Top South Iceland Water Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.