Things to do in

Northeastern Region, Iceland

Embark on a guided speedboat tour around Puffin Island. See the thousands of puffins in their natural habitat before heading to Skjálfandi Bay to spot whales with frequent sightings of humpback and minke whales. After check-in at the ticket office, be escorted to the dressing room to receive warm water-resistant overalls and life vests. Sit back and peel your eyes across the rocking waves of the Atlantic, looking for any sign of life. Make sure to bring hats and gloves—it's always colder in the bay than in the town. When everybody is ready the guide will show the way to the boat where passengers will find their seats and get informed about safety regulations on board. The first pit-stop is Puffin Island (during puffin season which is from 1st May- 20th August). Circle around the Island, enjoying the view of thousands of sweet-looking puffins during their breeding period. The next destination is whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay, an area renowned for its rich wildlife, Víknafjöll and Kinnarfjöll mountain ranges. There are 20 different species of cetacean in Iceland, the most common being humpback and minke whales. There is a chance to spot rarer species like Orcas, Harbour Porpoises, Blue Whales, etc. With a smaller vessel like a RIB, your captain can get much closer to where these animals swim as small boats make less noise, and are less likely to deter whales. After 2 hours of cruising the ocean, begin the return journey back to the harbor. On your way, you will likely pass one of the numerous nesting Puffin colonies that live in the area—just another fantastic reason to come aboard.

Watch whales in the picturesque landscape of Eyjafjordur and experience sea fishing inside the majestic mountains of Tröllaskagi, an area just short of the Arctic Circle known for its fishing industry. Join an enjoyable and exciting adventure at sea and experience the beautiful wildlife and scenery of Dalvík. Explore the waters of Dalvík, where there is an exceptionally good chance to encounter the great humpback whale, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, small harbor porpoises and sometimes even the majestic blue whale, fin whales or killer whales. Get excited about a tour where guests have seen whales or dolphins in 98% of whale watching tours!

Do something different on your visit to Iceland and look for wildlife aboard a traditional wooden sailing ship. Discover the magic of the ocean and get back to nature off the north coast of Iceland. Depart from the harbor in Húsavík and spend 3 hours aboard the oak ship looking for whales and other marine life. Experience the traditional coastal culture of Iceland as you get hands-on and help to raise the sails. Assist the skipper as you cruise around the breathtaking bay of Skjálfandi, created over the centuries by glacial activity. Avail of the services of an attentive crew, who will supply you with warm clothing when needed. Sip tasty hot chocolate and cinnamon buns, available free of charge.

It's not surprising that many northerners believe that Hjalteyri is one of the best-kept secrets of North Iceland. Eyjafjörður is a favorable habitat for marine life, so favorable in fact that whales were spotted on all of these tours in 2016. On this whale-watching tour, you'll graciously glide through the calm seas of Eyjafjörður under the guidance and expertise of a qualified crew. This tour is approximately two-and-a-half hours long. This tour gives you the unique and exceptional opportunity to get in touch with the magnificent wildlife found in the north of Iceland, most notably the majestic whales and seabirds.

Benefit from pick-up from your cruise ship in Akureyri Port, and then drive to Lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands area near Krafla volcano. Stop at Goðafoss waterfall and hear about its important role in the history of Iceland. Continue to the pseudo craters of Skútustaðagígar, formed when hot flowing lava met with ice-cold water from the lake. See the lava fields of Dimmuborgir, rich in mythical sagas and stunning to look at for the lava pillars and rock formations.   Discover the thermal waters of an underground river at Grjotagja, where you will stand on the continental rift between Europe and America. End with a look at the boiling mud pools of Hverir and gaze in awe at the steaming fumaroles and sulfur pits. Return to Akureyri Port at least 1 hour before your ship’s departure for the end of the tour services.

The original whale watching tour is now available carbon neutral. The local tour operator has adopted an active environmental policy based on the idea of sustainable development. In 2015, it became the first whale watching company in the world to offer carbon neutral whale watching. In cooperation with some other actors, a unique hybrid propulsion system that allows running the ship on renewable energy instead of fossil fuel has been developed.  Experience the tour on a carbon neutral boat and discover the magnificent nature of Skjálfandi Bay observing whales, dolphins and seabirds in their natural habitat. Enjoy smooth sailing and treat yourself to a cup of hot cocoa and cinnamon buns. Join the tour and enjoy an authentic wildlife adventure with the pioneers of whale watching in Iceland.

Explore the natural beauty of Iceland during a day tour of Goðafoss Waterfall and Lake Mývatn. The tour starts with a drive and photo stops along the scenic coast of Eyjafjordur, one of the longest fjords in the country. The first stop will be at Goðafoss, a breathtaking 39-foot-tall waterfall, located in the Skjálfandafljót River. From Goðafoss Waterfall the tour continues to Lake Mývatn driving around the lake stopping at Pseudo Craters, Lavafields, Geothermal mud pools and the Divergent Plate Tectonics. A lunch stop at a local restaurant before continuing the sightseeing around the Lake Depending on the Cruise Ship's departure time from Akureyri Port an additional option can be to stop at the Myvatn Nature Baths for a relaxing soak in the geothermal pool.

Experience the adrenaline-pumping thrill of racing through the water as you go in search of whales and dolphins around the North Iceland coastline. Meet humpback whales, spot white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, harbor porpoises, and sometimes even a magnificent blue whale, fin whale, or killer whale. Cruise along and take in the picturesque landscape of Eyjafjordur. Travel from Dalvik to Akureyri, and even to Grimsey which lies in the Arctic Circle. Have the chance to see puffins that breed in the bay in the summertime between April and August. Relax in suspension seats, which make the tour safer and give more comfort when traveling fast through the water. Head home having seen the rich abundance of Icelandic wildlife.

Explore the natural beauty of Iceland during a day tour of Goðafoss Waterfall and Lake Mývatn. Visit a local hot spring and bathe in the soothing water of the nature baths. Leave Akureyri and drive along the scenic coast of Eyjafjordur, one of the longest fjords in the country. The first stop will be Goðafoss, a breathtaking 39-foot-tall waterfall, located in the Skjálfandafljót River. Next, head to Lake Mývatn, whose landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms due to a lava eruption 2,300 years ago. Continue on to the cave of Grjótagjá and stop at the hot spring area at Hverarönd in Námaskarð. Take advantage of the opportunity to relax in the steam baths and geothermal water of Mývatn Nature Baths. On the way back to Akureyri, see the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar. The last stop will be in Eyjafjordur where you will have time to take plenty of photos with the fjord as your backdrop.

On this 4-hour rafting excursion of North Iceland you will wind your way through the irresistible landscapes of the Vesturdalur Valley, before drifting deep into the staggering beauty of the West Glacial River canyon. Jump in the river, have a splash, or just relax and take in the magnificent scenery. The trip takes things at an easy pace and is suitable for anyone aged 8 or over who wants a day of fun, combined with soft adventure in dramatic scenery. Featuring bubbling hot springs and a mind-blowing landscape, everyone, from the novice rafter to the whole family can enjoy a gentle white-water experience and the unique opportunity to explore the Icelandic wilderness from the depths of the West Glacial River's magnificent canyon. As you negotiate gentle rapids, through the twists and bends of the towering gorge, you will pause to sample hot cocoa from nature's own kettle, get caught up in a friendly water fight, bathe your soul in the invigorating glacial runoff, or simply kick back and let your troubles drift away with the meandering waters! Looking for more action? Then check out our “Beast of the East” rafting trip!