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

Godafoss is the star at the start, but the real strength of this outing is variety. In one shore excursion, you get a huge waterfall, steaming sulfur ground, black lava formations, a tectonic rift, and the option to soak in geothermal water. I especially like the port pickup and the chance to see far more than Akureyri itself.

I also like the small-group format, capped at 19 people, and the guides’ local touch. Guides such as Oli, Jon, Graham, and Johannes have been praised for humor, history, photography help, and knowing how to keep the day moving. The main tradeoff is time: five or six hours is tight for so many stops, and the van can feel cramped, especially for taller passengers.

Key points to know before you book

• Godafoss comes first: You get about 30 minutes at one of Iceland’s most memorable waterfalls.
• Lake Myvatn packs in the variety: Expect Hverir mud pools, Dimmuborgir lava, Grjotagja Cave, and the Nature Baths area.
• The Nature Baths cost extra: Admission is ISK 7,400 per person and must be reserved in advance.
• You need to watch the clock: Short stops and a firm return schedule protect your ship departure.
• The group is limited to 19 people: This is more personal than a large ship bus, though the vehicle may still feel snug.
• Pickup is right by the ship: Meet in the car park at Oddeyrarbryggja or Tangabryggja Pier.

Why this Akureyri shore excursion works so well

Akureyri is a pleasant port, but the most unusual sights in this part of Iceland lie farther east. Lake Myvatn is roughly the kind of place you choose when you want Iceland in concentrated form: water shaped by volcanic forces, lava hardened into strange towers, ground that still steams, and a cave cut through a continental rift.

This tour makes that distance practical during a cruise stop. You are not spending the day arranging taxis, studying road maps, or guessing how long the return drive will take. You meet the Imagine Iceland Travel sign near your ship, ride in a guided vehicle, and return to the same pier meeting point.

The price is $205.58 per person. That is not a cheap shore outing, but it can be good value if you want several major sights in one day. Transport, pickup, drop-off, and guiding are included, and the route covers sites that would be hard to combine independently during a short port call.

The value drops if your main goal is a long soak at the Nature Baths. The schedule allows about an hour there, and that time may also include changing, lunch, and getting through lines. For some people, the baths work best as a quick taste of Icelandic geothermal culture rather than a full spa visit.

Meeting your guide beside the cruise ship

Pickup is arranged at the car park on the pier where your ship docks. Depending on the berth, that will be Oddeyrarbryggja Pier car park or Tangabryggja Pier car park. Look for the sign marked Imagine Iceland Travel.

This is a useful detail. You do not need to make your way into central Akureyri before the tour begins. The activity also ends back at the meeting point, which keeps the return simple when you have a ship to catch.

The vehicle is an 18-passenger van or minibus, with a maximum group size of 19 listed for the activity. That gives the outing a more personal feel than a large coach, and a good guide can respond to the group rather than deliver a fixed speech.

Still, do not expect luxury coach space. Several passengers found the van tight, particularly in the back and for taller people. One poor experience focused almost entirely on the cramped ride, even though the guide and sights were praised. If you need extra legroom, this is worth considering before you reserve.

Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods

Godafoss is the first major stop, with about 30 minutes to look around. Its Icelandic name means Waterfall of the Gods, and the broad, powerful falls make a strong opening to the day.

The stop is short but useful. You have time to reach viewpoints, take photographs, and watch the water pour over the curved rock ledge. Some people manage both sides of the viewing area, while others prefer to stay near the first viewpoint rather than hurry.

That is the first place where the tour’s pace becomes clear. If you want a slow walk and many photographs, 30 minutes may feel brief. Set your phone timer when you leave the vehicle, then keep an eye on it. The guide has to move the group along, and missing the departure affects everyone’s return to the ship.

Godafoss is free to visit, and admission is included as part of the guided route. It is also one of the most important stops to protect if weather or traffic causes a delay. If the day runs late, the shorter stops may receive less time.

Hverir and the smell of Iceland’s volcanic earth

At Námaskarð, also called Namafjall Hverir, the ground looks and behaves unlike an ordinary walking area. Bubbling mud pots, sulfur-colored earth, and fumaroles release steam from below. You get about 20 minutes here.

This is one of the most striking parts of the route, but it is not a polished attraction. The air can smell strongly of sulfur, often compared to rotten eggs. That odor is part of the experience, not a sign that something has gone wrong.

Stay on marked paths and follow the guide’s instructions. The steaming ground is hot, and the surface around mud pots is not a place for wandering. The short stop works well for photos and a quick look at the volcanic activity, though anyone hoping to spend a long time studying the area may want more freedom than this schedule allows.

I like this stop because it gives you a direct sense that Iceland is still geologically active. At Godafoss, you see water shaping rock. At Hverir, you see heat rising from below your feet.

Dimmuborgir, where lava became dark castles

Dimmuborgir means Dark Castles, a fitting name for the group of lava formations around Lake Myvatn. The hardened lava has broken into arches, pillars, walls, and other rough shapes. You get about 20 minutes here.

That is enough for a taste, not a full walk through the area. If you enjoy geology or photography, you may wish you had more time to follow the paths. The tour’s purpose is to show you several highlights rather than let you explore one site at length.

The stop adds a welcome change from the open geothermal ground at Hverir. Here, the volcanic story is frozen into black rock. Your guide can help explain what you are seeing and point out formations that might otherwise look like a jumble of stones.

A few passengers felt another stop deserved more time than the sulfur area, and the right balance depends on your interests. People who prefer geology and unusual rock shapes may want to linger at Dimmuborgir. The guide, however, must keep the full route on schedule.

Grjotagja Cave and the continental rift

Grjotagja Cave is a short 15-minute stop. It is an old bathing cave and part of the rift between the Eurasian and American continents.

The cave gives the tour a different kind of interest. You are not only looking at volcanic rock or hot ground. You are also hearing about the forces that pull the continents apart. That makes this brief stop more meaningful than a simple photo pause.

Do not expect a long cave visit. The schedule allows a quick look, and conditions or access may affect exactly how close you can get. The cave works best as a compact geology lesson within a busy day.

If you choose not to use the Nature Baths, the route can include Grjotagja as an alternative while other members of the group visit the baths. That flexibility is helpful, especially if swimming is not your priority.

Myvatn Nature Baths: worth the extra cost?

The Myvatn Nature Baths, also called Jardbodin vid Myvatn or Earth Lagoon Myvatn, are an optional part of the outing. The entrance fee is not included and costs ISK 7,400 per person. You must reserve your admission beforehand, with a booking time recommended for three hours after the tour starts.

The bath stop is planned for about one hour. That sounds reasonable until you add changing, walking in, showering, possible queues, and food. If you also want lunch at the cafe, your actual soaking time may be short.

I would book the baths only if you are happy with a quick soak. You may find the experience rewarding, but you should not expect the relaxed half-day spa visit you might plan at a resort. One family had very little swimming time after changing and waiting, while other passengers used the stop mainly for lunch.

The cafe provides a practical break, though seating can be limited at busy times. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so budget separately.

If you skip the baths, you do not lose the whole Myvatn experience. The route still includes the region’s volcanic sites, and the alternative visit to Grjotagja gives you another look at the rift and cave. This is a good choice if you would rather see more geology than change into swimwear under a tight clock.

Guides make the difference

The strongest part of the experience is often the person behind the wheel. Local guides have included Oli, Jon, Graham, Johannes, and Gram, though your assigned guide will vary.

A good guide can turn the long drive into part of the tour. Oli has been praised for clear explanations, local suggestions, photography help, and keeping the group comfortable and on time. Jon has been described as friendly, informative, and funny. Johannes brought a local perspective and helped the group avoid traffic delays. Graham was praised for combining organization with a good sense of humor.

The experience is not perfectly uniform. Some guides have been viewed as too quiet, while others have been criticized for limited factual explanation or a self-focused style. Accents may also take a little effort to understand. That is normal on an English-language tour, but it matters if guide commentary is the main reason you are booking.

You will also hear frequent time reminders. That is necessary on a cruise excursion, but the tone can vary. A firm guide protects the ship schedule. An overly strict guide can make the day feel like a series of curfews. Keep your own watch or phone timer handy, return early, and you will reduce the stress.

Timing, comfort, and the ship connection

The advertised duration is about five to six hours. The listed stop times add up to roughly five hours and 25 minutes, before allowing for driving and any changes in the route.

Most of the day should feel active rather than leisurely. You stop, walk, photograph, listen, and return to the vehicle. Some people like that rhythm because it brings a lot of Iceland into one port call. Others may prefer fewer stops and more time at each place.

A few outings have run close to seven hours because of delays or group logistics. That is an important concern for cruise passengers. Ask about the planned return time at the start, stay with the schedule, and confirm that the operator is tracking your ship’s departure.

The van is reported as clean and comfortable by some passengers, but cramped by others. There is no stated Wi-Fi included, so do not book this expecting onboard connectivity. The safe choice is to bring water, a snack, and weather-ready clothing. Food and drinks are not included.

The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum is not met, you receive the choice of another date or experience, or a refund.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to cruise passengers who want a broad introduction to northern Iceland without renting a car or planning several separate transfers. It suits people who enjoy changing scenery, short walks, volcanic geology, waterfalls, and a guide who adds local context.

It is also a strong choice for anyone comparing private touring with a ship excursion. The small vehicle and pier pickup can feel more personal, and the route covers a generous number of sights for the price.

I would hesitate if you need a spacious vehicle, dislike strict schedules, or want a long, quiet visit at the Nature Baths. Families can enjoy the variety, but changing and swimming within an hour may be hard with children. People with limited walking tolerance should also ask about the surfaces and distances at each stop before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book the Lake Myvatn and Godafoss tour?

Book it if your goal is to see the greatest range of sights from Akureyri in one shore day. Godafoss, Hverir, Dimmuborgir, and Grjotagja each show a different side of Iceland, and the port pickup removes much of the worry.

Reserve the Nature Baths separately only if you accept a short visit and the added ISK 7,400 fee. If soaking is your top priority, choose an outing built around the baths instead. For most cruise passengers, this tour is best understood as a fast-moving highlights day with an optional geothermal stop, not a leisurely spa escape.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at the Akureyri Cruise Terminal area. Meet in the pier car park where your ship docks, either at Oddeyrarbryggja Pier or Tangabryggja Pier, and look for the Imagine Iceland Travel sign.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point near the cruise pier.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is approximately five to six hours. The listed stops total about five hours and 25 minutes, not including travel time between sites.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from the cruise port are included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 19 participants. Transportation is provided by an 18-passenger van or minibus.

Is the Myvatn Nature Baths admission included?

No. Admission is separate and listed as ISK 7,400 per person.

Do I need to reserve the Nature Baths in advance?

Yes. The bath admission must be reserved beforehand. A booking time about three hours after the tour begins is recommended.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The Nature Baths stop includes access to the cafe, but you pay for anything you buy there.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded. The tour may also be canceled because of poor weather or insufficient participation, with another date or a refund offered.