The 8 Best Westman Islands Tours

1.Puffin and Volcano Tour with Ebbi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 731 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $114Our pick

Explore Heimaey by air-conditioned minibus with local guide Ebbi. Stop for puffin viewing at Stórhöfði, see Elephant Rock, visit a Viking town and stand inside Eldfell’s crater. Expect several short walks and weather-dependent wildlife sightings. The tour lasts about two hours, costs $114.88 per person and meets at Vestmannaeyjar harbour.

“Very family friendly, informative, fun, and great guide. Loved seeing the puffin colony, walking on a volcano site, and seeing the past lava flows. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Volcano ATV Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 302 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $142

On this one-hour ATV ride on Heimaey, you’ll travel across lava terrain, along the coast and past Prestvik beach, where the fishing ship Pelagus ran aground. Guides such as Mar, Johanna and Veli share island history and stop for views and photos. The automatic two-person ATVs are beginner-friendly; drivers need a licence, and passengers must be at least six.

“Johanna is an excellent guide: patient, caring, instructive, informative and knowledgeable. She led our ATV group safely and at reasonable speeds for ATV beginners traversing challenging terrain over volcanic trails and 4x4 back roads. We stopped at a few picturesque sites for photos, and she was happy to take family photos for sharing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $114

Ribsafari’s 90-minute boat tour circles Heimaey, visits a sea cave and passes new lava, Elephant Rock and seabird habitat. Your English-speaking guide shares island geology, wildlife and local history. The 2:15 pm trip starts and ends at Tangagata 7, with lifejackets provided.

“It was so fun! Westman Islands is out of this world and Rib Safari made it better. Our guide Chris is fun, knows history and tells a lot of interesting stories. Their soundtrack while sailing: awesome! We had bad weather and the company called us as the boat captain canceled our tour, but they went the extra mile to make us happy offering us a place with a smaller group. Absolutely loved our experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Eyjascooter Puffin Tour in Iceland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $156

See Heimaey by electric scooter on a 1-hour-45-minute guided tour, with helmet and vest provided. Your guide takes you to puffin-viewing spots and island viewpoints, then to the Sea Life Trust Museum. Guides named on past tours include Sarka and Hreidar. Puffins are wild, so sightings depend on the season and the birds themselves.

“I would have given this tour 5 - Stars but sadly as our guide said when we arrived the Puffins had flown away just a couple days before we go there to do the tour. However we didn't go all that way to not still enjoy ourselves and take an awesome scooter tour around the island with an excellent guide. The scooters really zip you along and were so much fun to ride I even checked online once we got home to see what one might set me back to purchase. While we did not see the puffins (what the wife really wanted to do) we got a great detailed…”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.The Best of Vestmannaeyjar with Ebbi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Join Heimaey-born guide Ebbi for a two-hour tour of Vestmannaeyjar by air-conditioned vehicle. See sprangan, an old volcanic crater, a replica Viking town, Elephant Rock, Great Cape, Eldfell and Skansinn. Admission to the Viking Town is included. Meet at the harbour at noon; the tour ends in the town center.

“Ebbi really made the Island come alive. His knowledge of the history of Heimaey and his description of life on the island along with his great sense of humor made this trip unforgettable. I highly recommend this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.PRIVATE 2-Hours Tour – Westman Islands with a local in a BMW X5

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.)

Melissa takes your group of up to four around Heimaey in a private BMW X5. Plan a flexible two-hour drive for puffins, Elephant Rock, Eldfell, an old church, a miniature garden, and local views. Pickup is offered, including near the docks, and the route can reflect what you most want to see.

“We had a wonderful time with Melissa. The day was perfect. She is delightful, generous with her time and shared many interesting facts about the island. We saw all the sites and hikes the volcano. Her BMW is new, clean and comfortable. All in all a great day”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Eyjascooter volcano tour in Westman Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $108

Explore Heimaey on a Kaabo Wolf Warrior 11 seated electric scooter with an English-speaking guide. After a safety briefing and practice time, you may ride through town and out to scenic stops such as Elephant Rock or a puffin colony. Groups are limited to six, and guides including Ingibjörg, Hreidar and Charka can tailor the route.

“This was one of the best excursions!! The guide is a native of Iceland and will cater the ride to what you would like to see. It was a fun way to tour Westman Island. We would definitely recommend!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Beluga Whale Sanctuary – Admissions

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 8 reviews · from $30Best value

At the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Vestmannaeyjar, your $30 admission includes displays about Little White and Little Grey, access to a puffin rescue centre, and a native species aquarium. You can also visit the Visitor Centre to follow the belugas’ journey. A guided tour is not included; one is offered daily at 2 PM.

“The place is wonderful and inspiring, it was very nice to listen to the man who told me about the characters of the beavers, what they like and what they are”

Check availability →Read our full review