Port Akureyri: Godafoss Waterfall, Myvatn and Baths Tour

Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn give you two very different views of northern Iceland in one long day: a broad, rushing waterfall first, then a volcanic region filled with pseudo craters, twisted lava, steaming ground, and a warm geothermal bath. That range is the real appeal of this eight-hour minibus tour from Akureyri.

I like the way the route packs in major sights without feeling like a simple drive-by. I also like the strong port planning, including an early start, a small vehicle, and a return to the ship at least 30 minutes before departure, usually closer to 50. The main catch is the pace: six sightseeing stops and a bath visit make this a busy day, and the bath admission is not included in the $218 price.

Key points to know before booking

• Goðafoss comes early: You get about 40 minutes at one of northern Iceland’s best-known waterfalls, often before the larger buses arrive.
• Mývatn offers several kinds of scenery: Pseudo craters, lava formations, a cave, geothermal vents, and open water country all appear on the same route.
• The minibus matters: A recent group had only 16 people, making it easier to move through small stops and adjust the order around crowds or weather.
• The bath is optional and costs extra: Reserve your time in advance, bring swimwear and a towel, or relax at the Kvika restaurant instead.
• This is built for cruise passengers: Fox Adventure waits outside the Akureyri harbor terminal and provides a cruise-ship return guarantee.
• Pack lunch: The café stop comes late, so food and drinks are not included and a pre-packed meal is sensible.

Why this Akureyri shore excursion works

The drive from Akureyri follows Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords, before turning inland toward Goðafoss. The first 35 minutes give your guide time to explain the region and point out features along the road, though the real reward begins when the waterfall appears.

This part of Iceland was shaped by major volcanic activity about 2,300 years ago. The result is not one single type of view. You move from water and pasture to dark lava, steaming vents, crater-like mounds, and blue geothermal water within a short distance.

That variety makes the tour a good choice if you have only one day in port. You will not explore every corner of Mývatn, but you will get a well-rounded introduction to the area without arranging a rental car, navigating winter roads, or worrying about the ship’s departure time.

The group size is one of the practical strengths. Fox Adventure uses a comfortable minibus, and one recent outing had 16 people. Guides have also changed the order of stops to avoid crowds and poor weather. Joanna, Jowi, Baldur, Matteo, Mati, and Friourbjorn are among the guides praised for clear explanations, local stories, careful timing, and personal help along the way.

The quality of guiding may vary by individual and by the day. One person noted that the sound system was sometimes difficult to hear, and another found a guide’s English needed some work. Still, the overall score is 4.9 from 82 reviews, with transport receiving a 91 percent perfect score. I would treat that as a strong sign, while still bringing patience for a full day on the road.

Goðafoss: a powerful first stop

Goðafoss means Waterfall of the Gods, and it is a fitting start. The falls spread across a broad section of the Skjálfandafljót River, with water dropping over a curved shelf of rock. You get around 40 minutes to walk, take photographs, and visit the small shopping area.

Your guide can help you find good viewpoints and suggest places for photographs. If the weather cooperates, a rainbow may appear in the spray. The stop is short enough to keep the day moving, but long enough for you to see the waterfall from more than one angle.

The ground can be wet, rocky, or slippery, so comfortable shoes matter. One guide was specifically praised for helping people manage rocky slopes and stairs. You should still expect to walk carefully rather than remain beside the bus.

Because Goðafoss is a popular stop, the timing matters. Several people found that an early departure helped them reach the waterfall before larger buses. If your ship schedule allows the group to leave promptly, you may get quieter viewing at the start of the day.

Skútustaðagígar and the unusual story of pseudo craters

After about 35 minutes on the road, the tour reaches Skútustaðagígar for roughly 40 minutes. These rounded formations look like volcanic craters, but they formed when lava flowed over wet ground and caused steam explosions. They are called pseudo craters because they were not created by a direct eruption from a volcanic vent.

You can walk among the low mounds and look across Lake Mývatn. The setting is especially good for photographs because the water, crater shapes, and distant volcanic forms create several layers of scenery without requiring a long hike.

The stop is also a useful reminder that Iceland’s geology is full of exceptions. Similar formations are found in only a few places, including Hawaii, the Azores, and Mars. Your guide’s explanation makes the walk more meaningful than simply photographing a series of grassy bumps.

Forty minutes is enough for a taste, not an extended hike. If you have limited mobility, ask about the walking route before setting out. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, though Fox Adventure recommends a private tour for greater comfort.

Dimmuborgir: black lava in strange shapes

A 15-minute drive brings you to Dimmuborgir, a large area of lava formations. The name is often translated as Dark Fortresses, and the title makes sense once you see the jagged pillars, arches, and rough walls created as molten lava cooled.

You get about 40 minutes here, with time for photographs and a guided walk. The paths can be uneven, and the volcanic rock gives the area a rougher feel than the smoother walking route at Skútustaðagígar. Wear shoes with a good grip, especially if rain or ice is present.

Dimmuborgir is also connected with Icelandic folklore and was used for scenes in Game of Thrones. The film connection may interest you, but the geology is the stronger reason to visit. These formations show how a violent volcanic event can leave behind shapes that look almost built rather than formed.

A café or refreshment option may be available at this stop, but meals and drinks are not included. I would not count on buying a full lunch here. The tour information specifically recommends bringing food because the café stop comes late in the day.

Grjótagjá: a cave between tectonic plates

Next comes Grjótagjá, reached after about 12 minutes on the bus. You have around 30 minutes to see the cave, admire the hot blue water, and walk in the surrounding area.

The cave is tied to the rift between the Eurasian and American continents. You may be able to photograph yourself standing across the divide between the two tectonic plates, though the guide will direct you to the suitable viewing area. The cave itself is a striking contrast to the open volcanic country outside, with dark rock surrounding water that appears intensely blue.

This is a shorter stop, and access can involve uneven ground. If you are not comfortable with rocky paths, take your time and ask your guide for help. The tour is designed to show the site rather than provide a long cave expedition, so keep expectations realistic.

The water is not a swimming stop. The bathing portion comes later at Mývatn Nature Baths.

Hverir: steam, mud, and a strong smell of sulfur

Only eight minutes later, the bus reaches Hverir, a geothermal area with smoking fumaroles and boiling mud pots. You receive about 30 minutes to walk among the vents and observe the ground at close range.

This is one of the most otherworldly stops on the route. The steam rises from the earth, the mud bubbles, and the air often carries a sharp sulfur smell. That odor is part of the experience, but it can be strong. If you are sensitive to it, keep your visit focused and follow the marked paths.

Hverir requires attention. Stay on the paths and listen to your guide. The ground around geothermal features can be dangerous, and the steam can reduce visibility near the vents. You do not need to wander far to see the main features, which is helpful during a tightly timed day.

The six-minute ride from Hverir to the baths is short, so this section of the tour feels efficient. You see a dramatic geothermal area without giving up too much time for the final relaxation stop.

Mývatn Nature Baths: the welcome final pause

The tour allows about 80 minutes at Mývatn Nature Baths. After several hours of walking and riding, the warm geothermal water is more than a photo opportunity. It gives you a chance to slow down, rest your legs, and enjoy the setting without a guide leading you from one feature to the next.

Admission is not included in the $218 tour price. You need to request a reservation by email, and you should bring your own swimsuit and towel. A towel can be rented at the facility for an additional fee.

If you prefer not to bathe, you can relax at the Kvika restaurant or take a walk around the area. That makes the stop workable for mixed groups, though non-swimmers may find 80 minutes rather long if they do not plan to eat or stroll.

I consider the bath a worthwhile add-on, but price it separately when comparing excursions. At $218 before admission, this is not the cheapest shore trip. The value comes from the combination of transport, guide service, several distant sights, port pickup, and the return guarantee. If you would visit the baths anyway, adding them here saves you from arranging another transfer.

The drive back to Akureyri

After the baths, the return drive takes about 80 minutes. Depending on time, weather, and traffic, the guide may make a final stop at Eyjafjörður for a view back toward Akureyri. Some guides have also added a short old-town look on the way to the port.

That flexibility is useful, but it also explains why the schedule can change. Weather and road conditions may force Fox Adventure to alter the order or remove a stop. You should think of the listed route as the intended plan, not a guarantee that every minute will unfold exactly as printed.

The strongest practical feature is the ship timing. The company says it returns at least 30 minutes before departure and usually 50 minutes before. One minibus reportedly broke down during a tour, but another vehicle was sourced while the group was at the baths. That does not make a breakdown desirable, but it shows why a port-focused operator and a return guarantee matter.

What the $218 price includes

For $218 per person, you receive pickup at the Akureyri Cruise Terminal, transport in a comfortable minibus, an English-speaking guide, onboard Wi-Fi, and the cruise-ship return guarantee. Meals, drinks, bath admission, swimwear, and towels are extra.

I would compare this price with the cost and effort of hiring transport privately. A rental car gives you more freedom, but you must drive, park, follow weather conditions, and judge your return time. A private tour offers more control and may be the better option for a family, wheelchair user, or group that wants a slower pace, but it will cost more.

This shared tour is strongest for people who want a full day of major sights with someone else handling the road and timing. It is weaker for anyone who prefers long hikes, extended photography sessions, or quiet time at only one or two locations.

What to pack and how to make the day easier

Arrive at the harbor 15 minutes before departure and look for the Fox Adventure guide and minibus outside the ship. Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm and comfortable clothing, sunglasses, a camera, swimwear, and a towel.

Pack food and drinks. The refreshment stop comes late, and no meal is part of the tour. A sandwich or snacks will help you avoid spending the sightseeing hours hungry, especially if you plan to use the full 80 minutes at the baths.

Keep your schedule flexible. Weather and road conditions can change the route at short notice. If you have a fixed bath reservation, send the reservation details to the company in advance so the timing can be handled correctly.

This tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the company recommends a private outing for comfort. Infant seats are available. Families with children have found the guides helpful, though the long day and several rocky stops may test younger children’s patience.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this excursion if you have one day in Akureyri and want to see the main sights around Lake Mývatn without driving. It is especially suitable for cruise passengers who value a clear return plan, a small vehicle, and a guide who can adjust the order around crowds and weather.

I would also choose it if you want variety. Goðafoss gives you rushing water, Skútustaðagígar gives you unusual volcanic forms, Dimmuborgir brings dark lava, Grjótagjá adds the tectonic story, Hverir shows active geothermal ground, and the baths finish the day at a gentler pace.

I would hesitate if your priority is an unhurried spa visit or serious hiking. The day covers a lot of ground, and each sightseeing stop is brief. The bath entry fee also makes the final cost higher than the headline price.

For most port visitors, I think the route offers strong value despite that extra cost. Book it if you want a carefully managed overview of northern Iceland, pack lunch, reserve the bath ahead, and accept that a full day of volcanic sights will involve some walking and plenty of bus time.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts outside the Akureyri Harbor Cruise Terminal. Look for a Fox Adventure guide and minibus with a sign.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including transport between Akureyri and the Mývatn area.

Is the Mývatn Nature Baths admission included?

No. Entry to the Mývatn Nature Baths is not included, and you need to request a reservation by email.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. Bring swimwear and a towel. A towel can also be rented at the facility for an additional fee.

Can I join if I do not want to swim?

Yes. You can relax at the Kvika restaurant or take a walk around the area while others use the baths.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Meals and beverages are not included. A café stop is offered, but the tour recommends bringing a pre-packed lunch because the stop comes late.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but Fox Adventure recommends a private tour for greater comfort. Contact the company before booking.

Will I return to my cruise ship on time?

The company provides a cruise-ship return guarantee and says the group returns at least 30 minutes before departure, usually 50 minutes before. Road and weather conditions can still require itinerary changes.