15 Tours in Akureyri to Build a Day Around

1.3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

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

Sail from Akureyri into Eyjafjörður for 2.5 to 3.5 hours aboard Iceland’s specially modified high-speed whale-watching ship. Your English-speaking guide, perhaps Gisella, Johan, Jacob, or David, explains whale behavior while the crew searches for humpbacks and other wildlife. Thermal overalls, indoor seating, Wi-Fi, and crew photographs are included.

“What a great experience! We spent 3 hours out on the boat and saw 2 humpback whales, even in the middle of November! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, the captain was great, the views were fantastic and we had access to free hot chocolate and coffee on board. Would highly recommend, thank you!”

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2.Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

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

From Akureyri’s downtown harbor, you’ll cruise into Eyjafjord on a spacious whale-watching ship for about three hours. Use the supplied thermal overalls, raincoats, or blankets, then watch from large windows or outdoor platforms while the captain searches for humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, and porpoises. Hot drinks and snacks are available onboard.

“Great trip! A few whale sightings. Appreciate the pictures taken by staff which were made available after the trip!”

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3.Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour

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

Travel from Akureyri with an English- or German-speaking guide to Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn’s pseudo craters, Dimmuborgir lava fields, and Námaskarð’s steaming mud pools. Guides such as Nico, Richie, Alan, and Kjartan have been praised for lively commentary. A packed lunch, WiFi, and port pickup are included.

“Our guide Ritchie Rich and the driver Kelly are the best pair who made our trip so memorable. Ritchie is professional, entertaining, knowledgeable and very detailed. He loves his job and his clients. Kelly the driver is wonderful as well as a good musician.”

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4.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203Top rated

Join Húsavík Adventures for a two-hour RIB ride in Skjálfandi Bay. A guide and captain search for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins. The boat carries no more than 12 people, so every seat has a useful view. Puffins are usually present from mid-April through mid-August.

“Overall fun experience even though we took the 9am tour which was the first tour of the day hoping to see Whales, but only saw a few fins, not that exciting. Very cold, wet and rough waters getting out there so expect to get wet! They provide great gear for all. Austin our guide was great, very informative. I will say the negative was that it was also suppose to be whales & puffins, but the puffins aspect of the tour was never addressed, so not sure if what happened with that (?) overall no regrets.”

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5.2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 489 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Meet at Akureyri’s floating pier for a two-hour RIB adventure in Eyjafjord. A guide such as Yoann, Agnes, Sergio, or Mack may explain whale behavior while the captain covers water quickly in search of humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear are supplied, but dress warmly and expect a lively ride.

“Guides were great in sharing info about the wildlife we saw and ensuring we saw as many whales as possible. Unique and once in a life experience. For those considering tour: wear boots and warm clothes. You will get wet. The seat is a saddle seat and is a physically intense tour.”

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6.Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 478 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $188

From Akureyri, BusTravel Iceland takes you to Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn’s pseudo-craters, Dimmuborgir lava fields, and the steaming mud pots of Námaskarð. Guides such as Nico and Lili have led past departures. The included lunch is simple, and the geothermal stop is for looking, not bathing.

“Great tour. We were confused where we were to meet the bus and would have missed the tour if another tour bus driver had not told us where to find the bus. Overall we enjoyed the tour and the guide was very knowledgeable.”

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7.Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 473 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $205

You’ll travel from Akureyri port to Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn with a local English-speaking guide such as Oli, Jon, Graham, or Johannes. Expect a compact 5 to 6-hour route with waterfalls, sulfur vents, lava formations, Grjótagjá Cave, and an optional stop at Mývatn Nature Baths. Bath admission is extra and must be booked ahead.

“What a perfect day! We got an early start and it turned out wonderful because we beat the crowd to almost everywhere. Oli, our guide, was amazing! He gave great information and suggestions at each and every stop. Oli even played photographer for many pictures! He kept us comfortable and on time! Thanks for a great day in Iceland!”

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8.Iceland’s Top Grade 4 Rafting – Drysuit, Canyon & Adrenaline

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 438 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $290

From Hafgrímsstaðir, Viking Rafting takes you onto the East Glacial River for about three hours of serious whitewater, canyon scenery, and controlled splashes. Expect a small group, professional guides such as Mark or Hunter, safety kayakers, full drysuit gear, riverside refreshments, and a lamb lunch. Akureyri transport is available only with the selected booking option.

“Hunter was professional, fun, and took us down the river with tremendous skill and confidence. All of his crew including the shuttle driver and support kayakers were wonderful and great fun to be around. I would highly recommend them for this adventure.”

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9.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

Ride a fast RIB from Húsavík into Skjálfandi Bay with a small group of up to 12. Guides such as Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, and Victoria explain whale behavior while you search for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins near Lundey. Warm flotation overalls are provided.

“Very memorable experience, especially riding in the speedboat on the ocean waves. Seen puffins is not at all interesting since they are at quite a distance and you cannot see them distinctly. As far as seeing Wales, we did get a couple glimpses and it was a great experience.”

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10.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-kilometer family rafting trip through a basalt canyon. You get a warm drysuit, professional guides, hot cocoa made with geothermal spring water, and optional swimming or cliff jumping. Guides such as Lucas, Amy, Benji, Roshan, and Pablo have helped make this a friendly choice for first-timers and children aged 6 and up.

“MUST DO. Absolutely Unique, Bang for time and money, both for adults and kids. Highly recommend Hari, our instructor”

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11.Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 389 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Join Gentle Giants for a three-hour whale-watching trip from Húsavík aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Guides such as Fabio, Victoria, Matteo, and Nicola have helped passengers spot humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins. Warm overalls and rain jackets are supplied, but bring motion-sickness remedies and waterproof layers.

“It was interesting and got information and opportunities to take video and photo. As a solo visually impaired person I knew I may have had little to no chance of seeing anything. I don’t think I ca”

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12.Zipline Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 275 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $95

Meet Zipline Akureyri near the back of the parking area, gear up, and cross Glerárgil five times by zipline. Expect light hiking, changing speeds, river views, and calm instruction from English or Icelandic-speaking guides. Names such as Stefan, Jana, Helgi, and Stephanie have guided groups here.

“Fun, family-friendly activity. Easy 45-minute walk through town from cruise port.”

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13.Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 186 reviews · from $238

Travel from Akureyri’s cruise port to Godafoss, Lake Mývatn, Skútustaðagígar, and Mývatn Nature Baths. You get a chicken or vegan packed lunch, English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi, transport, and two hours at the baths. Guides such as Arno, Runar, Victoria, and Elsa have led especially engaging outings.

“The thermal baths are amazing! But the flies in Myvatn lake can be really annoying, be prepared.”

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14.Forest Lagoon Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 176 reviews · from $52Best value

Just minutes from Akureyri, Forest Lagoon gives you a full day to enjoy warm geothermal pools among birch and pine trees. You can move between a 37°C main pool, a 40°C smaller pool, Finnish sauna, 11°C cold plunge, and swim-up bars. Bring your own towel and swimwear to keep the cost down.

“Highly recommend this experience, We went too 3 lagoons whilst in Iceland and this was by far the best. It wasn’t really crowded and the water was warm unlike some others where it was really cold. You don’t have to pay extra to use the Sauna which is a nice touch. The only complaint I’ve heard is that they don’t provided towels, however this didn’t bother us. The drinks were also very nice and aesthetically pleasing. Definitely a must do.”

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15.Goðafoss, Laufas & The Christmas House Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 173 reviews · 4 hours · from $117

Travel from Akureyri to Goðafoss, Laufás Museum, and the year-round Christmas House in about four hours. An English-speaking guide such as Jon, Inga, or Lilja shares local history, folklore, and humor. Hotel and cruise-port pickup, transport, and the Laufás admission are included. Expect a brisk schedule and limited time at some stops.

“The waterfall was absolutely stunning. We had plenty of time there to see all we wanted to and take some great pictures. The Laufás houses were super interesting as well. The Christmas house was cute and although we didn’t have any interest in shopping, there was plenty to look at. Our guide shared some great information and stories.”

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