VOLCANIC WESTMAN ISLANDS TOUR

 49,990 ISK
(US$390 / €322 / £295)

Minimum numbers (4 people) have been met on the following dates
June 1st, July 3rd, July 13th and August 21st 2023

The Westman Islands, or Vestmannaeyjar, is a volcanic island archipelago only a half hour ferry ride from the south coast of Iceland, and just a couple of hours travel from Reykjavík. The natural beauty, history and wildlife will astound everyone who visits this stunning collection of islands. Come with us to explore a true gem of Iceland, one that the locals love to explore themselves.

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We start the day with a drive to Landeyjahöfn, as we pass through all the astonishing scenery the south coast of Iceland has to offer, including waterfalls, glaciers and volcanoes, before we catch the ferry over to the Westman Islands. This 30 minute ferry ride is the perfect introduction to the islands. Sailing between the towering cliff walls as you cruise into the breathtaking natural harbour, watching the countless sea-birds soaring overhead, whilst looking back at the glacier capped mountains on the mainland you’ve left behind, really sets the scene for the day we have ahead.

Volcanic Westman Islands

The main island, Heimaey, was almost destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1973 resulting in a full town evacuation making it the “Pompei of the North”. From here you can see the lava and new section of the island that was created in 1973, with the island increasing in size by over 20% from all the new lava. The Eldfell crater is easily visible from the harbour area. This is the source of this devastating eruption, where you will get uninterrupted views over the all the islands, and back to the volcanoes on the mainland.

We will also go to the Eldheimar Museum to learn all about this incredible moment in Iceland’s history. Sometimes we might swap this for another outdoor activity depending on the group and the weather. This will be a discussion on the day with the guide.

View from Eldfell Volcano. Photo Lucas Peters

  Lunch like a local 

The Westman Islands is home to some of our favourite restaurants. We have lunch at GOTT(included, one main meal), whose cosy and delightful restaurant uses only fresh, authentic ingredients. All sauces, broth, soups, bread and cakes are made from scratch at the restaurant, with the fish brought fresh from the market every morning. This is sure to be one of your favourite meals in Iceland, with lunch included in the tour price. Everything is fresh, with vegan and vegetarian options available.

Delicious food

Meet the cutest Westman Island inhabitants… Puffins!

After lunch we have more time to explore the islands. With your Hidden Iceland guide you can head to the southern side of Heimaey to explore the cliffs, farms and go on a short walk in the search of Puffins. In summer the islands are one of the best places in Iceland to view these incredibly cute birds. They only come to shore during the summer months to nest and breed in their cliffside burrows with their mates for life. Please note, if you are opting for the 1 hour RIB boat tour (below) we may not have time for this. Don’t worry, the view of the cliffs is just as good by boat.

Puffin by Marcus Hoey

Westman Islands. Hidden Iceland. Photo By Norris Niman

Puffin by Norris Niman.

Up for more adventure?

If you want to take your day to another level then you can join a 1 hour RIB boat ride with our partners from RIB Safari. Exploring the islands by boat is a fantastic and fun way to do it, and RIB Safari will ensure you have one of the more exhilarating rides of your lives. The boat ride takes you deep inside sea caves, and around the small islands scattered of Heimaey that are otherwise inaccessible. If you are lucky you may even get close to the array of wildlife around the islands, like whales and Puffins. It is amazing to see the islands from this angle. If you want to join the 1 hour RIB Boat tour (15,900 ISK adult / 8,700 ISK 6 – 12) please choose this as the optional extra at booking. If being on the ocean isn’t for you then your guide will take you to explore more of the wonderful sights scattered around the island.

Tour Highlights

Included: Pickup and drop off in Reykjavík, return ferry to Westman Islands, an English-speaking guide and admission to Eldheimar Museum and 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.

This trip is run in summer only with a minimum of 4 people per trip. If 4 people are not yet booked you can book 4 people to confirm departure. If we get more sales, we will refund you the extra seats you paid for. Speak to us by email to take this option.

Less than four people? Then join us when our minimum booking numbers have been met on the following dates. If your preferred day isn’t open to book get in touch!

Thursday, June 1st, 2023
Monday, July 3rd, 2023
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Monday, August 21, 2023

Good to know

Please note that included on the tour for lunch at Gott Restaurant is a main course from their set-lunch menu. Drinks (sodas, coffee, tea), desserts and other menu options are also available, just bring along extra money to purchase extra items.

As with all our trips, be sure to bring along waterproof jackets and pants on The Westman Islands tour for the unpredictable Icelandic weather. Waterproof jackets and pants are available to hire. Make sure to order in the booking process or contact us directly. There is no bad weather in Iceland (in summer), only bad clothing!

All tours are charged in Icelandic Krona (ISK). Other currencies shown on the website are only indicative and are subject to currency fluctuations.

To alter this tour to be a private tour contact us through the contact form or email info@hiddeniceland.is.

Keep exploring!