Highlights
- Westman Islands / Vestmannaeyjar
- Puffins (summer)
- Eldheimar Volcano Museum
- Gott restaurant
- History of this volcanic island
- Heimaey
- Heimaklettur
About Tour
Located just a half-hour ferry ride from Iceland’s south coast and a couple of hours away from Reykjavík, the Westman Islands, also known as Vestmannaeyjar, form a captivating volcanic island archipelago. This extraordinary collection of islands will leave visitors in awe with its remarkable natural beauty, rich history, and diverse wildlife. Join us on an exploration of this true Icelandic gem, a place cherished not only by tourists but also by the locals themselves.
Our journey begins with a scenic drive along the mesmerizing landscapes of Iceland’s south coast, where we’ll be treated to awe-inspiring sights of waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes. This captivating route leads us to Landeyjahöfn, where we embark on a 30-minute ferry ride to the Westman Islands. This enjoyable voyage serves as the perfect introduction to the islands.
As we sail between towering cliff walls, the natural harbor unfolds before us, leaving us breathless. Overhead, countless sea-birds gracefully soar, creating a captivating spectacle. Glancing back, we admire the majestic glacier-capped mountains on the mainland that we have left behind, setting the stage for the exciting day that lies ahead.
Itinerary
Westman Island Tour | Tour to the Volcanic Islands of Iceland
Heimaey, the main island of the Westman Islands, was nearly obliterated by a volcanic eruption in 1973, leading to a complete evacuation of the town and earning it the nickname “Pompei of the North.” From this vantage point, you can witness the aftermath of the eruption, including the new section of the island formed by the lava flow, which increased the island’s size by over 20%. The prominent Eldfell crater is easily visible from the harbor area, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding islands and the mainland volcanoes.
To delve deeper into this remarkable moment in Icelandic history, we will visit the Eldheimar Museum. However, depending on the group and weather conditions, we may opt for an alternative outdoor activity instead. The final decision will be made in consultation with your guide on the day of the tour.
Lunch like a local
In the Westman Islands, you’ll find some of our most beloved restaurants, including our lunch destination at GOTT (included in the tour). This charming and inviting restaurant takes pride in using exclusively fresh and authentic ingredients. From homemade sauces, broths, soups, and bread to delightful cakes, everything is crafted from scratch on-site. The fish, sourced fresh from the market each morning, ensures a truly memorable dining experience. Lunch is included in the tour price and guarantees a delicious meal that will surely become one of your favorites in Iceland. Rest assured, there are also vegan and vegetarian options available to cater to all dietary preferences.
Puffins - The cutest Wesman Islsand inhabitants
After enjoying a delicious lunch, there’s ample time to further discover the wonders of the Westman Islands. Accompanied by your knowledgeable Hidden Iceland guide, you’ll venture to the southern side of Heimaey, where you can explore the captivating cliffs, visit local farms, and embark on a short walk in search of puffins. During the summer months, these incredibly adorable birds grace the islands, making it one of the prime locations in Iceland for observing them. Nesting and breeding in their cliffside burrows alongside their lifelong mates, puffins add a charming touch to the landscape.
Please keep in mind that if you choose the 1-hour RIB boat tour (mentioned below), we may not have sufficient time for this specific activity. However, rest assured that the boat tour provides an equally stunning view of the cliffs, ensuring a remarkable experience either way.
RIB boat tour
For those seeking an elevated experience, you have the option to join a thrilling 1-hour RIB boat ride with our esteemed partners, RIB Safari. Exploring the islands by boat adds an exciting and enjoyable element to your adventure, ensuring an exhilarating ride like no other. RIB Safari guarantees an unforgettable journey that takes you deep inside sea caves and navigates around the small, otherwise inaccessible islands scattered around Heimaey. If luck is on your side, you may even encounter a variety of wildlife, including whales and puffins, in close proximity. Witnessing the islands from this unique perspective is truly awe-inspiring.
If you wish to partake in the 1-hour RIB boat tour (15,900 ISK adult / 8,700 ISK 6 – 12), kindly select it as an optional extra during the booking process. However, if being out on the ocean isn’t your preference, rest assured that your guide will lead you to explore more of the island’s captivating sights, ensuring a memorable experience tailored to your preferences.
Included
- Pick up and drop off in Reykjavik
- Return ferry to Westman Islands
- English speaking professional guide
- Admission to Eldheimar Museum
- Main menu lunch from Gott Restaurant
Optional:
- 1 hour RIB boat tour | Price 14,900 ISK per adults / 7,900 ISK per youth age 8-12 years old
- Select this option as extra in the booking process
What to bring
- Good outdoor shoes
- Warm & waterproof clothes
- Gloves & hat
- Camera
Good to know
- Please note that this trip is exclusively available during the summer season (May – September) and requires a minimum of 4 participants per trip. In the event that there are fewer than 4 bookings, you have the option to secure the departure by reserving all 4 spots. Rest assured that if additional bookings are made, we will promptly refund you for the extra seats you paid for
- The tour includes a main course from the set-lunch menu at Gott Restaurant. Additionally, you have the option to purchase drinks (sodas, coffee, tea), desserts, and other items from the menu. We recommend bringing extra money to cover any additional purchases you may wish to make.
- For The Westman Islands tour, we highly recommend bringing waterproof jackets and pants to prepare for the ever-changing Icelandic weather. If you don’t have your own, don’t worry, as we offer the option to rent waterproof jackets and pants. Simply indicate your preference during the booking process or reach out to us directly. Remember, in Iceland (during summer), there is no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing!
- All tour prices are denominated in Icelandic Krona (ISK). The displayed prices in other currencies on the website are for reference purposes only and are subject to currency fluctuations.
- The duration of the tour is 12 hours.
- This tour is operated in small groups with a maximum of 12 persons.
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