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Shore excursion tours in Iceland offer the perfect chance to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and unique culture. These tours are easy to fit with your cruise schedule, so you can enjoy the best Iceland has to offer, whether you're arriving in Reykjavik, Akureyri, or other ports around the country.
Iceland's shore excursions are a great way to experience the country's natural beauty, from glaciers and waterfalls to volcanoes and fjords. Many tours are guided, making it easy to learn about Iceland's rich history and traditions while exploring its iconic landmarks.
Iceland has several major ports where cruise ships dock, offering easy access to some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and exciting shore excursions. Here are the main cruise ports in Iceland:
The Two Reykjavik Ports: The capital of Iceland has two main ports for cruise ships: Skarfabakki and the Old Reykjavik Harbor. Both offer easy access to the city and its surroundings.
Sundahofn Port is the larger of the two and is located just a short distance from the city center. It’s the main port for many international cruises, where most ships dock at the "Skarfabakki" terminal.
Old Harbor is a smaller, more picturesque port located in the heart of Reykjavik. It’s surrounded by colorful buildings, restaurants, and shops.
Akureyri Harbor: Located in North Iceland, Akureyri Harbor is Iceland’s second-largest port. From Akureyri, you can take tours to nearby attractions like the Godafoss Waterfall, Lake Myvatn, and the Diamond Circle, a route that includes stunning sights such as the Dettifoss Waterfall and the Asbyrgi Canyon.
Isafjordur Harbor: This town is located in the remote Westfjords of Iceland, offering a unique stop for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Shore excursions from Isafjordur include hikes, wildlife tours, and visits to historical sites and natural wonders, like the Dynjandi Waterfall.
There's a variety of Reykjavik shore excursions to choose from that suit different interests. Whether you’re drawn to natural wonders like glaciers and waterfalls or exciting activities like snowmobiling, there’s something for everyone.
The South Coast of Iceland Tour: Visit iconic landmarks like the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. It’s a great way to experience some of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural sights in just one day.
Golden Circle & Snowmobiling Tour from Reykjavik: Experience the classic Golden Circle route with an exciting snowmobiling adventure. This shore excursion offers the perfect mix of sightseeing and adventure.
7-Hour Golden Circle Small Group Cruise Excursion: This small-group tour brings you to the must-see sights of the Golden Circle, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
If you’re short on time or looking for a quick adventure, Reykjavik offers shorter excursions that still pack plenty of excitement.
5-Hour ATV & Helicopter Tour with a Mountaintop Landing: This top-rated excursion combines an ATV ride across Iceland’s rugged terrain with a helicopter flight to a mountaintop, offering stunning aerial views of the island’s volcanoes, glaciers, and valleys.
1-Hour ATV Tour on Hafrafell Mountain: This short but exciting ATV tour takes you to the top of Hafrafell mountain, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding landscapes.
2-Hour Midnight Sun ATV Tour on Hafrafell & Ulfarsfell: Experience Icelandic nature under the summer midnight sun on this scenic ATV tour with stunning views of Reykjavik, its coastline, and the surrounding landscape.
The “Capital of the North” offers a range of tours and activities that showcase the beauty of North Iceland. Whether you’re interested in exploring volcanic landscapes, soaking in hot springs, or visiting waterfalls, these are the best Akureyri shore excursions.
6-Hour Lake Myvatn Minibus Shore Tour: The tour includes stops at the Godafoss waterfall, Dimmuborgir rock formations, and the Namafjall geothermal area, as well as top attractions around Lake Myvatn.
Small Group 9.5-Hour North Iceland Shore Excursion: This full-day tour explores the stunning sights of North Iceland, including Akureyri, the picturesque town of Husavik, the Skjalfandi Bay, and Godafoss waterfall.
5-Hour Godafoss Waterfall Tour and Forest Lagoon Bathing: This shore excursion takes you to the beautiful Godafoss waterfall, followed by a relaxing visit to the Forest Lagoon, where you can enjoy a soothing geothermal soak.
For those with limited time, Akureyri offers several short but rewarding shore excursions. These tours allow you to experience the best of North Iceland within a shorter time frame.
2-Hour Akureyri City Walk with Food Tasting: Explore the charming town of Akureyri on a guided walking tour, where you’ll learn about its history and culture while enjoying local food tastings along the way.
2.5-Hour Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri Harbor for Cruise Passengers: Take a short but enriching tour to the beautiful Godafoss waterfall and learn about its historical and cultural significance.
Whale-Watching Tour with Transfer from Akureyri: See the lively marine life of Iceland with this popular whale-watching tour from Akureyri, which offers chances to spot blue whales, orcas, and fin whales.
The Westfjords are a common stop for cruises in Iceland, and Isafjordur is the largest town in the region. These are the best Isafjordur shore excursions to take when stopping in this charming harbor town.
3.5-Hour Dynjandi Waterfall and Farm Tour from Isafjordur: This short tour takes you to one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, Dynjandi, known for its dramatic tiered cascade. The tour also includes a visit to a local farm.
Super Jeep Tour of the Svalvogar Circle & the Westfjords from Isafjordur: For an adventure-filled experience, this Super Jeep tour takes you through the stunning and rugged coastlines of the Westfjords.
Private 7-Hour Westfjords Shore Excursion with Transfers from Isafjordur Port: This full-day, private shore excursion offers a customized tour of the Westfjords, including visits to some of the area’s most beautiful and less-visited spots.
Maximize your stop in Isafjordur with these brief but memorable tours.
Kayaking Tour in the Westfjords from Isafjordur: Paddle through calm waters, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and mountains, for a peaceful and scenic adventure.
2-Hour Walking Tour of Isafjordur in the Westfjords: Learn about Isafjordur's fishing heritage, local architecture, and the town’s place in the Westfjords’ history on this comprehensive walking tour.
2-Hour Westfjords Sightseeing Shore Tour from Isafjordur Port: Visit nearby scenic spots and hear about the history and traditions that make the Westfjords such a special place.
If there's one experience that can't be missed when visiting Iceland, it's bathing in hot springs and geothermal lagoons. Iceland is famous for its bathing culture, and there are many amazing locations to visit on a shore excursion.
Soak in the Blue Lagoon: The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most iconic geothermal spas. Its milky blue waters are rich in minerals, providing a luxurious and relaxing experience. Combining admission with this Blue Lagoon transfer from Reykjavik with optional harbor pickup makes this an easy addition to your shore excursion itinerary.
Relax at the Sky Lagoon: Just minutes from Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon offers a modern, upscale spa experience. Enjoy its infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and complete your visit with the seven-step Ritual, a rejuvenating spa treatment. This admission includes a Reykjavik transfer with harbor pickup, making it a convenient and hassle-free shore excursion.
Enjoy nature at the Hvammsvik Hot Springs: Nestled in a peaceful fjord a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik, these natural hot springs are surrounded by incredible views of Icelandic nature. The facility blends into its surroundings, creating a unique and peaceful atmosphere. This experience includes an admission ticket and transfer from Reykjavik, with an option to add a harbor pickup.
Take in the views at the Forest Lagoon: This geothermal spa in North Iceland is a must-have experience in Akureyri, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding fjord. You can catch a free transfer from Hotel Kea, located on Akureyri’s main street. You don't need to pre-book, but if you've already purchased your Forest Lagoon ticket, you'll have priority boarding on the bus.
No matter which port you dock at, shore excursions in Iceland provide the perfect opportunity to explore the country's stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences. Whether you prefer shorter tours or full-day adventures, these excursions are designed to fit seamlessly into your cruise schedule.
Explore the selection of shore excursions all around Iceland for an adventure, and for more information, see our guide to traveling to Iceland by cruise ship.
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