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Discover the wonders of the Westman Islands on Iceland’s South Coast. Explore Vestmannaeyjar’s volcanos, look for puffins and visit a whale sanctuary!
with maximum 19 guests
within Reykjavík
chargers next to every seat
English commentary
Explore Iceland’s best-kept secret on this fantastic day trip to the stunning archipelago of the Westman Islands.
In Icelandic known as Vestmannaeyjar, you’ll discover dramatic volcanic landscapes, a haven for beautiful beluga whales, and a summertime home for sweet-faced puffins.
All this is just a short ferry ride from Iceland’s South Coast, easily reached on this fabulous private excursion from Reykjavík.
After a spectacular sea journey to Heimaey, you will explore the pretty fishing village with our guide (bus tour). You can choose the start time of this experience, but only if you start at 8AM you will be able to enjoy an optional activity:
•Thrilling “rib safari” ride around the island to spot puffins and see the famous “Elephant Rock”
• Visit at the Beluga Whale Sanctuary, home to two world-famous white whales who have made their home here
You’ll also learn what it’s like to live right next to Eldfell, one of the newest volcanoes in the world!
You’ll visit Selfoss en route and enjoy the new city center and food hall in the South Coast’s largest town before we return to the capital.
We’ll pick you up from your accommodation or nearest meeting point and whisk you to the black sand beaches on the Atlantic coast, catching a ferry from Landeyjahöfn or Þorlákshöfn* to the Westman Islands, a 40-minute ride away.
Enjoy spectacular sea views on the journey to Heimaey (Home Island) as the ferry makes its way into the gorgeous harbor, past the towering “guard island” of Heimaklettur.
*Disclaimer: If the ferry from Landeyjahöfn is not operating, we’ll sail from Þorlákshöfn, visiting Selfoss first.
Herjólfsdalur is a beautiful bowl-shaped valley on Heimaey, named after Herjólfur Bárðarson, an early settler who built his farm here a thousand years ago. The ferry is named after him too!
Now it’s famous for Þjóðhátíð, the “National Festival” held here every August, with three days of live music, mass singalongs, fireworks and giant bonfires!
The festival started in 1874 when the people of the Westman Islands wanted to join in with the Independence Day celebrations held on the mainland.
The famous Elephant Rock is a stunning natural rock formation that resembles an enormous elephant drinking straight from the sea!
This fascinating sight is actually made of basalt rock, like many other cliffs and rock faces in Iceland. The wrinkles on the stone make the “Elephant” look even more lifelike!
If you want to see Elephant Rock for yourself, it’s best to book the Rib Safari boat trip for a close-up look!
The Westman Islands are the home of the largest puffin colony in the world, with more than a million of these cute seabirds nesting here every summer.
Stórhöfði is one of the best places to see the puffins when you visit Heimaey. Tucked away at Heimaey’s southern end, the name means “Great Cape”. Some say this is the windiest place in Iceland, and perhaps in all of Europe!
As well as puffins, you’ll be able to see guillemots, gannets, kittiwakes and more from a sheltered viewing hut!
Imagine waking up at 2 o’clock in the morning to see a volcano erupting right in the middle of your town!
That’s what happened to the people of Heimaey on January 23rd 1973 when the 155-day Eldfell eruption began. The townspeople ran to the harbor and were safely evacuated to the mainland.
Billions of liters of seawater were used to stop the lava flow, but not before 400 buildings had been buried.
Now you can walk to the top of 660ft-high Eldfell and discover how much it has changed the island!
After taking a ferry back to the main island, you’ll also visit Selfoss en route, the biggest town on the South Coast.
It’s home to an exciting new food hall, Mjólkurbúið Mathöll, where you’ll find a wide variety of tasty treats for you to enjoy. There’s also a “shopping street” for unique Icelandic souvenirs.
Selfoss sits on the Ölfusá river, the largest river in Iceland by volume and very popular for salmon fishing.
Come with us to discover the wonderful Westman Islands, the “Pompeii of the North”!
Where else can you climb up one of the newest volcanoes in the world, walk on lava flows covering hundreds of houses, gaze at beautiful beluga whales and marvel at millions of puffins?
On this fabulous private tour, you’ll enjoy a door-to-door collection and an expert guide on your journey to the South Coast and the ferry trip to Vestmannaeyjar.
See the best of the Westman Islands with NiceTravel – book today!
TOUR DETAILS
Guided boat tour to see the world’s first beluga whale sanctuary and nearby island puffin colony, plus visitor centre admission. Boat tour lasts for 1 hour. Visitors center has no time limitation
Adult (13+) – 16.900 ISK
Child (3-12) – 10.900 ISK
Infant (1-2) – free admission
A 60 minutes sailing in Vestmannaeyjar on a RIB Speedboat. During this trip you will see the small islands around Vestmannaeyjar, the elephant rock, a lot of wildlife, nature and sea caves.
Adult (13+) – 14.900 ISK
Child (6-12) – 7.900 ISK
kr.200.000,0
*does not include extra services listed in Extras Section
Have Questions? We will be happy to assist you!
+354 419 0100 | nicetravel@nicetravel.is
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