Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour

The best part of this Akureyri shore excursion is the combination of Goðafoss waterfall and Mývatn Nature Baths. You get a quick taste of North Iceland’s volcanic scenery, then finish in warm mineral water with views across the Mývatn area. It is a smart way to cover several major sights without renting a car.

I like the cruise-friendly timing and the packed lunch, which keep the day moving. I also like the guides’ personal touch. Guides such as Hannes, Arno, Runar, Ricky, and Victoria have been praised for local stories, humor, songs, and helpful explanations. The main drawback is time: six hours sounds generous, but the bath visit can feel rushed, and pickup instructions have occasionally caused confusion.

Key points at a glance

• Goðafoss takes about 35 minutes: Enough time for photos, a short walk, and views of the broad, curving falls.
• Skútustaðagígar offers a quick volcanic stop: You see pseudo-craters formed by ancient eruptions around Lake Mývatn.
• Mývatn Nature Baths are the main event: The schedule allows about two hours for swimming, changing, and relaxing.
• Lunch is included: Choose a chicken or vegan sandwich, but confirm your choice when you meet the guide.
• The tour costs $247 per person: That is a fair cruise-excursion price if you value transport, admission, lunch, and a ship-safe return.
• Bring a towel and swimsuit: Both can be rented at the baths for an extra charge.

Why this six-hour route works from Akureyri

Akureyri is a useful base for seeing North Iceland, but the major sights around Lake Mývatn are too far away for a casual walk or short taxi ride. This tour handles the long drive, entrance to the baths, and return to the cruise terminal in one package.

The advertised route takes about six hours. You meet at the bus parking area at Gránufélagsgata 50, near the cruise terminal, then ride for roughly 30 minutes to Goðafoss. After the waterfall and Mývatn-area stops, the return drive is listed at about 75 minutes.

That timing matters on a cruise day. The schedule is built around ship docking times, and the bus returns to the same meeting area. Several departures have returned early, including one that arrived about 45 minutes before all aboard. Still, you should not treat that as a guarantee. Confirm the meeting point and start time carefully, especially if the operator changes the bus location near the ship.

The buses provide free Wi-Fi, though the main reason to ride is convenience. You can watch North Iceland pass by without worrying about navigation, road conditions, parking, or fuel.

Goðafoss, the waterfall tied to Iceland’s conversion

Goðafoss is an excellent first stop because it gives you a dramatic sight without demanding a long hike. The falls are wider than they are high, spreading in a curved crescent across the river. From the viewing areas, you can see the water drop in several broad sections, with different angles for photographs.

The stop lasts about 35 minutes. That is enough for a short walk and a good set of photographs, but not enough for a slow wander along every viewpoint. Wear shoes with a firm grip, especially if the ground is wet.

Goðafoss also carries a famous piece of Icelandic history. Around the year Iceland adopted Christianity, a local chieftain is said to have thrown pagan statues into the falls. The story gives the waterfall more meaning than a simple photo stop. Your guide may explain the tale in greater detail, and guides have often added personal stories and Icelandic traditions to the drive.

This is one place where a good guide makes a real difference. Runar, Hannes, Ricky, Victoria, and other guides have been praised for keeping the ride lively with humor, folklore, and even Icelandic songs. Guide quality can vary, of course, but the format allows plenty of time for commentary between stops.

Skútustaðagígar and the strange shores of Lake Mývatn

The next stop is Skútustaðagígar, a group of pseudo-craters beside Lake Mývatn. These are not ordinary volcanic cones with open magma chambers. They formed when lava flowed over wet ground, creating steam explosions and rounded crater-like shapes.

You get about 15 minutes here, so think of it as a viewpoint and photo stop rather than a full hike. The stop helps you understand why the Mývatn region looks so unusual. Water, lava, low craters, and distant volcanic forms combine into scenery that feels unlike the greener parts of Iceland.

The short visit is also the tour’s main limitation in the Mývatn area. There is no long walk around the lake, and you do not have time to explore every geological feature. The tour gives you a sample of the region before moving to the baths.

Small flies can be a nuisance around Lake Mývatn, especially in summer. They are harmless but can gather around your face and clothing. If you are bothered by insects, bring a hat or consider a head net. This is a practical detail that is easy to miss when planning from home.

The route may include views of lava fields, pressure mounds, and other volcanic features from the bus. Pay attention during the drive. Some of the most memorable scenery may pass your window rather than receive a formal stop.

Two hours at Mývatn Nature Baths

Mývatn Nature Baths are the reason many people choose this excursion. Often called the Blue Lagoon of the North, the facility offers naturally heated water with a pale blue appearance and broad views over the Mývatn region.

The water is heated by geothermal forces below the ground. You can move between different pool areas, sit in the warm water, and enjoy the contrast between Iceland’s cool air and the outdoor soak. The experience is less about swimming laps and more about sitting still, letting your shoulders drop, and taking in the view.

The schedule allows about two hours at the baths. That sounds comfortable, but remember that the time includes entering, changing, showering, and leaving. Some people have found the actual time in the water closer to an hour, particularly when the tour starts late or the group must gather promptly for the return journey.

If the baths are your priority, keep an eye on the clock from the moment you arrive. Change efficiently, get into the water, and save time for a proper soak. You may not have room for a long visit to the changing area, a leisurely meal, and an extended swim.

The changing process deserves a clear warning. Communal showering is part of the facility routine, and you should expect to shower before entering the pools. If that makes you uncomfortable, prepare yourself mentally before arriving. Swimwear and towels can be rented, but bringing your own is simpler and avoids an extra charge.

Some departures have divided the group, with one part visiting the baths while another visited a different site. If that arrangement applies to your departure, listen closely to the guide’s instructions and confirm where and when to meet the bus. The bath stop is easy to enjoy when the plan is clear, but confusion can cut into your soaking time.

The smell may also surprise you. Geothermal water can carry a sulfur odor, sometimes stronger than expected. It is normal, but you may notice it as soon as you enter the facility.

The packed lunch and what to expect

A packed lunch is included so the bus does not need to stop at a restaurant. The standard choices are a chicken sandwich or a vegan sandwich, along with a bottle of water.

This is a useful arrangement on a six-hour trip. You can eat during the drive or at a stop, then spend more time at the sights. The lunch is practical rather than a major food experience. Expect something simple that keeps you going, not a hot Icelandic meal.

Confirm your choice with the guide at the start. One departure had a shortage of vegetarian lunches, leaving a passenger without a suitable meal. If you need the vegan option, say so clearly as soon as you board and bring a small backup snack if you have dietary concerns.

There have also been occasions when lunch distribution was not perfectly organized. A few people could not eat on the bus because there were not enough lunches ready at the right moment. These problems do not appear to define the tour, but they are worth planning around. Keep a snack in your day bag, particularly if you have a strict diet or eat at set times.

Guides, drivers, and the feel of the ride

The guide and driver can shape this tour more than any single stop. The route includes long stretches by bus, so a warm guide makes the distance feel shorter.

The strongest guide comments have focused on humor, local stories, Icelandic folklore, history, and music. Hannes has shared tales of trolls. Arno has brought a geology background and local family connections to his explanations. Runar has been praised for being both funny and informative, while Victoria has even sung an Icelandic lullaby. Other guides, including Ricky and Vicki, have kept passengers entertained with clear explanations and stories.

Drivers also receive frequent praise for safe, careful, and timely service. That matters on a cruise excursion. A driver who keeps the schedule without making the ride stressful gives you a better chance of returning on time.

The experience is not always perfectly polished. Some guides have been hard to hear or have given unclear instructions about what happens next. Banter from the driver can also distract from the scenery if you would rather listen quietly. If you cannot hear, ask for the plan before leaving each stop. That simple question can prevent confusion later.

Is $247 a good value?

At $247 per person, this is not a cheap day out. Iceland is expensive, and a shore excursion carries a premium because transportation must match a ship schedule.

The price includes transport from Akureyri, free Wi-Fi, entrance to Mývatn Nature Baths, a packed lunch, and an English-speaking guide. You also avoid the cost and hassle of arranging a private vehicle for a long round trip. For a cruise passenger who wants Goðafoss and the baths in one day, that bundle is reasonably strong.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long, unhurried soak. A separate visit to the baths might give you more time there, though you would need to arrange transport and manage your own return. This tour is best understood as a sampler: one waterfall, one volcanic area, one geothermal bath, and a safe ride back to the ship.

You are paying for coverage and peace of mind, not luxury. The packed lunch is basic, and the sightseeing stops are short. If you prefer a slow day with one main attraction, this route may feel too busy.

Who should book this Akureyri excursion?

I would choose this tour if you have one cruise stop in Akureyri and want a broad introduction to North Iceland. It suits first-time visitors, families with older children, and anyone who wants a geothermal bath without arranging the details alone.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy scenery from a bus window and short walks rather than demanding hikes. The Goðafoss stop is manageable, and the Mývatn visit gives you a clear sense of the area’s volcanic character.

I would think twice if you dislike communal changing facilities, sulfur smells, insects, or a fixed schedule. The tour also may not satisfy you if the baths are your only goal. In that case, more time at the facility would be worth seeking.

Wear warm layers and shoes that handle damp ground. Pack swimwear and a towel, or budget for rentals. Keep a snack with you, listen carefully for meeting instructions, and protect your face from Mývatn’s small flies during the outdoor stops.

Should you book it?

Book this excursion if you want three distinct North Iceland experiences in one cruise day: a historic waterfall, volcanic scenery, and a geothermal soak. The guides and drivers are often a real strength, and the ship-safe return plan adds useful peace of mind.

Skip it if you want a slow spa day or dislike organized group travel. The stops move quickly, lunch can require a little attention, and the bath time may feel shorter than expected. For most cruise passengers, though, the mix of scenery, local stories, lunch, and warm water makes the $247 price defensible.

FAQ

How long is the Akureyri to Mývatn tour?

The tour lasts six hours, including transportation, sightseeing stops, time at Mývatn Nature Baths, and the return to Akureyri.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is the large bus parking area at Gránufélagsgata 50. The guide waits there to greet you.

Does the tour return to the cruise terminal?

Yes. Transportation begins at the Akureyri cruise terminal area and returns to Gránufélagsgata 50 at the end of the tour.

Is entrance to Mývatn Nature Baths included?

Yes. The entrance ticket to Mývatn Nature Baths is included in the tour price.

Are towels and swimsuits included?

No. You need to bring your own swimwear and towel, or rent them at Mývatn Nature Baths for an additional cost.

How much time do I get at Mývatn Nature Baths?

The planned visit lasts about two hours. This includes changing and getting ready, so your time in the water may be shorter.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a packed lunch with a chicken or vegan sandwich and a bottle of water. Tell the guide your preference at the start.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, according to the booking terms.