Southern Region Iceland offers some of the most striking coastline and wildlife opportunities in the country. It’s a place where the landscape practically hums with volcanic energy, and the sea teems with seabirds and marine life. From puffin colonies to volcanic eruptions, taking a boat tour here means enjoying the raw, natural beauty of Iceland’s south. Our favorites include trips that range from gentle wildlife watching to adrenaline-pumping RIB rides, all offering a closer look at Heimaey Island and the Westman Islands archipelago. If you’re a nature lover or just want a different perspective on Iceland’s coast, these tours won’t disappoint.
Among our top picks, the Heimaey Island Round Boat Tour is perfect for a relaxed, comprehensive view of the island’s wildlife and volcanic features, while the 2-hour RIB speedboat delivers a thrilling ride that hits high speeds and gets your adrenaline pumping. For a quick but enriching experience, the Puffin, Island, and Volcano Boat Tour combines wildlife with volcanic history in a compact package. Each offers something unique, so depending on your interests and pace, you’ll find a good fit.
Quick Overview
This list covers three of the best cruises and boat tours in Southern Iceland:
- A 1.5-hour gentle boat tour around Heimaey Island, ideal for wildlife sightings and scenic views (Vestmannaeyjar: Heimaey Island Round Boat Tour)
- A 2-hour thrilling RIB speedboat adventure exploring the islands’ rugged coastline (Vestmannaeyjar: 2 hour RIB boat Tour)
- A 1-hour scenic tour focusing on puffin colonies, volcanic sites, and sea caves (Vestmannaeyjar: Puffin, Island, and Volcano Boat Tour)
1. Vestmannaeyjar: Heimaey Island Round Boat Tour
At number one, this 1.5-hour guided boat tour offers a relaxed, in-depth look at Heimaey Island and its surrounding waters. You’ll sail comfortably on a spacious boat with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy views without the feeling of rushing. The tour takes you around Heimaey, providing stunning vistas of the island’s volcanic features and rugged coastline.
One of the tour’s main attractions is the chance to spot wildlife like puffins, kittiwakes, gannets, and fulmars. The guide shares insights into the island’s volcanic eruptions, particularly the famous 1973 event that reshaped parts of the landscape. You’ll also visit Elephant Rock, a natural rock formation that’s become iconic, and explore sea caves with interesting acoustics—bring your camera and your curiosity.
Guests consistently praise the informative guides who bring local stories and natural history to life. “Amelia was excellent,” one reviewer notes, “she gave great insight into the Westman Islands and the puffins.” This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comfortable, scenic, and educational experience, especially if wildlife viewing and geology interest you.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, family-friendly option that combines wildlife, geology, and local stories in a relaxed setting.
2. Vestmannaeyjar: 2 hour RIB boat Tour
For those craving adventure and speed, the 2-hour RIB boat tour is the perfect choice. This high-energy speedboat experience whips you through the waters of Vestmannaeyjar with impressive agility, feeling more like a sea rollercoaster than a leisurely cruise. It’s an exhilarating way to see the islands’ dramatic coastlines and hidden spots that are inaccessible by larger boats.
The tour explores the archipelago, including the remarkable Súlnaey and other smaller islands. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to spot seals, whales, and seabirds in their natural environment. The guide shares tales about the islands’ history, folklore, and volcanic activity—making it not just a ride but a mini adventure into the local stories. Music often accompanies the ride, adding an extra layer of fun.
Guests rave about the thrilling ride and the chance to see marine wildlife up close. One reviewer says, “The speed and scenery were fantastic, and the crew made it feel like a personal adventure.” This tour is best suited for travelers looking for an adrenaline rush and a unique way to see the coastline.
Bottom Line: Ideal for thrill-seekers who don’t want to miss the chance to see marine life and volcanic scenery at high speed.
3. Vestmannaeyjar: Puffin, Island, and Volcano Boat Tour
If seabirds and volcanic islands are your thing, the Puffin, Island, and Volcano Boat Tour offers a quick but rich experience in just an hour. You’ll sail past the puffin colonies on Eiðiáey and Bjarnaey, getting up close with these charming birds. The tour also visits the loneliest house in the world on Eiðiáey, providing a peek into the stark, beautiful isolation of Icelandic life.
A highlight includes seeing new lava from the 1973 eruption, giving you a sense of the island’s volcanic activity. The boat passes by sea caves, where you might enjoy some spontaneous music with the acoustics—a fun, unexpected touch. The guide shares stories about the history of the islands, the eruption, and the wildlife, making this tour both educational and visually impressive.
While shorter, the tour is praised for its informative narration and the chance to see puffins in their natural habitat. It’s a great pick for travelers short on time but eager to combine wildlife, volcanic history, and sea caves.
Bottom Line: A compact, engaging tour perfect for wildlife lovers and those interested in volcanic activity.
How to Choose
When deciding among these cruises and boat tours in Southern Iceland, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend on the water. If you prefer a relaxed, scenic experience, the Heimaey Island Round Boat Tour is best. For those craving adventure and excitement, the RIB speedboat offers a high-octane ride with wildlife sightings. If your focus is on wildlife and volcanic features in a short time, the Puffin, Island, and Volcano Boat Tour provides a quick yet rich experience.
Budget, fitness level, and your interest in natural features should guide your choice. All tours are seasonal, so check availability ahead of time, especially during peak summer months.
Final Thoughts
The Southern Region of Iceland offers a variety of boat experiences that highlight the area’s compelling natural features. For a calm, educational outing, the Heimaey Island Round Boat Tour hits the mark. If you’re after thrills and marine wildlife, the RIB speedboat delivers. For a short but memorable wildlife and volcanic experience, the puffin and island tour is a perfect fit.
No matter your choice, booking early is wise, as these tours tend to fill up quickly during peak season. Whether you want a gentle cruise, an adrenaline rush, or a quick wildlife fix, there’s a perfect boat adventure waiting in Southern Iceland.