Iceland · AKUREYRI TOURS

The 15 Best Akureyri Tours & Day Trips

137 tours  ·  from $23

The northern capital sits at the head of a fjord that whales feed in all summer, an hour from Mývatn and Goðafoss. These 15 cover the boats, the lake loop and the winter aurora runs, priced and timed for cruise days too.

Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship - A fast ship with several good places to watch
3-Hour Experiences, Akureyri Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

1.3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,000 reviews · 3 hours · from $108Our pick

Sail Eyjafjörður from Akureyri on a fast, specially modified whale-watching ship. Guides such as Giselle, Johan, David, and Jacob explain whale behavior while you search for humpbacks, orcas, minke whales, and dolphins. Thermal overalls, Wi-Fi, indoor seating, and crew photos are included.

“Excellent experience! We really enjoyed the tour, the guide was professional and entertaining. We have seen a few whales and learned about them. The guide-taken pictures make great addition to ones we took on phone.”

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Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri - Leaving Akureyri for Eyjafjord’s mountain walls
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Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

2.Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 971 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $104

Join Elding Whale Watching at Akureyri harbor for a roughly three-hour cruise through Eyjafjord. Use thermal overalls, rain gear, blankets, indoor windows, and outdoor decks while guides search for humpbacks, orcas, minke whales, and porpoises. Wi-Fi is free, and drinks are available onboard.

“Lovely scenery and knowledgeable staff on the boat. We saw 2 humpback whales on the trip, close to the boat for quite a while.”

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From Akureyri: Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour - Goðafoss: a powerful opening stop
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From Akureyri: Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour

3.Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 793 reviews · 6 hours · from $187

Travel from Akureyri to North Iceland’s volcanic heart with guides such as Nico, Ritchie, or Kjartan. See Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn’s pseudo craters, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and Námaskarð’s steaming mud pools. The six-hour trip includes port pickup, WiFi, and a packed sandwich lunch.

“This tour was well organized and ran smoothly. The guide was well informed and helpful. These areas of Iceland are beautiful and need to be seen to be appreciated. A small lunch of one sandwich and a bottle of water was included. Visitor centers at the sites provided opportunity for comfort stops and purchasing snacks. I would highly recommend this tour.”

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Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip - A traditional boat with real character
Akureyri Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip

4.Whale-Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 695 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $96

Meet at Hótel Kaldi in Árskógssandur for a 2.5-hour whale-watching trip on a traditional oak boat. An English-speaking guide and captain search Eyjafjörður for humpbacks, dolphins, and seabirds, while warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun keep you comfortable.

“Incredible experience. We were lucky to see lots of humpback whales. The guides and the boat were perfect. An incredible journey :)”

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Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík - Why the RIB boat changes the experience
Akureyri Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

5.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203Top rated

Race across Skjálfandi Bay in a 12-seat RIB with a captain and wildlife guide. Look for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins near Lundey from mid-April to mid-August. The two-hour trip includes a warm flotation suit, life vest, and commentary, but you must reach Húsavík yourself.

“Exceptional service and very knowledgeable guides on this tour. They know exactly where and when to look when going near the areas of previous sightings. The locations are a hit or miss when it comes to sightings but you will have a blast to and from the dock. Would go back if we ever got the chance!”

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Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat - Getting suited up for North Iceland’s water
2-Hour Experiences, Akureyri Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

6.2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 489 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Set out from Akureyri’s Hof cultural center on a two-hour RIB speedboat trip with an English-speaking guide and a maximum of 12 passengers. You’ll wear a protective suit, search for humpback and minke whales, and may stop near a geothermal waterfall on the return.

“Even in less than ideal weather, it was a great excursion. We saw 4 whales on our trip. Please note they will provide you a full outer layer--they call it overalls but it's like a protective suit and perfect on cold days.”

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Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri - Lake Mývatn and the Skútustaðir pseudo-craters
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Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri

7.Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 478 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $188

Travel from Akureyri to Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir lava fields, and the steaming ground at Hverir. A guide such as Nico or Lili explains local stories and geology while you ride in an air-conditioned bus. Lunch is included, but the hot springs are for viewing, not bathing.

“It was a bit hard to find the bus, better signage would be helpful. Once we were on the tour the driver and guide were very personable and knowledgeable about the area. They were super excited to shate their wonderful country with us. The tour went on schedule with plenty of time for pictures and some exploration.”

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Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port - Hverir and Námaskarð: Iceland’s sulfurous side
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Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

8.Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 473 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $205

From Akureyri’s cruise pier, follow a local guide such as Oli, Jon, or Johannes to Godafoss and Lake Myvatn. Expect a 5 to 6-hour outing with waterfalls, steaming earth, Dimmuborgir lava, Grjotagja Cave, and optional time at the Myvatn Nature Baths.

“Beautiful trip to see an amazing waterfall and areas where lava continues to heat the surface with the funk of sulfur”

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Iceland’s Top Grade 4 Rafting – Drysuit, Canyon & Adrenaline - What the six-hour schedule feels like
Akureyri Tours, Silfra Snorkelling Tours, Tour Reviews

Iceland’s Top Grade 4 Rafting – Drysuit, Canyon & Adrenaline

9.Iceland’s Top Grade 4 Rafting – Drysuit, Canyon & Adrenaline

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 438 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $290

Join Viking Rafting near Varmahlíð for about three hours on Iceland’s East Glacial River, with Grade 4 whitewater, canyon views, drysuits, safety kayakers, and professional guides such as Mark, Hunter, and Tarzan. Transport from Akureyri is available when selected at booking.

“If your looking for a way to spice up your trip loo no further. The staff is very friendly and going to make your trip I unforgettable! By the end your like family:)”

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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík - Stop one: searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales
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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

10.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

You’ll ride with Gentle Giants from Húsavík in a 12-person RIB, searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales and porpoises. Guides such as Clara, Miro, Mario, and Victoria add lively wildlife notes, while the boat visits Puffin Island from April 15 to August 15, weather permitting.

“Best whale watching experience ever! It helped that the weather was perfect so the water was calm. The RIB was able to get within about 300 yards of a whale slapping his tail on the water! What a show!”

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Top-Rated Family Rafting-Warm Drysuits, Volcanic Canyon, Epic Fun - Getting suited up for Icelandic water
Akureyri Tours, Iceland Volcano Tours, Tour Reviews

Top-Rated Family Rafting-Warm Drysuits, Volcanic Canyon, Epic Fun

11.Top-Rated Family Rafting-Warm Drysuits, Volcanic Canyon, Epic Fun

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 411 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $187

Set out from Viking Rafting in Hafgrímsstaðir for a 10-kilometer family rafting trip through a basalt canyon. You’ll wear a warm drysuit, paddle gentle Class II+ rapids, stop for hot cocoa made with spring water, and possibly swim or cliff-jump with guides such as Lucas, Amy, Benji, or Roshan.

“Very well organised family rafting, with safety first, which was also great fun for our teenagers (17 and 15): they could sit at the front top of the boat in rapids, we could swim along the boat at a safe place and jump down a cliff (5m). Half way we drank hot chocolat with water from a hot spring. Very decent gear, top-guides (Maude and Pablo), very safe bus-driver (Gabriel) and a lovely lunch at the end (lamb from the BBQ, rice, baked potatoes and a salad😋) for 3500 Kr each.”

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Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company - The three-hour route and how the time is used
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Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

12.Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 389 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Set out from Húsavík on a traditional Icelandic oak boat for a guided search through Skjálfandi Bay. Guides such as Fabio, Vittoria, Matteo, and Nikolina have helped passengers spot humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and even blue whales. Warm overalls are supplied, but rough seas and a full boat are possible.

“We saw 2 humpback whales and a group of 50 dolphines. Especially our guide, Victoria from Italy, was very passionate and taught us a lot about sea life and whales in particular. Thank you Victoria for the amazing time at sea. Good luck to you! Robrecht & Kirsten from Belgium”

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Goðafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri Port - Coffee, kleina, and the practical stop at Hótel Goðafoss
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Goðafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri Port

13.Goðafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 383 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $123

You’ll ride from Akureyri Port to Goðafoss with a live guide in English, Spanish, German, or Italian. Expect 75 minutes at the falls, Viking-era stories, Eyjafjörður views, coffee and kleina at Hótel Goðafoss, and optional drop-off in central Akureyri.

“Had a great time. Our guide and driver were excellent”

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Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik - Marine guides who add meaning to the sightings
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Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

14.Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 366 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $118

Set out from Húsavík with North Sailing for about three hours on a traditional Icelandic oak ship. Your guide explains whale behavior, breeding, and species identification as you search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds. Warm overalls, refreshments, and hot chocolate are provided.

“We saw several whales and the scenery was spectacular. The overalls kept us warm and we loved the hot chocolate and rolls”

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Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour - Godafoss: a powerful first stop
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Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour

15.Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 334 reviews · 6 hours · from $182

Travel from Akureyri Port to Godafoss and the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn, including Dimmuborgir and Hverir. Expect a comfortable coach, a live guide, coffee and kleina at Hotel Goðafoss, and a full six-hour day. Guides may include Jullii, Aitana, Lukas, or Michiel.

“This was a fantastic day trip, but what made it absolutely perfect was our guide Jullii!!❤️❤️ Not only was he knowledgeable, kind, funny, patient, he took the time to talk to every single person on the tour. I can’t speak highly enough about him!! He made tour perfect, regardless of the “refreshing” weather!! Thank you again Jullii❤️❤️”

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New in Akureyri Tours

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