Port Akureyri: Godafoss Waterfall, Myvatn and Baths Tour

The best part of this Akureyri shore excursion is how much of northern Iceland it packs into one day. You move from the thunder of Goðafoss to volcanic craters, twisted lava, steaming mud, and a warm geothermal pool, all within an eight-hour loop.

I like the small minibus, which can reach viewpoints and parking areas that larger coaches may miss. I also like the careful timing: Fox Adventure aims to return you at least 30 minutes, and usually 50 minutes, before your ship sails. The tradeoff is a busy day with plenty of time on the road, and the bath entry costs extra.

Key points at a glance

• Goðafoss comes early, giving you one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls before the day gets crowded.
• Lake Mývatn packs several volcanic sights into a small area, including pseudo craters, lava formations, a cave, and steaming fumaroles.
• The group is usually small, with reviews describing minibus groups of about 16 people.
• Guides make a real difference, with Joanna, Jowi, Baldur, Matteo, and Friourbjorn praised for local stories, timing, and practical help.
• The Mývatn Nature Baths are optional, and admission, swimwear, and towel rental are not included.
• Cruise passengers get a return guarantee, plus pickup directly outside the ship at Akureyri Harbor Cruise Terminal.

Why this is one of the strongest Akureyri shore excursions

Akureyri sits beside Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords. From the port, the road heads inland toward a volcanic region shaped by an eruption about 2,300 years ago. The result is an unusual mix of water, lava, steam, and wide-open northern scenery.

I like this route because it does not ask you to choose between a waterfall day and a geothermal day. You get both, along with several stops around Lake Mývatn. It is a good use of limited cruise-port time, especially if this is your main chance to see northeastern Iceland.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 82 reviews, and the praise is unusually consistent around three things: guides who take care of the details, small-group transport, and getting back to the ship on time. Joanna is singled out for keeping the mood light and adding extra stops. Jowi is praised for adjusting the order to avoid queues. Baldur has been noted for his stories and even helping with Icelandic candy shopping. These small touches matter on a long day.

Still, this is not a slow, private exploration. You have roughly 30 to 40 minutes at most sightseeing stops, followed by short drives, then a longer return ride from Mývatn to Akureyri. If you want long hikes or quiet hours at each site, book a private tour or plan an overnight stay in the region instead.

Meeting your guide at Akureyri port

The meeting point is the Akureyri Harbor Cruise Terminal. Look for a Fox Adventure guide and minibus outside the ship, with a sign. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure.

The transport is a comfortable minibus with WiFi, and the group size is generally much more manageable than a full-size coach. One practical advantage is flexibility. Guides have changed the order of stops to deal with crowds and weather, and they may add a short extra stop if time allows.

The cruise ship return guarantee is important. The advertised plan is to arrive back at least 30 minutes before departure, usually with about 50 minutes to spare. A July tour had a bus breakdown at the baths, but Fox Adventure found another bus and still focused on getting the group back in time. That kind of backup matters when you are far from port.

English is the tour language. One review noted that the guide’s English could have been stronger, and a separate comment mentioned occasional sound-system trouble. Those are worth keeping in mind, though the broader feedback gives the guiding high marks.

Goðafoss, Iceland’s waterfall with a name to remember

After about 35 minutes by bus, you reach Goðafoss for around 40 minutes. The name means Waterfall of the Gods, and the falls spread across a broad rocky channel in a powerful white rush.

This is a smart first stop. You get a major Iceland sight before the day becomes too full, and the waterfall gives you an immediate sense of the scale and force of the north. If the light is right, you might see a rainbow. Your guide can point out useful photo positions, so you are not left guessing where to stand.

You will have time for photos, a short walk, and possibly a quick browse for local items. Forty minutes is enough for the main viewpoints, but not for an extended hike along the river. Wear shoes with a firm sole because Icelandic paths can be wet or uneven.

Skútustaðagígar and Lake Mývatn’s strange craters

The next drive takes about 35 minutes, followed by roughly 40 minutes at Skútustaðagígar. These are pseudo craters, formed when hot lava met wet ground and produced steam explosions. They look like volcanic craters, but they were not formed by a typical eruption from a central vent.

The site gives you a gentler walk than some of the more rugged stops. You can take photos, hear the explanation from your guide, and look across the low crater forms toward Lake Mývatn. The area is also a good place to notice how quickly the scenery changes in northern Iceland.

The comparison with similar formations in Hawaii, the Azores, and even Mars adds a fun bit of context. It is not just another scenic viewpoint. You are looking at a rare geological feature.

You might find a café or food stop during the day, but food and drinks are not included. Bring water and a packed lunch. The scheduled refreshment stop comes fairly late, so relying on it as your main meal could leave you hungry.

Dimmuborgir, where lava turns into architecture

A short 15-minute drive brings you to Dimmuborgir for around 40 minutes. The name is often translated as Dark Fortresses, and the nickname makes sense once you see the tall, broken lava shapes.

These formations were created when lava cooled around pockets of steam, leaving caves, arches, pillars, and rough walls. The result feels more like a natural ruin than a normal lava field. It is also one of the places connected with Game of Thrones filming in the Mývatn region.

This is one of my favorite stops for people who enjoy unusual geology rather than a single grand viewpoint. You can walk among the formations, follow a short trail, and pause for coffee, tea, or a local snack if available. The time is enough for a good taste of the area, but you will not cover every path.

The ground may be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are more useful here than fashionable footwear. If you have limited mobility, contact the operator before booking. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but a private tour is recommended for greater comfort.

Grjótagjá and the rift between two continents

The bus ride to Grjótagjá takes only about 12 minutes, and the stop lasts around 30 minutes. This small cave is famous for its clear, hot blue water and its location in the rift between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.

The cave is a striking photo stop, but it is not a swimming site. The geothermal water became too hot for bathing, and the tour information does not present it as an activity pool. You come to look into the cave, hear the geological story, and possibly take a photo near the visible rift.

The idea of standing across two tectonic plates is fun, though the site itself is more compact than some people expect. Treat it as a short geological stop rather than a major walk. The surrounding views help make the brief visit worthwhile.

Hverir, steam vents and boiling mud

After about eight minutes on the bus, you reach Hverir for 30 minutes. This geothermal area is one of the most dramatic stops of the day, with smoking fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and ground stained in orange, yellow, and gray tones.

There is no waterfall soundtrack here. Instead, you get hissing steam and the sharp smell of sulfur. Stay on marked paths and follow your guide’s instructions. The hot ground and mud pools are not harmless photo props.

Hverir is particularly good for showing the active side of Iceland’s geology. At Goðafoss and Dimmuborgir, you see what water and ancient lava have produced. Here, the earth still feels busy beneath your feet.

Thirty minutes is a sensible amount of time. It lets you walk the main area and take photographs without making the smell and heat too tiring. Sunglasses can help on bright days, and sturdy shoes are a must.

Mývatn Nature Baths, the relaxing finish

The final major stop is the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you have about 80 minutes. This is the part of the tour that changes the rhythm of the day. After several outdoor stops, you can sit in geothermal water, use the steam baths, or skip swimming and relax at the Kvika restaurant or walk around.

Admission is not included in the $218 tour price. You must request a reservation in advance, and the operator asks you to send an email if you want the bath reservation arranged. Bring a swimsuit and towel. Towels can be rented at the facility for an added fee.

The baths add real value if you enjoy soaking and want a calm finish. They also make the long day feel less like a series of quick photo stops. Still, you should think about the extra cost and your personal priorities. If you would rather spend more time outdoors, you can use the area around the facility or relax at the restaurant instead.

The 80-minute visit includes changing time, so do not expect an extended spa session. Even so, it is long enough for a proper soak if entry arrangements are in place.

The return to Akureyri and the final fjord view

From the baths, the return drive takes about 80 minutes. That is the longest continuous ride of the day, so pack water, a snack, and a light layer that can be adjusted easily.

If time allows, the guide may stop at Eyjafjörður for a final photograph across the fjord toward Akureyri. Some guides have also added a brief look at Akureyri’s old town on the way back. These extras depend on road conditions, traffic, and the ship schedule, so treat them as possibilities rather than promises.

The tour can operate in changing weather, but the route may be altered at short notice because of road conditions. That is normal in northern Iceland. A flexible attitude will make the day easier.

Is $218 good value?

At $218 per person, this is not a cheap bus ride. It is a full-day excursion with port pickup, a guide, a minibus, WiFi, and a carefully managed return to your cruise ship. You are also covering a large area that would be difficult to see on your own during one port call.

The value is strongest for cruise passengers who want a reliable route to Mývatn without arranging a rental car, checking road conditions, or worrying about navigation. The small vehicle and guide-led schedule add more than simple transportation.

The price is less attractive if you do not want to pay extra for the baths, plan to buy lunch and drinks along the way, or prefer long walks at fewer locations. In that case, a shorter excursion focused on Goðafoss or a private day with a slower pace may suit you better.

I would budget separately for bath admission, towel rental if needed, lunch, and refreshments. The tour asks you to bring food and drinks, and that is sensible given the late café stop.

Who should book this tour?

This excursion suits you if you are visiting Akureyri by cruise ship and want to see the main natural sights around Mývatn in one day. It is especially good for first-time visitors, families who need a straightforward plan, and anyone who values a guide who handles timing and port logistics.

It also works well for people who like variety. One hour you are at a waterfall, then you are walking around pseudo craters, lava formations, a cave, and geothermal vents before soaking in warm water.

You should think twice if you dislike frequent stops, need a slow pace, or want serious hiking. The tour gives you a useful introduction to the region, not a deep walking expedition.

Final verdict

I would book this tour for a cruise stop in Akureyri, especially if the Mývatn Nature Baths appeal to you. The route has excellent variety, the minibus keeps the group manageable, and the return planning addresses the biggest worry of any shore excursion.

Before booking, confirm the bath reservation, pack lunch, wear proper walking shoes, and allow for Icelandic weather to change the order. Choose a private tour if wheelchair comfort, extra space, or a slower pace matters to you.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts outside the Akureyri Harbor Cruise Terminal. Look for a Fox Adventure guide and minibus with a sign, and arrive 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including transportation between Akureyri and the Mývatn area.

Is admission to the Mývatn Nature Baths included?

No. Bath admission is not included. You need to request a reservation by email if you want the operator to arrange it.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. Bring swimwear and a towel. A towel can also be rented at the baths for an additional fee.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Meals and beverages are not included. The tour stops at a café, but you are advised to bring a packed lunch because that stop comes relatively late.

Will I get back to my cruise ship on time?

The tour includes a cruise ship return guarantee. The stated plan is to return at least 30 minutes, and usually about 50 minutes, before the ship departs. Road and weather conditions can lead to itinerary changes.