Private Snaefellsnes Peninsula Shore Excursion from Grundarfjordur Port

Set out on a private shore excursion from Grundarfjordur Port that reveals glacier-capped peaks, black sand beaches, and volcanic cliffs of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This activity is ideal for cruise ship passengers who want to explore West Iceland in a single day.

Enjoy a seamless 7-hour journey from start to finish with comfortable private transport, personalized commentary, and well-timed stops at scenic highlights. With fewer crowds and more time at each stop, this tour is a rewarding way to explore West Iceland with a local guide.

Your guide will meet you at the Grundarfjordur Port for a private journey through one of Iceland’s most scenic regions. As you leave the harbor behind, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula opens up with rugged peaks, mossy lava fields, and the distant silhouette of Snaefellsjokull Glacier rising into view.

Your first stop is the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, with the Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall flowing in the foreground. The combination of the sharp, cone-shaped peak and the cascading falls creates a dramatic scene.  It’s a favorite among photographers and recognizable to ‘Game of Thrones’ fans as the “arrowhead mountain.”

Next, the route hugs the coastline toward Saxholl Crater, a volcanic cone that offers an easy path to the top. Here, panoramic views stretch across black lava fields and glacial ridges, with the wind brushing past as you take it all in.

A short drive leads to Djupalonssandur, also known as the Black Lava Pearl Beach. It’s covered with lava rocks and rusted pieces of a shipwreck. The ground crunches underfoot as you approach the lifting stones once used by fishermen to test their strength.

The journey continues toward Malarrif, where an old lighthouse stands at the site of a former farmstead. 

Nearby, the basalt cliffs of Londrangar rise like natural fortresses from the Atlantic Ocean. Seabirds circle overhead, and the air smells of salt and sea. Puffins, kittiwakes, and fulmars nest in the rocky ledges during the summer months.

Continuing along the southern coast of Snaefellsnes, the tour reaches the village of Arnarstapi, a small fishing village. 

At the beach, you’ll see the large stone sculpture of Bardur, the half-man-half-troll that’s said to watch over the region. Sea arches and jagged rocks line the coast, where the scent of ocean spray mixes with the earthy scent of lava rock.

Following the peninsula's southern edge, the tour pauses at Budir. Here, a solitary black church stands in quiet contrast against the surrounding lava field. The ocean is just beyond, and the scene feels almost untouched by time.

The final stop is Selvallavatn Lake, perched above the mossy expanse of the Berserkjahraun Lava Field. After taking in the vivid green moss, jagged lava, and glowing red hills, you’ll return comfortably to port with plenty of time before your ship departs.

While lunch isn’t included, your guide will recommend great local restaurants along the way. So, you can enjoy a convenient and delicious meal during your tour.

Make the most of your time in port with a private Snaefellsnes Peninsula shore excursion, where every stop reveals another side of West Iceland’s raw beauty. Check availability now by choosing a date.