Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Husavik

Godafoss and Lake Myvatn give you two very different views of northern Iceland in one shore day: a broad, rushing waterfall followed by steaming earth, black lava formations, and a warm geothermal pool. The route covers a lot of ground, so you get variety rather than a slow, in-depth visit to one place.

I like the mix of natural sights and the practical small-group format, with transport, pickup, drop-off, and a guide included. I also like the choice at Myvatn: reserve the Nature Baths, or use that time for Grjotagja Cave and the rift between the Eurasian and American continents.

The main caution is timing. Driving between stops can take 45 to 60 minutes, and a late ship arrival or rough weather can make the day feel rushed. The Nature Baths cost an additional ISK 7,400, and you must reserve your entry ahead of time.

Key points to know before booking

• Godafoss is the opening highlight: You get around 30 minutes at the Waterfall of the Gods for photos and a quick look from the viewing area.
• Myvatn packs several sights into one stop: Hverir, Dimmuborgir, Grjotagja, and the Nature Baths all offer something different.
• The Nature Baths are optional and extra: Entry is not included, and the recommended booking time is three hours after the tour begins.
• The route is scenic but not compact: Expect stretches of 45 to 60 minutes between some sights.
• The group limit is 19 people: That is more personal than a large cruise coach, while still keeping the price below a private tour.
• Port changes have been handled well: If weather prevents docking at Husavik and your ship diverts to Akureyri, Imagine Iceland Travel has previously moved the excursion to the new port.

A long northern Iceland day from the port

This is a shore excursion built around distance. From Húsavík, you head toward Godafoss and then continue to the Myvatn area, where several attractions are spread across the volcanic region. The advertised duration is about five to six hours, including driving and stops.

That matters when you compare this with a simple port walk or a single nearby attraction. You are paying for a full outing with a driver-guide and several major sights, but you are also spending a good part of the day in the vehicle. I would choose it if you want a broad first look at northern Iceland, not if you prefer long walks or unhurried museum visits.

The van is described as clean and modern, and the maximum group size is 19. That gives the tour a friendlier feel than a large coach while keeping the cost shared among several people. Guides such as Norbert have been praised for being professional, informative, and good-humored, qualities that matter during the longer drives.

Your meeting point is at Húsavíkurhöfn, and the tour returns there. The supplied information also identifies Akureyri as the location, which reflects the fact that port arrangements can change. If your ship cannot dock at Húsavík because of high winds or seas, confirm the pickup port with the operator before sailing. On one such occasion, the excursion was moved to Akureyri without difficulty.

Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods

Godafoss is the first major stop and a fine way to begin. The water spreads across a broad rocky ledge rather than dropping in one narrow ribbon, giving you several angles for photographs. The name means Waterfall of the Gods, and the site has an important place in Icelandic history, though this visit is primarily about the view.

You have about 30 minutes here. That is enough to walk to a viewing point, take photographs, and appreciate the force of the water. It is not enough for a long exploration of every path, so keep your pace steady and listen for the return time.

This is one of the strongest parts of the excursion because the stop is visually immediate. You step out and see a dramatic waterfall without needing a strenuous walk. In wet or windy weather, though, your time outside may be shortened. Waterproof clothing and shoes with a firm grip will make this stop more pleasant.

Námaskarð and Hverir’s steaming ground

At Námaskarð, the scenery changes sharply. Hverir is a geothermal area of bubbling mud pools, mineral-colored ground, and steam vents called fumaroles. You do not come here for a calm stroll. You come to see the earth actively giving off heat and gas.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough to walk around the marked area and take in the strange colors and steam, but the ground can be wet, uneven, or strongly scented. Stay on the paths and avoid getting too close to the pools.

I like this stop because it shows Iceland’s volcanic character in a way a waterfall cannot. The experience is short, but it gives the day a useful change of pace. The smell and wind can be intense, so people sensitive to strong sulfur odors may want to keep their visit brief.

Dimmuborgir’s dark lava formations

Dimmuborgir means Dark Castles, a fitting name for the twisted lava formations scattered across the area. The rocks were shaped by volcanic activity and now form arches, walls, and unusual silhouettes. You get a close look at the rough texture of the lava rather than simply viewing it from the roadside.

The planned stop is about 20 minutes. That is a quick introduction, not a long hike through every path. Wear sturdy shoes and expect uneven ground. If you enjoy geology and unusual rock shapes, this may be one of the most memorable short stops. If you want a proper walk, you may find the time restrictive.

This is also a good reminder of the tour’s overall design. The guide takes you to several distinct sites, but each visit is carefully timed. You will see more kinds of scenery than on a single-attraction excursion, yet you must accept a brisk rhythm.

Grjotagja Cave and the continental rift

Grjotagja is an old bathing cave located in part of the rift between the Eurasian and American continental plates. Its underground setting makes it different from the open geothermal areas at Hverir and the lava formations at Dimmuborgir.

The stop lasts about 15 minutes. You can look into the cave and see the rock walls and the rift, but this is not a long cave tour. The cave’s former bathing use adds a human detail to the geology, though the main value today is seeing the unusual setting.

Grjotagja is especially useful if you decide not to pay for the Nature Baths. The excursion allows those who skip the pool to visit the cave and rift while others use the bathing facilities. One practical point is worth stressing: the choice may depend on the day’s timing. If the ship arrives late or the weather slows the route, you may need to keep your cave visit short.

Myvatn Nature Baths: warm water at an extra cost

The Myvatn Nature Baths offer the day’s most relaxing option. After the drive and outdoor stops, you can spend about an hour at the geothermal baths and café, time permitting. The water is warm, and the setting gives you a chance to rest instead of walking over rough ground.

Entry is not included in the tour price. The listed cost is ISK 7,400 per person, and you must reserve a ticket beforehand. The recommended reservation is three hours after the tour begins. Do not leave this until the morning of the excursion, especially if your ship’s arrival time is fixed.

The baths can be a wonderful finish, but only if the schedule cooperates. One ship arrived late, and the group chose to skip the hot springs because there was not enough time to enjoy them properly. That is sensible. A rushed soak is poor value, particularly when you have already paid the separate entrance fee.

If you are set on bathing, check the ship’s arrival time, the tour’s start time, and the reservation window together. If you would rather see more geology, choose Grjotagja instead. The cave is shorter and more active, while the baths provide comfort and downtime.

What the $306.40 price really buys you

At $306.40 per person, this is not a cheap shore outing. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: transport from the port, a guide, pickup, drop-off, and a route that reaches both Godafoss and the Myvatn area in one day.

You are also avoiding the work of arranging a vehicle and fitting several distant sights into a cruise schedule. That is valuable in northern Iceland, where driving distances can be longer than they appear on a map. A private vehicle would offer more control, but this small-group tour spreads the transport cost across a maximum of 19 people.

The Nature Baths require a separate ISK 7,400 payment, and food and drink are not included. Add those costs before deciding. If you skip the baths, the basic tour still includes a waterfall, geothermal ground, lava formations, and the cave.

I see the price as reasonable for a cruise passenger who wants a full northern Iceland day without renting a car. It is less appealing if you only want one short stop, if you dislike long drives, or if you expect every attraction to receive a generous amount of time.

Weather, ship delays, and the pace of the day

Northern Iceland can change quickly. Rain and strong wind have limited outdoor time on this route, and poor conditions can affect the whole schedule. The experience requires good weather, and if the operator cancels for that reason, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

A late ship arrival is the more immediate concern. Since Godafoss and Myvatn are far apart, lost time does not simply mean a shorter wait at the port. It can mean less time at every stop, or dropping the Nature Baths altogether.

I would treat the listed five to six hours as an approximate window, not a guarantee of relaxed sightseeing. Let the guide manage the order and timing, but tell yourself in advance which stop matters most. If the baths are your priority, reserve carefully and be prepared to give up another sight if the ship is delayed.

The cancellation terms are useful for planning: you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

Who will enjoy this excursion most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want to see several of northern Iceland’s signature natural sights during one port call. It works especially well for first-time visitors, photographers who want changing scenery, and cruise passengers who prefer a guide and arranged transport.

It also suits couples and families who can handle a busy half-day with time in a van. Most people can participate, according to the activity information, but the outdoor stops involve uneven surfaces and changing weather. Anyone who needs a slower pace should ask the operator about the exact walking required.

I would hesitate if you want a long soak, a serious hike, or detailed time at each geological site. The tour offers breadth, not depth. Its best moments come from the contrast between Godafoss, Hverir, Dimmuborgir, Grjotagja, and the optional baths.

Should you book the Godafoss and Myvatn tour?

Book it if you want a well-filled shore day with a clean van, a small group, and a guide who can explain what you are seeing along the way. The combination of waterfall, volcanic ground, lava formations, continental rift, and optional bathing gives you a strong sample of northern Iceland.

Before paying, decide how you feel about long drives and a brisk schedule. If you choose the Nature Baths, reserve entry about three hours after the tour begins and keep the separate ISK 7,400 fee in your budget. If your ship is prone to delays, consider Grjotagja the safer choice.

For a cruise passenger who wants variety and does not want to drive, I think this is a worthwhile but weather-dependent excursion. Just book it with realistic expectations: you will see a lot, but you will not linger everywhere.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Húsavíkurhöfn, Húsavík, Iceland.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five to six hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a guided tour, transport, pickup, and drop-off.

Is admission to the Myvatn Nature Baths included?

No. Admission is not included and costs ISK 7,400 per person.

Do I need to reserve the Nature Baths in advance?

Yes. You must reserve your Nature Baths entry beforehand. The recommended booking time is three hours after the tour starts.

What can I do if I do not want to use the Nature Baths?

You can visit Grjotagja Cave and the rift between the Eurasian and American continents instead.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 19 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor-weather cancellations or cancellations caused by not meeting the minimum number of participants may also result in an alternative date or a full refund.