fields outside of Reykjavik. A lot of travelers say that riding an Icelandic horse is a great experience, and they really like how skilled the staff is who lead the tour.
Every day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., rides leave. Adults pay 15,900 króna, which is about $117, and kids ages 7 to 15 pay 11,925 króna, which is about $87. It costs money to use helmets and boots and to get coffee, tea, or hot chocolate after the ride. For an extra fee, you can get a ride from Reykjavik to the tour starting an hour before the tour. There can only be 20 people in a group, and they all have to be at least 7 years old and weigh less than 240 pounds. You don’t need to have ridden horses before. There are also private trips and longer, multiday trail rides that you can go on.
- Price: Adults from 15,900 króna (about $117); kids from 11,925 króna (about $87)
- Duration: 2 hours
10. GeoIceland – Premium Golden Circle Tour
On this full-day tour, you’ll see the gap between two tectonic plates, the strong waterfall, the geothermal area that makes up Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, and more. Thingvellir National Park has high rocks in the Rift Valley, the rainbow-filled Gullfoss waterfall, and the hot spring Geysir. This tour also stops at a tomato farm and the Kerid volcanic crater. Tour-goers often say that the best parts of this trip were both the beautiful scenery and the friendly, funny hosts.
Every day at 9 a.m., buses leave from the Aurora Reykjavik Museum and come back about nine hours later. Prices start at about 18,900 króna ($140) for adults and 14,900 króna ($110) for kids ages 3 to 12. These prices cover all activities but not lunch at the tomato farm’s restaurant. GeoIceland also has tours that leave from other towns in Iceland, like Akureyri and the area around Lake Mývatn.
- Price: Adults from 18,900 króna (about $140); kids from 14,900 króna (about $110)
- Duration: 9 hours
FAQ’s
Q1. What makes Iceland a prime destination for tours?
Iceland is famous for its wide range of natural beauty, such as its gorgeous waterfalls, mesmerizing landscapes, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Tours are a planned way to see these amazing sights.
Q2. What are the key attractions covered in these tours?
The tours go to many interesting places, such as the beautiful Northern Lights, famous waterfalls like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss, geysers, glaciers, black sand beaches, and other natural wonders.
Q3. How do I choose the right tour for me?
Think about what you like and what you're interested in. For example, you might want to focus on the Northern Lights, waterfalls, mountains, or a mix of these. Read tour schedules, reviews, and scores to make sure the experience meets your needs.
