Add dates

Western Region, Iceland Nature & adventure

Our most recommended Western Region, Iceland Nature & adventure

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

1. Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

Take a boat trip from Reykjavik’s harbor to discover Iceland’s rich marine life, which is one of this island country’s highlights. All year round you can spot a variety of whales and other marine animals in the Reykjavik area, including minke and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and whale-beaked dolphins. Have an opportunity to see some of Iceland's most beautiful marine animals, along with the stunning scenery of the Icelandic coast. The peak season for whale watching runs from April to October, but of course, the ocean is always full of magical creatures, and you never know what you might see. Benefit from the services of specially-trained whale watching guides who are experts at spotting the animals. You will be free to listen as they tell you about the behavior of the whales, and answer any questions you may have. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Icelandic coast as you spot local wildlife. Take a break and warm up in the heated indoor area. Relax on board the boat and enjoy the indoor and outdoor seating, and purchase drinks and snacks along the way from the onboard bar and cafeteria. You will experience a pleasant and comfortable ride, even at higher speeds, and will be able to share your adventure live on social media with the onboard WiFi.

Húsafell: Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour

2. Húsafell: Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour

Experience Iceland’s second-largest glacier from the inside and enjoy the rare sight of blue ice at the heart of an ice cap glacier on this half-day tour.  Catch a shuttle to the Glacier Base Camp, Klaki from Húsafell. Meet your professional guide and gear up in warm overalls if needed, before boarding a specially-modified glacier truck for the drive up to the cave entrance. Arriving at the cave entrance, head inside the glacier with your guide. The man-made Langjökull Glacier Tunnel is a wonder to behold. The ice is lit up from behind by glowing hues, allowing you to see the layers that have formed over many years. Listen as your guide walks with you through the glacier's corridors where you will have a chance to learn about geology, the history of glaciers, how they are formed, and how they move.

Reykjavik: Half-Day Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo Tour

3. Reykjavik: Half-Day Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo Tour

Discover adorable puffins on a cruise from the Old Harbor in Reykjavík. Search for local whales on a second cruise from Reykjavík to Faxaflói Bay. Stay warm with inside seating and overalls. See local wildlife clearly with the use of binoculars on the puffin tour. Travel by a small boat named Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli), perfect for puffin watching, since it has a shallow draught, and therefore can get really close to the small islands where the puffins live. The guides are very knowledgeable about the thriving bird life in Reykjavík's surroundings. Benefit from this combo tour's included classic whale watching tour, operated on the Andrea boat, lasting 3 to 3.5 hours. The Andrea is the biggest whale watching boat in Iceland, and has an educational and interactive focus. It is also family friendly and spacious with a cafeteria on-board. If you choose to, you can switch to the express tour leaving 1 hour later on a faster boat that gets you out to the whale watching area quicker than the other whale watching boats, but still allows you to have plenty of time. Most common whale sights in Faxaflói Bay are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Note that these are two separate tours and you don't have to do them on the same day.

From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

4. From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

Depart Reykjavik and head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a bus day trip to experience Iceland's diverse natural beauty. Take in the dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks, sea cliffs, golden beaches, and sparkling fjords. Visit charming fishing villages, such as Grundarfjordur, Arnarstapi, and Hellnar. Admire the spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, including Kirkjufell and Ljósufjöll. Cast your eyes on the black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur, and see the majestic glacier of Snæfellsjökull. Take a photo stop at the famed Black Church at Budir, and spot seals lolling in the sea at Ytri Tunga beach. Tour at a leisurely pace and experience the magnificent scenery of the peninsula at ease. This tour visits a variety of landscapes in a compact region which was immortalized by Jules Verne in his book, "Journey to the Centre of the Earth." 

Iceland: Midnight Sun Kayaking Adventure

5. Iceland: Midnight Sun Kayaking Adventure

This tour begins at the kayaking base beside the shoreline. Here, you will be introduced to your friendly and experienced guide who will give a quick lesson on the basics of controlling your vessel, as well as hand out all of the necessary equipment. Once on the water, you will be surrounded by a breadth of captivating natural scenery, including, of course, Mount Kirkjufell, most famous for its starring role as “the mountain like an arrowhead” in HBO’s award-winning TV series, Games of Thrones. As you head towards "Seal Skerry", you will also see firsthand various species of birdlife, as well as some of the resident seals that call the area home. You will then continue around the base of Mount Kirkjufell, gaining various perspectives of this incredible feature. Upon returning to the shore, you will be invited to warm up with a hot beverage on the deck.

Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour

6. Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour

Whales are the most mysterious of creatures, and some of the best whale watching in the world is just off the coast of Iceland’s capital, where the ocean currents create excellent viewing conditions. Climb aboard a whale watching boat operated by the only environmentally certified whale watching company in Iceland, and explore the southern part of Faxafloi Bay in the Midnight sun of the summer months. On the 3.5-hour tour you will get up-close to whales such as playful minke, as well as see abundant sea birds, dolphin and harbor porpoise. Whales are seen on more than 95% of summer tours, often surfacing within a few meters from the boats. To ensure that the animals are not disturbed, boats sail at a constant speed towards the whales' habitat. This is part of a sustainability policy, trying to minimize oil use and pollution. Guides have all gone through an extensive training program, based on exclusively developed guiding principles. They will provide valuable information about the wildlife and scenery in an entertaining way. And as a successful whale watching tour is a team effort, the crew work closely with passengers to spot the whales, helping you feel an important part of the experience.

From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

7. From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

Climb aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) equipped with special shock suspension seating for a smoother ride. Look for whales and other marine life in the wild. Travel aboard the 12-meter long boat to get extra close to whales in a way that is safe for passengers and the animals. Benefit from warm flotation suits, life vests, gloves and goggles to keep you cozy and safe, and avail of the services of an experienced guide who will provide information about the animals and bay in English.  Stop by the island of Akurey to look for adorable puffins during the summer. See their nests along the coast during their breeding season. Head out to the bay on a fast and thrilling ride with the wind in your hair. Reach a comfortable cruising speed of 32 knots and get plenty of time in the feeding grounds. Then, take a scenic route back along the coast of Reykjavik. After your tour, you can visit the Whales of Iceland Museum, located in the Grandi harbor district of Reykjavik. Here, you can discover more about the various whale species of the Atlantic, with exhibits on whale biology, migration, and conservation.

Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Day Trip

8. Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Day Trip

Visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this guided day trip from Reykjavik. See what Iceland has to offer on one trip including the Berserkjahraun lava fields, Snaefellsjokull volcano, and Kirkjufell mountain. Learn about local legends and see a seal colony. Begin your trip in the local town of Borgarnes. Grab some snacks before heading to the peninsula and try to catch a peak of the ice-capped Snaefellsjokull stratovolcano. Arrive at the Berserkjahraun lava field, and learn the origin of its name. Next, head to Kirkjufell, famously known for its role on the "Game of Thrones" television show, and for being the most-photographed mountain in the entire country. Visit the neighboring waterfall, and be swept away by the magic. Then climb the staircase to the top of Saxholl (visited only from March – November), a 100-meter-high volcanic crater. Reach the top and be rewarded by the stunning views of this 3000-year-old feat of nature. Learn local legends and the history of strong Icelandic ancestry. Venture into the uninhabited settlement of Djupalonssandur, and test your strength as local men used to on the beach. Head to the fishing village of Arnarstapi and witness the beautifully eroded cliffs and the sculpture of Barour Snaefellsas. Finally, discover a more in-depth understanding of Icelandic history at Budakirkja, or the "Black Church." View historical artifacts from the 19th century. Continue to the enchanting golden-colored beach of Ytri-Tunga (only from March - November). Witness a huge seal colony, laying on the rocks and enjoying the sun.

Laugarvatn Fontana: Geothermal Bread-Baking Experience

9. Laugarvatn Fontana: Geothermal Bread-Baking Experience

Take part in a unique baking experience in the heart of the Golden Circle, the most popular route in Iceland. Take a stroll around the geothermal area and learn about the history of this baking technique. Witness firsthand how the dark rye dough is prepared and then buried in the warm ground with a lively 30-minute demonstration. Discover how the slow cooking of 24 hours gives the bread its memorable taste. Get to sample a fresh batch of lava bread, placed in the ground the day before. Geothermal bathing is also offered at Laugarvatn Fontana, however, tickets for bathing must be booked separately.

From Reykjavik: Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour

10. From Reykjavik: Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour

Experience Langjökull Iceland’s second-largest glacier and enjoy the rare sight of blue ice at the heart of an ice cap glacier on this half-day tour from Reykjavik. Walk through the glacier's corridors and learn about geology, the history of glaciers, how they are formed, and how they move. You will be picked up and brought to Husafell where you will meet a professional guide and gear up in warm overalls, before boarding a specially-modified glacier truck for the drive up to the cave entrance. Prepare yourself to meet the glacier up close and personal. Arriving at the cave entrance, head deep inside the glacier with your guide. Enjoy the vastness of the man-made Langjökull Glacier Tunnel, which is a wonder to behold. Experience the ice which is lit up from behind by glowing hues, and see the layers that have formed over many years.

Available activities

61 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 4

Frequently asked questions about Western Region, Iceland Nature & adventure

What are other things to do than Nature & adventure that are worth visiting in Western Region, Iceland?

The other unmissable things to do in Western Region, Iceland are:

Which Western Region, Iceland Nature & adventure are taking additional COVID-19 precautions?

Other Sightseeing Options in Western Region, Iceland

Want to discover all there is to do in Western Region, Iceland? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Western Region, Iceland

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 103 reviews

A fantastic tour! Fiancée and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Pick up was fairly straightforward (from Bus Stop 1), thereafter stopped at a gas station where we were transferred onto a smaller bus. Our guide and driver, Howser, was excellent and made the whole day engaging and fun. He clearly knows his stuff, his passion for Iceland shines through and all delivered with a good sense of humour. Tomato farm and horses was a nice way to break up the day. Our stops were fairly short at ~35mins each (longer for lunch at the farm); but necessary given short daylight hours in winter and a packed itinerary. Would highly recommend doing the smaller tour group. We had a few miserable Americans who complained every time the world was not revolving around them, but nothing can be done about that!

A really cool experience. A small hike to the baths, and because the baths are private, this is the only way in. Our guide had grown up in the area, and it was awesome hearing about the history of the area and the sustainability practices of the area as well. There were only about 8 people in the group. There are small changing rooms by the baths, and you can also borrow water shoes when you get there. A great way to experience some geothermal baths and also learning a lot. Highly recommend!

An outstanding day with AJ, our guide on this tour. He gave us plenty of time at each stop, we also had a few unplanned stops too which was much appreciated. AJ was welcoming, informative and passionate about what he spoke about. The locations were absolutely stunning and I loved visiting every one of them!

I don't know how to spell the name of the guide that starts with "M". He is very professional and took us to many special places, providing detailed explanations. He also managed time very well. I highly recommend him.

Amazing day on the peninsula, shout out to our tour guide HBO who was a really nice guy and really knew his stuff. The stops were amazing and made even better at one of them an Arctic Fox came out to say hello!