One of the best day tours in Iceland is a small group tour of Snaefellsnes National Park, including transport from Reykjavik, which has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 473 visitors. This tour costs approximately 140 USD.
Another popular day tour in Iceland is a hiking tour of Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 510 visitors. This tour costs around 130 USD.
Finally, another of Iceland's best day tour options is this popular Vatnajokull ice cave tour, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,525 visitors. This tour costs about 150 USD. The excursion lasts three hours and departs from the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, one of the most famous attractions in the country.

Is it worth taking a day tour in Iceland?

Yes, taking a day tour in Iceland is often worth it for travelers with limited time or those who prefer guided experiences. These tours provide convenient access to the country's natural wonders, such as waterfalls, geysers, and glaciers, and offer the expertise of knowledgeable guides who can share insights and stories about the locations you visit.

While some travelers enjoy the flexibility of self-driving, day tours are a hassle-free way to explore Iceland's highlights. Consider your interests, budget, and desired level of guidance when deciding.

For many, a well-planned day tour enhances their Icelandic adventure, making the most of each day's exploration.

What is the cheapest day tour in Iceland?

The cheapest day tour in Iceland is this amphibian boat tour of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. This excursion costs around 50 USD per person and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 475 travelers.
Another budget-friendly day tour in Iceland is this one-hour tour of the Vidgelmir lava cave. This trip is ideal for families, costs about 60 USD, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 116 visitors. It's available all year and is suitable for all age groups.
A third, affordable day tour in Iceland is a fantastic northern lights hunting tour. This tour costs approximately 110 USD per person and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 56 travelers. The excursion includes transport from Reykjavik and lasts four hours.

How long is the average day tour in Iceland?

The length of your day tour in Iceland will depend on which trip you book. Some excursions last a full day, while others last two hours or less.
One of the shortest day tours in Iceland is this amazing 40-minute helicopter tour of Reykjavik, rated 5 out of 5 stars by 21 travelers. For those in Reykjavik with little time but looking for fun, there is also a fun-filled 1-hour escape room adventure in which you will solve puzzles and riddles with your friends and family.
The longest day tour in Iceland is a tour of the South Coast that lasts 14.5 hours and costs approximately 170 USD. This tour includes a trip to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, but travelers will also enjoy stops at waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lava fields.

What kind of day tours are available in Iceland?

Various day tours are available in Iceland, giving you plenty of options. You can enjoy sightseeing tours, cultural tours, hiking tours, and numerous other experiences.
Adventurous travelers can enjoy exciting day trips in Iceland, like this four-hour ice climbing tour or this two-hour Siberian husky dog sledding tour. These tours are rated 4.8 out of 5 stars from 85 visitors and 5 out of 5 stars from 30 visitors, respectively.
People who want to see the northern lights can book a northern lights hunting tour, like this northern lights super jeep tour. Snorkeling tours and horseback riding trips along the beach are also perfect for the summer months.
Those looking for a more relaxing experience may want to book a visit to this unique beer spa in the North of Iceland, where visitors enjoy a cold drink and soak in a vat of warm, young beer.

Do day tours in Iceland offer hotel pick-up?

Yes, many of the day tours in Iceland offer pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or another convenient location.
Excursions with hotel transfers include a small-group Golden Circle tour, a 12-hour tour of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, a South Coast minibus tour with a glacier hike, and a 10-hour Golden Circle tour with snowmobiling.
Some tours include a transfer from a designated meeting point. This snowmobiling trip to Langjokull glacier includes pick-up in Gullfoss, and this horseback riding tour of a black sand beach includes a transfer from Vik.
Other tours with pick-up from a meeting point include this whale-watching boat tour, with a transfer from Akureyri.

Is lunch included on day tours in Iceland?

Food and drink are included in some day tours in Iceland, but it depends on which excursion you book. We recommend that travelers check when booking to see if meals or snacks are included in that specific tour.
Some tours, like this snorkeling tour in Silfra and this six-hour volcano tour, include light snacks and drinks. For others, like this 11-hour tour of Snaefellsnes National Park, lunch is not included, but you can buy lunch at some point during the trip. Some of the excursions in Iceland are short, and some take place in the evening — these tours don’t usually include lunch or snacks. In these cases, you may want to bring some snacks with you in case you get hungry.

Which day tours in Iceland are suitable for children?

Yes, some day tours in Iceland suit children of all ages. Other excursions have minimum age requirements. You should always check whether your chosen trip has age restrictions when booking.
In most cases, northern lights and sightseeing tours are suitable for people of any age. If you plan to travel with young children, this family-friendly lava cave tour or this northern lights hunting tour with a photographer are excellent choices.
Day tours in Iceland that involve adventurous outdoor activities usually have minimum age requirements. For example, this drysuit snorkeling tour and glacier hiking tour on Skaftafell are only suitable for people ages 12 and 14 and up, respectively.

What is the best time of year to take a day tour in Iceland?

The best time for day tours in Iceland depends on your interests. Summer offers milder weather and extended daylight, ideal for hiking and sightseeing. While colder and darker, winter provides opportunities to see the northern lights and experience Iceland's snowy landscapes.

Are there any day tours that focus on the northern lights in Iceland?

Yes, there are day tours in Iceland specifically designed to chase the northern lights. These tours are typically offered in the winter months when the nights are the longest, and they often involve traveling to locations with minimal light pollution to increase the chances of seeing the lights.
Check out this affordable northern lights bus tour from Reykjavik for around 53 USD. Or, discover the magic of the aurora borealis on a boat tour from Reykjavik for about 91 USD.

Can day tours in Iceland accommodate people with disabilities?

Many tour operators in Iceland offer accessible tours for people with disabilities. However, it's advisable to check with the tour provider in advance regarding specific accessibility needs and accommodations.

What are the safety measures in place for day tours in Iceland?

Day tours in Iceland adhere to strict safety standards. Tour operators usually provide safety briefings, appropriate gear, and experienced guides to ensure a safe experience, especially for tours involving hiking, glacier walks, or boat trips.

Do any day tours in Iceland include visits to geothermal areas or hot springs?

Yes, several day tours in Iceland include visits to geothermal areas and natural hot springs. These tours offer unique experiences like bathing in geothermal pools and exploring geysers and hot spring fields.
For example, you can book a Blue Lagoon shuttle bus transfer from Reykjavik or enjoy admission to the serene Myvatn Nature Baths in North Iceland.

Are there day tours available that focus on Iceland's wildlife, such as whale watching?

Yes, Iceland offers specialized day tours for wildlife enthusiasts, including whale-watching tours. These tours are typically available from Reykjavik and other coastal towns and are best during summer.
For example, you could book a year-round 3-hour whale-watching tour from Reykjavik or Akureyri or check out this summer tour from Husavik.

What should I wear or bring with me on a day tour in Iceland?

For day tours in Iceland, it's recommended to dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear, and bring waterproof clothing. Also, consider a camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially in summer.

Are there day tours that explore Iceland's volcanic landscapes and lava fields?

Yes, there are day tours in Iceland that explore volcanic landscapes, including visits to lava fields, craters, and volcanic caves. These tours provide insights into Iceland's unique geology.
For example, this unique excursion takes you inside a volcano and includes a transfer from Reykjavik.

Can I book a private or custom day tour in Iceland?

Many tour operators in Iceland offer the option to book private or customized tours. These tours can be tailored to specific interests, such as photography, hiking, or cultural exploration.
For example, this 8-hour private tour visits the Golden Circle attractions and includes hot spring bathing at the Secret Lagoon.

Are there any cultural or historical day tours available in Iceland?

Iceland offers a variety of cultural and historical day tours, including visits to Viking heritage sites, museums, and historical towns. These excursions provide a deeper understanding of Iceland's rich history and culture.
For example, this 1.5-hour folklore walking tour of Reykjavik includes tales of trolls, elves, and hidden people.

How can I book a day tour in Iceland and what is the cancellation policy?

Day tours in Iceland can be booked online, through travel agencies, or directly with tour operators. It's essential to check the cancellation policy, as it varies by provider and often depends on the type of tour and advance notice given. Reach out to info@guidetoiceland.is to book your tours.

Are there any day tours that include hiking or other outdoor activities in Iceland?

Yes, Iceland offers numerous day tours, including outdoor activities such as hiking, glacier walks, horseback riding, and river rafting, catering to various fitness levels and adventure-seeking.

Do day tours in Iceland operate during the winter months?

Yes, many day tours in Iceland operate year-round, including in the winter months. Winter tours offer unique experiences like ice cave explorations, glacier hikes, and seeing the northern lights.

Install Iceland’s biggest travel app

Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.