Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour

Three big North Iceland stops in one day.

This shore excursion strings together Goðafoss waterfall, the odd-looking terrain of Lake Mývatn, and a relaxing soak at Mývatn Nature Baths. I like how the day is built around real geothermal experience, not just quick photo stops, and I also like that you get a sit-down-ish break with a packed lunch so you’re not hunting for food. One thing to plan for: the Mývatn area can mean flies near the water, so bring a little patience and be ready for a bug-free mindset.

It’s a 6-hour outing with a coach schedule designed to match your ship’s docking times, plus a live English-speaking guide. You’ll start at the cruise terminal area in Akureyri, ride north, stop for sightseeing, then end back at the meeting point near your ship. If you want to swim, pack smart because towels and swimsuits aren’t included and you’ll pay extra to rent them at the baths.

Key highlights that make this shore excursion work

• Goðafoss: Crescent-shaped waterfall with major Icelandic history tied to the Christianization era
• Skútustaðagígar: Pseudocraters from ancient volcanic activity, seen from a dedicated viewing stop
• Mývatn Nature Baths: Naturally heated geothermal pools with views back over the lake area
• Packed lunch: Chicken or vegan sandwich plus a water bottle, built into the timing
• Cruise-friendly scheduling: Tailored to your docking times, so you can enjoy the sites without racing the clock
• Real guide energy: People consistently highlight guides who keep facts fun, not lecture-y

A 6-hour North Iceland hit from Akureyri Port

This is the kind of day trip that makes shore excursions feel worth it. You’re not just ticking off one “must see.” You get a waterfall, a volcanic lake setting, and then time in a geothermal bath complex—so the day has variety, and it still stays realistic for a single cruise day.

The timing matters. The tour runs for about 6 hours, with coach rides between stops and a longer block at the baths. It’s also set up so you don’t come back late. Your schedule is tailored to your docking times, and the experience ends back at the meeting point near your ship. That’s a big deal if you’ve ever had that sinking feeling when the bus is late and your ship is not.

Value-wise, the price includes transportation from the Akureyri cruise terminal, a packed lunch, free Wi‑Fi, and the entrance ticket to Mývatn Nature Baths. You’re still responsible for towels and swimsuit rentals, but at least the big ticket item—the bath entrance—is already covered.

Goðafoss waterfall: crescent curves and Christianization lore

Goðafoss is the first major emotional hit of the day. The waterfall is wider than it is high, and it curves in a crescent shape. That shape is part of what makes it so photogenic: you don’t get just one straight drop, you get a sweeping arc of water that looks dramatic from multiple angles.

Then there’s the story. Goðafoss is tied to Icelandic history when a local chieftain reportedly threw pagan statues into the falls, symbolizing the moment Icelanders adopted Christianity. Even if you don’t care about legends, it gives the place context. You’re not standing in front of a random waterfall—you’re standing where a cultural turning point is remembered.

You’ll have time for photos and sightseeing, plus a short walking component on the way. The stop is long enough to feel like you’re actually arriving at a landmark, not just stopping at it. If you care about photos, go for a couple of angles: the waterfall’s width makes framing worth the extra minute.

Practical tip: dress for wet air and wind. Waterfalls in Iceland can mean mist in places you didn’t expect, and “I’ll just wear my regular jacket” can turn annoying fast.

Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters: how volcanic leftovers shape the view

After the waterfall, the scenery starts to feel stranger—in a good way. You’ll stop at Skútustaðagígar, the pseudocrater area near Lake Mývatn. These are not your classic cone volcanoes you might picture from maps. They’re the result of ancient volcanic activity that created odd formations dotting the lake and nearby terrain.

Why this stop matters: Lake Mývatn isn’t a simple “pretty lake.” It’s a geothermal zone, and the ground tells that story. Pseudocraters make you look twice because they don’t behave like normal rock shapes. They’re a reminder that Iceland’s geothermal power is still working under your feet.

The stop is shorter than the baths, about 15 minutes, and it’s focused on photo and viewing from a special spot. That means you should use the time intentionally. If the wind is up or the light changes quickly, take your shots early and then slow down to actually look at the shapes around the lake.

If you’re the type who loves geology, this is a great “set your brain to science” moment before you relax your muscles at the baths.

Mývatn Nature Baths: the Blue Lagoon vibe without the mega-resort feel

The best part of the day for many people is the two-hour block at Mývatn Nature Baths. It’s a naturally heated geothermal experience, with water brought up from geothermal forces below the surface. The baths are known for mineral-rich water, and they’re said to have healing properties—so think “wellness tradition,” not medical treatment.

What I like about this stop is the pacing. You’re not rushed through a single soaking tub. You can lounge in different pool areas and take in views of Mývatn. The pools are outdoors, which means you get that classic Iceland feeling: warm water, cold air, and a landscape that looks like it’s from a different planet.

A couple real-world considerations from people who’ve done this day before:

• Expect communal showers as part of the bath setup.
• The water and facilities can come with a strong smell that’s typical of geothermal areas. If odors usually bother you, plan to be mentally ready.

Also, the tour includes the bath entrance ticket, but it does not include towels or swimsuits. Towels and swimwear can be rented at extra cost at the baths. If you want to avoid paying at the last second, consider arriving with your swimwear packed in an easy-to-reach spot, and wear clothing that’s easy to change out of.

Pro move: treat the baths like a reset button. If you’ve been taking photos all morning, put your phone away for the last stretch. The views from the pools are where the day turns from sightseeing into actually feeling Iceland.

Packed lunch on the coach: chicken or vegan, plus smart timing

You get a packed lunch included, with a choice of chicken or vegan. It also comes with a water bottle. This matters because it keeps the tour flowing. You’re not losing time to finding a café, and you’re not paying extra for a snack that might not even fit your schedule.

Here’s how to use it well: eat before you get too deep into the baths window. Once you’re in warm water mode, your appetite usually fades, and changing your timing can make you feel off for the next part of the day. The tour is structured so lunch is part of the day experience, not an afterthought.

One note: since lunch is packed, you’ll want to be comfortable eating while traveling and storing it properly in your day bag. Keep napkins or tissues handy if you can, and you’ll feel more relaxed.

Transportation and schedule: meeting points that won’t leave you stranded

This is a cruise shore excursion, so logistics are everything. You start near the Akureyri port, and your guide meets you with clear identifying gear—orange jacket or vest with a BusTravel Iceland logo.

The meeting point depends on which pier your ship uses:

• If your ship docks by Tangarbryggja Pier, your guide greets you at the large parking lot at Gránufélagsgata 50.
• If your ship docks by Oddeyrarbryggja Pier, your guide meets you at the Visitor Center by the cruise port.

Your buses are located at the big parking lot at Gránufélagsgata 50. That’s the anchor point you want to remember, because it’s where the coach typically forms up.

Also, the tour is designed around docking times, and it ends back at the meeting point. Translation: you should have enough cushion to return without sprinting. Still, you should build in a little personal margin. Cruise days run on their own momentum, and being ready early always beats being hurried later.

Price and value: $238 includes the hard parts

At $238 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement bus trip. But it’s not just paying for miles on a road either.

Here’s what your money actually buys:

• Transportation from Akureyri cruise terminal
• Free Wi‑Fi on tour
• Packed lunch (chicken or vegan) with water
• Entrance ticket to Mývatn Nature Baths
• A live English-speaking guide for the entire outing

What’s not included is towel and swimsuit rentals. That’s the main extra you should expect if you don’t bring your own. Still, the bath entrance ticket being included helps you avoid the most common “surprise cost” on geothermal outings.

So the value question becomes simple: do you want all three—Goðafoss + Lake Mývatn views + bath entrance—in one tight 6-hour schedule? If yes, this price starts to look fair. If your plan is to only see one sight and skip the baths, then you’d likely do better with a shorter or cheaper option.

Who this tour suits best in North Iceland

This shore excursion fits you best if:

• You’re on a cruise and want a full, meaningful day without worrying about driving
• You want classic North Iceland stops: Goðafoss, Mývatn area geology, and a geothermal soak
• You like guided context, like the Christianization-era story tied to Goðafoss
• You’re interested in geothermal pool culture, and you’d rather start with a well-known natural bath than a more complex spa day

It’s also a strong choice for couples, friends, and multigenerational groups because the itinerary is straightforward: sightseeing, short viewing stops, then real relaxation time.

If you hate crowds or communal bath routines, you might find the shower setup a little awkward. But if you can handle that, the experience payoff is usually the baths themselves and the views from them.

Should you book Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Goðafoss?

I’d book it if you want a high-coverage day that still feels like Iceland, not just a parade of quick stops. The combo of Goðafoss history, Lake Mývatn’s volcanic weirdness, and two hours in naturally heated pools is a smart use of limited cruise time.

I’d think twice if:

• You already have a geothermal bath planned for another day and you’d rather keep this one lighter
• You’re very sensitive to odors or communal shower routines
• You forgot that towels and swimsuits aren’t included and paying rental fees would irritate you

My final take: if this is your first time in the area and you want the “north Iceland feel” in one go, this is a solid, practical choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 6 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $238 per person. Check availability to see starting times.

What stops are included?

You’ll visit Goðafoss Waterfall, a viewing stop at Skútustaðagígar (near Lake Mývatn), and Mývatn Nature Baths.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a packed lunch with a chicken or vegan sandwich and a water bottle.

Is admission to the baths included?

Yes. Entrance tickets to Mývatn Nature Baths are included.

Do I need to bring a towel or swimsuit?

Towel and swimsuit are not included. You can rent both at extra cost from Mývatn Nature Baths.

Where do I meet the guide in Akureyri?

If docking at Tangarbryggja Pier, the guide meets you at the large parking lot at Gránufélagsgata 50. If docking at Oddeyrarbryggja Pier, the guide meets you at the Visitor Center by the cruise port.

Will I have Wi‑Fi during the tour?

Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is included.

Is there a live guide?

Yes. The tour has a live English-speaking guide.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.