Reykjavik · 2-HOUR EXPERIENCES
Good 2-hour experiences fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 8 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Start at your downtown hotel, hostel, restaurant, or museum and explore Reykjavik with a private English-speaking guide. See Harpa, Parliament, City Hall, Lake Tjornin, the famous hot dog stand, and more. Hallgrimskirkja can be added, though its ISK 1,500 admission costs extra.
“Very entertaining and informative. He really knows and loves Iceland. Also gave us great suggestions on what do do”
Join a small group of up to 12 people aboard a custom 12-meter RIB from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Your English-speaking guide and captain search Faxaflói Bay for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with a summer stop at puffin-covered Akurey.
“Excellent service all throughout by the crew. Really passionate and knowledgeable about whale spotting”
Meet Ribsafari at Tangagata 7 in Vestmannaeyjabær, suit up in a float suit and life jacket, then cruise among sea caves, Elephant Rock, puffin cliffs, and Súlnasker. Your captain and local guide may also point out whales and seals. The boat carries no more than 12 people.
“We really enjoyed this tour around the islands. The boat ride was a lot of fun and we learned a lot from the guides/captain. The scenery is breathtaking! The RIB boat enables you to see caves and other amazing areas that would be inaccessible with a larger boat. Highly recommend!”
Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay for two hours of aurora watching. Your English-speaking guide explains the science, myths, and photography tips. If cloud cover cancels the boat trip, enjoy a private Whales of Iceland visit, a drink, and a return boat ticket.
“Great - after a long, cold wait, we had a great light show!”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Reykjavik’s old harbor and sail 20 minutes to Viðey island. Walk to Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower, hear its story, visit Viðey Church and Viðey House, and watch for Northern Lights. Bring warm clothes and sturdy shoes.
“Brilliant tour - nice intimate group of 6 and a great guide who made the trip special”
Meet your horse at a family-run stable near Mosfellsbær, help prepare it, then ride privately for about two hours toward Lake Hafravatn. Guides such as Jonina, Anastasia, and Linnea have tailored rides for beginners and experienced riders, with chances to try the tölt when conditions and ability allow.
“What an AMAZING personal and soul filling experience- to be able to hang out with these beautiful horses in this beautiful country is an absolute highlight of any Iceland adventure!”
Meet your guide in Reykjavík for a 2-hour ATV ride from Þorlákshöfn to Black Sand Beach. You’ll cross roads, trails, volcanic features, and black sand, watch North Atlantic waves hit the cliffs, then warm up with tea or coffee.
“Great fun experience for my self and our two adult daughters. Single rides on road, trails, up the mountain, see the vulcanic tunnel and a super fun black sand ride. A very nice guide and good equipment. Black Sand Tours absolutely have our recommendations 🫶”
You’ll ride from your Reykjavik accommodation to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi and bottled water. Comfort admission is included, and your driver can share information about the area. The roughly four-hour outing gives you about two hours at the spa.
“Although it is a very touristy place, you have to experience it while in Iceland. We had a private tour which included admission which made it very easy. Our driver gave us a lot of information about the area as well. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and would definitely recommend it.”
Pick a road out, a boat or a hot spring.
