Goðafoss Waterfall Small Group Tour & Whale Watching from Akureyri
Experience the best of North Iceland in one unforgettable day. Chase waterfalls, explore dramatic coastal scenery, and head out onto the Arctic waters in search of majestic whales. From the legendary Goðafoss Waterfall to thrilling whale watching in Eyjafjörður fjord, this small group adventure combines nature, wildlife, and Icelandic beauty into a truly magical experience.
Discover the wonders of North Iceland on this exciting small group tour from Akureyri, combining two of the region’s most iconic experiences: the breathtaking Goðafoss Waterfall and unforgettable whale watching in Eyjafjörður fjord.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the beautiful Icelandic countryside as you make your way to Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods.” One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Goðafoss is known for its powerful turquoise waters, horseshoe-shaped cascade, and fascinating Viking-era history. Enjoy time to walk along the viewing paths, capture incredible photos, and feel the raw power of Icelandic nature up close.
After visiting the waterfall, the tour continues back to Akureyri, where you’ll board a whale watching boat and head out into the calm waters of Eyjafjörður — Iceland’s longest fjord and one of the best places in Europe to spot whales. Keep your eyes open for humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and even harbour porpoises as experienced guides help you search for wildlife while sharing fascinating stories about Iceland’s marine life.
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting to experience both Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife in a single day. With comfortable transportation, expert local guides, and a small group atmosphere, you’ll enjoy a more personal and memorable experience while exploring the natural highlights of North Iceland.
Whether you’re visiting Iceland for the first time or returning to discover more of the north, this tour offers the perfect combination of adventure, scenery, and unforgettable moments.
Tour highlights & itinerary
- Guided waterfall sightseeing small group experience
- Wi-Fi on board of the bus
- Professional guide
- Pick-up and drop-off for the sightseeing part of the tour
- 2,5-3 hr. whale watching tour
- Use of warm overalls and blankets on the whale watching boat
- Excellent live narration in English on the whale watching boat
- Complimentary WiFi on board of the boat
- Heated indoor saloon and large viewing windows on whale watching boat
- Pick up / Drop off for the whale watching tour
- Food & drinks
- Refreshments (can be purchased on board of the boat)
- For the sightseeing part of the tour, warm, wind- and waterproof clothing and good sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain
- For whale watching tour, dress warmly for the northern fjord. Bring warm outdoor clothing such as a wool / fleece sweater, a hat, gloves and sturdy shoes are recommended. Feel free to borrow our thermal overalls on board of the boat if needed!
- Cancellation policy: We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event.
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- Your tour is a combination of two different experiences.
- For your Goafoss Waterfall Bus Tour, pickup and drop off is from Akureyri Harbor Cruise Terminal at the corner of Laufásgata/Gránufélagsgata, just outside the port.
- For your Whale Watching Boat tour, it is a 5-8 minute walk to the Whale Watching Akureyri ticket office at Oddeyrarbót pier.
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time, which is stated on your ticket.
- Visit our customer portal to manage your tour and to get directions to your pickup location.
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Itinerary
Itinerary
Pick-upAkureyriYour day begins with pickup in Akureyri, the charming capital of North Iceland.
1 Scenic Drive to Goðafoss WaterfallTravel through beautiful North Iceland landscapes, passing mountains, lava fields, and countryside views as your guide shares stories about the region’s history and culture.
2 Goðafoss WaterfallArrive at the magnificent Goðafoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural attractions. Known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” Goðafoss holds an important place in Icelandic history. According to legend, when Iceland converted to Christianity around the year 1000, the local lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols into the waterfall as a symbolic gesture of unity and faith — giving the waterfall its famous name.
Today, Goðafoss is admired for its wide horseshoe-shaped cascade and powerful turquoise waters flowing from the Skjálfandafljót glacier river. Enjoy free time to explore the viewing areas, take photos from multiple perspectives, and experience the beauty and raw power of this breathtaking waterfall up close.
3 Return to AkureyriAfter your visit to Goðafoss waterfall, return to Akureyri harbor for the next part of the adventure.
4 Whale Watching in Eyjafjörður Fjord from AkureryiWhale Watching ticket office: Oddeyrarbót pier, 600 Akureyri, IS
Back in Akureyri, it’s time for the second highlight of the day — an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. As you set sail from Akureyri Harbor beneath the impressive Súlur mountain, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, charming coastal villages, and the island of Hrísey in the distance. Keep an eye on the skies as seabirds glide overhead while the boat cruises deeper into the fjord.
On board the specially modified high-speed whale watching vessel, you can relax inside the heated indoor saloon with panoramic windows or head outside onto the viewing platforms for uninterrupted views of the Arctic waters. Complimentary warm overalls are available to help keep you comfortable in the Icelandic weather, while onboard facilities offer drinks and snacks throughout the journey.
The waters of Eyjafjörður are famous for their incredible marine life, especially the legendary Eyjafjord humpback whales, often seen breaching, tail slapping, and feeding in the fjord. You may also spot minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and various seabirds during the tour. Throughout the experience, expert marine biologist guides share fascinating insights about
Return to Akureyri HarborAfter approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours at sea, return to Akureyri Harbor with unforgettable memories of Iceland’s spectacular wildlife and coastal scenery.
Your day begins with pickup in Akureyri, the charming capital of North Iceland.
Travel through beautiful North Iceland landscapes, passing mountains, lava fields, and countryside views as your guide shares stories about the region’s history and culture.
Arrive at the magnificent Goðafoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural attractions. Known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” Goðafoss holds an important place in Icelandic history. According to legend, when Iceland converted to Christianity around the year 1000, the local lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols into the waterfall as a symbolic gesture of unity and faith — giving the waterfall its famous name.
Today, Goðafoss is admired for its wide horseshoe-shaped cascade and powerful turquoise waters flowing from the Skjálfandafljót glacier river. Enjoy free time to explore the viewing areas, take photos from multiple perspectives, and experience the beauty and raw power of this breathtaking waterfall up close.
After your visit to Goðafoss waterfall, return to Akureyri harbor for the next part of the adventure.
Whale Watching ticket office: Oddeyrarbót pier, 600 Akureyri, IS
Back in Akureyri, it’s time for the second highlight of the day — an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. As you set sail from Akureyri Harbor beneath the impressive Súlur mountain, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, charming coastal villages, and the island of Hrísey in the distance. Keep an eye on the skies as seabirds glide overhead while the boat cruises deeper into the fjord.
On board the specially modified high-speed whale watching vessel, you can relax inside the heated indoor saloon with panoramic windows or head outside onto the viewing platforms for uninterrupted views of the Arctic waters. Complimentary warm overalls are available to help keep you comfortable in the Icelandic weather, while onboard facilities offer drinks and snacks throughout the journey.
The waters of Eyjafjörður are famous for their incredible marine life, especially the legendary Eyjafjord humpback whales, often seen breaching, tail slapping, and feeding in the fjord. You may also spot minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and various seabirds during the tour. Throughout the experience, expert marine biologist guides share fascinating insights about
After approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours at sea, return to Akureyri Harbor with unforgettable memories of Iceland’s spectacular wildlife and coastal scenery.