The Best Tours in Iceland

James Taylor
5. Apr 2023 ∼ 9 min. read

The Top Tours in Iceland for a Campervan Trip

While exploring Iceland’s stunning landscapes with a campervan is always going to be an unforgettable experience, adding on a day tour here and there can take your trip to the next level.

In this article, we'll highlight some of the best day tours in Iceland, perfect for those traveling in a campervan. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Iceland or a seasoned traveler looking for something new, these tours will help you make the most of your time in this stunning country.

From diving between tectonic plates to hiking across Iceland’s glaciers, you’ll definitely find plenty of tempting choices. Each and every one is a fantastic way to complement your campervan adventure in Iceland. So, let’s get started.

The Most Popular Tours in Iceland

And now, onto the most popular tours in Iceland. Each of the tours listed below are a great addition to any camper trip in Iceland. Let’s dive in.

Diving Between the Tectonic Plates at Silfra

Silfra is a fissure located in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, and the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates. This freshwater fissure is situated between the North American and Eurasian plates, and boasts crystal clear waters with visibility up to 100 meters.

Diving in Silfra is an unforgettable experience, where you can explore the underwater world and marvel at the unique geological features of the site. With tours led by experienced guides, you can safely navigate the chilly waters and take in the stunning scenery. If you don’t hold a PADI certificate, you can also choose to go for a snorkeling tour.

Glacier Hikes

Glacier hiking in Iceland is an exhilarating activity that allows you to explore the country's stunning ice caps up close. With tours available for all experience levels, glacier hiking is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Iceland. Led by experienced guides, you can safely traverse the icy terrain while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Glacier hiking tours in Iceland will include all the necessary equipment, including crampons and ice axes, to ensure that you can navigate the slippery surface with ease. You'll also receive safety instructions from your guide and learn about the geological history of the glaciers.

One of the most popular glacier hiking destinations in Iceland is Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. With tours ranging from a few hours to full-day expeditions, you can explore the beauty of Vatnajökull in a way that suits your schedule and preferences, even combining a glacier hike with a visit to an ice cave or kayaking on a lagoon.

A Boat or Kayaking Tour on Jökulsárlón

One of the star attractions of Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is a stunning natural wonder located between the coast and the glacier. One of the most popular ways to experience this stunning lagoon filled with icebergs is on a boat or a kayaking tour. With tours running regularly throughout the day, it’s easy to join a tour no matter what time you’re arriving here in your camper.

Boat tours offer a unique perspective of the lagoon, allowing you to get up close to the icebergs and marvel at their incredible size and beauty. Kayaking tours, on the other hand, offer a more immersive experience of the lagoon, allowing you to paddle through the serene waters and discover hidden coves and inlets. However, kayaking on the lagoon is only available from April through to October.

Whale Watching in Húsavík

Húsavík is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, and with good reason. Located on the north coast, it offers unparalleled opportunities to witness some of the world's most majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

With experienced guides on board, you'll learn about the different species of whales that frequent the area and their behaviors, while also admiring the stunning scenery of the surrounding coastline. Some of the most sighted species include humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales, but there's always the chance to spot other marine life, such as dolphins, seals, and puffins.

Whale watching tours also leave from Reykjavik, Akureyri, the Westfjords, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Horseback Riding

Icelandic horses are a unique breed known for their strength, agility, and friendly temperament. Horseback riding tours in Iceland offer a one-of-a-kind experience to explore the country while riding these beautiful animals.

Exploring Lava Tunnels

Icelandic lava tubes are an incredible natural phenomenon formed by volcanic activity. Exploring these underground tunnels is a unique way to experience Iceland's geological wonders. Lava tunnel tours offer a chance to witness the power and beauty of nature, as well as learn about the science behind volcanic eruptions and lava tube formations.

During the tour, you'll walk through narrow passages and witness incredible rock formations that have been sculpted over thousands of years. Some tours even offer the chance to rappel into the depths of the tunnel, adding an extra element of adventure to the experience.

With tours available year-round, lava tunnel exploration is a popular activity for travelers looking for a unique and educational experience.

Are Tours in Iceland Available Year-Round?

When planning on booking some tours in Iceland, it's important to keep in mind that not all tours are available year-round. The availability of tours can depend on various factors such as weather conditions, daylight hours, and demand. Some tours are only offered during specific seasons, while others may have limited availability during certain times of the year.

For example, tours that involve hiking or outdoor activities may not be available during the winter months due to the challenges posed by snow and ice. Similarly, tours that involve whale watching are only available from April through to October, while ice cave tours run from November to March.

The summer months of June to August typically have the most tour options available, as the weather is milder and there are longer daylight hours. If you’re traveling during peak season though, always remember to book your tours in advance.

Which Iceland Tours are Best to do in the Winter?

As we mentioned above, some tours are only available in winter, such as the following.

Ice Cave Tours

Ice cave tours offer a unique opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty of Iceland's glaciers from the inside. These formations are created by melting and refreezing of glacial ice, forming intricate patterns and shades of blue that are unlike anything else in the world.

Tours are available during the winter months when the ice caves are most stable and accessible. Depending on the tour, you may hike, snowmobile, or even ride in a specially equipped vehicle to reach the cave. Once inside, you'll be able to see the amazing structures and colors that form as light refracts through the ice.

Northern Light Tours

If you’re already coming to Iceland, you’ll know that the northern lights are one of the most famous natural wonders you can see in the country. Rippling across the sky in waves of green, pink, and white, it’s an incredible sight; it’s safe to say that majority of travelers come to Iceland in winter to see this stunning natural phenomenon.

Northern Lights tours pair you up with a guide who leads the way to the best viewing spots and those places with a high chance of seeing the northern lights. Using experience and by reading the forecasts, they can predict the best times and locations for viewing, increasing your chance to see the northern lights.

It's important to note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and viewing is dependent on weather conditions and solar activity. There is no guarantee that you will see them on any given tour. But you might also simply see them shining at night from the comfort of your campervan.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding tours in Iceland are another unique and exhilarating way to experience the winter months. You'll be led by a team of sled dogs through snow-covered terrain, with experienced guides providing safety instructions and handling the dogs.

These tours typically take place in the northern part of Iceland, where the snow is deep and the temperatures are low enough for the dogs to perform at their best. You'll be given warm clothing and equipment and taught the basics of dog sledding before embarking on your adventure.

More Tours in Iceland to Consider

Below, we’ve rounded up some more cool tours that we think our campervan travelers will love.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding tours offer a unique and adventurous way to explore Iceland's beautiful coastline and waterways. With the guidance of experienced instructors, you'll be taken on a paddleboarding adventure that takes you through breathtaking landscapes and up close to fascinating wildlife.

Kayaking Tours

Kayaking tours in Iceland are another way to explore the country's rivers, fjords, and coastline. With experienced guides leading the way, you'll have the opportunity to soak up a different perspective of the epic mountains, glaciers, and sea cliffs.

ATV Tours

ATV tours in Iceland are a thrilling and adventurous way to explore the country's rugged terrain. You'll get the opportunity to ride on an all-terrain vehicle through lava fields, across rivers, and up mountains, while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

ATV tours are a popular activity for those seeking an adrenaline rush and a unique way to experience Iceland's natural beauty. It's a great option for families, couples, and solo travelers, and with a variety of routes available, there's something for everyone.

Sea Angling Tours

If you're looking for a unique way to experience Iceland's stunning coastline, a sea angling tour might just be the perfect adventure for you. Combining the thrill of fishing with the beauty of the ocean, you'll have the chance to catch a variety of fish species, including cod, haddock, and pollock, while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. And who knows, you might just end up cooking your catch later that night once you’re back at your campervan!

How Do I Book a Tour in Iceland?

Go Campers has direct access to all of Iceland’s best tours, from whale watching to glacier hikes. Just head to our tours page and select whatever you like to elevate your campervan trip to the next level.