Westman Islands, Volcanoes & Puffins Tour

Your day begins with a morning pickup in Reykjavik before heading to Landeyjahöfn Ferry Terminal. The ferry ride to the Westman Islands takes about 30 minutes, with incredible views of the surrounding ocean and towering cliffs of islands in the archipelago. Keep an eye out for seabirds and, if you’re lucky, whales or playful dolphins in the water.

Once on the island, the first stop is the legendary Elephant Rock (Halldórsskora). This massive basalt formation, shaped like an elephant with its trunk dipping into the sea, was sculpted by the volcanic eruption of Eldfell. It’s one of those natural sights that looks almost too perfect to be real. Standing at the viewpoint, you’ll see the powerful forces that shaped the island’s rugged coastline.

Next, we head to Stórhöfði, one of the windiest places in Iceland and also one of the best spots to see puffins during summer! Thousands of these colorful little birds nest here between May and August, digging burrows into the cliffs. You’ll have time to watch them waddle around, take off for a clumsy flight, or pose for the perfect photo. Even outside puffin season, the panoramic views from the cape are worth the stop.

Nature can be wonderfully unpredictable, and puffins are no exception! Sightings can vary with the time of day and weather, as they often head out to sea to feed. That said, we’ll do our best to spot these charming birds during the tour.

The 1973 volcanic eruption reshaped Vestmannaeyjar, forcing residents to evacuate overnight as lava buried houses and reshaped the landscape. At Eldheimar Museum, you’ll step into this dramatic chapter of history, seeing homes frozen in time beneath layers of ash. It’s an emotional and eye-opening experience that gives you a real sense of the islanders’ resilience.

After exploring the museum, you’ll have free time to grab lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the tour price). Vestmannaeyjar is known for its fresh seafood, so this is the perfect chance to try something local.

Next, we visit Skansinn, a historic area by the harbor where an old fortress once stood. Here, you’ll find the striking Stafkirkjan, a Viking-style wooden church gifted by Norway, sitting against the dramatic coastline. Nearby, a small lighthouse keeps watch over the harbor, and the cliffs provide a great vantage point over the rugged shoreline. It’s a spot that feels like stepping into the past, with the sound of waves and seabirds all around.

For the grand finale, we hike up Mt. Eldfell, the volcano that erupted in 1973 and changed the island forever. The hike is short but rewarding, leading to sweeping views over the town, lava fields, and surrounding ocean. After soaking in the views, you can explore the lava field on your way back to town, where the new land formed by the eruption tells a story of destruction and rebirth.

After a full day of exploring, we meet at the harbor for the afternoon ferry back to the mainland. The tour wraps up with an evening drop-off in Reykjavik.

Available pick-up points: Arctic Adventures’ pick-up list.

This tour offers an optional stop at the SeaLife Trust Beluga Sanctuary, home to rescued beluga whales "Little White" and "Little Grey," as well as a puffin rescue center. Entry is not included in the tour price and must be paid upon entry.