Top 5 Heimaey Island Half-Day Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

Thinking of heading over to Heimaey Island for a quick peek, maybe even squeezing it into a day? The good news is that Heimaey Island, part of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago right off Iceland’s south coast, is totally doable in just half a day. The island really does have some knockout sights. Now, if you have limited time, picking the right tour is super important. No one wants to spend their precious vacation hours on something meh, right? I looked at tons of tours on offer, from boat trips zipping around the cliffs to walking ones where you listen to all the island stories. So, let’s check out the top options. That way, you get the most fun, packed into the least amount of time.

1. Puffins and Volcano Hike Tour

If there are two things you wanna check off your list while on Heimaey, seeing puffins and getting up close with a volcano has to be on that list, right? This Puffin and Volcano Hike tour jams both into one half-day. Starting off, the tour takes you up to the Eldfell volcano. It’s quite a climb, yet nothing too intense, arguably, the views from the top? Just wow. Looking out over the lava fields and the town down below really gives you a sense of the island’s wild history. As I was saying, puffins are also a huge draw and usually nest here between May and August. The tour guides know their stuff, too; they point out all sorts of interesting details about the volcano and island. What makes it stand out? Hiking on a volcano that not too long ago shook up the place, then hanging with some adorable puffins.

2. Rib Boat Tour of Vestmannaeyjar

Want to feel the wind in your hair and see the Vestmannaeyjar islands from a seriously unique angle? Seriously consider jumping onto a RIB boat tour, very thrilling experience that it is. These speedy boats zip you along the coastline, passing towering cliffs and squeezing into sea caves that are incredibly impressive. That’s just the start too it’s almost scary yet thrilling! I mean, spotting wildlife is always exciting, with a pretty good chance of seeing seals basking on the rocks and different seabirds doing their thing. And it is an adventure too it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. If you love a thrill, this tour could be the highlight of your trip. I highly suggest looking up Vestmannaeyjar if you have the opportunity, its gorgeous, if it isn’t yet on your bucket list, it should be!

3. Heimaey Walking Tour with Local Storyteller

There’s so much to soak up beyond what meets the eye! Rather than just snapping pictures, a walking tour with someone who actually knows and loves the place. I suggest you learn a lot when you hang out with someone, with them walking you around this beautiful island of Heimaey while explaining everything that goes on here Walking tours offer history, and a lot of culture, with the stories and folklore really makes Heimaey click. It helps a lot that many of these guides were either there during the famous 1973 eruption or grew up listening to stories from folks who were. Hearing the stories of the lava flow coming close to the town is pretty wild. Yet they can tell you the tales from those experiences, giving you a genuine and rich background for your explorations, like your grandma used to. You’ll most definitely be seeing and experiencing so much that this unique location has to offer.

4. Volcano Museum and Eldfell Volcano Hike Combo

If you like going further than the surface, pairing a trip to the Volcano Museum with a climb up Eldfell Volcano might be a solid plan. Start things off checking out the museum really amps up your appreciation for what you are about to go experience, in fact. The museum dishes out tons of detail about the island’s volcanic activity with tons of background, including that major ’73 eruption, of course With the hike up Eldfell after gives you a whole new outlook. Being up there lets you look at the lava fields that basically changed the landscape forever. What makes it stand out? It offers you a deeper appreciation with a cool mix of book smarts and real-life exploring, just a suggestion though.

5. Sea Angling Tour

OK, hear me out – ever thought about reeling in your supper while on vacation? Then picture yourself on the icy waters with your best mate and fishing to catch something really good. A sea angling tour has to be Heimaey gives you the chance to cast a line in the waters of the Atlantic. It’s awesome. That may or not sound appealing to you yet the guides are local fishermen. Which is why they always seem to know the best spots where the fish are biting. You can generally keep what you catch, and maybe the tour company is able to cook it up for you. What makes it a winner? Giving you a totally chill way to soak in the sea views and the feeling of Iceland’s fishing heritage.