Myvatn Nature Baths & Goðafoss Waterfall Akureyri Shore Excursion

The best part of this six-hour outing is the contrast: Goðafoss is cold, loud, and open to the sky, while Mývatn Nature Baths offer warm geothermal water and a slow final stop. You also get a quick look at Lake Mývatn’s strange volcanic scenery without trying to cram every sight in North Iceland into one frantic day.

I like the cruise-friendly timing and the skilled guides, with Niko, Petra, Victoria, Nicole, and others singled out for clear stories and good pacing. I also like the simple route: waterfall, lake viewpoint, then hot pools. The main drawback is value. At $248 per person, this is not a bargain, and a few departures have had pickup, bath-booking, or return-time problems.

Key points at a glance

• Goðafoss gets the most dramatic scenery: Allow about 45 minutes for the waterfall and its nearby viewpoints.
• Mývatn Nature Baths are the main event: You are scheduled for roughly two hours, though the actual soaking time can be shorter on a tightly run departure.
• The drive is part of the tour: About two hours total on the road gives you broad views of North Iceland.
• Cruise timing matters: Start times are adjusted to ship docking schedules, but you should verify the exact pickup place and all-aboard time.
• Pack for the baths: Bring a swimsuit and towel. The water can smell strongly of sulfur, and changing facilities are partly communal.
• Lunch is basic: A sandwich and bottled water have been supplied, but the timing and where you can eat them may be awkward.

Why this route works for a day in Akureyri

This excursion is built for a port call, not a long North Iceland holiday. You leave Akureyri, make two scenic stops, relax in geothermal water, and return to the same meeting point. The plan covers a lot of ground without asking you to choose between a waterfall and a hot spring.

The total duration is about six hours, with roughly two hours spent driving. That is a fair amount of bus time, but the road journey gives you changing views of the countryside and volcanic country around Mývatn. The bus has been described as comfortable, with large windows, overhead storage, and, on some departures, a bathroom.

The group can reach as many as 60 people. That matters. A large coach keeps the price below a private outing, but it also means you need to listen for meeting instructions and return promptly after each stop. A late passenger can reduce your time at Goðafoss or put pressure on the return to port.

The guides are a major strength when the day runs normally. Niko, Petra, Victoria, Nicole, Nika, Ivy, and others have been praised for local stories, humor, and calm handling of the schedule. One guide even called a family member to answer a question about Iceland, a small touch that shows how personal the commentary can feel.

Goðafoss: 45 minutes at the Waterfall of the Gods

Goðafoss is the visual star of the first stop. The name means Waterfall of the Gods, and the site carries an important Icelandic story: in the ninth century, Icelanders adopted Christianity, and local tradition links that change with the waterfall.

You get about 45 minutes here, which is enough to see the main falls, take photos, and walk a little. It is not a long hike. The waterfall is the sort of place where you can make a quick stop worthwhile because the water and surrounding rock do the work for you.

I would still welcome another 15 to 45 minutes here. Several itineraries have felt rushed, especially when the coach leaves late or parks a little away from the best viewpoints. If Goðafoss is your top priority, do not assume the full 45 minutes will always feel generous.

The area can also be windy, wet, and full of small flying insects. A light waterproof layer helps. One useful detail: the nearby souvenir shop charges for toilet use, so keep a small payment method handy.

The guides add more than directions to the photo area. They explain why the waterfall matters in Icelandic history and help keep a large group moving. Still, watch the time yourself. You do not want to be the person who turns a scenic stop into a frantic boarding call.

Lake Mývatn and its volcanic scenery

The Lake Mývatn stop is short, about 20 minutes, and is mainly for a viewpoint and photos. You are not touring the whole lake or spending time on a trail. Instead, you get a quick look at the unusual volcanic formations that make this part of North Iceland so distinctive.

This stop works as a visual pause between the waterfall and the baths. The scenery changes from rushing water to broad views, dark volcanic shapes, and the lake region beyond. It is a good place to take the wide photo that helps explain why the drive was worth making.

Twenty minutes goes quickly. If you like taking several photos or need extra time to walk, you may find this stop brief. The tour is designed to sample the area, not to give you a full day at Lake Mývatn.

Small flies and insects can be annoying around the lake, particularly when the air is still. A hat with netting has been suggested by more than one visitor, which sounds fussy until you need it. Keep your camera ready and do not wander far from the coach.

Mývatn Nature Baths: two hours of geothermal calm

Mývatn Nature Baths, sometimes called the Blue Lagoon of the North, are the reason many people choose this outing. The water is naturally heated geothermal water, and the setting looks across the volcanic country around Lake Mývatn.

The scheduled stay is about two hours, including entry. That is enough time to change, shower, soak in the pools, use the steam rooms, and settle into the warm water without having to sprint back onto the bus. Several people have found two hours just right, while others have had closer to one hour in the water because of delays or a later entry slot.

The water can smell strongly of sulfur. You may notice it at first, then stop paying attention after a few minutes. The setting is the real appeal: you are warm and buoyant while looking out over a distinctly Icelandic scene.

Bring your own swimsuit and towel. Bath entry is included, but a towel may need to be rented if you do not carry one. A café is available at the baths, which is useful if you finish early or want something beyond the supplied snack.

The changing setup deserves clear warning. The changing rooms are communal, and the provider says each room includes two private showers. There are not individual changing stalls throughout the room, so anyone uncomfortable changing around other people should plan ahead. This is not a reason to rule out the baths, but it is a detail you should know before booking.

The lunch issue is small, but worth planning around

A sandwich and bottle of water have been supplied on many departures. The food is basic, and the sandwich has received mixed reactions. One person liked it, another wondered where the chicken was, and another simply preferred not to eat it.

The bigger issue is timing. The food may be handed out before you enter the baths, when you would rather get changed and soak. The baths may not allow you to eat it inside, and some passengers have been directed outside near the parking area. A café is available, but buying something there adds to the cost.

My advice is simple: eat before the excursion if you can, treat the sandwich as a backup, and do not count on a relaxed sit-down lunch. If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not list alternate meal choices, so plan accordingly.

Cruise timing and the pickup point

The tour is designed around cruise arrivals, and start times are adjusted to ship docking times. That is a real advantage in Akureyri, where an independent visit to Mývatn requires careful planning and a reliable return.

The stated starting address is Gránufélagsgata 50 in Akureyri, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. The excursion also advertises cruise-port pickup and drop-off, but the exact place can be confusing when several ships are in port. One missed departure involved passengers waiting in one bus lot while the coach used another lot nearby.

Read the voucher carefully, open the map link before leaving the ship, and ask port staff if you are unsure. Arrive early. Do not assume that waving at a departing bus will bring it back, especially on a six-hour schedule with a timed bath entry.

The return is the most important part of the day. Some cruise passengers have praised guides for getting them back on schedule, while other departures have involved wrong bath times, delayed boarding, a guide separated from part of the group, or confusion over the ship’s all-aboard time. These accounts are not a reason to expect failure, but they are a reason to be exact about your ship’s departure deadline.

Before booking, compare the tour’s stated end time with your ship’s required onboard time, not just the official departure time. I would leave a generous buffer. A coach excursion is supposed to protect you from missing the ship, but no operator can erase the risk created by a late start or a booking error.

Is $248 a fair price?

At $248, you are paying for transport from Akureyri, a guide, the waterfall and lake stops, and admission to Mývatn Nature Baths. The fee also buys convenience. You do not need to arrange a rental car, navigate unfamiliar roads, or calculate a return route while watching the clock.

The value is strongest if the baths are high on your list and you want a single organized outing. Nature Baths admission alone does not cover the scenic stops or the drive, and a taxi or private car can quickly become expensive in Iceland.

The value is weaker if you mainly want Goðafoss. You spend much of the day in transit, and the waterfall stop is under an hour. It is also weaker if you expect a polished lunch, a small group, or a private schedule. The group may contain up to 60 people, and the food is modest.

You may also see similar excursions sold at different prices in port. Compare what is included, especially bath admission, transport, and the return arrangement. A cheaper option may not offer the same timing or included entry, but the price difference can be substantial.

Who should book this Akureyri excursion?

I would choose this tour if you are visiting Akureyri by cruise ship, want both scenery and a geothermal bath, and prefer having transport arranged. It suits first-time visitors who want a broad sample of the area rather than a long walk or a specialist geology trip.

It also suits you if you enjoy guided commentary. The strongest guides bring Icelandic history and personal stories to the bus ride, and several have been praised for keeping the mood friendly while watching the clock.

I would think twice if you dislike communal changing rooms, cannot tolerate sulfur smells, need a flexible meal schedule, or want long at each stop. You should also reconsider if your ship has a tight all-aboard time. The route is safe only when the timing is handled correctly.

Book at least 24 hours before the start if you want the option of a full refund. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this excursion if Mývatn Nature Baths are your main goal and you want Goðafoss included without renting a car. The waterfall is memorable, the lake stop adds useful scenery, and the hot pools provide a pleasant finish.

Skip it if you want a cheap sightseeing ride, a long visit at Goðafoss, or a leisurely lunch. Before paying, confirm the pickup lot, your ship’s all-aboard time, towel arrangements, and the exact bath entry. With those details settled, this is a worthwhile North Iceland sampler, but not a flawless bargain.

FAQ

How long is the Akureyri excursion?

The tour lasts approximately six hours, including about two hours of total driving.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Goðafoss waterfall, a viewpoint over Lake Mývatn, and Mývatn Nature Baths.

How long do you spend at Goðafoss?

The planned stop at Goðafoss is about 45 minutes.

How long is the Lake Mývatn stop?

The Lake Mývatn viewpoint stop lasts about 20 minutes.

How much time is provided at Mývatn Nature Baths?

The planned time at the baths is approximately two hours, including the visit inside the facility.

Is admission to Mývatn Nature Baths included?

Yes, admission to Mývatn Nature Baths is included in the tour price.

Should I bring a towel and swimsuit?

Yes. Bring a swimsuit and your own towel if possible. A towel may need to be rented if you do not bring one.

Where does the tour start and end?

The stated meeting point is Gránufélagsgata 50, 600 Akureyri, Iceland, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. Check your voucher carefully for the precise port instructions.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the activity, you are offered another date or a full refund.