Iceland · WESTMAN ISLANDS TOURS
Good westman islands tours fill up weeks ahead here and the winter slots go first. Below: the 14 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Join local guide Ebbi for a fast-moving tour of Heimaey Island by air-conditioned minicoach. You’ll visit puffin colonies, Stórhöfði, Eldfell’s crater, Elephant Rock, Herjólfsdalur, and the Viking Town, while hearing local stories and watching a demonstration of Sprangan, an old island sport.
“Wonderful, small group tour with Ebbi who has loads of character and lots of local knowledge. Enjoy 😎”
Drive an easy automatic ATV across Heimaey’s lava fields, around Eldfell volcano, and along the coast with guides such as Mar, Johanna, and Veli. You’ll visit Prestvik beach, hear the story of the Pelagus and Guðlaugur Friðþórsson, and stop for photos. Coveralls, gloves, and helmets are provided.
“I had purchased our tickets for the 4pm tour on Friday 7/5, but soon realized that I had made a mistake and the last tender was going back to our ship at 5PM. Knowing that all the tours that day had been listed as being sold out, I approached the gentleman (didn't get his name) at the front desk about trying to get into some other tour. He couldn't have been more helpful, pleasant and professional to deal with. He got us in the 12PM tour. The tour and Guide (didn't get her name) was AWESOME! Highly recommend!”
Join Ribsafari in Vestmannaeyjar for a one-hour RIB ride around sea caves, seabird cliffs, unusual rock formations, and possible puffin sightings. Your guide shares local stories while the captain adjusts the route to the weather. Warm clothing, a float suit, and life jacket are supplied. The boat holds no more than 12 people.
“This was by far the best thing we have done in Iceland. Beautiful scenic and fast ride. Knowledgeable guide and fun music! Highly recommend.”
Travel from Reykjavik by minibus and ferry to Vestmannaeyjar, where you’ll watch puffins at Stórhöfði, see Elephant Rock, visit Eldheimar Museum, explore Skansinn, and hike Eldfell Volcano. Guides such as Tomasz, Rebecca, Thor, and Elisa are praised for clear local insight. Bring boots, layers, water, and snacks.
“Its not cheap to be in Iceland (food, tours, accommodation, rental car and gas) but this was definitely the best tour of the 3 that we took and worth the price. We did Golden Circle Small Group, Whale Watching and this one - all via Arctic Adventures. I liked this one the best because the ferry ride to Westman was gorgeous. Everything about every stop at Westman was next level beautiful. The small lookout to watch the Puffins was fantastic as was the hike up to the volcano (bring a hiking pole for support (it gets narrow at the very top and a bit steep if you are a beginner…”
Meet Ribsafari at Tangagata 7, suit up in a float suit and life jacket, then race around Vestmannaeyjar with a local captain and guide. You will enter sea caves, see Elephant Rock, watch puffins and other seabirds, and head toward Súlnasker. Guide B has earned special praise for making the trip lively and memorable.
“We really enjoyed this tour around the islands. The boat ride was a lot of fun and we learned a lot from the guides/captain. The scenery is breathtaking! The RIB boat enables you to see caves and other amazing areas that would be inaccessible with a larger boat. Highly recommend!”
Cruise around Heimaey Island for 90 minutes, visiting a sea cave and Elephant Rock while your guide explains the 1973 eruption, new lava, island history, and wildlife. Local guides such as Chris bring personal stories. Puffins are possible, but close views are not guaranteed.
“Beautiful scenery and lots of great information about the island and Iceland. Informative and informative entertaining tour guide.”
Join Eyjascooter on Heimaey for a 1-hour-45-minute electric scooter tour led by guides such as Hreidar, Ingibjörg, Sarka, or Freddi. After a safety lesson, ride to puffin-viewing spots, see volcanic sites and island scenery, then visit the Sea Life Trust Museum. Helmets and vests are included.
“Absolutely unbelievable! The best thing to do in Heimaey by far! Do not hesitate!! Incredibile guide, incredibile scenery, puffin are so cute! Ride is easy and fun!!”
Join local guide Ebbi for a two-hour tour of Heimaey, beginning by the ferry harbor. You’ll see sprangan, Herjolfsdalur, a replica Viking settlement, elephant rock, Great Cape, Eldfell volcano, and Skansinn’s stave church and cannon. The tour includes transport, English guiding, and Viking Town admission, but no hotel or ferry pickup.
“Ebbi really made the Island come alive. His knowledge of the history of Heimaey and his description of life on the island along with his great sense of humor made this trip unforgettable. I highly recommend this tour!”
Join local guide Melissa for a private two-hour drive around Heimaey in the Westman Islands. Your route can include puffin cliffs, Elephant Rock, Eldfell, a museum, an old church, and the island’s miniature Fairy Village. Pickup is available, including near the ferry dock, and the BMW X5 seats up to four people.
“We spent 2 hours - Melissa regrettably kept telling us how much longer we had from the beginning. At the final stop she told us we had 13 minutes. I think that given the very high cost for this trip that she could be more flexible and not worry if it overran by 5 minutes. To be honest most of the trip was pretty uninteresting except the museum at the end and then we were limited on time. We couldn’t get near the volcano as the tyres on her vehicle were unsuitable. And if I was being petty - where was the promised water. So overall not worth a private…”
Explore Heimaey on a Kaabo Wolf Warrior 11 electric scooter with a seat, helmet, safety vest, and an English-speaking local guide. Ingibjörg, Hreidar, or Charka helps you learn the scooter before visiting scenic viewpoints, puffin areas, Elephant Rock, and other Westman Island sights. The small group has a maximum of six people.
“This was a very fun experience! I wish it was a little longer but we had a lot of fun riding the scooters. They actually move fast and I'm a large person so I didn't move slow.”
Travel from Reykjavik to the Landeyjahöfn ferry terminal in about two hours on an air-conditioned, Wi-Fi-equipped bus. Magic Iceland Travel handles the road journey, while you book your own ferry ticket to the Westman Islands. Pickup is offered, and groups are limited to 19 people.
“Fantastic bus connector service. Our bus was clean, the driver got us to the ferry terminal on time and we really enjoyed our trip with this operator. We hope others take advantage of this connector service as once your on the island you can use the hop-on/hop-off bus or taxis to go around in your own time without having to stick to a tour guide group.”
Leave Reykjavik at 7:30 am for Heimaey in the Westman Islands. Your English-speaking guide leads a small group of up to 19 people to Elephant Rock, puffin-watching spots, Mt. Eldfell Volcano, and the Eldheimar Museum. Ferry tickets, museum admission, pickup, and drop-off are included. Lunch is not.
“PUFFINS! only saw a few because it was rainy and windy, but still very special experience. A must see.”
Prime Tours takes you from your Reykjavik hotel or cruise port to Heimaey in the Westman Islands. Expect a private WiFi-equipped vehicle, ferry crossings, Eldfell, the Eldheimar eruption exhibition, a fishing village visit, and a walk near Stórhöfði’s puffin colony.
“comfy vehicle . prompt pick up and knowledgable guide . very fun”
Travel from Reykjavik to Heimaey by 19-seat minibus and ferry. See Elephant Rock, spot puffins at Stórhöfði, visit Eldheimar Museum, and hike Mt. Eldfell. Guides such as Anastasia and Franklin bring local context and humor. Lunch is extra, and the full day lasts about 12.5 hours.
“The tour was amazing especially the tour leader Franklin he was very helpful and entertaining. We took lots of pictures and we re very happy”
Pick a glacier, a bay or a hot pool.
