Looking for the best tours in Iceland? You have come to the right place!
Iceland is an amazing country full of waterfalls, rugged landscapes, and some breathtaking sights. In fact, there is so much to do in Iceland it can be overwhelming deciding what are the best Iceland day tours and the best Iceland guided tours.
We will go through the best tours in Iceland one by one so you can get to see the best of Iceland’s incredible natural wonders and make the most out of your trip.
Whether you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience such as whale watching, exploring an ice cave, seeing the spectacular Northern Lights, soaking in the Blue Lagoon, or you just want to enjoy the Icelandic scenery with a tour of The Golden Circle, we have covered them all. Don’t forget to check out our list of the best Ice caves in Iceland!
These Iceland guided tours will make your Icelandic experience even more unforgettable.
Whether you go in the winter or the summer, there is always something to see, and to make the best of your Iceland adventure make sure you are prepared and dress accordingly for the weather and terrain.
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Table of Contents
Best Day Tours In Iceland Worth The Cost
Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater (8 Hours)
No visit to Iceland would be complete without a tour of the delights of the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is a tourist route in southern Iceland. It covers approximately 300 km and contains some of the most loved and well-visited tourist attractions.
On this Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater you get to see the best of southwest Iceland with someone else taking the driving strain.
Starting in Reykjavik, this tour takes in the spectacular Geysir area, the cascading Gullfoss Waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, and the active hot spring of Strokkur. And you will of course also see the volcanic crater at Lake Kerid.
This is a packed itinerary that lets you see a unique selection of what Iceland has to offer and of course, you get to enjoy and marvel at the passing scenery. If you still aren’t sure, we have a blog post that breaks down some of the Best Golden Circle Tours in Iceland!
Book Here: Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
Here are a few more Golden Circle tours for you to also have a look at. They are some of the best Iceland tours, all with a slightly different itinerary.
From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo
From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour
Reykjavik: Golden Circle Tour with Blue Lagoon Visit & Entry
From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights
From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Day Trip (9.5 hours)
On this Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Day Trip you will tour the iconic Golden Circle before relaxing at Gamla Laugin, as it is known locally, the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. Located in Fludir, this beautiful hot spring is also known as the Secret Lagoon.
Fully renovated, it has an indoor changing area, lockers, showers, and food and drink are available to buy. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear and a towel and a water bottle as you will need to stay hydrated at the springs.
Along with the soak, you can walk along the springs and see a geyser.
Book Now: From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Day Trip
Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Underground Expedition (1 hour)
Only in Iceland can you explore an underground lava tunnel. This Lava Tunnel: Underground Expedition meets at Raufarhólshellir (30-minute drive from the capital), and you get to explore the longest and best-known lava tunnels in Iceland.
The tunnel is a work of nature, and you will see the incredible lava formations that are rarely seen outside of Iceland. The terrain can be rough and crampons are provided in winter. The surface is often uneven, and you will walk up and down steep stairs, so be aware.
You will experience the ever-changing colors, landscape, and geological features while getting all the history and information you need from the experienced guide.
This is one of the more unique Iceland tours and 100% worth it.
Book Now: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Underground Expedition
From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour (11 hours)
One of the top Iceland tours if you want to see the spectacular volcanic craters of Kirkjufell and Ljósufjöll, this Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour is packed full of beautiful scenery.
You will also get to visit the charming fishing villages of Grundarfjordur, Arnarstapi, and Hellnar as well as the black beaches of Djúpalónssandur. This is one of the best Iceland day tours that pack in a lot.
Departing from Reykjavik, this leisurely tour also takes in the majestic glacier of Snæfellsjökull. You will see volcanic peaks, golden and black beaches, sparkling fjords, fishing villages, and an amazing glacier. It’s a one-day Iceland experience that is well worth the money.
Book Now: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour
Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields (2 hours)
Horse riding through Lava fields? Only in Iceland!
With an optional pick-up in Reykjavik, this Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields is one of those only in Iceland experiences. From the Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður, you will experience a 1.2- to 2-hour horseback journey through lava fields and along beautiful green hillsides.
The horses are friendly and the riding paths excellent so you don’t need to be an experienced horse rider to enjoy this experience. The stables are a ten-minute drive from Reykjavík and are set in beautiful surroundings. The horses are well looked after and the staff takes pride in their job.
All equipment needed will be provided and there are lockers on site. There really is nothing like seeing incredible rock formations in the lava from the saddle of a horse. This is one of the best horseback riding tours in Iceland!
Since it is only two hours, this is one of the best Iceland day tours since you will have time to schedule more activities for the same day.
Book Now: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields
Landmannalaugar 4-Hour Hiking Experience (5-14 hours)
One of the best ways to explore Iceland is on foot and this is one of the best Iceland-guided tours to do that. This Landmannalaugar 4-Hour Hiking Experience is a must for anyone who loves hiking.
This Iceland day tour allows you to enjoy the Southern Highland of Fjallabak, taking in the wonders of Iceland’s Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano area. Soothing hot springs, extraordinary colored mountain peaks, clear blue lakes, and an active volcano are included on this unique tour. You get to take in some of Iceland’s most unique destinations, all with the expert support of your guide.
The 4-hour hike starts off with lunch and you walk through lava fields to the Brennisteinsalda mountain, known for its colorful peak and steaming vents. You then start the descent through the Grænagil canyon, which is like nothing you have ever seen.
Depending on the time and conditions you can also climb a 60,000-year-old volcano and bathe in hot natural pools.
Book Now: Landmannalaugar 4-Hour Hiking Experience
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik (14 hours)
No trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and this Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik is a great way to see it.
This tour is one of the best Iceland tours if you want to explore the dramatic landscape of the south of Iceland. You will be picked up from your hotel in Reykjavik then you will travel up the southern coast to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
The lagoon is an incredible sight; it’s the largest and deepest glacier lagoon in Iceland with some of the icebergs speckled blue and black, and thousands of years old.
During the summer season, you can go on a boat trip to get closer to the lagoon and surrounding area. You will also get to visit the nearby Diamond Beach, which is an incredible sight.
You then make the return trip to Reykjavik with a stop off at the beautiful Seljalandsfos waterfall, which you can walk behind, weather permitting, and there is an additional stop in Iceland’s southernmost village at Vik for dinner.
Book Now: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik
Reykjavik: Whale Watching Excursion (2-3 hours)
With so much to see in Iceland, we can often forget the incredible animal life that Iceland has to offer.
If you want to experience one of the best whale-watching tours in Iceland, we highly recommend this Whale Watching Excursion out of Reykjavik.
Your tour starts with a boat trip from Reykjavik harbor where you will start to see the rich marine life that Iceland’s waters have to offer. From minke and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and whale-beaked dolphins, there is a lot to see.
The peak whale watching season is April to October but you never know what you might catch a glimpse of.
The tour lasts between 2-3.5 hours depending on the time of year. An added bonus of this tour is the Icelandic scenery which looks so majestic from the water.
Book Now: Reykjavik: Whale Watching Excursion
Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure – Small Group Adventure (2-4 hours)
Looking for a unique and exotic underwater experience in the waters of Iceland’s Thingvellir Lake? This top-rated dive site has great visibility and is one of the great Iceland guided tours. Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure is an incredible experience.
This tour takes you from Reykjavik to the heart of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. You can enjoy the stunning scenery on the way before taking an hour’s snorkeling experience with your guide.
You will swim over the divide between the American and European continental plates where the underwater views are breathtaking. It is one of the best places to see on your Iceland itinerary!
All required equipment will be provided, helping to make this one of the best snorkeling tours in Iceland.
Book Now Snorkelling in Silfra Fissure – Small Group Adventure
South Iceland: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour (3 hours)
One of the best tours in Iceland has to be a Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour. And this South Iceland: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour is a great one. The ice caves are formed by the water in the summer that runs down from the glacier forming an extraordinary natural phenomenon.
The position, structure, and condition of these caves changes yearly and your guide will make sure you get to explore the best magical blue ice cave on your tour.
This tour meets at the cafe at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and then the caves are approximately a 20 to 30-minute drive to where you get to enjoy the scenery of the Vatnajökull National Park.
The walk to the ice caves is then approximately 5 -15 minutes, and you will get between one and one-and-a-half hours to explore inside.
This is one of the most unique and breathtaking ice cave tours in Iceland. With some of the best tour guides in Iceland, you will feel safe and well-informed.
Book Now Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour
Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik (4 hours)
If you are visiting Iceland during the winter months then you want to see the Northern Lights. That is why most people travel to Iceland during the winter. Obviously seeing the Northern lights is never guaranteed but if you do it will be a lasting memory.
If you are thinking of the best Iceland tours to take, the Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik is a good option.
You will spend an evening searching for the Northern Lights with an experienced guide. If you are lucky, you will catch this spectacular natural phenomenon.
This tour also includes a ticket to the Aurora Museum in Reykjavik. If you are looking for more, we have the 10 Best Northern Lights Tours In Iceland!
Book Now: Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik
Reykjavik: Panoramic Helicopter Flight with Summit Landing (45 minutes)
If you want the chance to see Reykjavik and the surrounding area from the sky, consider booking the epic Reykjavik: Panoramic Helicopter Flight with Summit Landing tour.
This is definitely not the cheapest Iceland tour, considering it is less than an hour, but it is worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime views! Make sure your camera batteries are charged because you will not want to miss out on photos you can get nowhere else.
You will meet at the Reykjavik Domestic Airport before heading up in a helicopter. The city of Reykjavik will be laid out before you when you land on a mountain summit.
Book Now: Reykjavik: Panoramic Helicopter Flight with Summit Landing
Vik: Mýrdalsjökull Snowmobile Adventure (2 hours)
If you are looking for one of the most thrilling Iceland tours, look no further than the Vik: Mýrdalsjökull Snowmobile Adventure! This fun tour leaves from Vik on the South Coast and leads you up the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.
All equipment is included, and you get a safety briefing before hopping on the snowmobiles, so you will be prepared to ride. At the top of the glacier, you will get the chance to stop and admire the amazing views!
All drivers must be at least 17 and have a valid driver’s license. This is one of the best glacier tours in Iceland because you get to experience it in a unique way.
Book Now: Vik: Mýrdalsjökull Snowmobile Adventure
Reykjavik: Icelandic Food Tour (3 hours)
Icelandic cuisine is interesting, to say the least! If you are brave enough to try some local delicacies, then book the Reykjavik: Icelandic Food Tour.
This walking tour will lead you through Reykjavik to four to six stops, including the city’s oldest restaurant, a food market, and a famous hot dog stand. You will get to try lamb soup, hot dogs, fermented shark, minke whale, rye bread ice cream, and more.
As you walk, your guide will teach you about Icelandic food and culture. They say eating local is a great way to learn about a country, and this tour proves that!
Bring your appetite as you enjoy one of the best guided tours of Iceland!
Book Now: Reykjavik: Icelandic Food Tour
Reykjavík: Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike and Blue Lagoon (10 hours)
An epic hike to the top of a volcano before unwinding in the famous Blue Lagoon? Yes, please!
Iceland is the land of fire and ice, so why not take time to appreciate some of the heat the island has to offer? The Reykjavík: Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike and Blue Lagoon tour is perfect for anyone looking for some adventure.
You will start your journey by hiking the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykanes Peninsula. While the volcano is active and erupted in 2021, it is currently dormant. Even so, you will see fresh lava flows and possibly steam rising.
After a few hours of hiking this natural wonder, you will get the chance to soak in the Blue Lagoon. Your aching muscles will thank you!
This is one of the best Iceland tours from Reykjavik since both attractions are close to the capital.
Book Now: Reykjavík: Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike and Blue Lagoon
Best Multi-Day Tours Of Iceland
If you really want to make the best of Iceland then it may be that you want to embark on a multi-day tour. They are some of the best tours in Iceland and allow you to sit back while someone else does all the work. If you are not someone who likes planning, organizing and researching then leaving it all up to someone else might be the perfect option for you.
You will get to see some of the most incredible sights with the knowledge that an experienced guide is leading you.
You can get Iceland tours anywhere from 2 to 10 days, the most popular seeming to be 5 days or 3 days. If you are wanting one of the best excursions in Iceland, a multi-day tour might be for you.
These multi-day tours will allow you to combine a more leisurely trip with some extreme sightseeing, giving you the best of both worlds.
Choosing a tour depends on your budget, the time available to you, and the areas you want to see. We have listed some of the best and highly rated Iceland guided tours below. There is a tour for everyone so we are sure you will find one perfect for you. Whichever tour you decide, we know you will have the most incredible time, and we can’t wait to hear all about it.
Iceland: 2 Day Trip Along South Coast
If you want to book one of the best South Coast Iceland tours, check out Iceland: 2 Day Trip Along South Coast tour. This is one of the most popular areas in Iceland since there are so many waterfalls, glacier lagoons, and more.
This tour starts and ends in Reykjavik, making it super convenient. It is one of the best guided tours in Iceland since it is run by people who make the experience really enjoyable.
Notable places you visit include: Gljufrabui, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Kvernufoss waterfalls, Sólheimajökull glacier, Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. Don’t forget to check out our tips for Solheimajokull Glacier!
Book Now: Iceland: 2 Day Trip Along South Coast
Iceland: 3-Day Golden Circle, South Coast, & Glacier Tour
If you want a little longer of a tour, check out Iceland: 3-Day Golden Circle, South Coast, & Glacier Tour. Since it spans three days, you will not feel rushed as you traverse this beautiful country.
This tour hits some of the highlights of the Golden Circle and will leave you mesmerized. This tour is out of Reykjavik and includes a stay at a cute guesthouse.
Notable places you visit include: Thingvellir National Park, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Gullfoss waterfalls, Srokkur Geysir, Kerid, Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier
Book Now: Iceland: 3-Day Golden Circle, South Coast, & Glacier Tour
Reykjavik: 4-Day South Coast, Golden Circle, and Snæfellsnes
If you want to see more than just the South Coast, book the Reykjavik: 4-Day South Coast, Golden Circle, and Snæfellsnes tour.
This tour includes highlights from the Golden Circle and South Coast while adding a day to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Here you will see more iconic mountains, waterfalls, lava fields, and more.
Notable places you visit include: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Hraðastaðir farm, Reynisfjara Beach, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Vatnajökull National Park, Kirkjufell, and Kirkjufellfoss Waterfall
Book Now: Reykjavik: 4-Day South Coast, Golden Circle, and Snæfellsnes
Iceland 6-Day Ring Road Adventure
The Ring Road is one of the best drives in Iceland with many amazing stops to see. The Iceland 6-Day Ring Road Adventure includes great guides and accommodation each night so you do not have to worry about a thing.
This is one of the best Ring Road tours in Iceland because it hits a lot of sights that other tours miss.
Notable places you visit include: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall, Vik, Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the East Fjords, Dettifoss Waterfall, Myvatn, and so much more
Book Now: Iceland 6-Day Ring Road Adventure
Reykjavik: Winter 8-Day Small Group Circle of Iceland Tour
If you have a lot of time in Iceland and a good budget, the Reykjavik: Winter 8-Day Small Group Circle of Iceland Tour might be for you!
This is one of the best winter tours in Iceland, allowing you to see the country when it is at its most epic and magical. Visiting during this season lets you experience the Northern Lights, ice caves, and snow-covered landscapes.
Notable places you visit include: Gullfoss, Skogafoss, and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlon Glacier Lagoon, Lake Lagarfljót, Lake Mývatn, Námaskarð Pass, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Vatnshellir Lava Cave, and so much more
Book Now: Reykjavik: Winter 8-Day Small Group Circle of Iceland Tour
Best Time Of Year For Taking Tours In Iceland
The best time to take tours in Iceland is wholly up to you! It all depends on what you want to see and the weather you want to experience. Figure out exactly what kind of Iceland tours you want to take, then chose the season that best matches up.
Come in summer for the midnight sun, blooming lupines, and the best weather. If Northern Lights, glacier hiking, or ice caves are on your bucket list, plan for winter.
Fall and spring are great shoulder seasons when there are fewer tourists, you can book tours more easily, and prices are more reasonable.
No matter when you book tours in Iceland, you will be in for an amazing time!
When To Choose A Private Tour In Iceland
Private tours in Iceland can be more expensive than large group tours, but they have their advantages. Some pluses of private tours are that they are more flexible, more easily tailored to your needs, allow more time with the guide, and are a more personal experience.
When you book a private tour, it will be just you and your friends and family. You do not have to bother with strangers who might hold things up or make things more uncomfortable.
While group tours are priced per person, private tours in Iceland are priced per group. If it is just you and someone else, splitting a $1000 fare may be undoable. However, if you split the fare between 4-5 people, suddenly a private tour in Iceland just became more affordable!
Private tours in Iceland are especially helpful if you are a photographer, content creator, someone with children, or just want a personalized and in-depth tour of Iceland with an experienced, local guide. These tours are worth it when you book with the best Iceland tour companies.
Some of Our Favorite Private Tours in Iceland:
Private Glacier Lagoon: Jökulsárlón
From Reykjavik: South Coast Private Tour
From Reykjavik: Golden Circle 8-Hour Private Tour
Reykjavik: Tailor-Made 10-Person Exploration Tour
What To Bring On Your Tour In Iceland
You want to come prepared for your Iceland tours, whether that means picking out the right clothes or double-checking you have all your photography equipment. If you forget something, your tour might suffer.
A Good Camera
When taking a tour of Iceland, you want to bring along a great camera! If you have a newer smartphone, then you could be good to go. We recommend checking out the GoPro Hero 7 if you are looking for a great adventure camera for both photos and video! We also love the Sony A6300 as it is a good quality camera, pretty affordable, and easy to use when touring Iceland!
A Waterproof Daypack
When touring Iceland, you are going to need something to carry your essentials. Ladies, this is the time to leave the purse at home and take something more substantial. You will want something waterproof as the weather in Iceland changes on a dime! A waterproof daypack like this Hikepro 20L is perfect because it packs up small for your flight and will keep your essentials dry during your tour in Iceland!
Granola Bars
Most of these best tours in Iceland do not include snacks so that is up to you to bring. If you are going on one of the longer tours of Iceland that are 10-13 hours long, you are going to want to be prepared with food! We love these Quaker Granola Bars and always bring food to Iceland since it is such an expensive country. You can easily buy bars in advance so you can save time and money once you are in Iceland.
Portable Power Bank
You are going to want to have your phone charged so you can document your tour in Iceland which is why we always recommend taking a portable power bank like this one! These portable chargers are good for multiple charges and will keep your phone ready for photos and calls if necessary.
Waterproof Shell Pants
We highly recommend packing a waterproof shell for pants such as the Columbia Storm Surge Pants. That way, if it is raining or you are hiking behind a waterfall, all you have to do is put these pants on over your normal clothes. If you are touring Iceland for hours and hours, the last thing you will want is wet pants.
As you can see, Iceland has a lot to offer. It really is one of those countries that has something to suit everyone. We hope this list of the best tours in Iceland has helped you decide which is the best for you. We know you will have an incredible time whatever you decide and we wish you an amazing trip.
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