Top 18 Reykjavík, Iceland Tours + Shore Excursions

I will share with you the top eighteen shore excursions you can book while your ship is visiting Reykjavík with info on why and who should book each tour – it was too hard to narrow down to eight or ten so here we are 18!

Are you are wondering why I am recommending so many long tours? For many, this may be your only visit to Iceland and Reykjavík, I know that most will be happy looking back that they were able to maximize their time here and see as much as they could! Even for me, having been to Iceland four times now, I would still do one of these long tours if I don’t end up renting a car (or are there on a cruise!)

Note that many of these tours are geared towards those on a cruise and do include pickups – those with a * do not have pick-up at the cruise terminal but I have listed where the meeting points are.

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Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Tour  

Why take the Golden Circle Tour?

This all day (8.5 hours) tour takes you on the renowned Golden Circle Tour hitting many of the most famous sights near Reykjavík and is an ideal itinerary for first time visitors. In fact, this was the tour my family and I took on our NCL Prima Cruise, read what our experience was like here

If you want a shorter, 7- hour tour, book this highly rated Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik that does not make a stop at the Kerid Crater.

One of the stops: Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park

In 2004, Þingvellir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for both its historical and geological importance.

Historical: Þingvellir (Thingvellir) translated to English means “Assembly Plains.” and as such, holds great historical significance. Althingi, the oldest parliament in the world, was established here in 930 AD and is why many consider this to be the birthplace of the nation. Photo next to the map shows the Icelandic flag planted where the parliament first met.

Geological: The Mid-Atlantic Rift or Ridge, which runs through Iceland, marks the boundary between two tectonic plates. Þingvellir lies in a rift valley or where the Earth’s crust is being pulled apart. Here we were able to see the separation of the Eurasian and North American plates as it is one of the few places on Earth where this movement can be seen on land!

Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket and Kerid Volcanic Crater

Why take this Golden Circle Tour?

No need to choose between experiencing Iceland’s famous Golden Circle or visiting the iconic Blue Lagoon (admission ticket with complimentary drink and towel included), you’ll do both on this small group tour with transportation. For those wanting the quintessential Iceland lagoon social media photo with their face covered with the Blue Lagoon Silica Mask.

One of the stops: Gullfoss Waterfall

“Golden Falls“We were given the opportunity and time to view this massive waterfall from multiple viewpoints along scenic, paved trails. Unlike most waterfalls, which are typically observed from below, the desired vantage point is from above to fully appreciate it’s unique features. Rather than being a single cascade, Gullfoss is made up of two distinct tiers: the first drop is 36 feet (11 meters), followed by a second, larger plunge of 69 feet (21 meters).

One of the Stops: Blue Lagoon

The most iconic of the Icelandic lagoons is the Blue Lagoon. We did this Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers excursion – read about our experience and how convenient it was to get to the Blue Lagoon here.

Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour

Why take this Golden Circle Tour?

This all day (10 hour) tour takes you around the Golden Circle route with additional visits and admission to Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater. This is the most time efficient of the Golden Circle Tours with a lagoon visit since the Secret Lagoon lies with the Golden Circle route. For those looking for a more relaxed and authentic lagoon experience.

One of the Stops: Geysir Geothermal Area

The area is known as the Haukadalur Geothermal Valley and you are able to walk among steam vents, bubbling mud pots, and vibrant hot springs, which are framed by colorful hills and see where the namesake Geysir comes from in person

Golden Circle, Sky Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour

Why take this Golden Circle Tour?

Visit all of the renowned Golden Circles sites on this small group tour, then end with a luxurious Sky Lagoon experience (admission ticket with complimentary towel included). For those wanting a spa like experience or want the aesthestics of a place crafted for and by social media with infinity pools and geothermal water piped into the lagoon.

One of the Stops: Kerid Crater:

Kerid which is a crater that was formed approx. 6500 years ago when an ancient volcano’s magma chamber collapsed. It is known for the striking contrast between the red, black and green slopes that are set against mesmerizing blue-green waters of the crater la

Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobiling

Why take this Golden Circle Tour?

This tour adds some adventure onto the Golden Circle as you across Iceland’s second-largest ice cap on an exhilarating snowmobile ride on Langjökull glacier. The tour includes use of a helmet, buff under the helmet, gloves, overalls and overshoes while on the snowmobile.

Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group

Why take the South Coast Tour?

Iceland is so incredibly beautiful and even if you have seen one or three waterfalls, there are still dozens more to admire. You will be able to go chasing two more on this day-long, small group tour takes you to the Southern Coast of Iceland in addtion to seeing a (rapidly receding) glacier, visiting a black sand beach and stop at Vik.

The South Coast Stops:

A stop at Sólheimajökull to admire the glacier up close, without hiking on it (pictured on the left) / Skógafoss is of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland with a majestic 25-meter width and 60-meter drop (pictured in the middle) / Reynisfjara Beach is most famous black sand beach in Iceland, with basalt columns and powerful waves (pictured on the right) / Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most renowned waterfalls, where you have the option to walk behind the cascading water (pictured for the tour below)

Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Waterfalls Tour From Reykjavík

Why take this South Coast Tour?

Iceland is known as the island of fire and ice so dive right into the latter as you check out the formations of the Katla ice cave on this tour. This tour does not stop at the Sólheimajökull glacier

Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling Tour with Free Photos – From Reykjavík

Why do the Silfra Snorkeling Tour?

One of the most unique experiences I have ever had with snorkeling in crystal clear waters between the North American and Eurasian continents/tectonic plates was on this tour. For more on what my experience and tour were like, read this post

Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavík

Why Go Horseback Riding?

See Iceland from a different perspective as you ride an Icelandic horse on this excursion which can include pickup if required.

Icelandic Horse

Norse Vikings brought with them horses 1100 years ago when they sailed over to the island and it has been revealed that they descended from an ancient breed of horse that is now extinct outside of Iceland. It is one of the purest horse breeds in the world as they have been and continue to be preserved in isolation. No horses are allowed to be imported in, with the law so rigid that once a horse leaves Iceland, it will never be allowed to return.

Snaefellsnes Small Group Tour with Homemade Meal

Why Book This Tour?

Visit the best of the Snaefellsness peninsula in West Iceland in a day in this small group, all day tour. Explore mountains, glaciers, beaches, and more including Mt. Kirkjufell and Djupalonssandur black-sand beach and spot wildlife. (PHOTO are from Viator – Provider Photos)

I am still bummed that I came down with something at the end of my Holland America cruise so I ended up canceling this tour as this part of Iceland remains unexplored for me =(

*Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching Boat Tour

Why Book This Bird Watching Boat Ride?

See puffins, seabirds, and more in Faxaflói Bay in a custom made RIB boat on this boat tour. Warm overalls, gloves, goggles and all necessary safety equipment as well binoculars are provided

IMPORTANT NOTES: there is no pickup for this tour and it meets from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik (which is ~ 850 meters / 11-15 min walk from Harpa) AND there is a minimum of height of 145 centimeters/ 4 feet 9 inches to participate

*RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour

Why Book This Whale Watching Tour?

Sail Faxaflói Bay in search of minke and humpback whales, porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins as you cruise along in a RIB boat on this tour. During puffin season, this boat ride will also sail by the smaller islands so you can see the puffins and other birds. The great thing about this tour is in the case of no sightings you will get a ticket for an alternative tour

IMPORTANT NOTES: that children must be over the age of 10 and over 145 centimeters/ 4 feet 9 inches’ tall to participate AND there is no pickup for this tour and it meets from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik (which is ~ 850 meters / 11-15 min walk from Harpa)

Lava Tunnel Tour from Including Transfers

Why Book This Tour?

 Explore an Icelandic natural wonder only accessible on a guided tour

Iceland Hiking to Fagradalsfjall Volcano with Local Guide

Why Book This Hiking Tour?

On this tour, walk across dramatic lava fields, view steaming craters, and gain rare insights into the geology and eruptions that shaped the Reykjanes Peninsula. You won’t just go to the volcano, you go where many other tours skip and visit the evacuated town of Grindavík, the colorful geothermal area of Seltún, and the mysterious lake Kleifarvatn

NOTE: The pickup for this tour is from Reykjavík’s Bus Station #3

*Iceland Volcanic Eruption Area Helicopter Tour from Reykjavík

Why Book This Helicopter Tour?

Caveat: If there is an eruption, I would recommend this tour especially for those short on time or unable to trek out to eruption site as this is pricey…but somethings are just worth seeing. For most if not all of us, we won’t have many opportunities to see an active, erupting volcano!

NOTE: The meetup for this tour is at ACE FBO Reykjavík

Small Group Northern Lights Tour with Hot chocolate & Photos

Why Book This Northern Lights Tour?

If you have the opportunity to go Aurora chasing – go for it! I am still blown away EVERY.SINGLE.TIME I see the Northern Lights. I have had friends take and rave about this specific tour!

*Reykjavík Food Walk – Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland

Why Book This Food Tour?

I don’t remember seeing any other perfect – 5* star rated with 100% of travelers recommending a tour with this many reviews before (16,519 at the time of this post being published) INSANE right? I will be booking this 3 hour small group tour that dives into Reykjavík’s foodie scene and allows one to sample delicious Icelandic cuisine

NOTE: Meetup for this tour is from Harpa Concert Hall

*Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour

Why Book This (or any) Walking Tour?

Reykjavík is a perfect city to do a walking tour as many of the top sights/attractions are close to one another and this small-group tour ensures a personal sightseeing experience

I love walking tours when visiting cities for a number of reasons. You are able to discover the top attractions (with lots of info to help you decide what to do with your time after), learn things you would not have otherwise and have opportunity to connect with other travelers/guide.

NOTE: Meetup for this tour is from Hallgrimskirkja (1.2 km/ 18-22 min walk from Harpa)