Iceland: Private Westman Islands - Volcano, Wildlife & Scenic Views
The Westman Islands rise straight out of the Atlantic off Iceland's south coast. Heimaey, the only inhabited island, carries the story of one of the most dramatic nights in Icelandic history. On this private day your vehicle sails with you on the ferry, so you explore the island at your own pace. Your group gets a dedicated driver-guide and a vehicle that belongs entirely to you for the day. No fixed pace, no waiting for other passengers, no compromises. From Reykjavík you drive along the south coast to the Herjólfur ferry. On Heimaey you visit Eldheimar, the museum built around houses dug out of the ash of the 1973 eruption, when the whole town was evacuated overnight. Then you climb Eldfell, the volcano born that night, for views over the harbour, the lava field and the neighbouring islands. A drive around the island takes you to the best viewpoints and bird cliffs. From mid-May to August, the Westman Islands are home to one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in the world. In summer you can add a boat tour: a fast RIB ride into sea caves, or a gentle sightseeing boat around Heimaey. Throughout the day your driver-guide shares stories, sagas and practical tips about Iceland's nature, history and culture. Full details of each stop are in the itinerary. Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in the Capital Area, including the cruise terminals, is included. Herjólfur ferry tickets are not included in the tour price: a ticket is required for every traveller and is added per person when you book. The order of stops may be adjusted on the day due to weather, sea conditions or the ferry schedule. Choose a Private Sedan for 1-3 guests or a Private Van for up to 8 guests. One price per vehicle, not per person.
Iceland: Private Westman Islands - Volcano, Wildlife & Scenic Views is a 13 hours experience run by VAREN Iceland in Reykjavík area, from 184.900 ISK per person. The Westman Islands rise straight out of the Atlantic off Iceland's south coast. Heimaey, the only inhabited island, carries the story of one of the most dramatic nights in Icelandic history.
17 photos
Duration
Season
Difficulty
Pickup
Region
Travel by
OperatorAbout this tour
The Westman Islands rise straight out of the Atlantic off Iceland's south coast. Heimaey, the only inhabited island, carries the story of one of the most dramatic nights in Icelandic history. On this private day your vehicle sails with you on the ferry, so you explore the island at your own pace.
Your group gets a dedicated driver-guide and a vehicle that belongs entirely to you for the day. No fixed pace, no waiting for other passengers, no compromises.
From Reykjavík you drive along the south coast to the Herjólfur ferry. On Heimaey you visit Eldheimar, the museum built around houses dug out of the ash of the 1973 eruption, when the whole town was evacuated overnight. Then you climb Eldfell, the volcano born that night, for views over the harbour, the lava field and the neighbouring islands.
A drive around the island takes you to the best viewpoints and bird cliffs. From mid-May to August, the Westman Islands are home to one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in the world. In summer you can add a boat tour: a fast RIB ride into sea caves, or a gentle sightseeing boat around Heimaey.
Throughout the day your driver-guide shares stories, sagas and practical tips about Iceland's nature, history and culture.
Full details of each stop are in the itinerary. Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in the Capital Area, including the cruise terminals, is included. Herjólfur ferry tickets are not included in the tour price: a ticket is required for every traveller and is added per person when you book. The order of stops may be adjusted on the day due to weather, sea conditions or the ferry schedule.
Choose a Private Sedan for 1-3 guests or a Private Van for up to 8 guests. One price per vehicle, not per person.
What’s included
- Private Westman Islands tour, just for your group
- Friendly English-speaking local driver-guide
- Private Sedan or Private Van for the whole day, on the island too
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation or cruise terminal
- We book your ferry tickets, museum entry and boat tour for you
- Help with your luggage and gear
- Bottled water
- USB charging on board
- Child seats, free of charge (add them when you book)
- All parking fees and local taxes
What to bring
- Warm, windproof and waterproof clothes, a hat and gloves, and shoes with good grip for the walk up Eldfell.
Good to know
- Your booking
- You will receive your booking confirmation right after you book.
- Please count everyone in your group, including children and infants, as everyone needs their own seat.
- We pick up and drop off at any accommodation in the Capital Area and at the cruise terminals in Reykjavík and Hafnarfjörður. Staying somewhere else? Send us a message before you book and we will gladly help.
- Arriving by cruise ship? This is a long day, so please check your ship's all-aboard time before you book. We plan the start time and the route around it, so you are back at the port well before all-aboard time.
- This is a full day of about 12 to 13 hours door to door.
- Ferry tickets
- A Herjólfur ferry ticket is required for every traveller and is added per person when you book. Travellers aged 16 to 66 take the adult ticket, teens aged 12 to 15 and seniors 67+ take the reduced ticket, and children under 12 sail free.
- We book the crossing for your group and your vehicle. From Landeyjahöfn the crossing takes about 35 minutes. In winter or rough seas the ferry sails from Þorlákshöfn instead, about 2 hours 45 minutes each way, and we plan the day around it.
- If the ferry operator cancels the sailings, we move your tour to another date or give you a full refund.
- Museum and boat tours
- Eldheimar tickets are optional and priced per person. Children under 10 enter free.
- Boat tours run from mid-May to September and sail only with a minimum number of guests. If your boat tour does not sail, the ticket is refunded.
- The RIB tour is for ages 6 and up and is not suitable during pregnancy or with back or neck problems. The covered sightseeing boat is the gentler choice for all ages.
- Puffins nest on the islands from about mid-May to mid-August.
- Walking and accessibility
- The walk up Eldfell is short but steep, on loose volcanic gravel, so it is not suitable for guests with serious mobility limitations. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Children
- Children of all ages are welcome on the tour.
Photos & videos
No verified videos yet — we only show footage confirmed to be Iceland: Private Westman Islands - Volcano, Wildlife & Scenic Views, no lookalikes. Search YouTube
Where it starts
Reykjavík, Iceland
Similar tours
A Gourmet golden circle - a taste of Iceland combined with amazing nature attractions!
8 hours 
Reykjavík areaNorthern Adventurerfrom 159.000 ISK
Abandoned Fjords Super Jeep Tour5 hours East IcelandTinna Adventurefrom 42.000 ISK
Afternoon Volcano Hiking Tour7 hours Reykjavík areaBusTravel Icelandfrom 15.990 ISKFrequently
asked
questions
How long is Iceland: Private Westman Islands - Volcano, Wildlife & Scenic Views?
When does Iceland: Private Westman Islands - Volcano, Wildlife & Scenic Views operate?
How much does it cost?
What is the cancellation policy?
Cars & campers
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Transmission
Fuel
Seats
Drive
Sleeps