The best excursion depends on your interests and port time:

• For natural wonders: Dynjandi Waterfall tour — The “Jewel of the Westfjords,” a 100-meter cascading waterfall (5-6 hours)
• For wildlife: Vigur Island tour — 100,000+ puffins, May-August only (3 hours)
• For marine life: Whale Watching — Humpback whales in the fjord (2.5 hours)
• For views: Bolafjall View Platform — Possibly see Greenland on clear days (2 hours)

For first-time visitors with 6+ hours, we recommend Dynjandi Waterfall. For puffin lovers (May-Aug), Vigur Island is unmissable.

Cruise ships dock at Sundabakki pier in Ísafjörður harbor. Key details:

• The pier is within 5-10 minutes walk of the town center
• Shore excursion buses and tour operators meet passengers directly at the terminal
• No tender boats required—ships dock at the pier
• The historic town and shops are easily accessible on foot

Look for signs with your tour name when you disembark—our guides will be waiting to greet you.

Dynjandi Waterfall is approximately 60 kilometers from Ísafjörður:

• Drive time: About 1 hour each way
• The journey: Through 2 mountain tunnels, along dramatic fjord coastlines—the drive is spectacular!
• Walk to waterfall: 15 minutes on rocky path from parking area
• Time at falls: Tours allow 45-90 minutes to explore

The scenic drive through the Westfjords is part of the experience, with stunning fjord views throughout.

Yes! Vigur Island is one of Iceland’s best puffin viewing locations:

• Distance: 30-minute boat ride from Ísafjörður
• Colony size: Over 100,000 Atlantic puffins
• Season: Late April through mid-August
• Peak viewing: June and July (nesting season)
• Experience: Walk among puffins on designated paths, get within meters of the birds

⚠️ Important: Vigur Island is privately owned with limited visitor capacity. This tour often sells out—book early! See our Vigur Island tour for availability.

Yes—guaranteed! All our Ísafjörður shore excursions include:

• Return to the pier at least 30 minutes before departure
• Guides who monitor cruise schedules throughout the day
• Flexible itineraries that adjust if ship times change
• Radio contact with port authorities

We’ve never had a passenger miss their ship. Your peace of mind is our priority. Our guides are experienced with cruise passengers and understand the importance of timing.

The Westfjords is Iceland’s most remote and least-visited region:

• Only 10% of Iceland’s visitors ever reach the Westfjords
• Dramatic landscape: Deep fjords carved by ancient glaciers, towering mountains
• Untouched wilderness: The closest you’ll get to experiencing “old Iceland”
• Traditional fishing villages: Authentic communities preserving centuries-old ways of life
• Abundant wildlife: Puffins, whales, seals, Arctic foxes
• No crowds: Experience Iceland’s beauty without the tourist masses

Your cruise stop in Ísafjörður is a rare opportunity to experience one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas.

The Westfjords can have unpredictable weather. We recommend:

• Waterproof jacket: Essential—rain and sea spray are common
• Warm layers: Fleece or down, even in summer (temperatures 8-15°C)
• Sturdy shoes: Comfortable walking shoes; hiking boots for Dynjandi
• Hat and gloves: Wind can be cold, especially on boats
• Sunglasses: Bright reflections off water and glaciers
• Camera: You’ll want to capture the stunning scenery!

For more details, see our What to Pack for Iceland guide.

Yes! We offer Private Westfjords Tours for families, groups, or those wanting a personalized experience:

• Price: From $2,845 for 7 hours
• Includes: Private vehicle, personal guide, customizable itinerary
• Benefits: Flexible timing, personalized pace, exclusive attention
• Best for: Families, groups of 4+, special occasions, photographers

Private tours allow you to visit Dynjandi, hidden gems, and local villages at your own pace. Contact us at info@iceland-highlights.com to discuss your custom itinerary.

The Ísafjarðardjúp fjord offers excellent whale watching:

• Humpback whales: Most commonly seen, especially in summer
• Minke whales: Frequently spotted
• Harbor porpoises: Common year-round
• Occasionally: Orcas (killer whales), blue whales

Best season: June through August for whale watching, though whales are present May-September. The dramatic fjord scenery makes every whale watching trip memorable, even if whale sightings vary.

The walk to Dynjandi is moderate and manageable for most fitness levels:

• Distance: About 500 meters (1/3 mile) from parking to main falls
• Time: 15-20 minutes one way
• Terrain: Rocky path with some uneven surfaces
• Elevation: Gradual uphill climb
• Tip: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes (hiking boots recommended)

Along the way, you’ll pass six smaller waterfalls—each offering a photo opportunity and rest point. Those with mobility concerns can still enjoy views from the lower parking area.

Vigur Island is famous for several unique features:

• Puffin colony: Over 100,000 Atlantic puffins nest here (May-August)
• Iceland’s only windmill: Built in 1840, still standing
• Europe’s smallest post office: You can send postcards with a unique Vigur stamp!
• Eider duck farm: The island family harvests eiderdown from nests
• Other birds: Black guillemots, Arctic terns, eider ducks
• Family hospitality: Homemade refreshments served by the farmer’s family

It’s a small island with an intimate atmosphere—nothing like crowded tourist attractions.

Each season offers different highlights:

• Summer (June-August): Puffins on Vigur, midnight sun, warmest weather (10-15°C), best for whale watching and Dynjandi
• Late spring (May): Puffins arriving, fewer crowds, waterfalls at peak flow
• Early fall (September): Northern Lights beginning, autumn colors, fewer tourists
• Winter: Fewer cruises visit; dramatic landscapes, potential aurora

For puffins: Late April through mid-August (peak: June-July)
For Dynjandi: Beautiful year-round, most accessible May-September

Ísafjörður town offers plenty to explore on foot:

• Westfjords Heritage Museum: Maritime history in Iceland’s oldest building (1784)
• Historic Old Town: Iceland’s oldest cluster of houses (18th century)
• Local bakeries: Try Kringle, the traditional Icelandic pastry
• Craft shops: Handmade jewelry, ceramics, wool items
• Seafood restaurants: Fresh cod, plokkfiskur (fish stew)
• Art galleries: Local Westfjords artists
• Craft brewery: Beer tasting tour available

Everything is within 10-15 minutes walk of the cruise pier.

Booking is easy:

• Online: Browse tours on this page and book directly through our website
• Email: Contact info@iceland-highlights.com with your cruise details
• Phone: Call +354 556 6868

What we need to know:

• Your cruise ship name
• Arrival date and time in Ísafjörður
• Ship departure time
• Number of passengers

Book early! Vigur Island has limited capacity and often sells out. Dynjandi tours also fill quickly during peak cruise season.

Yes! With sufficient port time (7+ hours), you can combine tours:

• Morning: Vigur Island Puffins (3 hours)
• Afternoon: Whale Watching (2.5 hours) or Bolafjall Views (2 hours)

Or:

• Morning: Whale Watching (2.5 hours)
• Afternoon: Walking Tour (2 hours) + Brewery Tour (1 hour)

Contact us at info@iceland-highlights.com with your port times and we’ll help you create the perfect itinerary!

We offer shore excursions from all major Icelandic cruise ports:

• Reykjavik Shore Excursions — Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, South Coast
• Akureyri Shore Excursions — North Iceland, Mývatn, Goðafoss
• Seyðisfjörður Shore Excursions — Stuðlagil Canyon, East Iceland
• Grundarfjörður Shore Excursions — Kirkjufell, Snæfellsnes
• Húsavík Shore Excursions — Whale watching capital

View all Iceland Shore Excursions →