FME Logo
Background
Akureyri Shore Excursions

Akureyri Shore Excursions

Northern Europe

4 & 5* Akureyri Shore Excursions

Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri

477

Duration: 6 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 182.00

Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

473

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 5 - 6 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 204.86

Goðafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon from Akureyri Port
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Goðafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon from Akureyri Port

162

Duration: 5 - 6 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 216.91

Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

157

Duration: 6 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 171.12

Half-Day Combo Tour to Goðafoss, Laufas and The Christmas House
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Half-Day Combo Tour to Goðafoss, Laufas and The Christmas House

146

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 4 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 126.53

Lake Mývatn & Godafoss Small Group Tour from Akureyri Port
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Lake Mývatn & Godafoss Small Group Tour from Akureyri Port

90

Duration: 5 - 6 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 337.41

Day Trip to Lake Mývatn And The Nature Baths from Akureyri
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Day Trip to Lake Mývatn And The Nature Baths from Akureyri

74

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 8 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 209.68

Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall Day Tour from Akureyri
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall Day Tour from Akureyri

72

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 8 Hours

Physical difficulty: Medium

Free cancellation

From USD 204.86

Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shared Shore Excursions
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shared Shore Excursions

57

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 6 - 7 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 200.04

Akureyri Northern Light Tour
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Akureyri Northern Light Tour

12

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 2 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 142.20

Akureyri Siglufjörður Half Day Tour to the Arctic Coastline
Worry-free Shore Excursion

Akureyri Siglufjörður Half Day Tour to the Arctic Coastline

7

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 5 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 210.88

Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

969

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 104.00

Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

501

Duration: 2 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 202.45

Iceland’s Top Grade 4 Rafting – Drysuit, Canyon & Adrenaline

Iceland’s Top Grade 4 Rafting – Drysuit, Canyon & Adrenaline

438

Duration: 6 Hours

Physical difficulty: Medium

Free cancellation

From USD 289.21

Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

417

Duration: 2 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 179.55

Top-Rated Family Rafting-Warm Drysuits, Volcanic Canyon, Epic Fun

Top-Rated Family Rafting-Warm Drysuits, Volcanic Canyon, Epic Fun

411

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 186.78

Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

389

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 102.43

Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

366

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 118.09

Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

279

Duration: 2 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 114.48

100% Whale Watching

100% Whale Watching

272

Duration: 2 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 90.00

Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB boat

Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB boat

168

Duration: 2 Hours

Physical difficulty: Medium

Free cancellation

From USD 180.00

Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated

Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated

140

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 102.43

Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town

Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town

136

Duration: 1 Hours

Physical difficulty: Medium

Free cancellation

From USD 95.00

Whale Watching in Husavik

Whale Watching in Husavik

119

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 113.00

Whale and Puffin Watching around Skjálfandi Bay from Husavik

Whale and Puffin Watching around Skjálfandi Bay from Husavik

99

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 138.58

Original Carbon Neutral Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

Original Carbon Neutral Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

94

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 134.97

Whale Watching on board a Traditional Oak Boat from Árskógssandur

Whale Watching on board a Traditional Oak Boat from Árskógssandur

92

Duration: 2 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 98.69

Diamond Circle Myvatn Waterfalls, and Husavik from Akureyri Tour

Diamond Circle Myvatn Waterfalls, and Husavik from Akureyri Tour

89

Duration: 8 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 207.00

Whales and Puffins Tour from Husavik

Whales and Puffins Tour from Husavik

85

Duration: 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 130.00

Northern Lights Classic MiniBus Tour from Akureyri

Northern Lights Classic MiniBus Tour from Akureyri

76

Port pick-up: Included

Duration: 2 - 3 Hours

Physical difficulty: Easy

Free cancellation

From USD 150.63

Related destinations to Akureyri

What should I know if this is my first time visiting Akureyri on a cruise?

If this is your first time in Akureyri, expect a compact town with easy access from the harbour and a mixture of cultural stops and nearby wilderness. Typical itineraries let you combine gentle town walks, botanical gardens, cafés and short drives to nearby natural highlights. Plan time for ferry or transfer delays and allow flexibility for weather changes. For straightforward logistics and a curated pace, consider options specifically labelled Akureyri shore excursions to ensure the schedule matches the limited time available on most cruise calls.

What are the top attractions visited during shore calls in Akureyri?

Top attractions around Akureyri commonly include the town’s Lutheran church, the tidy botanical gardens, seaside promenades and viewpoints over Eyjafjörður. Excursions often include whale watching in the fjord, a scenic drive to Goðafoss waterfall and short visits to the volcanic landscapes near Mývatn for longer stops. Museum visits and local craft shops provide cultural variety. Many itineraries vary seasonally but most Akureyri tours combine town highlights with at least one striking natural viewpoint to showcase northern Iceland’s contrasts.

How do half-day options differ from full-day excursions?

Half-day options usually focus on Akureyri town, harbour-accessible viewpoints and a nearby short drive or walk, ideal when time in port is limited or you prefer a relaxed pace. Full-day outings extend to farther landmarks such as Goðafoss waterfall, wider Eyjafjörður boat trips for whale watching or short jaunts toward the Mývatn region, offering more varied landscapes. Transportation time, weather variability and personal energy levels all influence whether you select Akureyri shore excursions that prioritise proximity or those that reach more distant natural sites.

Can I experience local culture and history during a short stop in Akureyri?

Local museums and guided walking routes make it straightforward to absorb Akureyri’s cultural narrative within a short timeframe. Highlights include the town museum, art galleries, the distinctive church and historical harbour areas that tell stories of fishing, trade and northern settlement. Seasonal local events and craft shops can offer tangible cultural encounters, while knowledgeable local guides provide context on architectural styles and folklore. Travel itineraries often integrate these stops with natural viewpoints so visitors on limited time can sample both heritage and landscape on Akureyri tours.

What kinds of natural scenery can I expect to see near Akureyri?

Expect a dramatic mix of steep fjord inlets, distant snow‑topped peaks, volcanic plateaux and waterfalls within easy reach of town. Eyjafjörður offers calm sea views and opportunities for marine wildlife sightings, while short drives reveal cliffs, basalt formations and the cascade at Goðafoss. The nearby Mývatn area displays lava fields, pseudocraters and geothermal features on longer shore days. Guides and maps point out geological contrasts that make the northern landscape distinct, and some Akureyri shore excursions prioritise photographic viewpoints for quick but rewarding stops.

Where can I try traditional Icelandic food while ashore in Akureyri?

Food in Akureyri ranges from casual cafés and bakeries to restaurants emphasising locally sourced seafood and lamb. Try rye breads, smoked fish, fresh cod or langoustine dishes, and seek out small producers selling skyr and pastries. Harbour-side lunch spots are convenient for limited shore time, while markets and speciality shops offer snacks you can sample during a short walk. Many eateries adapt to tourist timetables but choosing central locations reduces transit time, and some Akureyri tours include a local food stop as part of a cultural overview.

What activity level should I expect for typical shore excursions in Akureyri?

Activity levels range from gentle, mostly flat town walks and short harbour promenades to moderate hikes and uneven terrain near waterfalls or geothermal areas. Whale-watching boat trips require basic balance and movement on a vessel, while short nature stops may involve steps or rocky footpaths. Make realistic choices based on mobility and weather, wear layered clothing and waterproof footwear, and check the itinerary’s stated difficulty. Many operators offer graded options so visitors can select Akureyri shore excursions that match desired exertion and comfort levels.

How accessible are excursions for travellers with limited mobility?

Accessibility varies between sites; central Akureyri, botanical gardens and the harbour are generally flat and accessible with some assistance, while natural sites like waterfalls and volcanic fields often have uneven terrain, steps or limited facilities. Transport vehicles may offer step-free access on request, but remote stops can require short transfers over gravel. Advance notification of specific needs improves the chance of suitable arrangements. Accessibility details should be checked in advance and many providers include clear information on which Akureyri shore excursions are most suitable for travellers with mobility requirements.

When is the best time of year to explore Akureyri during a cruise stop?

Best time depends on priorities: summer brings long daylight, milder temperatures and a greater chance of whale sightings and open roads to reach more distant sites, while shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and striking light for photography. Winter visits grant aurora opportunities and snowy landscapes but may limit road access and some services. Weather can change quickly at any time, so layer clothing and allow flexibility for altered itineraries. Consider local daylight hours and seasonal highlights when choosing Akureyri tours to match your preferred experience.

Should I join a guided excursion or explore Akureyri independently?

Deciding between a guided option and independent exploration depends on priorities such as convenience, background information and personal pacing. Guided outings supply local knowledge, logistical coordination and the ability to cover more ground or reach remote highlights without planning, while independent exploration allows a personalised pace and spontaneous detours. Consider the length of your port call, comfort with local transport and how much interpretive context you want. Comparing available options will clarify whether organised Akureyri shore excursions or a self-directed walk better fits your interests and time constraints.