Cruise Tour Godafoss and Myvatn Lake and Dettifoss Small Group

This is a volcanic day with zero car stress. I love how this small-group tour stitches together Iceland’s most dramatic sights around Mývatn, from the quick walk to Goðafoss to the big-force thunder of Dettifoss. I also like the cruise-day timing built around getting you back to Akureyri, plus the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide.

The main thing to consider is walking. You’ll do short hikes and uneven steps, and the Dettifoss route can feel tough in wind, so good shoes matter.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Cruise ship return guarantee: the schedule is built for getting you back to Akureyri in time
• Max 19 people: easier picture-taking and less crowd pressure at stops
• Real geothermal variety: blue geothermal water, steam vents, hot bubbling mud pots, and volcanic craters
• Free admission on the included stops: fees are taken care of, so you’re not scrambling for tickets
• Multiple toilet chances: most stops include nearby free restrooms (sometimes tied to buying something)
• Dettifoss power walk: short, but not always easy if the ground is slick or windy

Why this Akureyri day tour beats renting a car

If you’re starting in Akureyri—especially on a cruise day—this kind of tour is a smart move. You skip the stress of driving long stretches on roads that can feel intense in Iceland weather, and you still get a packed, high-impact route.

This one runs about 7 to 9 hours, with a maximum of 19 travelers. That size is big enough to feel social, but small enough that you’re not trapped in a giant shuffle at each viewpoint. You also get WiFi on board and an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a real quality-of-life perk when you’re switching between cold air outside and warm seats inside.

Goðafoss: the quick walk to Iceland’s Waterfall of the Gods

Goðafoss is one of those stops that fits perfectly into a day like this: the attraction is under 5 minutes from a parking lot. You can usually get views without a long trek, and there’s a small shop plus free toilets nearby, which helps when you’re moving fast through a multi-stop itinerary.

This waterfall is known as the Waterfall of the Gods, and in practice, that name matters because it sets the tone. You’re not just looking at water—you’re standing in one of Iceland’s iconic falls with that dramatic drop and strong mist.

What I like most about this stop for your day: it’s easy to access even if you’re tired from an early departure. It’s the kind of place where you can take a few photos, let the sound soak in, and still have energy for the next geothermal areas.

Skútustaðagígar and Dimmuborgir: walking on lava’s leftovers

Next up is Mývatn’s volcanic terrain, and the tour starts you with something visually unusual: the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters. These are lava formations next to the parking area, with a small shop, a visitor center, and free toilets close by. The time here is about 35 minutes, which is just enough for a walk-around without feeling rushed.

What makes this part valuable isn’t just that it looks strange. It’s that these shapes are hard to fully understand from a distance. Getting close helps you read the terrain—how lava built features you’d never guess from photos.

Then you move to Dimmuborgir, known for its lava formations and the fact that this area used to be a lake before lava destroyed it. You’ll do a small hike here. There’s also an option to stay near a small restaurant/shop and enjoy views from above, and the toilet is free if you buy something there.

Practical tip: wear shoes with real grip. Even when hikes are short, lava rock and uneven ground can turn a quick stop into a careful one.

Grjótagjá: blue geothermal water and the tectonic plate crack

If the day had one “wait, what am I looking at?” moment, it’s Grjótagjá. This is the cave where you can find hot blue geothermal water running between two tectonic plates. The tour also highlights the famous boundary—Eurasian and North American plates—with a big crack running along Iceland.

You’re not staying here long (around 30 minutes), so think of it as a focused experience rather than a long exploration. The listing notes that it’s possible to go inside the cave and explore old geothermal baths, so you may be able to get a closer look than you’d get at an outside viewpoint only.

For me, the appeal is the way this stop turns geology into something physical. It’s not just pretty steam or a waterfall. It’s a place where the ground itself is part of the story.

Namafjall Hverir: steam vents, bubbling mud, and that rotten-egg smell

Namafjall Hverir is where the senses get loud—in a good way. Here you see shallow groundwater heated and rising near the Krafla volcano system. The ground can show steam vents, hot bubbling mud pots, and colorful mineral spots.

Expect a smell: the area can have a sulphurous odor, described as similar to rotten eggs. That’s not a problem you can avoid; it’s part of the geothermal process. If you’re sensitive to strong odors, you might just want to keep expectations realistic and take it as an experience of raw Iceland.

The stop is about 30 minutes. That length works well because you can see the most active-looking areas, photograph the mineral colors, and still stay fresh for Dettifoss, which is next and is usually the emotional peak of the day.

Dettifoss: Europe’s most powerful waterfall by volume

Dettifoss is the big one. The tour calls it the most powerful waterfall in Europe by volume, and that word “volume” matters—you’re not just looking at a drop, you’re experiencing mass and force. In early summer, it can feel even stronger because nearby snow is melting and feeding the flow.

You’ll do a small hike from the car park (about 40 minutes at this stop), and along the way you can see another waterfall called Selfoss. This part can be breath-taking, but also demanding.

Here’s the consideration you shouldn’t ignore: the walk to Dettifoss can include jagged rocks and steep steps, and wind can whip around you. If you don’t already own sturdy trail shoes, this is not the day to test fragile footwear. Even with short distances, the footing can be uneven and the wind can make the experience feel longer than it is.

Myvatn Nature Baths stop: a quick reset before the return to Akureyri

After Dettifoss, you get a short breather stop at Mývatn Nature Baths (Jardbodin vid Myvatn). This is a brief stop—around 5 minutes—mainly for convenience: you can use the free toilet and buy a snack in the shop.

You shouldn’t expect this to be a full soak session on this itinerary. The value here is practical. You’ll likely appreciate the bathroom break and a quick bite before heading back, especially if you started early and had a long day of walking and wind.

Comfort, timing, and the guide-voice you may hear

This is a cruise-focused tour, so plan on an early start from the Akureyri Cruise Terminal. The benefit is that you’re hitting the iconic locations without fighting the full-on big-bus crowds. With a maximum of 19 travelers, you generally get more room to move and set up photos.

Your guide and driver are part of the experience. In recent group notes, names like Matti, Tina, Johana, Leo, and Lena show up as part of the team. You may get extra context about volcanoes and Icelandic history while you drive between stops, and you might also see real help for photo moments—guides who make sure everyone gets a clear picture.

Also, because stops include free toilets at several locations, the day tends to run smoother than DIY touring where you’re constantly hunting for facilities.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $279.08 per person, this isn’t a budget bare-minimum tour. But it can be strong value for a cruise day, because you’re buying a few things at once:

• Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle for a long day
• A structured route through multiple major sites without driving yourself
• All fees and taxes included, and the itinerary lists admission as free for the stop sites
• Cruise ship return guarantee, which reduces the biggest risk for cruise travelers

Meals and beverages are not included, so you’ll want to budget for snacks you buy along the way. The good news is the itinerary does include opportunities to grab food—especially with the quick stop at the nature baths shop and shops at certain sites.

If you want the “big-name Iceland” sites—Goðafoss, Mývatn geothermal areas, and Dettifoss—on one day and don’t want the driving hassle, this price usually pencils out.

Who should book this tour, and who should think twice

This tour fits best if you want maximum variety with minimal logistics. You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• like geology and geothermal areas as much as waterfalls
• want a multi-stop day without renting a car
• are comfortable with short hikes and uneven ground
• appreciate an English-speaking guide and a small group size

Think twice if you struggle with steep, rocky steps or if wind and exposed walking make you nervous. Dettifoss is short, but it can be physically challenging, and good traction matters.

It also helps that the tour notes moderate physical fitness. That’s a fair way to frame it: you’re not doing a marathon, but you are getting out of the vehicle and walking more than once.

Should you book Godafoss and Mývatn with Dettifoss on this schedule?

Yes—if you want a guided hit list of Iceland’s geothermal and waterfall highlights with small-group comfort and a cruise-friendly return plan. The route makes sense: you get accessible views at Goðafoss, hands-on volcanic features at Mývatn, then the full-force payoff at Dettifoss.

Before you book, do one reality check: pack solid walking shoes and dress for wind and sudden weather. If you do that, you’ll be set up for the best kind of Iceland day—organized, visual, and worth every kilometer you’re riding.

FAQ

How long is the Godafoss and Mývatn Lake and Dettifoss small group tour?

It runs about 7 to 9 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the Akureyri Cruise Terminal, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What group size is this tour?

The maximum group size is 19 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is WiFi provided?

Yes, WiFi is included on board.

Are meals included?

No. Meals and beverages are not included.

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

The tour includes all fees and taxes, and the itinerary lists admission as free for the included stops.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour is listed as requiring a moderate physical fitness level.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather or low traveler numbers?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If it’s canceled because the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.