Vestmannaeyjar, Puffins & Volcanoes Small Group Day Tour

About this experience

Welcome to Vestmannaeyjar, also known as the Westman Islands—The New York Times' pick for one of 2024's top travel spots! Get ready for a day filled with rugged beauty, wildlife wonders, and unforgettable experiences. We'll explore Heimaey's best, from iconic Elephant Rock to puffin-spotting at Stórhöfði cape. Dive into local history at the Eldheimar Museum, hike up Mt. Eldfell for epic views, and return home with memories to last a lifetime! You'll enjoy this day trip from the comfort of a 19 seat minibus, small group guaranteed.

What's included

Itinerary

1. Tour stop

   Gear up for a fantastic journey to Vestmannaeyjar, the whimsical Westman Islands! Departing from Reykjavík, hop aboard our cozy 19-person minibus with our lively guide. After a two-hour drive, we'll reach Landeyjarhöfn for a quick ferry hop to Heimaey, all in just 30 minutes. Get ready for a day filled with laughter and island delights!

2. Tour stop

   As soon as we arrive, get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking Elephant Rock (Halldórsskora)! Carved from basalt rock during Eldfell's volcanic outburst, it's a sight to behold. With its unique silhouette resembling an elephant dipping its trunk into the water, it's like nature's very own sculpture garden.

3. Tour stop

   Next up on our adventure, prepare for an enchanting session of puffin watching at Stórhöfði cape! Get your cameras ready because there will be plenty of opportunities to snap delightful photos of these charismatic birds as they go about their daily antics. Puffins, with their comical waddle and vibrant beaks, are the true VIPs (Very Important Puffins) of the Westman Islands. Nicknamed “sea parrots” or sometimes “clowns of the sea", Puffins spend 8 months at sea hunting for fish in the winter, returning to land only for mating and nesting from mid-April to August.

4. Tour stop

   After our puffin-watching adventure, our next stop is the Eldheimar Museum, fondly known as the 'Pompeii of the North,' where you'll explore the events of the 1973 volcanic eruption and its lasting impact on the region. Following this enlightening visit, we'll head downtown for a lunch break (lunch expenses not included in the tour price).

5. Tour stop

   After lunch, our adventure continues to Skansinn, located by the harbour and named after a historical fortress that once occupied this space. Here, you'll discover Stafkirkjan, a remarkable Norse 'Viking' Wood Church painted in bold black hues. Plus, don't miss the stunning vistas of the cliffs guarding Heimaey's harbour, offering a picturesque backdrop to your island exploration.

6. Tour stop

   Next up, we're embarking on an exhilarating hike up Mt. Eldfell Volcano, known for its dramatic eruption in 1973. Once we conquer the summit, prepare to be dazzled by the breathtaking panorama unfolding before you – a mesmerizing vista of sprawling lava fields, the charming town, and the entire island spread out below like a patchwork quilt. After the hike, you'll have the freedom to leisurely explore the town or opt for a captivating stroll through the captivating lava fields on your way back to the harbor. The choice is yours!

7. Tour stop

   In the late afternoon, we'll regroup at the harbor to hop aboard the ferry back to the mainland, guaranteeing a punctual return to Reykjavik by evening. It's the perfect finale to a day packed with unforgettable adventures in the enchanting Westman Islands!

Know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We are unfortunately unable to store or transport luggage or suitcases on this tour.