When most travelers think of Iceland, the first image that comes to mind is the Ring Road winding past waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches. However, the experiences that truly make this country unforgettable are the adventures you take off the road.
During my 16-day Iceland road trip in September 2025, I discovered that the best way to experience the country is through its excursions. Whale watching in Akureyri, snorkeling between tectonic plates, and cruising a glacier lagoon in a Zodiac boat were all highlights that made my trip extraordinary. Even moments like unexpected snow and ice in Mývatn and the Eastfjords tested my flexibility and added to the adventure.
If you want a broader view of my full Ring Road journey and how these excursions fit in, see my Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Guide.
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Why Iceland Excursions Are Worth It?
celand’s landscapes are breathtaking, but the excursions that let you get close to nature are what you will remember for a lifetime. Experiences like whale watching, snorkeling in Silfra, or taking a Zodiac boat tour on a glacier lagoon elevate your trip from scenic to truly immersive. For a detailed plan of my stops and excursions along the way, check out my Iceland Itinerary Guide.
For travelers who love adventure and photography, these excursions offer the perfect combination of adrenaline and awe. If you are driving the Ring Road, excursions are also a practical way to reach sites that might otherwise be difficult to access. Getting to remote locations is easier with a sturdy vehicle. A 4×4 rental in Iceland provides confidence on gravel roads and unpredictable weather.
Whale Watching in Akureyri, Iceland
Why Akureyri Is the Perfect Whale Watching Spot?
Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, is a quieter option than Reykjavík for whale watching. Located along Eyjafjörður fjord, it offers calm waters, dramatic mountain backdrops, and excellent chances of spotting humpback whales, minke whales, and even orcas.
My September Whale Watching Experience
Whale watching was one of the highlights of my entire trip. I chose Akureyri, the largest town in North Iceland, for this experience. It is smaller and more intimate than Reykjavík, which means fewer crowds and a higher chance of spotting whales in the calm waters of Eyjafjörður fjord.
I booked a whale watching tour from the harbor on a crisp September afternoon. The sky was bright, the air cool, and the surrounding mountains looked as though they were painted in watercolors. Within minutes of leaving the dock, our guide explained how humpback whales migrate here each summer to feed before heading south for the winter.
Just as we were scanning the horizon, the first whale’s tail fluked above the surface, spraying sunlight off the water as everyone gasped. Minutes later, another breached completely, the sound echoing through the fjord. The fjord’s sheltered waters make sightings frequent and the scenery breathtaking. Most tours last two to three hours and include warm overalls to protect you from the cold wind.
Book the exact Akureyri whale watching tour here!
Snorkeling Between Continents at Silfra Fissure
What Makes Silfra Unique?
Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park is the only place on Earth where you can swim directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The water is crystal clear, with visibility over 100 meters. This site is part of the Golden Circle, which I cover in detail in my Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Guide.
My Snorkeling Experience
If there is one adventure that captures Iceland’s otherworldly spirit, it is snorkeling in Silfra Fissure. It feels like floating in liquid crystal. When I arrived at this tour, my guide helped me into a dry suit and gave a quick safety briefing before leading our small group toward the fissure. The moment I dipped my face into the water, I forgot about the cold entirely.
The underwater world was mesmerizing. Blue hues shimmered under the surface, sunlight danced through the cracks, and every slow movement felt like drifting through another planet. The experience is peaceful, meditative, and unforgettable.
Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure is one of the most popular Iceland excursions, and it requires a guided tour. The guides provide dry suits, fins, masks, and gloves, so you only need to wear thermal layers underneath. Even in September, the water is only about 2°C (36°F), so wearing warm layers under your dry suit makes all the difference.
Zodiac Boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Why Choose a Zodiac Tour?
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is filled with luminous icebergs drifting toward the sea. Zodiac tours allow you to get closer to icebergs and explore quieter corners of the lagoon, providing a more immersive and thrilling experience.
My Zodiac Experience
Few experiences capture Iceland’s beauty quite like a Zodiac boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The lagoon, located on the southeastern coast, is filled with luminous blue icebergs that have broken off from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.
While many visitors choose the slower amphibian boat tours, I opted for a Zodiac excursion for a more thrilling experience. The smaller, faster boat allows you to get closer to the icebergs and navigate parts of the lagoon that larger boats cannot reach.
The wind whipped across the water as we raced toward the glacier’s edge. Massive chunks of ice floated silently beside us, each one shaped uniquely by wind and time. Some were white and polished, others electric blue. The only sounds were the hum of the motor and the distant creak of ice shifting in the distance.
Our guide stopped the engine, and we drifted in silence surrounded by floating ice sculptures. A few seals popped up nearby, curious but cautious. It was one of those moments when Iceland feels otherworldly, vast, and alive.
Snow, Ice, and Unexpected Weather
Around Mývatn, I woke up one September morning to find roads glazed with snow and ice. Pavement that had been dry the night before had turned slick and frozen. My 4×4 rental in Iceland gripped the ice perfectly, allowing me to safely explore Hverir and the steaming geothermal fields nearby.
A few days later in the Eastfjords, a peaceful coastal drive quickly turned into a swirl of sleet and ice. The mountains faded into fog, and I passed only a handful of cars. My 4×4 rental in Iceland made me feel secure, letting me continue without fear of sliding or getting stranded.
F-road Reminder
The Highlands’ famous F-roads are rugged, unpaved, and often involve river crossings. They are strictly off-limits to 2WD vehicles. A 4×4 rental in Iceland is legally required to explore these areas.
The Glacier Zipline That Got Away
I had booked a glacier zipline near Vatnajökull, but strong winds and sleet forced the excursion to cancel. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, and flexibility is part of traveling here. If conditions allow, a glacier zipline provides an unforgettable view of icy valleys, rivers, and glaciers from above.
What to Pack for Iceland Excursions?
One thing every traveler learns quickly in Iceland is that proper gear can make or break an adventure. Whether you are whale watching in the north or snorkeling between continents, being prepared for unpredictable conditions keeps you comfortable and safe.
Essential Gear for Iceland Adventures:
- Thermal base layers: Essential for warmth under dry suits or waterproof gear.
- Waterproof gloves: Protect your hands from icy water and wind.
- Windproof jacket: Lightweight yet durable enough for rain, sleet, and gusty weather.
- DJI Action, GoPro, or underwater camera: Perfect for capturing your Silfra snorkeling or glacier moments.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated during long tours.
- Power bank: Iceland’s excursions can last several hours, and cold weather drains batteries fast.
- Waterproof phone pouch: Especially useful on boat tours or near waterfalls.
- Hiking boots with good grip: Ideal for glacier areas and wet docks.
Here is a list of items to take a look at for any Iceland trip:
Tips for Booking Iceland Excursions?
Booking excursions in Iceland is straightforward, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Have flexibility: Iceland rewards spontaneous travelers. If one excursion is canceled, there is always another unforgettable experience waiting nearby.
- Book early: Popular tours like Silfra snorkeling and Jökulsárlón boat rides often sell out, especially between June and September.
- Check the weather: Many Iceland excursions are weather-dependent. Operators may reschedule or cancel if conditions are unsafe.
- Layer up: Even if it looks sunny, temperatures can drop fast once you are out on the water or at higher elevations.
- Use trusted tour operators: Stick to licensed providers like GetYourGuide or Viator for safety and reliability.
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Iceland Excursions
After sixteen days circling Iceland, I can confidently say that the country’s magic is not just in its landscapes but in its adventures. The road trip itself is breathtaking, but it is the Iceland excursions that let you feel the country’s power and beauty up close.
Watching a humpback whale breach in Akureyri, floating between tectonic plates in Silfra, and racing past blue icebergs in Jökulsárlón all left me in awe of how wild and alive Iceland truly is. Even the canceled zipline reminded me that nature calls the shots here, and that unpredictability is part of the adventure.
If you are planning your own trip, make room in your itinerary for these experiences. They will connect you to Iceland in ways that photos and viewpoints never could. when you are ready to start planning your dream trip, explore my Iceland Road Trip Itinerary available here, filled with detailed routes, must-see stops, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.
✨ And if you’d like to plan your own Iceland adventure without the stress, my travel planning services are here to help! From personalized recommendations to detailed trip planning, I’ll ensure your Icelandic getaway is seamless and memorable. Let me take the stress out of planning—reach out today and let’s craft your dream Iceland adventure together.
Until next time, happy wanderings!
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