Top North Iceland Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Watch for nimble humpbacks and massive blue whales on this whale watching adventure from Húsavík on a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Enjoy stunning views of the Skjálfandi Bay and Vík mountains as you explore the coastline, a thriving pilgrimage place for marine mammals in the summer season. Learn about Iceland’s wildlife and culture with live commentary from your experienced guide.

Realize your dreams of watching humpback whales and orcas in their natural environment on a 3-hour Original Whale Watching tour from Húsavik, capital of whale watching in Iceland. After selecting a departure time to suit your schedule, climb aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship and set sail for a prime whale-watching destination on the icy ocean. With luck, marvel at the majestic mammals as they dive and plunge before your eyes, listening to informative commentary from your guide as you observe.

Discover Iceland’s most iconic wildlife with a 2 - 2.5-hour whale and puffin tour from Húsavík on an RIB speedboat. Enjoy views of the Skjálfandi Bay as you skim along the coast, covering an expansive territory in the high-powered craft. Watch for massive blue whales and acrobatic humpbacks, and learn about life beneath the surface from your experienced guide. During the breeding season of mid-April through mid-August, visit ‘Puffin Island’ to find a thriving colony of brightly-colored birds before returning to Húsavík.

Coastal Iceland is home to a spectacular range of native wildlife, but to see the best of it you have to take to the waves. With this tour, cruise out into Skjálfandi Bay by traditional wooden oak boat, and watch the waters for dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Spot colorful puffins and other seabirds with live on-board commentary, and keep warm with a refreshing hot chocolate.

Sometimes whale watching cruises on huge boats make it hard to be able to actually see the ocean life unless you board first and claim the best spots. This whale watching tour from Husavik is on board an RIB boat limited to just 12 passengers, so you’re never in competition for the best vantage points. Plus, its easy to stay warm and safe with an included warm suit and life jacket.

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales on this Eyjafjord whale watching cruise from Akureyri. Iceland’s longest fjord is known for attracting these massive mammals for summer feeding. Board a high-speed, specially adapted ship capable of covering all the likely viewing areas, and watch for whales from the viewing platforms and decks. Choose from several departures, including a late-night cruise (June to August), with use of thermal coveralls, raincoats, or blankets included.

Splash through the Icelandic wilderness and enjoy family-friendly adventure on this 3.5-hour rafting trip on the West Glacial River from Hafgrímsstaðir. Climb into your drysuit at the rafting base in Hafgrímsstaðir. Then, travel onward by bus to the banks of the choppy but gentle West Glacial River. With your paddle in hand, hop aboard your raft and follow the current downstream. Navigate the course with your guide and enjoy breathtaking views over the rolling riverbanks. Finish your adventure with a cliff jump and a swim in the glacial waters.

The Icelandic horse is known for its unique gait called tölt. The breed is only truly Icelandic when it is on the island, so don't miss the chance to ride one while you are here. This horseback riding tour takes you into the countryside and is suitable for all levels, whether or not you have ridden before.

Go whale watching aboard a traditional Icelandic schooner during this 3.5-hour excursion from Húsavík. Learn about Icelandic sailing traditions and take in the wild, rugged, natural scenery of the sea. Light refreshments included.

Iceland’s north coast is one of the best places in Europe to see whales in their natural environment. This 2-hour whale watching cruise from Akureyri is limited to 12 passengers for a personalized experience, and offers the chance to spot humpback whales, mink whales, white-beaked dolphins, and more.

Whale watching is a popular activity for visitors to Iceland, but it can be tricky for animal lovers to find a tour that is sustainable and non-invasive. This whale-watching cruise from Húsavík is the perfect choice – using low-sound, carbon-neutral boats to ensure minimal disturbance as you admire the whales in their natural environment.

Explore the Icelandic landscape around Lake Mývatn on this day trip from Akureyri by 4x4 Jeep. This area of northern Iceland is home to natural wonders like Goðafoss (‘Waterfall of the Gods’), Dettifoss (Europe´s most powerful waterfall) and Hverarönd (hot springs). See craters and lava formations, and be amazed by the incredible geology of this island in the Atlantic.

Float over class 2 and 3 rapids in the West Glacial River on this guided rafting tour. After getting outfitted in the included wetsuits and helmets, enter the canyon on a raft with your onboard and experienced guide. Make your way down the river, enjoying views of the high canyon walls and unique geology.

The north coast is one of the best places for whale watching in Iceland, and this cruise from Hjalteyri maximizes your chances of spotting the majestic creatures. Set sail across the Eyjafjörður fjord on a traditional oak ship, tuck into refreshments on-board, and look out for minke, humpback, and orca whales.

Go in search of the Northern Lights on a nighttime tour from Akureyri. Travel by 4x4 Jeep outside of town to escape any light pollution, and watch the dark sky for one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular shows. This area of northern Iceland is one of the best places to see the lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, so don’t miss the chance while you’re here. Hot chocolate and an Icelandic doughnut will keep you warm and awake while you wait for the lights to appear.

Come face to face with the world’s largest mammals on this half-day whale watching excursion from Akureyri, Iceland’s scenic northern port city. Listen to stories about the history and culture of the region from your guide. Then, enjoy comfortable, first-class amenities as you cruise through Torfunefsbryggja Harbor, including an on-site bar with hot and cold drinks for purchase.

Explore the highlights of the Icelandic Highlands in a day on a guided tour in a 4x4 Jeep. With this small-group tour, visit natural wonders like Askja Caldera, Viti Explosion Crater, Drekagil Gully, Holuhraun Lava Field, Glacier River, and Vatnajökull National Park. Learn about the history, geology, and biology of the region as you travel to each stop.

North Iceland boasts many natural wonders, including lava formations, waterfalls, thermal pools, and more. This small-group tour from Akureyi covers the best in a convenient day trip, including an optional swim at Myvatn Nature Baths. Marvel at the waterfalls at Godafoss, Dettifoss, and Selfoss; view Lake Myvatn, hot springs, and the Dimmuborgir lava fields, and then choose to bathe in the naturally heated Myvtan baths. Hotel and airport pickup and drop-off are included.

Mount your Icelandic horse and set off with your small group to discover Skagafjörður’s striking landscape on this family-friendly riding tour, suitable for any level of experience. Soak up scenic views and benefit from your guide’s insider knowledge as you trot along ridges, rivers, and rolling trails, keeping warm with gear rental and a hot drink provided.

If you only have time for one day trip from Akureyri, make it a tour of the Diamond Circle, a circuit that takes in some of North Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders. This full-day small-group tour visits the Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, the Hverir hot springs, Lake Mývatn, and the Víti crater. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Hop on a small group tour for an exploration of northern Iceland’s natural wonders from Akureyri. Visit Goðafoss waterfall, see Lake Mývatn, admire the volcanic landscape of lava and craters, and check out the Mývatn Nature Baths—the ‘blue lagoon of the north’—where you can enjoy a warm soak in the geothermal waters.

Up to 23 different species of whales inhabit the waters of north Iceland, including humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins. This whale watching cruise offers the chance to spot the majestic creatures in their natural environment, as well as enjoying fishing and tucking into a delicious BBQ dinner onboard.

Of all the natural jewels in northern Iceland, see the ones that most interest you on a customizable private day trip from Akureyri for up to eight people. Travel by 4x4 vehicle to waterfalls, craters, lakes and more, such as Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss or the Mývatn Nature Baths. With a guide, create an itinerary that suits you and your group.

Iceland is renowned for its natural wonders but few travelers get chance to explore the wild landscapes of the north. Venture off-road into the remote Kerlingarfjöll Highlands on this full-day tour from Akureyri and admire the striking rhyolite mountains, explore the Hveravellir geothermal area, and take a dip in a natural hot spring. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.