Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss shore excursion: Small group tour

Walk through lava fields and stand at a waterfall that powers across a canyon

A small group shore excursion from your cruise ship covers Goðafoss waterfall, the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, geothermal steam vents at Hverir, and the pseudo craters of Skútustaðagígar, with a live English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transport. The tour runs 6 to 7 hours and fits the timing of your ship's departure. If time allows, you can add a stop at Mývatn Nature Baths for a dip in geothermal water or a café visit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Godafoss30m
2. Dimmuborgir35m
3. Hverir20m
4. Húsavíkpass by
5. Mývatn Nature Baths1h 30m

Explore Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss

• Stop at Goðafoss waterfall
• Visit Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters
• View lake filming location
• Explore Dimmuborgir lava formations
• See Grjótagjá cave (old bathing cave)
• Viewpoint over Lake Mývatn area
• Optional stop at Mývatn Nature Baths

The experience

The tour starts at Goðafoss, where the waterfall drops across a wide canyon in one of Iceland's most dramatic single plunges. From there you move through the Lake Mývatn area, stopping at the pseudo craters of Skútustaðagígar (steam and mud pots rising from the ground), and a viewpoint over the lake itself, the same water that appears in Game of Thrones as the land north of the wall. The route is built around the geology: each stop shows a different face of the region's volcanic and geothermal activity.

On the way back, you walk through Dimmuborgir, a sprawl of black lava formations that rise from the earth in jagged columns and caves. One cave, Grjótagjá, carries the nickname "the love cave" from its Game of Thrones scenes. You also stop at Hverir for a view across the Lake Mývatn area and pass through Húsavík, known as the lake of the lights. The guide travels with the group throughout, and the van is air-conditioned, which matters on a day spent moving between outdoor stops.

If your ship's departure time allows, the tour adds a final stop at Mývatn Nature Baths. You can either soak in the geothermal water (you'll need to bring or rent a bathing suit and towel), or sit at the in-house café with a view over the area. This part is optional and depends on when your cruise needs you back at the dock.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport between all stops.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• local taxes.
• pickup from your cruise ship.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 11 Apr 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 67

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Star Travel Iceland

Is this one for you?At 6 to 7 hours, the tour fits inside a single port call and is timed to your ship's departure, so you can see Goðafoss, the lava fields and the geothermal sites without rushing back early or missing the ship.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Goðafoss waterfall like when you stand in front of it?

Goðafoss is one of Iceland's most spectacular single waterfalls, dropping across a wide canyon. It's the first stop on the tour and sets the scale for the day's geology.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You'll walk through the lava formations at Dimmuborgir and move between several outdoor viewpoints, but the pace is built for a mixed group and the van transports you between each stop.

Can I swim in the geothermal water at Mývatn Nature Baths?

Yes, if time allows and your ship's schedule permits the stop, you can dip into the geothermal water. You'll need to bring a bathing suit and towel, or rent them on-site. Neither is included in the tour price.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs 6 to 7 hours total, timed to fit your cruise ship's departure. The exact length depends on how many stops you make and whether Mývatn Nature Baths is included.

Is a guide included, and what language do they speak?

Yes, a live guide in English travels with the group throughout the tour. The van is air-conditioned and pickup from your ship is included.