Spectacular 5-Day Self-Drive Wildlife Tour of Iceland with Whale & Puffin Watching

On the second day of your self-drive wildlife tour in Iceland, you'll embark on a horse-riding tour in the Reykjadalur geothermal valley.

You'll wake up early at your accommodation in Reykjavik and enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Once you're ready to leave, head for the town of Hveragerdi, where you will have a half-day horse-riding tour. 

You will meet Icelandic horses for the first time here and quickly see that there is much more to them than their best-known quality, which is having a sixth gait. They are also intelligent, friendly, curious, and sweet. You are almost guaranteed to fall in love with them.

Icelandic horses are genuinely extraordinary creatures, embodying the spirit of their rugged homeland. What sets them apart is their unique breed characteristics and their ability to adapt to the harsh Icelandic climate. 

They possess a distinctive "tolt" gait, a smooth and comfortable four-beat running walk, making them incredibly comfortable to ride. These horses are known for their friendly and gentle temperament, forming strong bonds with humans. 

Their thick double coat helps them withstand the cold weather, while their sturdy build and surefootedness allow them to navigate challenging terrains. 

Once you've got to know your horse, you will ride to the geothermal valley of Reykjadalur over a mountainous pass dotted with steaming vents and twisting lava formations. 

Your destination is a naturally heated river surrounded by high peaks and bubbling hot springs, where you can dismount and rest. Bring your swimming costume and towel to bathe in the waters here.

This setting is so mystical that it feels more like fantasy than real-world. When fully refreshed, you can mount back up and ride through the mountains back to town.

From there, you will drive through stunning views until you reach your accommodation in one of the towns in Southwest Iceland.

On the third day of your wildlife tour of Iceland, you will head to the remote Westman Islands.

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel, then head to Landeyjahofn harbor and take an hour-long sailing trip to the Westman Islands, known locally as Vestmannaeyjar. The Westman Islands are a mesmerizing archipelago off the South Coast of Iceland.

These volcanic islands offer a breathtaking combination of natural beauty and rich history. The main island, Heimaey, is known for its dramatic landscapes, including the famous Eldfell volcano and its vibrant birdlife. 

The volcanic island is often called the Pompeii of the North after a massive eruption in 1973. It now has fascinating museums regarding the volcanism and history of the area.

Visitors to the islands can see puffin colonies, take exhilarating boat tours around the islands, or hike along picturesque trails. 

When you reach the Westman Islands, you can take a boat trip to see its Atlantic puffin breeding colony. Prepare to be blown away, as it is the largest in the world. 

There are thought to be around 1.1 million birds nesting on the cliffs. These puffins, elusive in much of the world, cannot be seen better elsewhere. 

Atlantic puffins, also known as the "clowns of the sea," are enchanting seabirds. With their vibrant orange beaks, expressive eyes, and distinctive black and white plumage, puffins are beloved for their adorable appearance. 

They are excellent swimmers and divers, using their wings to "fly" underwater for fish. These social birds form large breeding colonies during the summer, where they nest in burrows or crevices. 

After the voyage, you will have the rest of the day to wander around the island, with the option to take a small hike to the volcanic crater. Head back to the mainland and spend another night in the southwest region at the end of the day.

On the fourth day of your self-drive wildlife tour of Iceland, you will explore the sights of the Golden Circle sightseeing route as you make your way back to Reykjavik.

Witness the mighty power of the Gullfoss waterfall as it cascades from a height of 105 feet (32 meters). Located in the canyon of the Hvita river, it captivates visitors with its sheer beauty and raw power. 

As the glacial water cascades down in two tiers, plunging into a rugged gorge, it creates a breathtaking spectacle. The mist from the waterfall produces rainbows on sunny days, adding to the enchantment. 

Next, you'll marvel over the Strokkur geyser in the Geysir geothermal area as it blasts water over 66 feet (20 meters) high. It erupts every five to ten minutes, so if you hang around, you're almost guaranteed to see it spew boiling water into the air. 

Geysir geothermal area is also home to the Great Geysir, the geyser which lends its name to all others. Unfortunately, this geyser is no longer active.

Bubbling hot pools, mud pots, and steam vents here create a surreal landscape. The area is a constant reminder of the geothermal energy beneath Iceland's surface, offering visitors a unique and otherworldly experience.

The third and final stop is the Thingvellir National Park, an important place in Icelandic nature and heritage. It was here that the world's longest-running representative parliament was started in 930 AD. 

Iceland converted to Christianity here in 1000 AD and the nation declared independence from Denmark in the Thingvellir National Park in 1944. 

After a fantastic sightseeing adventure, end the day with a whale-watching tour out of Reykjavik harbor. Faxafloi bay is home to minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises and is sometimes frequented by orcas, beaked whales, and even fin and blue whales.

After a hopefully very successful whale watch, you can spend your last night in the capital city.

On the fifth and final day of your self-drive wildlife tour of Iceland, it's time to head home.

If you have a later flight home, visit the Blue Lagoon thermal spa today. Visiting here is a great way to unwind before heading to the airport.

Nestled amidst the stark volcanic landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula, this iconic destination offers a unique experience to visitors from around the globe. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa's vivid turquoise waters result from the mineral-rich water heated deep within the earth's crust. 

The lagoon spans over 93,646 square feet (8,700 square meters) and maintains a comfortably warm temperature year-round, making it a popular destination regardless of the season. Steam rises from the warm water and creates a magical experience.

The water of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is thought to have healing properties due to its high mineral content, including silica and sulfur. Visitors can immerse themselves in the warm waters and indulge in rejuvenating treatments like silica mud masks, which cleanse and exfoliate the skin. 

The lagoon's geothermal power plant harnesses the earth's natural energy, further contributing to its sustainable and eco-friendly nature.

Surrounded by rugged lava fields and volcanic rock formations, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa offers stunning panoramic views. 

The contrasting colors of the deep blue water against the black lava rocks create a visually striking and unforgettable landscape.

Whether it's soaking in the warm waters, enjoying a relaxing massage, or simply taking in the breathtaking surroundings, visiting the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is a must-do on your vacation in Iceland.

If you have an early flight back home, leave for the airport in plenty of time. You must drop off your rental car here before checking your bags in.