Top South Iceland On the Water

Maximize your sightseeing time in Iceland with two unique outdoor experiences in one day. Explore the otherworldly Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, known for its colorful rock formations, then visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and snorkel in the Silfra fissure between two tectonic plates.

Vestmannaeyjar boasts beautiful coastal scenery, but it can only be best admired from the waves. On this tour, take to the water by powerful RIB and explore the archipelago with your guide at the helm. Hold tight as you bounce over the waves at speed, spotting eider and puffins among the sea caves and admiring unique, massive rock formations in the high cliffs. Along the way, watch for seals and whales breaching the waters—true immersion in Iceland's wild side.

Skip the crowded boat tours and enjoy a more intimate experience of Iceland's smaller islands around Vestmannaeyjar. This small-group tour is limited to 12 people, so there's no bad seat in the house. Learn about the history of the area as you soak up the views of sea caves and wildlife, including, with luck, puffins, whales, and seals.

Ride an Icelandic horse across open moors and fields, then look for minkes, humpbacks, porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins on a whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik. This full-day experience takes in the best of the country’s wildlife and scenery, both on land and at sea. Practice Iceland’s unique tölt gait and learn how horses arrived in Iceland almost a millennium ago, then search the waters of Faxaflói Bay while enjoying sweeping views of the rugged coastline.