Small-Group 12-Hour Westman Islands Day Tour with Puffins and Elephant Rock from Reykjavik

Leave the comforts of the city and explore the breathtaking beauty of the Westman Islands on this small-group tour departing from Reykjavik. Travelers who want to see the iconic Elephant Rock, photograph colonies of puffins, and hike to the Eldfell volcano will love the 12-hour itinerary of this tour.

The adventure begins in Reykjavik with a pick-up from your accommodation or a designated bus stop in the city. You’ll board a comfortable vehicle that will take you on a scenic drive along the southern coast of Iceland.

An English-speaking guide will lead the excursion for your convenience and provide top-notch knowledge and assistance for the next 12 hours. They will enrich your experience with interesting trivia, stories, and folklore about Iceland and Vestmannaeyjar.

After a short drive from Reykjavik, you’ll board a ferry at the Landeyjahofn terminal in South Iceland. The ferry ride takes 30 to 40 minutes and will take you to Heimaey, the largest island in the archipelago.

The Westman Islands, locally known as Vestmannaeyjar, are a mesmerizing archipelago known for its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Among the islands, Heimaey is the largest and most populous, offering visitors a blend of rugged beauty, charming seaside settlements, and fascinating geological formations.

Your first stop on the island is the Elephant Rock formation, a towering geological feature that resembles the head and trunk of an elephant. The formation was likely created by a volcanic eruption centuries ago and then shaped by the forces of wind and the North Atlantic Ocean.

Keep your camera ready because next on your itinerary is puffin-watching at Storhofdi cape. Puffins are most known for their orange beaks and black and white feathers. You’ll see these charming seabirds in their natural habitat as they soar gracefully overhead or gather on the rugged cliffs.

The guide will then take you to the Eldheimar museum for an immersion in the local culture. Here, you can see interactive exhibits and immersive displays of the island’s volcanic past and resilient community. Its main theme is the aftermath of the explosive eruption of the Eldfell volcano in 1973.

In the afternoon, a hike to the summit of Eldfell volcano will give you another perspective of the 1973 eruption. You’ll witness firsthand the volcanic terrain and vast lava landscapes it created. The hike also offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape and scenic coastline.

Other stops in your itinerary are the Stafkirkjan church, the Heimaey harbor, and a local lighthouse. These attractions are excellent locations for sightseeing and taking more landscape or portrait photos.

After a full day of exploration, you’ll take the ferry back to the South Coast and be driven back to Reykjavik, marking the end of this tour. 

See the highlights of the Westman Islands while learning about its volcanic history on this small-group tour with a roundtrip ferry ride. Check availability now by choosing a date.