Snæfellsnes: Small-Group Day Trip with Seals & Kirkjufell

Summary

Seals on the sand, black beaches under cliffs, wild Iceland in one day

You’ll ride from Reykjavik into wild Snæfellsnes with a local guide—spotting seals at Ytri-Tunga beach, walking black sands where fishermen once tested their strength, gazing up at Búðir’s black church and finally seeing Kirkjufell rise above its waterfall. Expect raw landscapes, real stories, and a sense of space you might not shake off easily.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was how quiet it got after we left Reykjavik behind. Our guide, Jón, had this habit of humming softly when the road stretched out empty — it was oddly comforting. We zipped through that long tunnel under Whale Fjord (the name made me smile) and I remember my ears popping as we came out near Borgarnes. Quick stop for coffee — the kind that smells like burnt toast but warms your hands anyway — and then suddenly the landscape started to shift. You know you’re not in the city anymore when moss looks brighter than grass.

Ytri-Tunga beach was next, and honestly, I thought seals would be shy or hard to spot. Nope — they were just sprawled out on the rocks like they owned the place. One of them yawned so wide I almost dropped my phone trying to get a photo. The air tasted salty and cold, but not sharp — more like standing by an open fridge full of seaweed (if that makes sense). Jón told us about local fishermen who used to test their strength with these huge stones on Djúpalónssandur beach later on; I tried lifting one and barely budged it. Everyone laughed, including me.

The black church at Búðir looked almost fake against all that pale grass and sky. There was this couple taking wedding photos in front of it — she kept shivering in her dress but smiled anyway while her partner wrapped her coat around her shoulders between shots. We wandered along Arnarstapi’s cliffs, watching birds darting through wind that smelled faintly of sulfur and wet stone. I didn’t expect to feel so small there, looking down at those jagged rocks and foamy water below.

We circled Snæfellsjökull volcano (Jón said it inspired Jules Verne), its glacier cap half-hidden by clouds. The last stop was Kirkjufell — yeah, the one from Game of Thrones. It’s weird seeing something so famous just sitting quietly by a waterfall while sheep graze nearby like nothing’s special about it at all. On the drive back I kept thinking about those seals and how peaceful everything felt out there; Reykjavik seemed a world away even though we’d be back by dinner.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula highlights

• Drive north through Whale Fjord tunnel
• Short break in Borgarnes town
• Visit Yti-tunga farm and seal colony
• See Búðakirkjan Black Church
• Stroll cliffs at remote fishing village
• Observe basalt columns and bird cliffs
• Walk along black sand beach
• Drive around Snæfellsjökull volcano
• Visit Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Reykjavik to Snæfellsnes?

The tour lasts a full day with morning pickup in Reykjavik and return by evening.

Are hotel pickups included for this Snæfellsnes tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included.

Will we see seals during this day trip?

You’ll visit Ytri-Tunga beach where seals are often seen resting on rocks near shore.

Is lunch included on this Snæfellsnes peninsula tour?

No lunch is included; bring your own or buy food during stops along the route.

What’s the group size for this tour?

This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 19 people per group.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it runs in all weather conditions—dress appropriately for Icelandic weather.

Are children allowed on this day trip?

Children age 5 and up can join if accompanied by an adult.

Do we visit Kirkjufell mountain on this itinerary?

Yes, Kirkjufell mountain and its nearby waterfall are included as stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik plus a professional local guide leading you through every stop—from seal-watching at Ytri-Tunga to exploring black beaches, dramatic cliffs, fishing villages, volcanic scenery, and iconic Kirkjufell before returning you comfortably in the evening.