Best Reykjavik Shore Excursions — Our Top 5

1.Small Group Golden Circle from Cruise Terminal

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 293 reviews · 6.5 hours · from $166Our pick

You’ll travel by small-group vehicle from Miðbakki, Skarfabakki, or Faxagarður to Þingvellir, Öxarárfoss, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Guides such as Diego, Laura, Emilia, and Sebastian have been praised for clear commentary and careful timing, though rear-row seating can limit views.

“Diego was fabulous and managed to squeeze in the Kerid crater(?) as well as feeding horses plus a quick stop at the cathedral in addition to the scheduled stops. It was a magic day and I feel so lucky to have been able to join the tour! Thanks, too, to Honey and Muppet for your kindness after my disasters!”

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2.German-Speaking Golden Circle Small Group Tour from Reykjavík – Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 216 reviews · 8 hours · from $182Top rated

Travel from Reykjavík’s cruise terminal in a group of up to 19 with a German-speaking guide such as Petra or Andy. See Kerið, Gullfoss, Strokkur, Þingvellir, Öxarárfoss, and Laugarvatn, with a farm stop for homemade ice cream and a possible Reykjavík photo stop.

“Tolles Programm für einen Tag Island. Tour in kleinen Gruppen. Petra ist ein toller Guide, weiß alles über Island und geht super auf die Gruppe ein, z.b wenn Kinder dabei sind.”

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3.From Reykjavik Port: Golden Circle Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 84 reviews · 7 hours · from $200

Join GeoIceland for a 7-hour small-group trip from Reykjavik Port to Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir. Your English-speaking guide handles cruise timing, shares local stories, and may add stops for horses, ice cream, a tomato farm, or volcanic sights when conditions and time allow.

“We were on NCL star. The ship was 7 hours late. The golden circle shore excursion was phenomenal. Even though we were 7 hours late. Geoiceland (the organizers) of the excursions were very accommodating. They even offered to refund our trip if we were too tired. We were very appreciative of Geoiceland with still providing us with an excursion. People on our cruise ship were left with nothing to do because the NCL excursion companies canceled. The trip was rushed; for our benefit. They wanted to ensure we experienced everything while there was still daylight. Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I would give them 50 stars if I…”

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4.Private Transfer: Reykjavik Cruise Ports to hotels in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 63 reviews · 15 minutes (approx.)

Meet your private driver at Skarfabakki or Miðbakki cruise port and ride directly to your Reykjavik hotel. Drivers such as Thor, Freyr, Helga, and Siggi help with luggage and offer local tips. The ride takes about 15 minutes, with room for up to three people and standard luggage.

“Messaged the provider several times to confirm pickup time and location, waited at the pickup location for more than 2 hours and driver never showed up. Couldn’t wait anymore and had to find alternative transportation. Vendor refused refund. Just a terrible experience.”

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5.Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 61 reviews · 3 hours 50 minutes (approx.) · from $108Best value

Join Special Tours Iceland from Skarfabakki Harbour for a 2.5-hour high-speed or 3.5-hour leisurely cruise in Faxaflói Bay. Your guide explains local cetaceans as you watch for minke and humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds. Warm waterproof coveralls and WiFi are included.

“Didn't see the whales however nice trip and gorgeous tour guide with amazing sense of humour”

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