Top Iceland Outdoor Activities - page 5

Most people chase the northern lights in a car but you can see this natural phenomenon aboard a yacht. Depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and sail past small islands until you reach an area with little to no light pollution, sometimes spotting whales and dolphins along the way. Watch the colorful lights dancing across the sky on the observation deck and warm up with a drink from the onboard bar.

Delve deep into Iceland’s geothermal wilderness and discover breathtaking natural beauty without having to navigate unfamiliar roads on this full-day Landmannalaugar hiking tour from Reykjavik. Skip the hassle of deciphering a trail map and follow your certified hiking guide along rugged hiking trails through the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Admire panoramic views over lava fields, glacial lakes, and towering peaks, and gain insight into the region’s complex geology. Head through the mighty Vondugil Canyon and climb the slopes of the Brennisteinsalda Volcano, where powerful geysers shoot hot steam into the air. Descend through the Grænagil Canyon to Mount Bláhnúkur, then take a dip in the soothing hot springs.

Trek deep into Skaftafell National Park and marvel at Iceland’s beauty on this adventurous glacier hike. Make your own way to Skaftafell and gear up for rugged trails to the tongue of the Falljökull Glacier, an outlet of the Vatnajökull ice cap. Along the way, discover crevasses, ice caves, and waterfalls while a guide explains the region’s geology—insights you wouldn't get on your own.

Experience Iceland’s south coast on this full-day tour from Reykjavik. Visit Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, stroll Reynisfjara’s black sand beach with basalt sea stacks, and enjoy a beginner-friendly guided glacier hike on Solheimajokull. Relax on the return with views of the South Coast’s volcanoes. Convenient hotel pickup is included for a hassle-free start.

Swim between two tectonic plates on this small-group snorkeling tour from Reykjavik to the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park. Don your provided wetsuit and snorkeling gear and jump into the water and snorkel through the rift that separates the North American and Eurasian plates. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for a hassle-free experience.

Immerse yourself in Iceland’s lava landscapes without straying too far away from Reykjavik on this efficient group tour. In just a few hours, you'll go spelunking through Raufarhólshellir, a lava tunnel, with a guide to explain everything you see. Whether you're a geology enthusiast or are seeking a city escape, the included transfers mean you won't have to worry about organizing transit.

Goodbye, crowded bus tours. Hello, actual adventure in Iceland’s great outdoors. On this two-in-one, horseback-riding and whale-watching tour from Reykjavik, follow your guide through Iceland’s lava fields on horseback, explore trails through the wild moorland, and admire panoramic views. Afterward, cruise out onto the waves, watching the water for whales, porpoises, and dolphins—and enjoying a new perspective on the region's wild and scenic beauty.

Raufarhólshellir is one of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland, and it lies just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik. But don't worry about driving there yourself, as this half-day tour makes getting there and exploring simple. With your guide, you'll venture underground to explore the natural wonder, following the purpose-built walkways and admiring the dramatic, lava-sculpted caves. Your guide will light the way—but so will your provided headlamp.

There are just a handful of places in the world where you can spot the northern lights, and if you’re lucky enough to witness the natural phenomenon, it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip to Iceland. On this small-group tour, you’ll maximize your chances of seeing the auroras as your guides use real-time weather data to predict the best times and viewing locations. And if the lights don’t make an appearance, you can join another tour for free.

Tick off more of Iceland’s natural wonders in less time on this full-day guided tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle that includes convenient pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik. Take in the highlights of Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates collide, plus marvel at the Geyser geothermal area, Gulfoss waterfall, and Kerid Crater with stress-free transportation between the sights.

Many glacier tours in Vatnajökull National Park require travelers to walk from the parking lot to the glacier terminus, eating into their time on the ice. On this tour, maximize your time on Falljökull glacier by traveling as near as possible in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Explore moulins, crevasses, and other formations in the company of an Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides-certified guide.

Experience the northern Icelandic landscape at its rawest on this small-group wintertime horseback-riding tour. You'll follow in the steps of Vikings as your trusty Icelandic horse leads you along old farmers’ trails toward the impressive Reykafoss waterfall. Suitable for all levels of horseback-riding experience.

Discover the frozen enchantment of Europe's largest glacier lagoon on a full-day tour of the legendary Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlón) from Reykjavik. With a guide, travel along the scenic south coast and admire views of black sand beaches and dramatic rock formations before arriving at the extraordinary Glacier Lagoon. Visit Diamond Beach, where icebergs originating from the Vatnajökull glacier wash ashore. On the return journey, discover the splendor of Séljalandsfoss Waterfall's dramatic drop.

This horseback riding tour in north Iceland takes you into parts of the countryside that tour buses can't reach. In a small group of no more than six travelers, you'll head into the mountains and enjoy the unique experience of riding an Icelandic horse, known for its distinctive tölt gait.

The Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon is considered as one of the natural wonders of Iceland. Paddling on the Glacier lagoon provides outstanding experience and gives participants maqnificent view of the ice cap and the vast dome of ice that rises above. Secure your seat on this unique journey where we paddle amongst floating ice bergs and wildlife, seals and birds.

Maximize your chances of seeing Iceland's whales and other marine life on a relaxing cruise aboard a spacious yacht. Board your vessel at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and venture out to Faxafloi Bay, keeping your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, and, during the summer months, puffins. While you sail, admire the coastline dotted with mountains, Reykjavik landmarks, and small islands. If you don't spot anything, you can take the tour again at no additional cost.

One surefire way to get away from Iceland's crowds? Get on the water. On this tour, you'll see the Sólheimajökull Glacier from a different perspective—from a kayak. After dressing in the included dry suit and learning the basics of kayaking, you'll paddle out behind your guide into the gorgeous lagoon. You'll glide around the icebergs anchored in the water, snap quick photos between paddling, and get to know this wild slice of paradise.

Admiring the aurora borealis is high on many Iceland visitors' wishlists, but spotting the lights is notoriously tricky. This tour from Reykjavik—led by expert aurora-hunter guides using up-to-date technology—maximizes your chances. Leave the light pollution of Iceland’s capital behind as your guide takes you to the best location to see the northern lights. If they don't appear, you can even join a repeat tour for free.

Realize your dreams of watching humpback whales in their natural environment on this half-day tour from Húsavik, the capital of whale-watching in Iceland. With multiple departure times to suit your schedule, climb aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship and set sail for a prime whale-watching destination on the ocean. With luck, marvel at the majestic mammals as they dive and plunge before your eyes, listening to commentary from your guide as you observe.

Explore the Icelandic wilderness near Reykjavik, including areas inaccessible by car or bus, on a guided all-terrain vehicle (ATV) adventure ascending Reykjavik Peak (Mt. Esja). After a hotel pickup and a safety briefing and practice spin at the headquarters, ride your ATV through varied terrain to enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Enjoy a time-saving way to discover seabirds including puffins and other wildlife on this speedy rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. In small groups led by a naturalist guide, ride across Faxaflói Bay aboard a vessel that provides the best possible access to the wildlife without disturbing the nesting birds. Make several stops, catching great views (and photos) of Iceland's wild side.

Explore the world beneath the earth's surface on this small-group caving adventure in the lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest lava tubes in Iceland. Hidden deep beneath the Blue Mountains (Bláhnjúkur), Raufarhólshellir is home to a volcanic wonderland of rock formations, ice, and craters. Hike through the tunnels to a cave and see the inner workings of a volcanic eruption.

Experience many of Iceland’s most celebrated natural attractions during this full-day excursion from Akureyri. Understand the island’s unique geology over no less than eight unique stops. Highlights include Goðafoss waterfall, the mud pots of Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir Lava Formations, Game of Throne filming locations in Kalfastrond and Grjotagja Cave, and a short hike around Lake Myvatn. Climate-controlled vehicle transfers are provided.

Embark on a sea angling tour from Reykjavik and learn the best techniques for the sport. Board a traditional wooden fishing boat, visit some of the best fishing grounds in the area, and enjoy whatever you catch as part of a gourmet lunch on board. Then watch out for wildlife, including puffins, on your return to shore.