The 8 3-Hour Experiences in Iceland Worth the Króna

1.the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 908 reviews · 3 hours · from $108Our pick

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, Elding Adventure at Sea takes you on a three-hour search through Faxaflói Bay for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds. A trained guide explains what you’re seeing, warm overalls are provided, and the crew follows a responsible-whale-watching code. Sightings are reported on more than 90% of tours, with a free return trip if your outing comes up empty.

“Our guide was wonderful, she gave us lots of information and we saw plenty of whales and dolphins! It was a trip we will remember!!”

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2.Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 580 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $117

Join a certified guide for a three-hour outing on Vatnajökull, with a short drive, a walk to the glacier, and time among its ice formations and moulins. Helmets, harnesses, and ice axes are included. Groups are limited to 12, and guides such as Maria, Anna, and Martin have led outings. Bring sturdy boots and weatherproof layers, or rent them at the meeting point.

“Our guide Maria was fantastic - she was extremely patient with the people struggling with equipment, and with one member of our party who was in a bad mood and less than polite. She was a saint! The glacier hike was stunning, with gorgeous ice formations and beautiful views back down to the coast.”

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3.Solheimajokull Glacier 3-Hour Small-Group Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125Top rated

Meet your guide at Sólheimajökull for a three-hour, small-group glacier hike. The guide fits your crampons, helmet, harness and ice axe, then sets a pace suited to the group. Look for blue ice, volcanic ash and, on clear days, views of Eyjafjallajökull. Guides have included Edgar, Anna, Eli and Lilly.

“This company was awesome and would definitely do another tour with them. Our guide, Edger was amazing. I would ask for him. He made the hike fun and was very knowable about the glacier.”

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4.3-Hour Sea Angling Gourmet Experience Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 141 reviews · 3 hours · from $176

Join a captain and fishing guides aboard Jóhanna for a three to three-and-a-half-hour sea angling trip from Reykjavik into Faxaflói. You get fishing gear, practical help, rain jackets and the chance to catch cod, haddock, mackerel, catfish or pollack. The crew grills the catch aboard with potatoes and homemade sauce. Jacob and Vigfoss have guided trips, though crew may vary.

“Five star is only the limit of the rating, not the limit of my experience! If possible I’d love to give a ten star rating! First time in my life to fish in the sea! And the cods are so charming with big semi-sphere crystal eyes! And their little front fins are like small wings stretching to the side! Just so cute marine creatures! Now all in my belly! Now I feel I look a bit charming as well!”

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5.3 Hour Private Reykjavik Driving Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Set your own priorities on a private, three-hour Reykjavík driving tour for up to eight people. Your English-speaking guide can take you to sights such as Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, the Sun Voyager, and Grótta Lighthouse. Guides have included Cat and Alvaro. Pickup is offered, and snacks or pastries cost extra.

“A great way to get to know Reykjavík! Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly! I would book this again.”

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6.Private 3 Hours Tour with Airport Transfer in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Travel between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik in a private vehicle, with a local English-speaking guide and a route tailored to your interests. Possible stops include Harpa, the Sun Voyager, Hallgrimskirkja, Grótta Lighthouse, and Perlan. The group price is $978 for up to eight people. Perlan admission is extra.

“Was able to book last minute as I needed activity time between after disembarking from the cruise and our flight. Right on time and flexible and made recommendations for city sights in the time that we had.”

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7.3-Hour Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure From Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 7 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $342

Safari Quads takes you from Reykjavik into lava fields and geothermal country near Hellisheiði and Hengill. Expect about three hours on an ATV, a 30-minute safety briefing, protective riding gear, and views of the Blue Mountains, Hafrawater Lake, Esja, Faxaflói Bay, and Reykjavik. Drivers need a license; passengers do not.

“It was an absolutely incredible experience, I have zero negative feedback.”

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8.Northern Lights 3 Hours Private tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $636

From Reykjavik, take a private, roughly three-hour drive beyond the city’s light pollution in search of the northern lights. Your English-speaking guide chooses a dark-sky viewing area and shares information along the way. Siggi is one guide name associated with the tour, but a particular guide is not guaranteed. Transport is included; meals and entrance fees for extra stops are not.

“Got to see the Northern Lights. Excellent guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about the Northern Lights and where to look for them”

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