Private Westman Islands Day Tour

by Your Friend in Reykjavik · Airport transfers · South Coast

  • Luxury
  • Works in the rain
  • Eco-certified
  • Skip the queue
  • Can be tailored

from €2,013 for up to 3

Next departure: Fri 23 Oct

  • Duration

    11 hours

  • Difficulty

    Easy

  • Season

    All year

  • Starts in

    Reykjavík

  • Pickup

    Hotel pickup included

  • Guide

    Guided in English, French, German, Spanish

  • Departs

    07:30, 08:00

  • Cancellation

    Free until 24 hours before

About this experience

Embark on a captivating journey to the Westman Islands, where Iceland’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant wildlife come together for an unforgettable adventure. This exclusive private tour, guided by Your Friend in Reykjavik’s expert driver-guides, offers an immersive experience into one of Iceland’s most extraordinary destinations. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or seeking an authentic Icelandic adventure, the Westman Islands will amaze you at every turn.

Tour Highlights:

8:00 AM – Pick-Up from Reykjavik:
Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from your location in Reykjavik. Sit back and relax as our professional and friendly driver-guide takes you through Iceland’s stunning landscapes, sharing local stories and insights along the way.

Coffee Break in Hveragerði:
Our first stop is the geothermal town of Hveragerði for a cozy coffee break. Known for its hot springs and picturesque scenery, this is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and fuel up for the exciting day ahead.

10:45 AM – Ferry to the Westman Islands (Herjólfur):
Hop aboard the ferry from Landeyjahöfn to the Westman Islands. As you sail towards these volcanic isles, keep an eye out for seabirds and dolphins that frequent the waters.

Explore the Wonders of the Westman Islands:

  • Stafkirkjan: Start your island exploration at this beautiful replica of a traditional Icelandic stave church. Its unique architecture pays homage to Iceland’s Viking heritage and offers a peaceful introduction to the day.
  • Urðaviti Lighthouse: Visit this iconic lighthouse perched on the island’s rugged coast, where you can enjoy sweeping ocean views and take in the dramatic scenery of the Westman Islands.
  • Eldheimar Museum: Dive into the fascinating history of the 1973 volcanic eruption at Eldheimar Museum. Learn how the eruption transformed the island and its inhabitants, and explore the excavated houses buried under lava and ash.
  • Eldfell Volcano: Take a short hike up Eldfell, the volcano responsible for the 1973 eruption. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the island and its neighboring islets – a sight you won’t soon forget.

Lunchtime:
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where the freshest seafood and island specialties await. This is the perfect moment to relax and savor the flavors of the Westman Islands.

Optional Afternoon Adventures (Available May to September):

  • Ribsafari Trip (14:30 - 15:30): Feeling adventurous? Jump aboard a thrilling RIB boat tour and explore the island's dramatic coastline up close. Glide past hidden sea caves, towering cliffs, and, if you’re lucky, spot some puffins along the way.

The Puffin Capital of the World:
From May to September, the Westman Islands are home to one of the largest puffin colonies in the world. Keep your camera ready as our guides take you to the best puffin-watching spots, where you can see these charming birds in their natural habitat. It’s truly a magical experience to witness these colorful seabirds nesting on the cliffs and soaring over the waves.

  • Puffin Lookout: Get an up-close view of these adorable creatures as they nest and frolic along the cliffs. This is a rare chance to see puffins in their prime, and our expert guides know the best spots to observe them without disturbing their natural behavior.
  • Vikin Beach: Stroll along the black volcanic sands of Vikin Beach, where the striking contrast of the dark shoreline and vibrant sea creates a truly unique landscape.
  • The Elephant Rock: Don’t miss the chance to see this incredible natural rock formation that resembles a giant elephant’s head emerging from the sea. It's one of the most photographed landmarks on the island.
  • Sprangan: Watch as locals demonstrate the ancient island tradition of “spranga,” a daring rope-swinging activity down steep cliffs. It's a heart-pounding spectacle that offers a glimpse into the islanders’ adventurous spirit.

Optional Visit: Beluga Sanctuary (45 minutes):
For those interested in marine life, the Beluga Whale Sanctuary offers a heartwarming experience. Meet the resident belugas, learn about their rescue stories, and gain insight into the sanctuary’s important conservation efforts.

17:00 PM – Ferry Ride Back to the Mainland (Herjólfur):
After a day of exploration, board the ferry for a relaxing ride back to Landeyjahöfn, reflecting on the wonders you’ve experienced.

19:00 PM – Drop-Off in Reykjavik:
Return to Reykjavik with memories to last a lifetime. Our expert guide will drop you off at your accommodation, leaving you with stories of Iceland’s hidden gems.

Why Choose Us?
At Your Friend in Reykjavik, we pride ourselves on providing personalized, warm, and informative tours. Our expert driver-guides are passionate about sharing their deep knowledge of Iceland’s history, culture, and nature, ensuring every moment of your tour is both engaging and enjoyable. From the comfort of our vehicles to the insider tips and stories we share, we’re here to make your Westman Islands experience truly unforgettable.

Whether you're interested in the island's volcanic history, eager to see puffins in the wild, or simply want to soak in the spectacular scenery, this private tour to the Westman Islands is the perfect way to experience one of Iceland's hidden treasures. Book now and let us be your guide to the adventure of a lifetime.

Description from the operator, Your Friend in Reykjavik. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.

Where you go

  1. 08:00 – Pickup from Reykjavik
  2. 08:50 – Coffee Break in Hveragerði (30 min)
  3. 10:15 – Ferry to the Westman Islands (1 hr 30 min)
  4. 11:45 – Arrival & Stafkirkjan Stave Church (20 min)
  5. 12:10 – Urðaviti Lighthouse (20 min)
  6. 12:40 – Eldheimar Museum (45 min)
  7. 13:30 – Eldfell Volcano Hike (45 min)
  8. 14:15 – Lunch at Local Restaurant (45 min)
  9. 15:15 – Optional RIB Boat Adventure (60 min, May–Sept)
  10. 16:20 – Puffin Lookouts & Vikin Beach (50 min)
  11. 17:10 – The Elephant Rock & Sprangan Demonstration (40 min)
  12. 17:50 – Optional Visit: Beluga Sanctuary (45 min)
  13. 18:35 – Ferry Ride Back to Landeyjahöfn (1 hr 25 min)
  14. 20:00 – Drop-Off in Reykjavik

Included

  • Expert guide from Your Friend In Reykjavik
  • Private tour in a comfortable vehicle
  • Ferry tickets
  • Eldheimar Museum admission tickets
  • Parking fees
  • Electricity or Gasoline depending on the car

Not included

  • Tips are welcome in Iceland if you feel the tour is of good quality but not a requirement

Good to know

Please dress according to the weather, in Iceland that means be prepared for any kind of weather. :)

  • Please wear warm clothes, waterproof layers, and solid shoes
  • Meals and drinks are not included
  • Please contact us for any extras you want to add to the tour
  • We have a 24-hour cancellation policy

Cancellation for this tour

Free cancellation until 24 hours before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.

If the weather cancels this tour

Iceland's weather is real. What usually stops this one is a forecast the operator judges unsafe. Here is exactly what happens to your booking.

  1. 1Your Friend in Reykjavik decides, and tells us. Operators cancel when it is unsafe or pointless, and we back that call every time — we do not ask them to run anyway.
  2. 2We contact you by email, and by phone if your tour is the same or next day. You choose: another date if there is one you can make, or a full refund. There is no fee and nothing to argue.
  3. 3The refund goes back to the card you paid with, through Stripe, usually visible within a few working days. If this tour was one of several in your booking, the others are untouched.

What you do not get is the day back. If this is the only free day in your plan, put a spare day next to it — the planner leaves days free with the rest-day option. And if you want out because the forecast looks bad, that is your own cancellation: free until 1 day before departure, the operator's policy after that.

Questions on the day: [email protected] · +354 497 1373. How cancellations work in Iceland →

Who this is not for

  • Not a good fit if you want a relaxed day: 11 hours is a long time on the road, most of it spent getting there and back.
  • Not for late risers on your first morning — the earliest departure is 07:30, and Reykjavík pickups start before that.

Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.

Why we list it

Your Friend in Reykjavik is one of 204 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →

What travellers say about Your Friend in Reykjavik

Read all 1,779 reviews on Google →

Operator rating 4.9/5 from Google — these are reviews of the company, not this specific tour. Shown as Google returns them, unedited.

  • Sanket Das

    ★★★★★ · 2 months ago

    Your Friend in Reykjavik is the best tour company in Reykjavik . I took Walk with a Viking Tour , Snaefellsnes Peninsula day tour and 6 days around Iceland Adventure tour . I spent 8 Nights in Iceland . I stayed 2 nights at Hotel Reykjavik Grand , 1 night at Hotel Geirland , 1 night at Hotel Hofn , 1 night at Wilderness Center , 1 night at Akureyri Berjaya Iceland Hotels , 1 night at Hotel Laugarbakki , 1 night at Hotel Keflavik . It was an amazing tour . My experience in Iceland was magical and heavenly . I also visited Blue Lagoon and it was a nice experience. I enjoyed my every second in Iceland . Iceland is one of the most beautiful country on our planet . I would keep visiting Iceland in the future . Thank you for making my Iceland journey special and memorable .

  • Wendy Uhlig

    ★★★★★ · 2 months ago

    We had a great time on our Iceland Folklore tour. Our guide was Einar. He was a fantastic storyteller!! Hidden people/elves, trolls and ghost stories - and a lot of Icelandic history. Thank you Einar!!

  • Nanci Ritter

    ★★★★★ · 2 months ago

    Petra was an incredible guide. We asked her to show us as much as she could before taking our crazy family of 10 to the airport for our flights to three different cities ! First stop was the beautiful church in downtown Reykjavik that had just opened with an organ recital. Next stop a lovely spot and observation sight overlooking the city by the Pearl. Cold and wet she found us a lovely coffee shop with the best pastries for a welcome mid morning rest next to the sea. Back in the van we drove for a bit before having the opportunity to explore a geothermal field on our way to the airport. A perfect day and ending to our time in Iceland. Petra shared alot of history and information from the perspective of a local which we all appreciated and enjoyed!

  • Vincent Damas

    ★★★★★ · 4 months ago

    Nice walking trip in Reykjavik city centre with our local guide Hrafn, very friendly and knowledgeable. A good introduction to Iceland on the very first day of our 2 weeks road-trip around the island 👍

Reviews from Google · updated 21 Oct 2026

Read before you book

Reviews from our travellers

Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.

Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.

Airport transfers — questions people ask

How do I get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík?

It is about 50 kilometres and 45 minutes by road; there is no train. Scheduled airport coaches run to the BSÍ terminal after every arrival and are the cheapest option. Private transfers (/experience/942190/, /experience/1193487/) meet you at the door and drop you at your hotel, worth it for families or late arrivals. Taxis are expensive. If you are stopping at the Blue Lagoon, book a transfer that includes it (/experience/1036423/).

How early should I be at Keflavík Airport for my flight?

Two and a half hours before a European flight and three before North America; the airport is small and queues bunch around the morning and afternoon departure waves. From central Reykjavík allow 45 to 60 minutes' driving plus a buffer in winter weather. That means leaving your hotel three and a half to four hours before departure. Coaches and transfers work backwards from your flight time when you book.

How do I get to Landmannalaugar without a 4x4?

By highland bus. From late June to September, scheduled transfers run from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar (/experience/247406/, /experience/914986/) and back, about four hours each way on gravel and river crossings. The return-in-a-day option (/experience/270187/) gives you several hours at the site. Rental cars without 4x4 are not insured on these roads and get stuck. If you are hiking Laugavegur, the luggage transfer (/experience/1036525/) moves your bag hut to hut.

Is a private airport transfer worth it?

For three or more people, or a night arrival, yes. The coach drops you at a terminal or a hotel bus stop and you may need a shuttle or a walk with luggage; a private car goes door to door and waits if your flight is late. For a couple on a daytime flight with light bags, the coach is fine and much cheaper. Check the tour page for what happens if your flight is delayed.

Hotels

Where to stay for this tour

From the cheapest to the top end of what is near Reykjavík, from our hotel partners. Rooms are booked on our hotels site.

All hotels in Reykjavík →
  • One checkout, any number of operators

  • Rankings are not for sale

  • 203 operators vetted, and not all of them accepted

  • If it falls short, we fix it

Pairs well with

Add any of these to this tour and 3 % comes off both at checkout. One basket, one payment, however many operators they come from.

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  • Wheelchair access
  • Free cancellation 24 h
  • Book the night before
Check dates

from

€2,013 for up to 3

Book Fri 23 Oct · €2,013 the vehicle