Port call · ICELAND SHORE EXCURSIONS

The 15 Iceland Shore Excursions That Earn Their Price

23 tours  ·  from $64 a head

Every cruise has one call too few. These 15 iceland shore excursions justify the day, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the balcony.

Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port - Goðafoss, the waterfall that starts the day
Akureyri Shore Excursions, Iceland Shore Excursions, National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

1.Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 473 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $205Our pick

From Akureyri’s cruise pier, a guide takes you to Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn in about six hours. You’ll see steam vents at Námaskarð, Dimmuborgir’s lava towers, Grjótagjá cave, and the Mývatn Nature Baths. Bath admission costs extra and must be booked in advance. Compact minibus groups hold up to 19 people.

“Small bus. Holds 16 cramped. Bus felt unsafe…rear of bus needs to be checked Driver was entertaining but full of himself. Tour was supposed to be 5 1/2- 6 hours but lasted 7 hours…we were exhausted at end No WiFi on bus which was upsetting”

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Reykjavik: Small Group Golden Circle from Cruise Terminal - Þingvellir: tectonic plates and Iceland’s first parliament
Iceland Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Small Group Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews

Reykjavik: Small Group Golden Circle from Cruise Terminal

2.Small Group Golden Circle from Cruise Terminal

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 293 reviews · 6.5 hours · from $166

Join Nordur Travel for a 6.5-hour Golden Circle trip from Reykjavik’s Miðbakki, Skarfabakki, or Faxagarður cruise terminals. You’ll visit Þingvellir, Öxarárfoss, Geysir, and Gullfoss with an English- or German-speaking guide. Guides such as Diego, Laura, Emilia, and Michaela have earned praise for clear commentary and flexible help with cruise schedules.

“In the tight timeline we had, our guide managed the time well and got us back to the ship in good time. We saw all the major highlights and despite the cold, windy rain it was a good time.”

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From Akureyri: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Cruise Ship Day-Trip - Goðafoss: a dramatic first stop
Akureyri Shore Excursions, Iceland Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews

From Akureyri: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Cruise Ship Day-Trip

3.Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Cruise Ship Day-Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 269 reviews · 6 hours · from $182

This six-hour Akureyri shore excursion follows Eyjafjörður to Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir, Námaskarð, and Grjótagjá. You travel in an 11 to 19-seat minibus with an English-speaking local guide. The Mývatn Nature Baths are optional and cost extra, while non-bathers visit Grjótagjá or nearby lava fields.

“A wonderful day touring out of Akureyri. Small group tour is the way to go. Our guide Johannes was exceptional. He timed stopping at all of the tour points to arrive ahead of the large bus tours to beat the crowds. If you have a short time in Akureyri this is the tour to take. Unfortunately our cruise schedule was a bit off with a 6:00 AM arrival and departure at 3:00 PM. The thermal baths at Lake Mývatn did not open until noon leaving not enough time to enjoy them. Not the fault of the tour operator. Many tour operators tried to arrange for an earlier opening but were…”

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Akureyri: Whale Watching Shore Excursions - What you are likely to see
Akureyri Shore Excursions, Iceland Shore Excursions, Safari & Wildlife Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Akureyri: Whale Watching Shore Excursions

4.Whale Watching Shore Excursions

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 250 reviews · from $100

Sail from Akureyri into Eyjafjörður on a fast catamaran in search of humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Guides such as Massimiliano and Dominique explain whale behavior and local waters. Warm coveralls, heated seating, Wi-Fi, a café, and a second-chance ticket help make this a comfortable 2.5-hour outing.

“Our tour guide and crew were amazing. Their skill and knowledge of the fjords allowed us many opportunities to see whales very close up! We were educated on whale behaviors and general history of the area. The view was breathtaking. The boat accommodations were also very good. They even offer full weather suit to keep you warm, if you would like. Very much would recommend again!”

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From Seydisfjordur: Studlagil Canyon Shore Excursion - The 110-minute coach ride from Seydisfjordur
Iceland Shore Excursions, National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Seydisfjordur: Studlagil Canyon Shore Excursion

5.From Seydisfjordur: Studlagil Canyon Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 247 reviews · 5 hours · from $213

Meet your English-speaking guide at Seydisfjordur cruise port for a five-hour bus trip to Studlagil Canyon and Gufufoss. Expect long scenic drives, basalt columns, turquoise glacial water, and more than 200 steps at the canyon. Guides such as Petra, Eva, and Perla are praised for lively local stories.

“It was a really great trip and we've seen a lot of the beautiful nature of iceland. The bus hast been droven very well so we felt safe and comfortable the whole time. Our guide Kjartan did a great job so we got to know many interestimg things about iceland. He was very friendly, patient (especially with the moods of our three-years-old child), funny and flexible. His english was fine. Due to him we can take wonderful memories with us. Thank you! We recommend this trip to everybody! The only negative point ist the price. ;-)”

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German-Speaking Golden Circle Small Group Tour from Reykjavík - Shore Excursion - Leaving Reykjavík through Hveragerði
Iceland Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Small Group Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

German-Speaking Golden Circle Small Group Tour from Reykjavík – Shore Excursion

6.German-Speaking Golden Circle Small Group Tour from Reykjavík – Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 216 reviews · 8 hours · from $182

Join a German-speaking guide such as Andy or Petra for an 8 to 9-hour Golden Circle shore trip from Reykjavík. A group of up to 19 visits Kerið crater, Gullfoss, Strokkur, a cow farm, Laugarvatn, and Þingvellir, with a possible Hallgrímskirkja stop if your ship schedule allows.

“Tolles Programm für einen Tag Island. Tour in kleinen Gruppen. Petra ist ein toller Guide, weiß alles über Island und geht super auf die Gruppe ein, z.b wenn Kinder dabei sind.”

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From Reykjavik Port: Golden Circle Shore Excursion - Port pickup designed around your cruise
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From Reykjavik Port: Golden Circle Shore Excursion

7.Golden Circle Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 84 reviews · 7 hours · from $200

Join GeoIceland for a 6 to 8 hour Golden Circle shore excursion timed to your cruise arrival. Visit Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir with an English-speaking local guide, plus possible stops for horses, ice cream, a geothermal beach, or a tomato farm. Port pickup, WiFi, and return at least one hour before sailing are included.

“Absolutely fantastic tour with a brilliant guide. Plenty of stop offs and kept children and adults all interested. Would recommend to anyone.”

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Myvatn Nature Baths & Goðafoss Waterfall Akureyri Shore Excursion - Goðafoss: 45 minutes at the Waterfall of the Gods
Akureyri Shore Excursions, Iceland Shore Excursions, National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Myvatn Nature Baths & Goðafoss Waterfall Akureyri Shore Excursion

8.Myvatn Nature Baths & Goðafoss Waterfall Akureyri Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 75 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $248

From Akureyri, you’ll visit Goðafoss, pause above Lake Mývatn’s volcanic scenery, and spend about two hours at Mývatn Nature Baths. Guides such as Niko, Petra, Victoria, and Nicole add local stories, while cruise-friendly scheduling aims to return you to port on time. Bring a swimsuit and towel, and confirm the pickup point carefully.

“The Nature Bath was beautiful but the place where you change well I am not one to take my clothes off in front of alot of people and walk around naked but there are no stalls to change so if your not comfortable with this do not take this tour”

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Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise - Dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and seabirds
Iceland Shore Excursions, Safari & Wildlife Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise

9.Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 61 reviews · 3 hours 50 minutes (approx.) · from $108

You’ll leave Skarfabakki Harbour for a 3 to 4-hour search around Faxaflói Bay, guided by marine-life experts such as Dominiki. Look for minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises from outdoor decks or heated indoor viewing areas. Thermal overalls, WiFi, seasickness tablets, and a free return ticket if no wildlife appears are included.

“We had a great time. The boat was nice, the tour guide was a very knowledgeable biologist and we were able to see some whales up close!”

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Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shared Shore Excursions - Goðafoss: a powerful first stop
Akureyri Shore Excursions, Iceland Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shared Shore Excursions

10.Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shared Shore Excursions

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 57 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $200

Spend 6 to 7 hours touring North Iceland from Akureyri by air-conditioned minibus. Visit Goðafoss, Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir, Grjótagjá, Námaskarð, Lake Mývatn, and the Mývatn Nature Baths. Guides such as Johanna, Siggi, Hilli, and Reynir may lead the day, with time adjusted around cruise schedules.

“Very good tour. Our guide was good and the locations were beautiful. It is a group tour, but it's small and comfortable.”

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Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise - Leaving Skarfabakki Harbour
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Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Puffin Sightseeing Cruise

11.Puffin Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 56 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $63Best value

Cruise from Reykjavik’s Skarfabakki Harbour to Akurey Island, where puffins, Arctic terns, and other seabirds gather. Your guide explains the birds and local flora while the boat circles the island and pauses with its engine off for photos. Binoculars, coffee, port transfers, and an English-speaking guide are included.

“A very nice trip. I would recommend booking an earlier time since there were fewer people and we got to see the puffins looking for breakfast.”

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From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships - Crowds and the best time to go
Akureyri Shore Excursions, Iceland Shore Excursions, National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships

12.Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $102

Ride from Akureyri to Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, with an English-speaking guide who adds Icelandic history, folklore, and local stories along the way. You’ll also stop at an Akureyri viewpoint for views over Eyjafjordur Bay. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and returns to the starting point.

“What a great tour! Thank you! The trip to the waterfalls was nice, and the falls were spectacular. Excellent experience!”

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Godafoss Waterfall Shore Excursion From Akureyri Port - Leaving Akureyri Cruise Terminal
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Godafoss Waterfall Shore Excursion From Akureyri Port

13.Godafoss Waterfall Shore Excursion From Akureyri Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 24 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $84

From Akureyri Cruise Terminal, you’ll ride in private transport to Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, with an English-speaking guide. You get about 40 minutes at the falls for paths, rocks, and photos, then return to port. Guides such as Johannes and Sigurlaug have added local stories and scenic stops when time allows.

“The waterfall was spectacular. Our driver was funny and very personable. It was cold, windy and some rain. Wear warm clothing and good shoes. You will be walking over rocks and dirt.”

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Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shore Excursion - Goðafoss, the waterfall with a name to remember
Akureyri Shore Excursions, Iceland Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shore Excursion

14.Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · from $169

From Akureyri’s port, visit Goðafoss, the pseudocraters at Skútustaðir, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Grjótagjá Cave, and Námaskarð’s boiling mud. The excursion lasts about 5 to 7 hours, includes pickup, WiFi, and all entrance fees, and is planned for a small group, with capacity details listed as up to 8 and up to 19.

“Great and informative small group tour. Pick up from cruise port was very easy. Guide was very knowledgeable of the area, and could answer our questions easily. He gave us time to explore, and was in no hurry. We stopped many times, and saw more than was expected.”

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Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanic Garden Shared Shore Excursion - Forty-five minutes among northern plants
Akureyri Shore Excursions, Iceland Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanic Garden Shared Shore Excursion

15.Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanic Garden Shared Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $166

Travel by air-conditioned vehicle from Akureyri to Goðafoss, then see the town’s Old Town, stroll the northernmost botanical gardens, and stop at a fjord viewpoint. An English-speaking driver-guide leads the 3.5-hour trip for groups of up to 18. Cruise pickup is available at either Akureyri port.

“Listen carefully to pick up instructions. Driver lost people twice! First time, van moved 1/4 mile away and driver left, making it difficult to find correct pickup spot. Second stop, driver locked vehicle and went to chit-chat with other drivers, leaving passengers waiting in the cold. The falls were amazing. The botanical garden was a free city park.”

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