Best Tour Companies in Iceland | Top-Rated Excursions to Book

Discover the best tour companies in Iceland. Read this article to know what to look for in choosing the tour operator that will handle your trip to Iceland. Learn about their most exciting tours, from sightseeing to adventure experiences.

Iceland is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Thanks to its diverse landscapes, natural attractions, and rich culture, nearly a million travelers visit Iceland yearly.

When exploring Iceland, most visitors book organized tours from tour operators and travel agencies rather than make DIY trips. These organized tours can help save time and provide itinerary options even before you arrive in the land of fire and ice.

For example, suppose you want to visit the Golden Circle of Iceland or go boating at the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. The best tour operators in Iceland can give you an easy and convenient experience. Their impeccable services and extensive experience can transform a visit to these locations into an unforgettable Icelandic holiday.

How to Choose the Best Tour Operator in Iceland

Choosing a tour operator that will handle your travel activities can make or unmake your Icelandic holiday. That’s why it’s essential to research the tour company and its products before finalizing your booking.

What makes a tour provider the perfect match for your travel needs? You can search the web for blogs and articles about this question, but you’ll probably get unlimited or overwhelming answers. 
To save you from the trouble of extensive research online, we have listed five recurring factors to consider when choosing a tour provider in Iceland or anywhere else.

Reputation

Does your tour operator have positive reviews online? You can start selecting the best tour operator by knowing if they have a good reputation in handling tour packages. Most tour companies have an online presence you can check through search engines and social media.

Search engines like Google display review ratings of tour companies from unique users who had prior transactions with them. Apart from the five-star rating you can base on, you can also view the comments by users for specific details of their tour experiences.

Years of Operation

How many years has the tour company been operating? In most cases, those with long years of operation in the travel industry have more expertise in running excursions.

If you have saved up months of your salary for this travel, you may not want to gamble your Icelandic dream holiday on a company with less than a year of operation. 

Pricing and Inclusions

How much are the operator’s tour products compared to their competitors? Pricing or budgeting is a vital part of every traveler’s vacation planning. Before booking a product, consider comparing the price with other companies offering a similar experience.

Pricing for tours in Iceland varies widely depending on the duration, type of activity, and the number of participants. Sightseeing tours are typically cheaper than activity tours like skiing and glacier hiking, in the same way that group tours are more affordable than private tours.

In addition, the best tour operators in Iceland have detailed tour descriptions where you can read the inclusions of each tour product. For example, a tour product should include a guide and entrance fees to attractions. Meanwhile, your tour package must include accommodations for multi-day tours in Iceland.

Tour Vehicles 

What vehicles are used for tours in Iceland? 

Tour providers in Iceland use different types of vehicles for their packages, depending on the kind of activity and number of participants. 

Private tours typically use private cars, super jeeps, and minibusses for their packages. This setup is ideal for those who want a more personalized experience with a better pace and privacy.

On the other hand, tours with a bigger number of joiners use large buses to transport travelers to specific destinations. The buses can accommodate at least 30 passengers and up. This setup is standard for sightseeing tours in the Golden Circle and the South Coast. 

Local Guides

Do the tour guides speak English? Do they know other languages?

A tour guide is one of the most significant parts of any tour experience. They can either make your adventure more fun or forgettable.

A reliable tour operator in Iceland has local tour guides that are friendly and knowledgeable. They know the elements of your tour at the back of their hands even when not holding a brochure. They will tell you trivia, stories, and folklore about the attractions you’re exploring.

In most cases, the guides can speak English to accommodate foreign travelers. Sometimes, other guides can even speak different languages like French, German, Spanish, Chinese, and more. You can verify this when checking out a tour product and website or by asking the tour operator directly.

Top 25 Tour Operators in Iceland

To help you plan your trip to Iceland, below is a list of 25 tour companies we consider the best in Iceland based on the five factors mentioned above. These operators are arranged from the lowest to the highest review score from Google’s 5-star rating system.

Whether you’re interested in exploring Reykjavik, geothermal bathing at the Blue Lagoon, or hunting for the northern lights, these top 25 tour companies in Iceland have something to offer that will match your travel cravings.

25. Reykjavik Excursions

Reykjavik Excursions is one of the largest tour operators in Iceland, known for its affordable bus tours. The adventure provider offers must-do destinations in its many tour options, rated 3.5/5 stars by more than 450 vacationers.

The most common destinations of these bus tours are tourist spots near the capital city. In particular, this Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik and this South Coast bus tour will allow you to see the Gullfoss waterfall, Reynisfjara black beach, and more Icelandic attractions in one day.

But before venturing outside the city, you may also want to explore Reykjavik on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Reykjavik has plenty of exciting places to explore, like Hallgrimskirkja, the tallest church in Iceland.

24. Gray Line

Gray Line is one of the oldest tour providers in Iceland, with over 30 years of experience. Their selection of affordable tours, such as this northern lights hunting tour, departs from Reykjavik on coaches with free Wi-Fi.

Gray Line also has options for express and premium airport transfers from Keflavik to make your stay in Iceland more convenient. These transfers will take you to the city center of Reykjavik or straight to your accommodation.

This Reykjavik-based company holds a 3.8/5 rating from more than 300 tour participants.

23. Mountaineers of Iceland

Photo from Fast-Paced 5-Hour Snowmobiling Tour of Langjokull Glacier from Gullfoss Waterfall

Mountaineers of Iceland is the oldest snowmobiling tour company in Iceland. They offer a variety of small and large group wintertime adventures in the most accessible glacier from Reykjavik, Langjokull.

Snowmobiling is one of the most exciting activities that you can do in the land of fire and ice, where you can also explore the diverse landscapes of glaciers. Beginners and experts in snowmobiling who want to zoom across expanses of snow can choose this short one-hour snowmobiling on Langjokull glacier or this longer 10-hour Golden Circle super jeep with snowmobiling tour.

Tours by Mountaineers of Iceland operate out of Gullfoss and Reykjavik, with transfers included via bus or minibus. You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license to use a snowmobile. Fortunately, children six and up can ride as a passenger.

Over 70 reviewers gave Mountaineers of Iceland a 3.9/5 stars rating.

22. Reykjavik Sightseeing

Reykjavik Sightseeing is a leading tour provider offering affordable tours with audio guides so that visitors from foreign counties can learn about the sights in their mother tongue. 

Their top tours are in 10 languages, mainly English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Finnish. They also use comfortable coach buses with large windows so visitors can see the landscapes and nature of Iceland conveniently before arriving at their destinations. 

Reykjavik Sightseeing provides a wide array of tours with pick-up from your Reykjavik hotel. Choose from small group northern lights hunting tour, a more adventurous ATV tour to the DC3 plane wreck, or an easygoing whale-watching tour in Faxafloi bay.

Meanwhile, if you want to learn more about the rich culture of Iceland, why not join a food tour in Reykjavik or this guided walking tour of Reykjavik landmarks? After all, Reykjavik Sightseeing is rated 4.1/5 stars by more than 200 travelers.

21. Special Tours

Photo from Classic 3-Hour Sea Fishing Trip Departing from Reykjavik Harbor

Special Tours is an excellent choice for travelers longing to see the wildlife and birdlife in Iceland. The Nordic company operates boat-based wildlife and nature tours that depart from the historic Reykjavik Old Harbor. 

Two of the most popular tours in their portfolio include the Reykjavik whale-watching tour and the combo tour of lava caving and whale-watching in Iceland. Whale watching is a must-do in Iceland because its high seas are feeding grounds for different whale and dolphin species.

Special Tours doesn’t guarantee that the marine animals will be seen during the excursion. However, they offer a voucher for another tour to double your chances of spotting the rich wildlife in Iceland.

More than 800 tour joiners rated Special Tours with 4.3/5 stars.

20. Elding Adventure at Sea

Elding Adventure at Sea offers some of the most incredible tours if boat tours in Iceland are what you have come to do. This family-owned tour operator, rated 4.4/5 stars by over 1,000 travelers, boasts sea adventures like this whale and puffin watching from Reykjavik and this northern lights hunting cruise in Iceland. 

Most of Elding’s tours are group day excursions under 10 hours, but they also have a few combo packages like this two-day whale-watching boat tour in Reykjavik and Akureyri ports.

Tour sizes range based on your preferred activity, but Elding primarily operates in small groups. Elding Adventure at Sea does not include airport transfers but does include pick-up from Reykjavik or nearby towns, depending on the tour description.

19. David the Guide

David the Guide is one of the best tour operators in Iceland if you want day tours or short multi-day tours from Reykjavik. They specialize in small group and private tours around the most remarkable places near Iceland’s capital.

Top destinations of David the Guide include the South Coast, Myrdalsjokull glacier, and Fagradalsfjall volcano. To visit some of these locations, you can book their 10-hour South Coast sightseeing tour from Reykjavik.

Other notable options include the winter tour, ice caving at Jokulsarlon, which lasts three days, and this short glacier hiking in Myrdalsjokull glacier. This Icelandic tour company holds a 4.5/5 rating from over 60 adventurers.

David the Guide does not include airport pick-ups except on private tours, but the company provides transportation from Reykjavik via private or small group tour vehicles.

18. Eldhestar Horse Riding

Eldhestar Horse Riding specializes in group horseback riding tours in Iceland. The beautiful Eldhestar horse farm, with around 350 horses, is 29 miles (47 kilometers) southeast of Reykjavik.

Many of their tours include pick-up from your accommodation in the capital city via minibus. Group sizes depend on the specific excursion you’re joining, but some range from seven to 15 guests.

For example, this horseback riding tour with the Golden Circle and this easy horseback ride over meadows and mountains from Reykjavik have up to 15 participants per booking.

Families booking this fun activity should note that the minimum age to enjoy most day tours at Eldhestar Horse Riding is seven years old. 

Apart from the tour packages, Eldhestar manages a hotel of the same name, Hotel Eldhestar. Over 600 vacationers and tour joiners rated Eldhestar with 4.5/5 stars.

 17. North Sailing

North Sailing is one of the pioneers in sustainable tourism in the land of fire and ice. The Icelandic company primarily offers whale-watching tours in Husavik, the whale-watching capital of Europe. They use traditional Icelandic oak boats and electric boats for their trips to lessen their carbon footprint.

If you want to see the gentle giants of the sea, joining a three-hour whale watching tour from Husavik is excellent. You can also learn more about these marine animals by booking this educational whale watching on a sailboat.

In addition, North sailing also offers birdwatching experiences. You can admire the iconic puffin birds of Iceland on this wildlife boat tour from Husavik with puffin watching.

These accessible tours are suitable for all ages and even include a warm cup of hot chocolate and cinnamon buns to keep you warm on board. Raincoats and overalls are provided to every passenger to stay dry as needed.

The services of North Sailing are evidenced by more than 1,000 travelers giving it a 4.5/5 star rating.

16. Glacier Mice

Glacier Mice is a professional tour company that offers excellent tours of Iceland’s icy wonders. If ice climbing or ice caving in Iceland is on your travel bucket list, Glacier Mice has your back and will provide every piece of equipment you need. 

Their most in-demand tour is the Vatnajokull ice-caving tour from Jokulsarlon, rated 4.5/5 stars by over 1,200 adventurers.

The tour starts from the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon car park, so travelers must arrange transportation from Reykjavik. Vatnajokull glacier is Europe's largest glacier, covering around eight percent of Iceland’s landmass.

Glacier Mice adventure tours include an English-speaking guide, crampons, a helmet, and other safety equipment for ice caving.

15. Arctic Adventures

Arctic Adventures is a sustainable tour provider specializing in small-group tours. The company aims to reduce its carbon footprint while providing affordable adventure and sightseeing tours.  

Most Arctic Adventures tours operate out of Reykjavik and specialize in top Golden Circle and South Iceland attractions. Enjoy their professionally guided tours like this combo tour of Golden Circle sightseeing and lava caving and this Into the Glacier ice tunnel tour of Langjokull.

If you plan on visiting Iceland for a longer time, you can join the multi-day tours offered by Arctic Adventures. You can travel to all regions of Iceland on their guided tour of the ring road from Reykjavik.

Some Arctic Adventures tours include transfers via minibus to and from the airport, but be sure to check your specific package since some include pick-up and drop-off at your Reykjavik hotel. 

Arctic Adventures is rated 4.5/5 stars by over 2,000 travelers globally.

14. Gravel Travel

Gravel Travel is one of Iceland’s most trusted tour operators for private tours in the remote Highlands region and other locations in the country.

To reach the mountainous regions of Iceland, Gravel Travel uses luxury vehicles like super jeeps to drive you in comfort and style. For example, you can reach the Central Highlands if you hop on this super jeep tour to Landmannalaugar geothermal area.

Gravel Travel also offers luxurious golfing tours where you can play while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. For example, a thrilling golfing trip in Borgarnes Golf Club awaits you on this West Iceland golfing and sightseeing excursion.

Gravel Travel is rated 4.6/5 stars by 20 travelers.

13. Troll Expeditions

Troll Expeditions is one of the highest-ranked tour operators in Iceland that delivers exciting and fun adventure tours. Their northern lights multi-day tour in Iceland is particularly popular during winter.

If snorkeling in Silfra is on your travel bucket list, Troll Expeditions offers a variety of snorkeling and scuba-diving in Silfra tours. You’ll even get free underwater photos during these experiences.

Another challenge you can take with Troll Expeditions is glacier hiking atop Iceland’s mighty ice caps. Explore ice ridges, walls, crevasses, and moulins on this five-hour glacier hiking tour in Skaftafell or this three-hour tour of Solheimajokull.

Remember that snorkeling in Silfra tours has a minimum age requirement of 12 years, and glacier hiking tours have an age requirement of eight to 14 years old, depending on the difficulty level. Tours start and finish at your hotel, depending on your location.

1,600 locals and foreign travelers rated Troll Expeditions with 4.7/5 stars.

12. Iceland Photo Tours

Iceland Photo Tours is a world-renowned tour company focusing on photography tours in Iceland. The company was founded by Iurie Belegurschi, an award-winning nature and landscape photographer. 

The photography tour of Iurie Belegurschi has a 4.8/5 star rating from around 10 travelers. These adventures are ideal for professional photographers and beginners who love natural landscapes. During the workshop, you’ll learn the best techniques, tips, and camera configurations in photography straight from an expert.

Apart from the lessons, joining Iceland Photo Tours will let you enjoy sightseeing in the most beautiful parts of Iceland. For example, on this eight-day summer photography workshop in Iceland and this four-day northern lights photo tour, you can see stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, ice caves, glaciers, and a glacier lagoon.

These tours include accommodations, breakfast on most packages, and transfers to and from Reykjavik.

11. Arctic Rafting

Photo from Thrilling 8-Hour Rafting Tour on the Hvita River from Reykjavik

Arctic Rafting is a locally-owned tour company based in Drumbo camp in Southern Iceland, with a 4.8/5 star rating from nearly 50 travelers. The company specializes in river rafting in the Hvita river, known for its thrilling rapids and scenic canyons.

Besides river rafting, you can double the fun by booking a combo tour from Arctic Rafting. For example, on this 11-hour whale watching and Hvita river rafting tour, you can get up close with marine animals.

The adventure tours of Arctic Rafting have maximum participants of around eight people. Most of these have pick-up locations in Reykjavik, but there’s also the option to meet on-site if your group rents a car.

10. Solhestar

Solhestar is a top choice in tour companies if horse riding near Reykjavik is your priority on your Icelandic vacation. Solhestar horse ranch is 34 miles (54 kilometers) southeast of the Icelandic capital, with nearly 100 horses.

Horseback riding in Iceland is an experience you shouldn’t miss because Icelandic horses are one of the purest breeds of horses in the world. Apart from the thrilling ride, you’ll also get a good look at the peaceful countryside of South Iceland on Solhestar’s tours, like on this family-friendly horse riding tour in Iceland’s lowlands.

Tour packages of Solhestar, rated 4.8/5 stars by more than 150 travelers, include necessary horseback doesn't equipment like riding boots, helmets, and outdoor clothing. Just remember that the minimum age in most of Solhestar’s packages is 12 years old.

9. Icelandic Mountain Guides

Icelandic Mountain Guides hosts fun adventure tours in the wilderness of Iceland, with a high approval rating of 4.8/5 stars from over 200 hikers. If glacier hiking and Highlands trekking are on your bucket list, Icelandic Mountain Guides will help you check them off. 

Depending on the activity you want, tours range from day tours to multi-day adventures. In particular, if you plan on exploring Iceland for a week or so, this five-day hiking tour from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork will satisfy you.

Most tours by Icelandic Mountain Guides operate outside of Reykjavik in the wilderness of  Skaftafell and Solheimajokull glaciers, and along the best hiking trails of the Highlands of Iceland. Some tours are meet-on-location, while others include transfers to and from pick-up points or your hotel.

8. Jokulsarlon EHF

Jokulsarlon EHF, also known as Glacier lagoon, is the leading company offering boat tours in the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon of Iceland. The company operates in the lagoon during the summer months, from May to November.

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is Iceland's most famous glacier lagoon and the country's deepest lake. Thousands of travelers flock to the area yearly to see icebergs breaking away from a nearby glacier before floating toward the Atlantic Ocean.

To get close to these chunks of ice of different sizes and colors, you can join this affordable boat tour of Jokulsarlon or this 1-hour Zodiac boat tour to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Tours on the Zodiac boat will get you closer to the ice and glacier because of their smaller and more flexible sizes.

These excursions depart from the Jokulsarlon Cafe, also operated by the same company. Collectively, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tours and Cafe are rated 4.8/5 stars by a staggering 13,000 travelers.

7. Nicetravel

Nicetravel, rated 4.9/5 stars by local and foreign travelers, has been one of Iceland’s premier tour providers since opening in 2012. The tour operator offers day and multi-day tours showing Iceland’s awe-inspiring nature, such as this four-day guided tour of Iceland’s ring road. 

From lava caving to hot spring bathing in Iceland, this family-run tour company has thrilling and family-friendly tour options for adventures departing from your Reykjavik hotel. Airport transfers are not included in these tours. 

Tour sizes depend on the excursion type, but all are small groups of up to 19 joiners. Popular tours from Nicetravel include Snaefellsnes Peninsula sightseeing and South Coast to Jokulsarlon lagoon tour.

6. Your Day Tours

Your Day Tours is a family-run tour provider with high-quality tours showcasing Iceland’s beautiful nature. The operator specializes in sightseeing tours where visitors can witness jaw-dropping waterfalls, impressive glaciers, and picturesque towns like Vik i Myrdal.

Your Day Tours offers excursions to Icelandic destinations close to Reykjavik, including this day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. If you're strapped for time, this Golden Circle tour with a transfer from Reykjavik is another great option. These highly visited destinations are must-see spots for many tourists, so you'll ride comfortable minibusses with large windows for the best sightseeing experience.

All tours from this provider operate out of Reykjavik, with pick-up and drop-off from select Reykjavik hotels and guesthouses. Your Day Tours is rated 4.9/5 stars by around 200 travelers.

5. Nordurflug Helicopter Tours

Nordurflug is the largest provider of helicopter tours in Iceland. They offer a wide range of sightseeing tours that explore Reykjavik and nearby tourist attractions in West Iceland and the South Coast.

Although pricier than bus tours, a helicopter tour in Iceland offers a unique and special perspective of Iceland's best landscapes. You also have a chance to see sites that are otherwise inaccessible by land travel. 

For example, this 40-minute helicopter tour of Reykjavik will let you see the beautiful coastal city through a bird's-eye view and enjoy a summit landing on a nearby mountain.

On the other hand, this longer helicopter tour of the Golden Circle and Highlands is your best option to conquer the famous tourist route of Iceland and remote mountains within just four hours.

Nordurflug Helicopter Tours is rated 4.9/5 by more than 200 travelers.

4. Katlatrack

Katlatrack has been one of the top tour operators in Iceland since 2009, offering ice cave adventures in remote locations. The company operates from its base in Vik, a scenic fishing village known for its black sand beaches. 

Katlatrack uses super jeeps, ATV buggies, or minibusses, depending on the type of activity. For example, if a buggy tour along the black sand beaches sparks your interest, Katlatrack is an excellent choice.

The highlight of Katlatrack is its trips to Katla volcano, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. If you want to witness the hidden wonders of Katla, don’t hesitate to join the Katla ice-caving tour from Vik and this three-hour South Coast super jeep with ice caving.

If you need additional proof of its excellent services, Katlatrack is rated 4.9/5 stars by almost 300 travelers.

3. Glaciers and Waterfalls EHF

Glaciers and Waterfalls EHF is one of the most reliable tour providers focusing on exciting nature adventure tours in the land of fire and ice. Those who want to feel the rush of adrenaline while surrounded by dramatic landscapes will enjoy booking excursions with this Icelandic tour operator.

If you want to hop on a super jeep to Landmannalaugar or experience glacier hiking on Solheimajokull glacier, Glaciers and Waterfalls is one of your top options.

These private and small group tours begin in Reykjavik, Vik, or Hvolsvollur, depending on the product you booked. Glacier and Waterfalls arrange pick-up and drop-off to and from your hotel via private car, super jeep, or minibus at these locations. However, airport transfers are not included in tour prices. 

Please note that ice-caving tours, like this four-hour Katla ice-caving tour, require visitors to be at least ten years old. Apart from the northern lights, an ice cave is the winter highlight in Iceland. 

Glacier and Waterfalls currently holds a perfect 5/5 star rating from around 10 reviews.

2. Star Travel Akureyri

Star Travel Akureyri is one of the highest-rated tour companies in Iceland, with a 5/5 star rating from 30 travelers. The tour operator specializes in private and small group tours in North Iceland on minibusses and super jeeps. The northern region of Iceland is known for its dramatic landscapes and breathtaking natural water attractions, from Lake Myvatn to the Dettifoss waterfall.

As the name suggests, Star Travel Akureyri is based in Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, but they also operate many tours in and from the Myvatn area. Excursions such as this Diamond Circle day tour and this Lake Myvatn with geothermal bathing depart from either location.

Likewise, one of the most unforgettable tours they offer is the Game of Thrones tour, which visits some recognizable filming locations for the popular HBO television series. The hit HBO show was filmed in several locations across Iceland, including areas surrounding Lake Myvatn.

1. Viking Rafting

Iceland'sm Whitewater Action in North Iceland.

Viking Rafting is one of Iceland's well-known tour operators specializing in adventure tours and river rafting in North Iceland. This Icelandic adventure company topped this list because of its 5/5 star rating from more than 200 reviews.

Viking Rafting is based in North Iceland and operates along the Vestari Jokulsa river in Skagafjordur fjord, like on this family-friendly 3-hour whitewater river rafting in Iceland. They use modern and safe tour vehicles to transfer guests from Hafgrimsstadir in Varmahlid to the river. 

The best features of Viking Rafting are its friendly and professional English-speaking guides. They are highly trained, with many years of experience in kayaking and rafting from all over the world. While safely navigating the churning rivers, they will ensure you're having a good time with their local stories and trivia.

Booking Tours with Guide to Iceland

We hope this list makes your first or next trip to Iceland more special and unforgettable. These 25 companies are just some of Iceland’s trusted and reliable tour operators. Each has excellent tour packages that will fit the time and adventure every traveler is looking for.

As the largest travel marketplace in Iceland, Guide to Iceland partners with these leading tour operators in the country. This collaboration makes it easy to provide you with tours that have proven quality and services.

Besides the tour packages, Guide to Iceland offers everything you might need from the start to the end of your holiday. In particular, we provide the best flights and accommodations in Iceland.

Tell us about your excellent experience with a tour company while exploring Iceland. Don’t hesitate to leave your comments and stories below.