If you’re heading to Iceland, I’m sure adventure is on your mind.
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The diverse island nation is home to dozens of unique geological formations. There are famous thermal springs like Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. There are waterfalls and even snorkeling above tectonic plates in ice-cold, crystal-clear waters. Until recently, there was also Reynisfjara Beach, too.
While Iceland is large, you can knock out a few of its top sites even on a shorter 72-hour trip. Even better, you can take on some of its top sites by booking adventure tours and day trips from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city and largest hub. There’s no need to venture off the beaten path if you’d rather keep things simple, in other words.
Here are a few of the best adventure tours and day trips from Reykjavik that you can book just a few days ahead of your trip.
Day trips from Reykjavik with multiple stops
Small Group Tour of Golden Circle, Volcano Crater, and Blue Lagoon
If you don’t have too much time to plan out various day trips across a weekend or week-long vacation, this popular tour will do the trick. You’ll get to see three major landmarks around Reykjavik, including a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon.
Small Group Tour of South Coast
This is another multi-site day trip from Reykjavik that lets you experience the top wonders along the South Coast. That includes Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara Beach, and Solheimajökull glacier.
Glacier Lagoon & Fjaðrárgjúfur Canyon Small-Group Tour
Explore one of Iceland’s more unknown wonders: Fjaðrárgjúfur Canyon. It’s a remarkable formation just outside the region’s most popular small town, Vik. You also get to visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon before heading back to Reykjavik.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula Full Day Tour
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is home to the country’s most dramatic black-sand beaches and lava fields. This rugged coast is also home to traditional villages. This tour gives you plenty of time to stretch your legs as you soak up the unique landscapes and quaint towns.
Day trips from Reykjavik that focus on one experience
Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide
Whether or not you’ve ever felt intrigued by these coastal, colorful birds, you’re sure to enjoy this visit to the Akurey Islands. You’ll get to see the birds in their natural habitat while learning about what makes them so iconic, from their biology to the brutal weather they survive.
Lava Tunnel Tour
Explore the famous Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel, which you can only do by descending far below the earth’s surface with a pro guide. There, you’ll learn about how the ancient lava forms were created eons ago. Note: this is a half-day tour instead of a full day trip.
Northern Lights Bus Tour with Hot Chocolate
There’s no guarantee that you’ll see the Northern Lights in Iceland—even if you perfectly line up your trip with the prime aurora borealis season. This bus tour sweetens the deal a little by guaranteeing a delicious mug of hot cocoa.
Original Classic Whale Watching Tour
Like the Northern Lights, there’s no guarantee that you’ll see the whales and dolphins that regularly swim through Icelandic waters. However, around 90% of tours include a sighting, letting you get out onto the water while experiencing the wonders of marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Snowmobile Adventure on Langjökull Glacier
Don’t worry—you’ll be fitted with winter-ready gear before you strike out on this adventure. It lets you take on Iceland’s pristine landscape with a qualified guide in the lead. This is a one-hour tour, meaning you don’t need to be an athlete or pro snowmobiler to join the fun.
Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Between Two Continents
Silfra is a massive ravine (see: fissure) that’s formed between two of the Earth’s largest tectonic plates. You can snorkel or scuba through the crystal-clear glacial waters to delve into a geological wonder. Plus, you’ll get to explore Thingvellir National Park.
Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour
Icelandic horses are small and hardy—and they’re descended from the horses the Vikings originally brought over. This tour lets you explore Iceland’s dramatic scenery (no matter the season) while a Viking-caliber steed leads the way.
Small Group Volcano Hike with a Pro Geologist
Iceland is home to active volcanoes. In fact, you’ll visit Fagradalsfjall Volcano on this tour, which erupted as recently as 2021. While you soak up the lava fields, you’ll get to learn about volcanoes and Fagradalsfjall Volcano, specifically.
Jokulsarlon Blue Ice Cave Tour
Delve deep into the Jokulsarlon Glacier to explore its blue ice caves. The formations are colorful and almost look like works of art. It’s perfect for anyone who likes to bust out their camera—just prepare for the cold.
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing Intro
Ever wondered about glacial hikes and ice climbing? This beginner-friendly tour teaches you about lingo like crevasses while instructing you to identify important types of ice formations. At the end, you also get the chance to try ice climbing for yourself.
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