Description
Summary
Description
Join a Westman Islands tour from Reykjavik to discover sea cliffs, the world’s largest puffin colony, volcanic landscapes, and Viking history. This 10-hour private day tour, with a boat ride around the islands, a hike up Eldfell Volcano, and time to explore the harbor town of Heimaey, is ideal for nature and wildlife lovers.
This exclusive tour offers the rare chance to explore the Westman Islands, also known as Vestmannaeyjar, in a single day without arranging transport or ferry tickets yourself. With a private guide, you can enjoy a flexible pace, personalized attention, and insights tailored to your interests.
Your Westman Islands day tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel, cruise port, or airport in Reykjavik. With your guide handling all the details, you can simply relax and enjoy the drive past lava fields and the southern coastline before reaching the ferry terminal.
From there, a short ferry ride takes you across the water to Heimaey Island. As you approach Heimaey’s harbor, sea cliffs, and lava formations come into view. This gives you a first glimpse of Iceland’s only inhabited island in the Westman Islands group.
Once ashore, make your way to the island’s famous puffin colony. It’s the largest in the world! In summer, thousands of these seabirds nest in Heimaey. Their bright markings stand out against the green cliffs. It’s an unforgettable sight for bird lovers and photographers alike.
After watching the puffins, your guide takes you to the Eldheimar Museum. Step into the story of the 1973 volcanic eruption that changed the island forever. Walk past preserved homes buried in ash as your guide shares how residents rebuilt their lives in the years that followed.
You’ll continue your Westman Islands tour to Eldfell Volcano for a short but rewarding hike. The path takes you across reddish lava fields, and you can feel the warmth still lingering beneath the ground. From the summit, the view stretches across the island, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the town of Heimaey on the other.
After taking in the scenery, your next stop is the Beluga Whale Sanctuary and Puffin Rescue Center. Meet rescued marine animals and learn about the conservation work happening here. Watch the belugas swim in their spacious pools and hear how puffins are cared for before being released back into the wild.
You’ll then have time to explore the town of Heimaey, with its colorful houses, volcanic backdrops, and peaceful harbor. Here, you can also see the beautiful wooden Stave Church, a gift from Norway, built in the style of Viking-era churches.
The final stop on your Vestmannaeyjar day tour is Herjolfstown in Herjolfsdalur, a reconstructed Viking settlement surrounded by grassy cliffs. Walking between the turf houses offers a glimpse into what life was like for Iceland’s earliest settlers.
After a full day of nature, wildlife, and history, you return to Reykjavik. You leave with lasting memories of this Westman Islands day trip.
Puffins, volcanoes, and sea cliffs await on this Westman Islands tour from Reykjavik, offering a wonderful blend of nature and history. Check availability now by choosing a date.
