You’ve finally done it, you’ve booked your tickets to Iceland! 🙌 So, what should you see and do first?
The landscapes are unmatched, and there are unique experiences around every bend with more adventures than you know what to do with. But when it comes to Iceland tours, how do you know which ones are really worth it?
Living in Iceland means I’ve tried a lot of tours, talked to a lot of guides, and learned which experiences are truly special.
I’ll walk you through the best tours in Iceland and share my go-to tips for saving money – with a few discount codes sprinkled in. 😉
And of course, I’ll give you a heads up on which ones you can easily do on your own.
Let’s get into it!
Are Iceland Tours Worth It? Pros and Cons
If you’re not sure which tours to commit to, it always helps to make a pros and cons list.
This’ll help you figure out whether a tour is worth it and which experiences are better with a guide versus exploring on your own.
Personally, I like balance. Driving yourself and sprinkling in a few tours for a complete experience.
Iceland Excursions: Pros
If you’re on the fence about booking a tour, here’s why going with a guide can make your life a whole lot easier:
Safety and accessibility: Ice caves, glacier hikes, and volcano tours require special equipment and expertise from trained guides to keep you safe. If you want to visit places like the Highlands in winter or the natural ice caves, the only way to do that is through a tour.
Expert knowledge: Guides share insider tips, history, and fun facts you’d otherwise miss.
If you don’t plan on driving: Some travelers come to Iceland intending to use Reykjavík as their home base, but still want to explore beyond the city. In that case, booking Iceland day tours is a great way to see more of the country without renting a car.
Convenience: Taking a tour is just so darn convenient! Everything’s been arranged for you. There’s no worrying about the logistics, transportation, or figuring out where to go.
Iceland Excursions: Cons
Here are a few downsides to keep in mind:
Cost: Guided tours can get expensive, especially for high-demand experiences. And the more tours you take, the more it’ll eat into your travel budget.
Less flexibility: If you want to move on or linger a little longer, unfortunately you’re on the guide’s schedule, which limits spontaneity.
Optional for some experiences: Not all tours are created equal! Northern Lights hunting or puffin watching can easily be done on your own. You’ll save money and have more control over your schedule.
I personally suggest booking tours for experiences that are risky, technical, or require special access like ice caves, glaciers, and volcanoes.
It’s also worth joining a tour if you enjoy in-depth explanations or prefer having a local guide walk you through everything.
For most other things, you can confidently explore on your own… and save a little money while you’re at it.
How to Save Money on Iceland Tours
Tours in Iceland aren’t cheap, but here are a few ways you can do them without breaking your budget.
Book ahead: Prices are usually cheaper if you book Iceland tours a few months in advance. They tend to get more expensive closer to your travel dates, especially in summer.
Ask about group discounts: If you’re traveling with a group, many companies will offer a lower rate if you request it.
Meet on location: Look for tours that start at the destination instead of including Reykjavík pickup. You’ll skip the transportation fee and only pay for the activity.
💥Pro tip: Keep reading because I’ll be sharing some VIP discounts on selected tours in this post. You don’t want to miss them!
Iceland Tours You Can DIY: My Honest Opinion
Before we jump in, remember: everyone travels differently.
What you want a guide for might be something someone else feels confident doing solo.
You do you.
But if you want my honest opinion, here are a few experiences you can totally DIY with the right info.
Blue Lagoon tour, Iceland: A lot of people assume you need a tour to get in, but nope! Just buy your Blue Lagoon tickets online and you’re good to go. Just make sure you book them early!
➡️ READ: Is The Blue Lagoon Worth It? Everything You Need To Know About Iceland’s #1 Attraction
Puffin Tour, Iceland: This is another tour you don’t need a tour for. Just read my guide and you’ll know exactly when and where to find them. 👇
➡️ READ: Puffins in Iceland: Top 6 Locations and Exciting Tours
Northern Lights Tour, Iceland: I get why people book this tour – it feels like your best chance at seeing the Aurora. And honestly, that’s fair! But much like puffins, all you really need is the right timing and location, and a good Aurora forecast. My Northern Lights guide breaks it all down for you. 👇
➡️ READ: Northern Lights in Iceland
South Coast + Golden Circle Tour, Iceland: These are two routes I 100% recommend driving yourself if you’re comfortable doing so. You get the full experience, all the detours, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. No need to worry about being crammed into a bus with loads of other tourists!
➡️ READ: Golden Circle, Iceland: Everything You Need to Know for a Dream Trip
That said, if you’re someone who prefers everything planned out or you want the peace of mind that comes with a guide, you can absolutely book a tour and still have a great experience.
Psst… If you’ve always wanted to do an Iceland self-drive tour but don’t want to spend hours digging through Google for information…. I’ve got you covered.
My 👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks include detailed, region-specific guides with must-see attractions and hidden gems. Plus, they feature hotel recommendations, planning checklists, and exclusive discounts.
I’ve also included the best hikes, hot springs, detours, and museums.
Planning to explore more than one region, like the South + West, but want to include the Ring Road? Bundle them up and save while seeing even more of Iceland.
Each guide comes with a digital map containing everything you need, from major sites to gas stations and even clinics.
If you’re interested in more cultural information or tips on how to get around, you’ve guessed it, it’s in there too, along with so much more!
It’s like having a personal guide with all the info, and you get the freedom of exploring on your own schedule.
The Best Tours in Iceland
If you’re wondering which Iceland tours are worth it, let’s start here.👇
Ice Cave + Glacier Hike Tour, Iceland
Want to get up close to Iceland’s glaciers? There are a few amazing options: glacier hiking, ice climbing, and exploring ice caves.
Sólheimajökull (South Iceland): This is one of the most accessible glacier hikes in the country and sits right along the popular South Coast. This would be a perfect add-on Iceland tour if you’re already doing a South Coast road trip.
Vatnajökull (Southeast Iceland): If you’re traveling in the southeast area of Iceland, Vatnajökull is the largest glacier and home to a wide range of glacier hikes, ice hiking, and natural blue crystal ice caves.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Iceland Ice Cave Tour
Pro tip: These natural ice caves are only safe to go into between November and March.
Year-Round Ice Cave
The Katla Ice Cave is unique in that it’s the ONLY ice cave open year-round.
Just outside the charming town of Vík, it offers stunning glacier views and the chance to safely explore a cave any time of year.
➡️ READ: Ice Caves in Iceland: Tours, Best Time of Year, How to Visit + More
Silfra Snorkeling Tour
In keeping with the icy side of things, the Silfra in Iceland is a glacial fissure in Þingvellir National Park, located on the Golden Circle route.
It’s filled with freezing, crystal-clear water from the nearby glacier, and it’s the only place in the world where you can snorkel or dive between continents!
Visibility here can reach up to 328 feet (100 meters)!
This is a super unique, once in a lifetime opportunity.
Very cold, but so worth it!
💥 Book a Silfra Snorkeling tour with Icelandia and get 5% OFF when you use the code 👉ICELANDWITHAVIEW.
Iceland Volcano Tours + Iceland Lava Cave Tours
Iceland is full of incredible geological experiences, from walking through surreal lava tunnels to exploring dormant volcanoes.
Iceland Lava Tunnel Tour
Lava tunnels form when fast-moving magma drains away and leaves a hollow tube behind.
Want to walk through a lava tunnel? Iceland is the place to do it!
One of the most popular spots is Raufarhólshellir (The Lava Tunnel) near Reykjavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
You’ll follow the exact path where molten lava once rushed through, and the whole experience feels very surreal. A little eerie, but still a really cool experience!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: The Lava Tunnel from Reykjavík
Inside the Volcano Tour, Iceland
For something even more dramatic, there’s the Thrihnukagigur (Þríhnúkagígur) volcano tour, where you can actually descend inside a dormant volcano.
It’s one of Iceland’s most unique experiences, but to be honest, I haven’t done this one yet because it sounds terrifying, maybe someday!
If you’re braver than I am, this would be a good one to check out. 👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Inside the Volcano – Pickup from Reykjavík
Helicopter Volcano Tour Iceland
Helicopter tours over Iceland’s volcano zones are one of the most unforgettable ways to see the landscape. You’ll fly above cooled lava fields, craters, and eruption sites that feel straight out of a sci-fi movie.
(Just a heads up: if you’re hoping to see active lava, there needs to be an eruption happening at the time of your visit.)
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Volcano Helicopter Tour from Reykjavík – Eruptions, Blue Lagoon & Lava Landing
Here’s what you can expect with a helicopter volcano tour in Iceland.👇
Iceland Highlands Tour
Some of the most untouched landscapes can be found in the Highlands of Iceland.
It’s a must for any hiking enthusiast, and some of the best hiking trails in the country can be found here.
Now, because this is in such a rugged and remote area of the country, you need to take the F-Roads to get there.
These roads are renowned for being tricky to navigate, and if you’re not that comfortable behind the wheel, a tour might be the best option for you.
There are a number of Iceland hiking tours in the Highlands, like Fimmvörðuháls, Landmannalaugar, and the Laugavegur Trek.
Also, if you plan on visiting the Highlands in the winter, it’s only accessible if you take an Iceland tour.
Iceland Whale Watching Tours
Another great experience is going whale watching in Iceland.
You can spot them in places like Akureyri. But Húsavík in North Iceland is known as the whale-watching capital of the country, so if you’re already exploring the north, this is absolutely where I’d recommend booking a tour.
And if you want to save, here’s a perk:
Book with Gentle Giants and use 👉 VIP code: WHALESWITHAVIEW to get 10% OFF the GG1 Whale Watching Tour.
If you’re based in Reykjavík, or won’t be traveling to the North of Iceland, you can also join a tour straight from the city harbor.
Horse Riding Tours in Iceland
Riding through black sand beaches or lava fields on an Icelandic horse is an unforgettable way to see the landscape.
Not only that, but Icelandic horses are really special. They’re known for their five unique gaits and gentle temperaments.
You can take a simple horse-riding tour and head back to your hotel afterward, or opt for a full Icelandic horse farm experience where you stay on the farm as well.
If you’re leaning toward the farm option, my top recommendation is Hestaland in West Iceland. They’re fantastic, and the routes are incredibly beautiful.
You can find out more about it below.👇
➡️ READ: Everything You Need to Know About Icelandic Horses
Reykjavík Tours
There is so much to discover in Reykjavík alone, from museums and art to history and culinary experiences there’s no shortage of tours to take in the capital.
Reykjavík Food Tour
The highest rated tour in the country on Tripadvisor is the Reykjavík Food Walk tour.
I’m a firm believer that one of the best ways to experience a culture is through its food. And this tour takes you to five restaurants to sample some genuine Icelandic cuisine.
It’s a small group experience perfect for solos or families, and the local tour guide is incredibly knowledgeable. All in all, it’s a really fun way to experience Reykjavík and Icelandic culture!
👉 Book a Reykjavík Food WalkTour and use the code: ICEVIEW for a 10% discount!
Here’s a glimpse of what to expect on the tour. 👇
Street Art Reykjavík Tour
Reykjavík has a rich art scene, and you’ll often see murals and graffiti as you walk through the streets.
If you’re spending some time in Reykjavík, this Street Art Tour is such a cool way to wander around the city checking out the colorful murals. Some big, some tucked away, and the guide shares the fun backstories behind them.
It’s super relaxed, and you end up seeing parts of the city you’d never stumble on by yourself.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Private Reykjavík Street Art & Photo Friendly Walking Tour
Iceland Self-Drive Tours: Grab a Ready-Made Itinerary
Guided Iceland tours are amazing for specific experiences… but knowing how to structure the rest of your trip is just as important.
My 👉 Iceland itineraries and digital maps remove the uncertainty around planning. (Goodbye, spreadsheets and going down endless Reddit rabbit holes!).
Each day of your trip is clearly mapped out: what to see, how long it takes, where to stop, and what’s nearby.
You’ll get a realistic breakdown of how much you can fit into a day, plus suggested accommodation and restaurant options.
The digital map has hundreds of pinned locations with everything from grocery stores and must-see sites to hidden gems you wouldn’t even know to look for!
What’s also great is that my itineraries include even more recommended tours, so you’ll have plenty of ideas to fill your days.
With these itineraries, you can focus on enjoying the tours you’re excited about, and confidently explore the rest of Iceland on your own.
No matter if you’re in Iceland for 5 or 14 days, there’s a detailed itinerary designed to help you make the most of every moment.
I hope this guide helps you choose the tours that fit your budget, travel style, and sense of adventure.
Happy Planning!
