Iceland is a well-known tourist destination for adventurous trips and its spectacular landscapes such as the many waterfalls and breathtaking canyons in particular. These days you can even go on a helicopter ride over the Fagradalsfjall volcano, but even before its eruption happened Iceland was incredible popular for its whale watching tours and glacier rides.
Iceland is such an amazing country to explore and it’s one of those countries that I simply keep on going back to. So far I’ve visited Iceland during the Winter season and last year we went on an adventurous Summer road trip through the Icelandic Highlands. During these trips I’ve pretty much done and seen it all. From going on a whale watching trip to exploring an ice cave and walking on a glacier. If you love being outdoors then you’ll have an amazing time exploring Iceland!
Now, public transportation is rather limited in Iceland and all of the attractions are pretty much spread out. So you can either opt for a self-driving holiday or you can join one of the many tours. And there are a lot of them!
That’s why in this blog post I’ve listed my personal 12 favorites taking into account which ones are the best deals and some truly unique experiences!
In this article, you will first find a comparison table, which shows you the price, duration, and average review score for each activity. Below the comparison table, you will find a detailed description with photos for each individual activity as well as the link to the booking site so that you can easily navigate to book the tour that you find most exciting! Hope you enjoy the article.
12 Best Tours In Iceland
Best Tours In Iceland Comparison Table
12 Best Tours In Iceland
1. Reykjavik: Shuttle Bus Transfer to/from Keflavik Airport
When you’re staying in Reykjavik you’ll have to arrange some transport to the capital one way or another. The airport in Keflavik is about 45 minutes driving from Reykjavik and taking one of the taxi’s waiting for you at the airport is a big no no! They overcharge like crazy and you’ll be out nearly €200 even before your adventure has actually started.
With this shared shuttle bus you don’t need to worry about anything. You’ll be dropped off in the heart of Reykjavik and on the way you can relax in a comfortable bus and enjoy the free Wi-Fi.
You are always guaranteed a seat and there’s a new bus ever 30 to 45 minutes after every arriving flight.
If you want you can also arrange a pick-up from your hotel when going back to the airport. If the big bus doesn’t have access to your hotel you’ll be picked up by a small van which will drop you off at the bus station.
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
2. Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik
If you’re visiting Iceland during the Winter you’re in luck! Cause that means you’ll have the chance to spot the Northern Lights. But it’s not as easy as it sounds cause you’ll never know exactly where they will be.
We did a 2 week self-drive tour around Iceland and didn’t see them once. So your best bet is to join a tour with a professional guide who knows where to go.
Make sure to bring your camera and a tripod if you want to photograph the Northern Lights and otherwis you can simply enjoy this stunning phenomenon!
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
3. Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Kerid Crater
The Golden Circle is one of those must visit places, especially if it’s your first time in Iceland! It’s only 1 hour driving from Reykjavik which makes it the ideal day trip and this tour covers all of the highlights!
You’ll visit the Kerid Crater where you can walk around an actual crater and admire the icy blue water. Then be prepared to get blown away by the force of Gullfoss, one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland. Especialy when it comes to strength and impressiveness this waterfall is a must visit.
You’ll also make a stop at the famous Geysir which spews hot water into the air every 10 minutes and go for a walk in Thingvellir Park.
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
4. From Reykjavik: Day Trip South Iceland
With this tour in Iceland you’ll visit the best and most beautiful places in the South. You’ll leave from Reykjavik in the early morning and you’ll drive a big part of the world famous ring road.
The places in the South that you’ll visit aren’t too far away from each other so after the first big chunk of driving you won’t spend all too much time in the vehicle!
During this tour you’ll visit the majestic Skogafoss, one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland, and Seljalandsfoss! The last one is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland because you can also completely walk behind it! Make sure to bring a rain jacket or a rain poncho on this tour and a waterproof bag if you’re bringing your camera. You’re bound to get drenched if you’re walking around Seljalandsfoss.
Another popular destination on this trip is the black sand beach of Reynjisfara. It’s specifically known for it’s basalt colums and a favorite spot of many people to take some fun photos. The wind up here can be brutal so make sure to dress warm! Also, this is not a beach where you can go swimming! There are sneaker waves which are very dangerous cause they pull you under completely in the ice cold water. A lot of people have already drowned here cause they chose to ignore the warning.
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
5. Reykjavik: Northern Lights Luxury Yacht Tour
One of the best and most unique ways to watch the Northern Lights is from a luxury yacht which departs from Reykjavik.
There are 3 panoramic platforms from where you can admire them and in the meantime you can relax in the lounge and bar below deck.
This tour will consist of small groups of people and even if it’s ariny or windy you can still stay on the viewing platforms which are partially covered.
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
6. Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Hike
Skaftafell National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland and this tour will bring you to the heart of it!
With this tour in Iceland you’ll visit a crystal blue ice cave but you’ll also walk over a glacier, which is a truly unique experience.
On top of that you’ll also explore the national park of Skaftafell which holds the stunning waterfall of Svartifoss!
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
7. Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Another fun tour option in Iceland is to explore a crystal ice cave near the Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. And yes, this is the most famous glacier lagoon in all of Iceland.
A certified glacier guide will accompany you on this crystal blue adventure and you don’t need to worry about any gear. They’ll make sure that you’re properly equipped so it’s safe for you to explore the crystal blue ice cave.
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
8. Reykjavík: Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike and Blue Lagoon
The perfect day tour in Iceland if you want to combine an adventurous activity with some relaxation!
The Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted at the start of 2021 and has remained active ever since. One of the most awesome tour packages include a visit to its eruption site!
This tour is currently also at a 10% discount!
You’ll start the day with an epic hike to the Fagradallsfjall volcano and afterwards it’s time to relax in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Here you can soak for a while and even have a drink at their floating bar or pamper yourself with one of the many face masks.
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
9. Reykjavík: Whale Watching from a Luxury Yacht
There are several places in Iceland where you can join a whale watching tour but a lot of them take place in the Northern part of Iceland. When I was planning my own road trip to Iceland I didn’t want to plan ahead too much cause you never know what the weather will be like!
So I booked us a whale watching tour from Reykjavik the day after we arrived. It was the perfect way to start our adventure and we even saw a whale jumping out of the water! Unfortunately I was just a second too late to capture it but the sight of it alone was completely insane.
There are a ton of companies that offer whale watching tours from Reykjavik but I prefer being on a smaller boat with less people. On this yacht there are still 3 separate viewing platforms but there’s a lot less people compared to the bigger ships going out. This way you won’t have to cram to find a spot and you’re guaranteed a good viewing spot!
There’s free WiFi on board of the yacht and they also provide warm blankets and seasick tablets if anyone would need them.
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
10. Snorkling in Silfra Fissure – Small Group Adventure
One of the coolest tours in Iceland is one where you’ll swim between two tectonic plates. The Silfra fissure is ranked as one of the top 10 diving locations in the world. Here you’ll swim above the border of the North American and Eurasian intercontinental tectonic plates.
You’ll have a clear vision of over 100 meter deep and while the water is too cold to sustain any form of sea life it is an amazing experience!
You’ll be provided with all of the necessary equipment and after this chilly adventure you’ll return to the warmth of your bus and head back to Reykjavik.
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
11. Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour
The horses of Iceland are the original Viking horses and one of the purest horse breeds in the world. The breed has been isolated on the rugged island in the North-Atlantic since the settlement, or over 1000 years ago, without any genetic input from other breeds.
During this tour in Iceland you’ll be able to meet a new fury friend in the South of Iceland. You’ll be going on a 5 to 7 kilometer ride and you’ll accompanied by a professional guide.
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
12. Reykjavik: Helicopter Tour & Summit Landing
One of the most unique tours that you can do in Iceland is to go on a helicopter tour to admire this wonderful country from high in the sky.
During this flight you’ll above the capital Reykjavik and land on top of a mountain top which offers a panoramic view like no other!
Click Here to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.
Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings.
Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice.
She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay.
Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.
