Iceland · GUIDED

15 Guided Tours in Iceland Worth Booking Ahead

72 tours  ·  from $12 a head

Popular guided tours fill up in the busy months, and the small-group ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Reykjavik: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip - Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach
Full-Day, Guided, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tours, Tour Reviews, Vik Tours

Reykjavik: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip

1.Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,302 reviews · from $203Our pick

Ride Iceland’s south coast by bus to Jökulsárlón, where icebergs drift from Vatnajökull toward the sea. You’ll also stop at Diamond Beach, Vík, and Seljalandsfoss, with a local English-speaking guide. A lagoon boat cruise is available from April to October when conditions allow. The day lasts about 14 hours, and weather can change the plan.

“Karolina (Carolina?) is the most patient person I have met in my life. It would have been so easy to leave behind passengers who didn't respect everyone's time by adhering to the agreed upon departure times from each stop, but she made sure to leave no man behind at each stop with barely any complaints. She somehow managed to keep her spirits through the entire 16-hour journey, not failing to keep everyone interested all the way to and from Jökulsárlón. If you're reading this Karolina - dziękuję, and hope you get to give this tour many, many more times in the future. P.S.: Give Eugene a raise for driving through…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide - Reading the bay with your guide
Guided, Reykjavik Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours

Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

2.Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,307 reviews · from $90

Set out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour aboard Andrea, Iceland’s largest whale-watching ship, to look for humpback and minke whales, dolphins and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay. An English-speaking guide helps you spot wildlife and explains what you see. You get warm overalls, heated indoor seating and an onboard café; summer Express trips reach the viewing area faster.

“We saw orcas which was a surprise. Our guide, Patrick, was very personable and made it entertaining. Wasn’t as old as I had expected it to be either.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Ice Cave Guided Tour - The Super Jeep ride across rough ground
Guided, Iceland Ice Cave Tours, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Ice Cave Guided Tour

3.Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Ice Cave Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,046 reviews · 3 hours · from $164

Meet your English-speaking guide at Jökulsárlón and ride a Super Jeep toward Vatnajökull. After a short walk over rugged ground, spend up to 1.5 hours exploring the day’s safest ice cave. Guides such as Axel, Fannar, and Javier are praised for glacier stories and steady guidance, but the cave itself changes with the season.

“Everything is great. Our guide was very funny and helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

The Golden Circle Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik - Þingvellir: geology and history in a short visit
Day Trips from Reykjavik, Golden Circle Tours, Guided, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

The Golden Circle Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik

4.The Golden Circle Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,726 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88

Travel from Reykjavík by coach to Strokkur, Gullfoss and Þingvellir National Park, with a local guide, free Wi-Fi and an app-based audio guide in several languages. The roughly six-and-a-half-hour tour includes pickup options and time to explore each stop, but bring snacks and your own headphones. Cruise-port pickup is available if you select that option.

“All the places we went to were beautiful. It’s really worth going to these places. We’d been here before but during winter so it was beautiful to see it during fall. This time we’re able to walk all the way to the waterfalls and that was a breath taking experience. It was perfect too since there was a rainbow when we’re walking towards waterfalls. We got lucky with the geyser. I was able to video tape it when it burst three times in a row. That was amazing. The tour guide was just ok. She didn’t wait for all of us to get out of the bus. She would zoom…”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Reykjavik: Best of Golden Circle Guided Tour - Geysir: wait for Strokkur’s next burst
Day Trips from Reykjavik, Golden Circle Tours, Guided, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Reykjavik: Best of Golden Circle Guided Tour

5.Best of Golden Circle Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,646 reviews · from $79

Ride from Reykjavík to four Golden Circle sights: Þingvellir National Park, the Strokkur geyser area, Gullfoss waterfall and Kerið crater. An English-speaking guide handles the route and shares context along the way. Expect about 7 to 8.5 hours overall, including short walks and photo stops.

“We had an amazing day & this is the perfect way to sightsee without having to think. Not knowing what to expect given it was a tour, at each landmark we were free to explore rather than go round as a group which we were happy about. The guide was amazing between stops giving us information about sights along the way. We found the bus stop system really well organised and hassle free. Driver was amazing too. Amazing value for money given the length of the tour, knowledge of the guide etc. Thank you for showing us round this magical country.Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Reykjavik: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with 6 Tastings - The guide is part of the meal
Guided, Reykjavik Food Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Reykjavik Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Reykjavik: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with 6 Tastings

6.Guided Foodie Walking Tour with 6 Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,645 reviews · 3 hours · from $142

Walk downtown Reykjavík with an English-speaking local guide, stopping at five eateries for six to eight Icelandic tastings. Expect dishes such as lamb, seafood, and local sweets, plus a chance to try fermented shark. Guides including Bonnie, Thor, Stevie, and Mímir bring food, city history, and local tips together.

“The food selections were wonderful! My favorite was the first appetizer course and the seafood spot. Best food ever!! We also stopped at the hot dog place but I would have preferred getting something else at a different stop instead of a hot dog. The guide polled people and the people in my group wanted to stop there but I think another option would have been better. Most of the places were featured as an advertisement on the plane, Icelandair, and it was true, the very best food in Iceland. taste for yourself!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Northern Lights Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik - One viewing stop, or more?
Day Trips from Reykjavik, Guided, Northern Lights Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Northern Lights Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik

7.Northern Lights Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,183 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $73

Ride from Reykjavik with a local guide who explains aurora science and chooses a viewing spot based on the weather and forecast. The 3 to 5 hour bus trip includes Wi-Fi and a free return opportunity if the lights do not appear. Sightings are never guaranteed, so book early in your Iceland trip if you can.

“Great night trip to the Northern Lights. Tour guide was very fun and friendly. Well organised trip with the pick up and drop off points. The northern lights were present on my visit but it’s important to remember that photos may show the lights more than what can be seen with the eye in real life”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike - Reading the ice with a guide
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Iceland Glacier Hikes, Tour Reviews, Vik Tours

Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike

8.Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,123 reviews · from $116

Meet your certified English-speaking guide at Sólheimajökull’s parking lot, then gear up for a guided walk on the glacier. Crampons, helmet and ice axe are included. Guides such as Daniel, Steve, Daniela and Tomas have led outings here, though your guide will depend on the departure. Expect ice formations, crevasses and glacier views, with the route and pace shaped by the group.

“We loved this tour! Steve our tour guide was brilliant! Great balance of taking time to take pictures and go at everyone’s pace, whilst using lots of humour and sharing his knowledge of the glacier structures… an absolutely superb morning out with the wild weather to compliment it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Reykjavík: Guided Afternoon Hiking Tour to New Volcano Site - Seltún: geothermal ground in 25 minutes
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Iceland Volcano Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Reykjavík: Guided Afternoon Hiking Tour to New Volcano Site

9.Guided Afternoon Hiking Tour to New Volcano Site

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 934 reviews · 7 hours · from $126

From Reykjavík, join a guide for a seven-hour trip to Reykjanes Peninsula. Stop at Seltún’s colorful geothermal ground, then hike toward recent eruption sites near Geldingadalur and Fagradalsfjall. Expect a strenuous walk, changing volcanic conditions and plenty of geology. Guides vary; past trips have been led by Tom, Alain and Dave.

“Omar was really very very informative and funny! The tour was worth it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Guided Hiking Tour - What the glacier walk is like
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tours, Skaftafell Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Guided Hiking Tour

10.Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Guided Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 921 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $150

From Jökulsárlón, ride a super jeep to Breiðamerkurjökull for a guided glacier walk with crampons, helmet and harness. Expect about two hours on the ice, with route choices shaped by weather and conditions. Guides such as Iga, Guillermo, Javier and Thomas have led past tours. Ice caves and moulins are possible, but never guaranteed.

“Very surprise, and the experience is wonderful. Especially, it is so beautiful when see the blue ice cave.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes & Mt. Kirkjufell Guided Minibus Tour - The drive west, with a guide along for the ride
Guided, Reykjavik Tours, Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes & Mt. Kirkjufell Guided Minibus Tour

11.Snaefellsnes & Mt. Kirkjufell Guided Minibus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 757 reviews · 11 hours · from $159

Travel around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a full-day minibus tour from Reykjavik, with stops at Kirkjufell, Djúpalónssandur, Arnarstapi, Búðakirkja and Ytri Tunga. Your English-speaking guide shares local stories along the way. The day includes long stretches on the road, a 45-minute break in Ólafsvík and time to look for seals.

“Fabulous day trip around the peninsula with a non-stop chatty driver/guide. It’s a lot of travelling on the bus but the passing scenery is beautiful and you get plenty of time at the stops to take pictures and look around”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik - A boat set up for cold water and changing conditions
Day Trips from Reykjavik, Guided, Reykjavik Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours

Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

12.Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 744 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Leave Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for Faxaflói Bay, where humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises may appear. Your English-speaking guide shares local insight while you watch from indoor or outdoor seating. Warm overalls, a heated cabin, and a free return ticket if you see no whales help make this a practical, weather-dependent outing.

“The crew go out of there way to find whales for you to see without chasing or disrespecting the whales”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Tour with Photos - How the guide chooses where to stop
Day Trips from Reykjavik, Guided, Northern Lights Tours, Photography Sessions, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Tour with Photos

13.Northern Lights Guided Tour with Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 718 reviews · 5 hours · from $95

Head beyond Reykjavik with guides such as Christian, Ania, and Anna Maria to search for the aurora. The five-hour trip follows the evening’s cloud cover and activity, with stops chosen along the way. You’ll have hot drinks, blankets, stargazing, and a chance to be photographed beneath the lights.

“It was great! Everything was perfect! The weather and, the timing, the location and of course shout out to our tour guide Ania, she was amazing. We managed to take the best shots of the spectacular Northern Lights before the snow began. All in all we were thrilled. Thank you so much!”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Chase with Expert Guide - At the viewing stop, patience is part of the plan
Day Trips from Reykjavik, Guided, Northern Lights Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews

From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Chase with Expert Guide

14.Northern Lights Chase with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 697 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $73

Leave Reykjavik by bus with an English-speaking guide who follows the night’s cloud and aurora forecasts to choose where to stop. Past departures have featured guides including Rene, Kat, Oliver, and Arman, though your guide will vary. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours and includes a free retry if no lights appear.

“excellent, knowledgeable guide and we got to see the lights”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik - Reading the water for whales and dolphins
Cruises & Boat Tours, Day Trips from Reykjavik, Guided, Reykjavik Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours

Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

15.Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 651 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $86

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, sail into Faxaflói Bay on either a 2.5-hour express trip or a 3.5-hour classic cruise. An English-speaking naturalist guide helps you look for humpback and minke whales, dolphins and porpoises. Thermal overalls, heated indoor seating and Wi-Fi are included; food and drinks cost extra.

“A lovely boat and great experience. Even though the weather was really foggy in late December got to see a humpback whale. The commentary was factual and great. A wonderful trip which I would certainly go on again”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Guided

★ 5.0Private Jeep with driver guide, Super JEEP18 reviews
★ 5.0South Coast Private Guided Tour + Blue Lagoon(optional)17 reviews
★ 5.0Private South Coast Tour with a Professional Photographer/Guide7 reviews
★ 5.0Northern Lights Private Guided Tour With Professional Photos35 reviews
★ 5.0Private Reykjanes Peninsula Guided Tour5 reviews
★ 5.0Highlights of Iceland / private guided super Jeep tour9 reviews
★ 5.0Private Half Day Iceland Tour with Guide and Vehicle6 reviews
★ 5.0Private Hire Adventure Guide & Vehicle44 reviews
★ 4.5Golden Circle : Private Guided Day Tour + Blue Lagoon(Optional)42 reviews
★ 5.0Golden Circle Glacier Super Jeep Tour / guided private tour20 reviews
★ 5.0Diamond Beach & Jökulsárlón Floating Glacier Guided Day Tour45 reviews
★ 4.5Northern Lights Small Group Guided Tour from ReykjavikFrom $120158 reviews
★ 4.5Northern Lights Super Jeep Guided Tour with Hot Drink & Snack10 reviews
★ 5.0Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano / guided private tour3 reviews
★ 5.0Icelands Reykjavik Self Guided Walking Audio TourFrom $196 reviews

Keep browsing

Golden Circle ToursNorthern Lights ToursIceland Glacier HikesBlue Lagoon ToursReykjavik Whale WatchingReykjavik Walking Tours
Scroll to Top

Leave Reykjavik for a day

Pick ice, fire, hot water or the city.

Day trips

Golden CircleSouth CoastSnæfellsnesJökulsárlónLandmannalaugar

Ice and fire

Glacier HikesIce CavesVolcano ToursLava TunnelsSnowmobiles

Water and warmth

Blue LagoonSky LagoonHot SpringsSilfra FissureWhale Watching

In town

Walking ToursFood WalksMuseum TicketsSightseeingSea Fishing