Iceland · TOURS

Iceland Day Trips: The 15 Best Tours & Excursions

820 tours  ·  from $10

Everything with a guide, a boat or a super jeep attached, in one list. The 15 below are the ones worth a whole day, priced and timed, with the rest of the catalogue underneath.

Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater - The 40-minute ride through southern Iceland
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Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater

1.Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 24,485 reviews · 7 - 8.5 hours · from $82Our pick

Spend 7 to 8.5 hours touring Iceland’s Golden Circle from Reykjavik by air-conditioned bus. Visit Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, and Kerið, with guides such as Barbara, Andrea, or Gary sharing Icelandic stories, geology, and folklore. Choose an early departure if you want Kerið and less crowded stops.

“Whole trip amazing. Only slight problem is that I could hardly hear the guide speaking on the coach. Seemed bit muffled at timrs. heI did ask hom if he could speak bit louder as I am bit hard of hearing. He was an excellent guide though and very knowledgeable and interesting when I could hear some of what he said. A lovely day. Excellent.”

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Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik - What the aurora looks like in person
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Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

2.Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 11,161 reviews · from $73

Leave Reykjavik by bus for a four-hour hunt for the Aurora Borealis. Guides such as Jessica, Sunny, Daniel, and Petra explain the science, folklore, stars, and camera settings while drivers chase clearer skies. You can stop for photos and rebook once for free if the lights do not appear.

“Daniel was a phenomenal guide. He was very knowledgeable, answered all our questions, and set expectations appropriately while providing some educational background. He was funny and light hearted and went above and beyond for participants. It was an incredible night for the lights despite being at the end of season. At no point did I feel rushed or that we were spending too much time on stops. I’ve done a lot of great tours and this one was easily the best. The hot chocolates and chocolate sweets were a great treat to top it all off. This is worth every penny.Read more”

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Reykjavík: South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand & Glacier Tour - Hvolsvöllur gives you a useful first break
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Reykjavík: South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand & Glacier Tour

3.South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand & Glacier Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 11,030 reviews · 10 hours · from $126

Spend 10 hours touring Iceland’s south coast by coach with an English-speaking guide such as Barbara, Eva, Andrea, or Ed. Visit Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull glacier, Vík, Reynisfjara Beach, and Seljalandsfoss. Expect dramatic scenery, regular stops, changing weather, and a long but well-paced day. Bring waterproof clothing, snacks, and water.

“It was awesome!!! We had the best spots in front lf the bus and our guide was really helpful and gave lots of information. We had enough time at each stop and it was an incredible experience to see the nature of Iceland. What a nice memory!!”

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From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour - Leaving Reykjavik and getting organized
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From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour

4.Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6,009 reviews · 10 hours · from $132

Spend 10 hours exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle by comfortable coach, with an English-speaking guide such as Sunny, Jessica, or Daniel. You’ll visit Geysir, Gullfoss, Þingvellir, and Kerið, plus enjoy 1.5 hours at Secret Lagoon. Food is extra, and you should bring swimwear and a towel.

“I had a great experience on the Golden Circle tour. The bus was comfortable, the driver was professional, and the guide shared interesting information about every stop. A well-organized and enjoyable tour — highly recommended!”

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Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik - Skógafoss: a powerful first waterfall
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Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

5.Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,988 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $139Top rated

Spend about 10 hours exploring Iceland’s South Coast in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with Wi-Fi, an English-speaking guide, and pickup from central Reykjavik. Visit Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull, Reynisfjara, Vík, and Seljalandsfoss. Guides such as Simon, Erla, Elisa, and Slavi have been praised for friendly commentary, safety, and weather-aware timing.

“It was okay. If you just want the sightseeing with no guide sharing facts and very quiet bus drive then this is for you. If you would like to learn about the history and culture I suggest you book with Nice Travel and request Walter.”

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Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik - Reykjavik departure and the long first stretch
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Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik

6.Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,195 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $73

Travel from Reykjavik by air-conditioned coach to Thingvellir, Geysir, Strokkur, and Gullfoss. A professional guide explains Icelandic history, geology, and renewable energy while you enjoy about six and a half hours on the road. Guides such as Eric, Flosi, Leifur, Albert, and Dylan have earned particular praise, though pickup needs careful attention.

“Golden Circle tour with our guide Dylan was exciting and interesting! Safe and exciting, the story and professionalism, also we made an extra stop to see the Northern Lights! Thank you to the local driver and for such a memorable tour! Absolutely worthy! Fully recommended, that day was most amazing of all! Wowwowwowwowwow!”

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Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour - by CityWalk - Hallgrímskirkja gives the tour a memorable start
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Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour – by CityWalk

7.Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour – by CityWalk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,076 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $53Best value

Walk from Hallgrímskirkja through Rainbow Street, past the National Theatre, Arnarhóll, Harpa, the Old Harbour, Parliament, and City Hall. A local English-speaking guide leads groups of up to 12, adding Icelandic history, legends, food tips, and useful orientation for your first days in Reykjavík.

“Excellent tour! We took this tour on our first day in Iceland and it helped us to navigate the city. Our tour guide was excellent. She was extremely knowledgeable in Icelandic history and culture which made the tour more enjoyable. She gave us tips on where to eat and places to visit. Highly recommend this tour.”

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Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon Tour - Starting in Reykjavik with a minibus pickup
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Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon Tour

8.Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 4,351 reviews · from $243

Spend a full day with an English-speaking guide such as Elias, Christina, Filip, or Walter, visiting Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerid Crater, and the Blue Lagoon. You get hotel pickup, minibus transport, Wi-Fi, crater entry, lagoon admission, and a towel. Expect a busy but well-paced day with time for walks, photos, food, and a two-hour soak.

“It was fantastic! Filip was a great guide, a lot of info about Iceland, great playlist and amazing extra stops.”

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From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour - The road from Reykjavik to Borgarnes
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From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

9.Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,457 reviews · 11 hours · from $143

Spend 11 hours circling Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula by bus, with stops at Kirkjufell, Djúpalónssandur, Arnarstapi, Búðakirkja, and Ytri Tunga. An English-speaking guide such as Siggi, Alain, or Micah may add local stories and extra photo stops. Bring lunch, warm layers, and sturdy shoes.

“It was a wonderful trip. We get to see a lot of amazing landscapes of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Our driver was Andreas and tour guide was Petra. They both did a marvelous job. It was a long day but totally worth it.”

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Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship - The first run through Eyjafjord
3-Hour Experiences, North Iceland Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in North Iceland

Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

10.3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

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

Sail from Akureyri into Eyjafjord on Iceland’s specially modified high-speed whale-watching ship. Your English-speaking guide, possibly Gisella, Johann, Jacob, or David, helps you spot humpbacks and other cetaceans while explaining their behavior. Thermal overalls, heated seating, viewing windows, Wi-Fi, and crew photographs make this a comfortable choice in changing weather.

“We saw so many whales for basically most of the whole tour. The ship as well was well equipped and warm, would definitely do this again.”

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Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik - How the Northern Lights hunt works
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Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

11.Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,977 reviews · 4 hours · from $107

Leave Reykjavik in a small minibus with an English-speaking aurora guide such as Ody, JP, Michael, or Axel. You’ll chase clear skies, stop away from city lights, learn how the aurora forms, and get help with photographs. Hot chocolate and refreshments are included, plus a free retry within three years if the lights stay hidden.

“We got incredibly lucky and had clear skies and a fantastic lights show. Very easy to recommend when it's like this. Our guide, JP, was very friendly and knowledgeable. He had a genuine enthusiasm for the auroras.”

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#1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos - The guides shape the night
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#1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos

12.#1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,887 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Leave Reykjavik with a local guide such as Bjarni, BG, Johan, or Johann and chase clear skies beyond the city glow. Your guide may change locations during the four-hour hunt. Pickup, hot chocolate, pastries, blankets, and professional aurora photos are included, with a free re-run if the lights stay hidden.

“Not sure how this tour can call itself #1 because our experience was so bad it was almost comical. Our guide tried to call off the tour 20 minutes before prime viewing began and several of us just refused to get back on the bus. He claimed that his boss said there would be no lights, but because we refused we were able to see the lights. Then our guide was so angry with us that when he took the “professional pictures” they were much worse than I took with my iPhone. Then he proceeded to drive very dangerously on the trip home, clearly he was throwing a temper tantrum…”

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Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik - Kerid Crater and its red volcanic bowl
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Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik

13.Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,826 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Travel from Reykjavik to Kerid Crater, Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss Falls, and Thingvellir National Park on an English-language coach tour. Guides such as Petra, Barbara, Tomas, and Anna explain Iceland’s geology and history, with meal, restroom, and photo stops built into the day. Check your departure time carefully, since 12:00 or later departures exclude Kerid.

“Make sure you have warm clothes especially gloves. Absolutely loved this trip. Eva was so knowledgeable and very friendly. Brian was a lovely driver also.”

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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide - From the Húsavík harbor to open water
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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

14.Whale Watching Tour with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,761 reviews · 3 hours · from $115

Cruise Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík on a traditional oak boat with an English-speaking guide, warm overalls, live wildlife commentary, and hot chocolate with a cinnamon bun. You may see humpback and minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and other seabirds. Allow three hours, dress for cold weather, and bring suitable shoes.

“It was amazing! Very friendly people and we were a small group on a big boat which meant everybody had enough space to watch the whales. It was very quiet and intimate and they were very careful around the whales so they would not be to disturbed. Awesome Tour!”

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Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos - Arriving at P5 and meeting the guide
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Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos

15.Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,731 reviews · 3 hours · from $148

At Þingvellir National Park, you’ll snorkel through the crystal-clear Silfra Fissure between the North American and European tectonic plates. A certified PADI guide such as Anna, James, or Lillian handles the safety briefing, dry-suit fitting, and underwater photos. The water is cold, but the suit keeps most of you warm.

“Amazing and experience and not at all as cold as feared.”

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