Iceland · TOURS IN AKUREYRI

The 15 Best Akureyri Tours & Day Trips

26 tours  ·  from $52 a head

The northern capital sits at the head of a long fjord with whales at the mouth of it and Myvatn an hour inland. These 15 cover both, plus the town itself, with notes on the cruise-ship mornings to avoid.

Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship - The first fjord views set the pace
3-Hour Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Akureyri, Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours in Akureyri

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

Cruise Eyjafjord from Akureyri for 2.5 to 3.5 hours aboard Iceland’s specially modified high-speed whale-watching ship. Guides such as Gisella, Johan, Jacob, and David explain whale behavior while the crew searches for humpbacks, orcas, and minke whales. Thermal overalls, indoor seating, Wi-Fi, hot drinks, and crew photographs make this a practical choice in any season.

“It was an amazing experience. I got some good footage. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. We got to see quite a few whales. Can’t wait to see the footage they send out after the tour.”

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Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri - Humpbacks, orcas, minke whales, and porpoises
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Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

2.Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

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

Board Elding’s whale-watching vessel at Oddeyrarbót in central Akureyri for a roughly three-hour cruise into Eyjafjord. Guides explain the area and its humpback whales while the captain checks likely viewing spots. You can watch from heated indoor areas or outdoor decks, borrow warm overalls and blankets, buy café drinks, and use free Wi-Fi.

“The tour is very good. Our tour guide was very informative and had a fun persona. We saw a humpback and a minke and few porpoises. I would highly recommend.”

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From Akureyri: Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour - Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods
Myvatn & Godafoss Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Akureyri, Volcano & Lava Tours, Waterfall Tours

From Akureyri: Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour

3.Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour

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

Ride from Akureyri to North Iceland’s volcanic heart with a guide such as Nico, Richie, or Kjartan. You’ll see Goðafoss, Mývatn’s pseudo-craters, Dimmuborgir’s troll-like lava towers, and Námaskarð’s boiling mud pools. A packed sandwich lunch, port pickup, WiFi, and return transport are included.

“Niko was a wonderful guide, we had brilliant weather, saw so many amazing things, felt we had left planet Earth at the sulphur fields, the Godafoss falls were magnificent, safe driver. We had a fantastic day.”

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Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip - Two and a half hours on Eyjafjörður
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Akureyri, Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours in Akureyri

Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip

4.Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip

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

Meet at Hótel Kaldi in Árskógssandur, then sail Eyjafjörður for about two and a half hours on a traditional oak boat. Your English-speaking guide and captain look for humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun are included.

“Our captain and guide extended our trip so that we could follow our Minke whale a little longer. Loved the trip. The boat was comfortable with plenty of places to sit and to get a different view and perspectives of the Eyjafjordur. The hot chocolate and bun were also very appreciated! We also learned a lot about northern Iceland, the industry and educational opportunities in the area, as well as information about how whales eat and descend and rise up for air. It was exactly what we we were hoping for.”

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Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík - Setting out from Húsavík
Cruises & Boat Tours, Myvatn & Godafoss Tours, Puffin & Wildlife Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Akureyri, Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours in Akureyri

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

Speed across Skjálfandi Bay in a RIB boat carrying no more than 12 people, searching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins. A guide such as Austin, Alessandra, or Danny explains the wildlife while the captain handles the boat. Expect cold air, spray, and a lively ride.

“The experience was amazing! We saw three whales, some of them very close! In addition, the tours are very individual. Personally, I found the small groups much more pleasant than the large ships.”

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Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat - From the floating pier to open water
2-Hour Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Akureyri, Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours in Akureyri

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

Join guides such as Sergio, Mack, Agnes, or Victor for a two-hour whale and bird-watching ride from Akureyri’s floating pier. A 12-person RIB covers the Eyjafjord quickly, giving you a low, close view of humpback and minke whales. Expect warm overalls, an exciting ride, changing weather, and no toilet on board.

“Very organized tour, great guide, professional staff. We were fortunate to see quite a few whales on this tour. Highly recommend the smaller RIB boat which allows you to get much closer than the larger ships.”

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Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri - Goðafoss: a powerful first stop
Myvatn & Godafoss Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Akureyri, Waterfall Tours

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

From Akureyri, you’ll visit Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn’s pseudo-craters, Dimmuborgir lava fields, and the steaming mud pots of Námaskarð. English-speaking guides such as Nico and Lili add local stories during the drive. A sandwich and water are included, but the geothermal stop is for viewing, not bathing.

“My wife and I had a great time on this tour. We got to learn a lot about Iceland and their people. It was an all day trip that included the falls, volcano, the Dark City to see where trolls live, and a hot springs. The hot springs are not for swimming though. Our guide made sure everyone was comfortable and gave us lots of info at every stop.”

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Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port - Lake Mývatn brings fire and ice together
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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

Travel from Akureyri port with an English-speaking guide to Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn. Visit Hverir’s steaming mud pools, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Grjótagjá Cave, and the Myvatn Nature Baths. The tour lasts about 5 to 6 hours, uses a small group of up to 19 people, and returns you to the pier.

“Make sure you are told you are stopping for a lunch break at your own personal added cost. Make sure you have a watch or cell phone to let you know what time it is as the tour guide gives you a slotted time curfew.”

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Iceland’s Top Grade 4 Rafting – Drysuit, Canyon & Adrenaline - Safety briefing and the guide team
Silfra Snorkeling & Diving, Tour Reviews, Tours in Akureyri

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

Spend about six hours with Viking Rafting on Iceland’s East Glacial River, paddling through basalt canyon scenery and Grade 4 whitewater. Guides such as Hunter, Mark, Tarzan, and Anup lead small groups with safety kayakers, drysuits, riverside refreshments, and transport from Akureyri if selected.

“What a wonderful adventure. All four employees (guide, 2 recovery kayak and cameraman/recovery kayak) were enthusiastic, fun and very good at their jobs. We had beautiful weather. The level IV rapids were both challenging and exhilarating and the same time. We had a garage sale on the most difficult part of the rapids but we enjoyed every minute of it. I would definitely recommend this trip for anyone looking for a challenge.”

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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík - Puffin Island between April and August
Myvatn & Godafoss Tours, Puffin & Wildlife Watching, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Akureyri, Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours in Akureyri

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

Join Gentle Giants in Húsavík for a two-hour RIB speedboat safari across Skjálfandi Bay. Your guide may lead you to humpback, minke, blue whales, dolphins, and Puffin Island during the April to August season. The boat carries no more than 12 people, with warm safety overalls supplied. Expect speed, spray, cold air, and a serious chance of wildlife.

“Well organized & professional. Give & Captain excellent. Only downside was not being able to get close pictures of Puffins, otherwise, really great. Saw many whales.”

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Top-Rated Family Rafting-Warm Drysuits, Volcanic Canyon, Epic Fun - The safety briefing sets the tone
Tour Reviews, Tours in Akureyri, Volcano & Lava Tours

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

Join Viking Rafting near Varmahlíð for a 10 km family-friendly river trip through basalt cliffs and hot springs. You get a warm drysuit, safety kayakers, hot cocoa made with geothermal water, and optional swimming or cliff jumping. Guides such as Lucas, Amy, Roshan, and Benji are known for calm instruction and good humor.

“This was a fantastic addition to the family Iceland trip. I can not say enough about the Viking Rafting experience, lodge, equipment, team, and value. The directions getting to location were spot on and not too far off the ring road (Highway 1). We were greeted upon arrival and they have a fun clubhouse to hang out, eat snacks and drinks that we brought and played darts and games available while we waited. The rafting guides gave a great presentation on what to expect for our 10 and 13 year olds who were first time on the river. The equipment was up to date and all safety for our family…”

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Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company - Guides, Commentary, and Whale Watching Skills
Myvatn & Godafoss Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Akureyri, Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours in Akureyri

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

Cruise Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík on a traditional Icelandic oak boat for about three hours. A guide such as Fabio or Vittoria may help spot humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins while sharing live commentary. Warm overalls and rain gear are supplied, but expect cold, wind, waves, and a slower ride than the RIB boats.

“This was amazing! We loved our tour and lucked out with the weather. We saw so many whales and puffins! It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.”

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Goðafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri Port - Meeting the coach at Akureyri Port
Myvatn & Godafoss Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Akureyri, Waterfall Tours

Goðafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri Port

13.Goðafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri Port

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

Take a 2.5-hour coach trip from Akureyri Port to Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. You get 75 minutes at the falls, local commentary in English, Spanish, German, or Italian, plus coffee and an Icelandic kleina at Hotel Goðafoss. Return to the port, or finish near Forest Lagoon, the Botanical Gardens, or Akureyri city center.

“Excellent the driver and the guide Manuel were excellent”

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Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik - What happens during the three-hour outing
Myvatn & Godafoss Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Akureyri, Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours in Akureyri

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

Sail from Husavik for about three hours aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship with North Sailing. Your guide or marine scientist explains whale behavior, while the crew provides warm overalls, light refreshments, and live commentary. Sightings can include humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and other seabirds.

“I had never been whale watching so it was a great first experience. Luckily we had some stars of the morning and we had two humpbacks giving us a show. The trip back we enjoyed hot chocolate and a cinnamon roll.”

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Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour - Starting at the Akureyri cruise port
Myvatn & Godafoss Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Akureyri, Waterfall Tours

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

From Akureyri Port, travel by air-conditioned coach to Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir, and Hverir. Guides such as Jullii, Noddie, Aitana, and Michiel add local stories and humor. Expect striking volcanic scenery, a coffee and kleina stop, and a brisk schedule with no lunch included.

“We really enjoyed our experience. The guide was amazing and so knowledgeable,”

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New in Tours in Akureyri

★ 4.5Northern Lights Classic MiniBus Tour from AkureyriFrom $15076 reviews
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★ 4.6Whale Watching in the Midnight SunFrom $10175 reviews
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