Port Akureyri: Godafoss Waterfall, Myvatn and Baths Tour

The best part of this Akureyri shore excursion is the sheer variety packed into one day. In roughly eight hours, you move from a historic waterfall to volcanic craters, twisted lava formations, steaming mud pots, and a warm geothermal pool. Few Iceland outings change character so often.

I like two things in particular: the small minibus, often carrying about 16 people, and the careful timing around cruise schedules and larger buses. I also like that guides such as Joanna, Baldur, Matteo, and Friourbjorn have been praised for adding local stories and small detours. The main drawback is the pace. You see a lot, but most stops are short, and the bath admission is extra.

If you want to swim, reserve the Mývatn Nature Baths in advance and bring a swimsuit and towel. If you would rather stay dry, you can use the café or take a walk near the baths. Pack lunch, too, since the refreshment stop comes fairly late.

Key points at a glance

• A full day around Lake Mývatn: See six major sights across one of northern Iceland’s most varied volcanic areas.
• A small-group minibus: The vehicle is comfortable, includes WiFi, and can reach places that larger coaches may not.
• Smart cruise-port timing: The company promises to return you at least 30 minutes before departure, usually about 50 minutes early.
• The baths are optional: Admission is not included, but you can reserve a session and relax in warm geothermal water.
• Expect active walking: Goðafoss, Dimmuborgir, Grjótagjá, and Hverir all involve walking on uneven ground.
• Guides make the difference: Joanna, Baldur, Matteo, Mati, and Friourbjorn are among the guides praised for stories, flexibility, and personal help.

Why this Akureyri to Mývatn route works so well

Lake Mývatn is about the variety of its volcanic scenery. A huge eruption roughly 2,300 years ago spread basaltic lava across the area, leaving behind crater-like formations, lava towers, caves, steaming vents, and a lake dotted with small volcanic islands.

That variety makes the drive from Akureyri worthwhile even if you have only one day. The route first follows Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords, before turning toward Goðafoss and the Mývatn area. The drive itself is part of the outing, with about 35 minutes to the waterfall, then a series of shorter transfers between stops.

This is not a tour built around one long walk. Instead, you step off the minibus, explore for 30 to 40 minutes, return to the vehicle, and continue. That format suits a port call because you get a broad look at the region without committing to a demanding hike.

The tradeoff is clear. You will visit many places, but you will not have hours at any one of them. I would choose this outing for variety and organization, not for a slow, private day in nature.

Goðafoss: a powerful first stop

Goðafoss is the first major sight, reached after about 35 minutes on the road. The name means Waterfall of the Gods, and the falls carry an important place in Icelandic history. Here, water pours over a broad horseshoe-shaped ledge, making a strong opening to the day.

You have about 40 minutes for photos, walking, and a little shopping. That is enough to see the falls from the main viewpoints and look for a rainbow in the spray. Your guide can point out useful photo positions, which matters because the falls look different from each side of the river.

Wear shoes with a good grip. The ground near viewpoints can be wet or uneven, and the tour information specifically recommends comfortable shoes. If your ship is in port during a busy period, leaving early helps. Several guides have adjusted the order of stops to stay ahead of larger buses, and Goðafoss is a better experience before the main crowds arrive.

Skútustaðagígar and the unusual crater fields

The next stop is Skútustaðagígar, a group of pseudo craters beside Lake Mývatn. These are not ordinary volcanic craters formed by eruptions from deep underground. They developed when hot lava met wet ground, creating steam explosions and crater-like shapes.

You get roughly 40 minutes here for a guided walk, photos, and views across the lake. The area is more open and gentle than Dimmuborgir, so it offers a useful change of pace after Goðafoss. You may also have a chance to look at regional food or a local café stop, although meals and drinks are not part of the tour price.

The attraction here is the geology rather than a single dramatic viewpoint. Your guide can help explain why these formations are unusual. The excursion notes that similar pseudo craters are found in only a few places, including Hawaii, the Azores, and Mars.

This stop can feel brief if you want a long lakeside walk. Still, it gives you a clear sense of how volcanic activity shaped the Mývatn area. Bring sunglasses and a camera, since the open setting offers wide views and little shelter.

Dimmuborgir: lava towers and dark passages

Dimmuborgir means Dark Castles, a fitting name for a field of broken lava formations. The lava here cooled into arches, pillars, caves, and rough black shapes. The area feels much more enclosed than Skútustaðagígar, with paths threading between the formations.

The scheduled visit lasts about 40 minutes. You can walk, take photos, and hear stories about the unusual rock shapes. Some groups may have time for coffee, tea, or local snacks, but you should not count on a full meal here.

I like this stop because it shows volcanic Iceland in a different form. Goðafoss is about moving water, while Dimmuborgir is about frozen lava. The contrast helps make the day feel varied rather than like a string of similar viewpoints.

The paths and rocks can be uneven. If you have limited mobility, contact the operator before booking. The tour is described as wheelchair accessible, but a private outing is recommended for greater comfort. Even able walkers should allow time for careful footing, especially in poor weather.

Grjótagjá and the rift between continents

After Dimmuborgir, the minibus makes a short transfer to Grjótagjá Cave. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on the cave, its hot blue water, and the visible rift between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.

The cave is a striking place, but the water is not available for bathing. You are there to look, photograph, and hear the geological story. The tour description also mentions the chance to pose with one foot on each tectonic plate, a popular photo idea.

This is one of the more atmospheric stops, though it is not the most accessible. The walk can involve uneven ground and rocky steps. Follow your guide’s instructions and do not try to scramble for a better photo.

Because the visit is short, think of Grjótagjá as a focused viewpoint rather than a long cave excursion. It works well in the itinerary because it adds geology and a little drama before the wide, steaming ground at Hverir.

Hverir: steam, sulfur, and boiling mud

Hverir is the most otherworldly stop on the route. Steam rises from fumaroles, mud pots bubble, and the ground shows the effects of intense geothermal heat. The colors and textures are unlike those at the waterfall or lava fields.

You have about 30 minutes to walk and take photos. Stay on marked paths and listen to your guide. This is not a place for casual wandering, since the ground can be hot and unstable outside designated areas.

The smell of sulfur is part of the experience. If you are sensitive to strong odors, Hverir may be your least comfortable stop, but it is also one of the most memorable. I would keep this visit short and focused, as the tour does. The point is to see the steaming vents and mud pots, not to linger for hours.

A camera is useful here, but protect it from rain and steam. Comfortable clothing also matters because weather can change quickly in northern Iceland.

The Mývatn Nature Baths: the warm finish

The tour ends its sightseeing portion at the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you have about 80 minutes. The geothermal water gives you a chance to warm up and rest after the walking stops.

Admission is not included in the $218 tour price. You need to request a reservation in advance, and you should bring swimwear and a towel. A towel can be rented at the facility for an additional charge.

Eighty minutes is enough for a satisfying soak, but it is not an all-day spa visit. If you do not want to swim, you can relax at the Kvika restaurant or take a walk around the area. Food and drinks are also extra, so bring money or pack something of your own.

The baths add real value to the route, especially in cool or wet weather. They also make the day feel less like a series of roadside stops. Still, calculate the extra admission before booking. At $218 per person, the excursion already costs more than a simple sightseeing transfer, and the bath ticket raises the final total.

The ride back and the cruise guarantee

The return drive to Akureyri takes about 80 minutes. If time allows, the guide may make a final stop near Eyjafjörður for a view back toward Akureyri. Some guides have also added a quick look at Akureyri’s old town on the way back.

The cruise connection is one of the strongest practical reasons to consider this tour. Pickup is outside the ship at Akureyri Harbor Cruise Terminal, where you look for a Fox Adventure guide and minibus. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure.

The operator promises to return at least 30 minutes before the ship leaves, usually about 50 minutes early. That buffer matters in Iceland, where weather and road conditions can force changes. One group even faced a minibus breakdown at the baths, but a replacement vehicle was arranged so the schedule could continue.

No shore excursion can remove all road risk, but the return policy offers useful peace of mind. Keep your phone charged, follow the meeting instructions, and tell the guide promptly if you have a mobility concern or a tight ship schedule.

What the $218 price includes

At $218 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see northern Iceland. The price includes port pickup, transport in a comfortable minibus, an English-speaking guide, WiFi on board, and the cruise-ship return guarantee.

You are also paying for the route planning. Hiring a car would give you more time at each stop, but you would need to handle driving, navigation, weather, parking, and the ship deadline yourself. A larger coach tour might cost less, but you would likely have less flexibility around crowds and roadside stops.

The bath admission is the main extra cost. Meals and drinks are not included either, so pack food and water. The late refreshment stop makes a pre-packed lunch especially sensible.

I see the price as reasonable for a cruise passenger who wants a broad introduction to Mývatn without worrying about getting back to the ship. It is less compelling if you dislike short stops, plan to skip the baths, or want a quiet day with long walks.

Who should book this tour

I would recommend it to cruise passengers who want to see the major Mývatn sights in one organized day. It is also a good fit for families, since guides have taken special care with children and answered questions along the route.

The tour suits people who value local explanation as much as scenery. Guides have added Icelandic stories, customs, photo advice, grocery stops, and small detours when time allowed. Joanna has been praised for keeping the day light and organized, while Baldur has been noted for his humor and personal help. Guide assignments can change, but the service clearly depends heavily on who leads your minibus.

You should think twice if you need long, leisurely visits or dislike changing in and out of a vehicle. The day is active and full, with short walks at several sites. Poor weather can also change the order or remove a stop.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. The tour is offered in English, with infant seats available. Wheelchair access is listed, but contact the operator first, since a private tour may be more comfortable.

Should you book the Goðafoss and Mývatn tour?

Book it if your priority is seeing as much of northern Iceland as possible from Akureyri while keeping a firm return time. The combination of Goðafoss, pseudo craters, lava formations, Grjótagjá, Hverir, and the baths gives you a strong overview of the region in one day.

Skip it if you want a slow visit to Lake Mývatn, a long hike, or the lowest possible price. For most cruise passengers, though, the small minibus, flexible guides, and generous return buffer make this a practical choice. Reserve the bath in advance, bring lunch and warm layers, and expect a busy day with memorable scenery at nearly every stop.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at the Akureyri Harbor Cruise Terminal. Look for a Fox Adventure guide and minibus outside the ship. The guide will have a sign.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including transport between Akureyri, Goðafoss, the Mývatn area, and the return to the cruise terminal.

Is the Mývatn Nature Baths admission included?

No. Admission is not included in the tour price. You need to request a reservation in advance, and you should bring swimwear and a towel. A towel can be rented at the baths for an additional fee.

Can I join if I do not want to swim?

Yes. You can relax at the Kvika restaurant or take a walk around the area while other people use the baths.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Meals and beverages are not included. A café stop is planned, but bringing a pre-packed lunch is recommended because the stop comes fairly late in the day.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a camera, food and drinks, and comfortable clothing.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the operator recommends a private tour for greater comfort. Contact Fox Adventure before booking to discuss your needs.

Will I return to the cruise ship on time?

The operator promises to return you at least 30 minutes before the ship departs, and usually about 50 minutes early. Weather and road conditions can cause short-notice itinerary changes.