Ocean Diamond Iceland Optional Shore Excursions
Please note:
You do not have to book shore excursions at time of booking, you have up until 4 weeks prior to departure to request which excursions you would like add. You do this by filling out an online shore excursion form and submitting the form to the ship operator. A confirmation of your reservation request will be sent to your e-mail address. This is only an acknowledgment of receipt and not a booking confirmation. You will receive a final confirmation of the reserved shore excursions with your travel documents. If your selected excursion is fully booked, you will receive recommended alternatives or the possibility of being placed on a waiting list. Payment for shore excursions will take place on-board only.
Stykkisholmur
BOAT TOUR & SEA FOOD TASTING
Tour Highlights: Fascinating bird life, breathtaking scenery and sea food tasting
Duration: 2 hours and 30 mins
Price: US$75 per person
Minimum Group Size: 1
Maximum Group Size: 30
If you have never tasted a fresh scallop straight from the sea you‘ll get the chance to do so on this tour. Experience the traditional Icelandic trapping method of e.g. mussels, scallops, shrimps or sea stars and afterwards enjoy a delicious tasting of this “Viking-style sushi”. Look forward to cruising past picturesque and fairytale-like landscapes in the Breidafjordur Bay as well as a huge variety of birds (mid April to mid August) and terrific basaltic rock formations. With a bit of luck you can spot a majestic white-tailed eagle.. This tour is suitable for all guests.
Available on: All Iceland voyages
BUS EXCURSION AROUND THE SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA
Tour Highlights: An introduction to the history and geology of Iceland, diverse landscapes and a visit to the shark museum.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Price: US$125 per person
Minimum Group Size: 20
Maximum Group Size: 40
This excursion includes a drive through beautiful sceneries, lava fields, black lava beaches and impressive glaciers. You will have a stunning view on the Snaefellsjokull Glacier, the dramatic rock formations of Snaefellsnes as well as the Londrangar rock pinnacles, which are remnants of a large volcanic crater. In the summer months a huge variety of birds can be seen. En route you also visit the small fishing village of Arnarstapi and the shark museum in Bjarnarhofn. This tour involves approximately 45 mins walking on rugged terrain but it is possible to stay on the coach. Tour also includes a lunch box prepared by the Ocean Diamond kitchen.
Available on: All Iceland voyages
TOUR ON THE SNAEFELLSJOKULL GLACIER
Tour Highlights: Glacier tour in an open snowcat.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Price: US$165 per person
Minimum Group Size: 20
Maximum Group Size: 30
This 4,600 feet high glacier is one of the most beautiful volcanos of the island. An experienced guide will drive you by snowcat up the glacier. In good weather conditions you can enjoy a fantastic view over Hellissandur and Breidafjordur Bay and on especially clear days you might even spot the far-off Westfjords. The famous novelist Jules Verne once chose Snaefellsjokull Glacier to be the entrance “to the center of the Earth”. This tour involves walking on ice/snow which can affect your stability. The tour includes lunch boxes prepared by the Ocean Diamond Kitchen.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland voyages only
BERSERKJAHRAUN HIKE
Tour Highlights: Walk across the lava and listen to ghosts and berserker stories.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Price: US$60 per person
Minimum Group Size: 15
Maximum Group Size: 40
The impressive and beautiful Berserkjahraun, or the Berserk Lava Field, is a 4,000-year-old lava field situated on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The lava field was created after four scoria craters erupted in short intervals. The name Berserkjahraun comes from one of the Icelandic Sagas, Eyrbyggja-Saga. So be prepared to hear interesting but also scary stories about berserkers, ghosts and cruel people while walking through the beautiful lava scenery. This tour involves 2.5-3 hours walking on uneven paths and lava fields which can affect your stability.
Available on: All Iceland voyages
Isafjordur
CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS OF ISAFJORDUR
Tour Highlights: Highlights of Isafjordur incl. a presentation from our local fish monger with several fish tasting and a visit to the local brewery including beer tasting.
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Price: US$75 per person
Minimum Group Size: 8
Maximum Group Size: 20
On this walking tour through Isafjordur you will learn more about culture, traditions, the life and history of the town by getting culinary experiences of the Westfjords. You will walk through the picturesque center of Isafjordur. On the way you will stop at our local fish monger Kari who will introduce you to the local fishing industry and let you taste different kind of fish specialities. A guided tour of the Westfjords first and only brewery, that brews high class craft beer is another highlight of this tour. Here, you will not only get to taste a handful of exclusive brewed flavors with specialty branded beers but will also learn more about the local micro brewery. This tour involves 1.5-2 hours of walking.
Available on: All Iceland voyages
IT`S A VIKING THING
Tour Highlights: Interactive, fun Viking experience; history & culture of the Vikings.
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Price: US$130 per person
Minimum Group Size: 8
Maximum Group Size: 36
Take a journey to another place in time. Learn about traditions of the Vikings that still echo in the lives of the locals. The tour starts with a drive to the village of Thingeyri, often called the Viking Village. There you go on a short, guided walking tour from the recreated Viking area through the ruins of the old “Viking Thing”, parliament of the Viking period, and into the Viking Centre. Here you get the opportunity to become a Viking yourself by dressing up in authentic handmade Viking clothing, bake Viking bread on an open fire, try out replicas of their weapons and cheer with a Viking beer.
Available on: All Iceland voyages
BUS TOUR – DYNJANDI WATERFALL
Tour Highlights: Tour through harsh landscapes to the magnificent Dynjandi waterfall.
Duration: 5-6 hours.
Price: US$130 per person
Minimum Group Size: 20
Maximum Group Size: 45
Discover the beauty of Iceland’s mystic Westfjords which is even for Iceland a very sparsely populated area. Experience breathtaking rough nature, high summits and beautiful deep fjords. You will visit a typical Icelandic fishing village along the way where you will also have lunch. Another highlight of this tour is the magnificent Dynjandi waterfall, the highest and most impressive waterfall in the Westfjord region. It consists of six different waterfalls that flow fan-shaped together and its impressive height of 328 feet and width of 196 feet make it a spectacular natural beauty. Lunch will be provided.
Available on: All Iceland voyages
Siglufjördur
HERRING INTOXICATION
Tour Highlights: The history and the key role of the Icelandic herring industry including musical performance, herring and “Brennivin” tasting, and entrance to museum included.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: US$45 per person
Minimum Group Size: 50
Maximum Group Size: –
Dive into the golden age of the herring boom at the award-winning Herring Museum. The era played an important role in the history of the Icelandic equal rights movement. Women got more opportunities to work outside of home, side by side with men on equal basis. The museum‘s five exhibits illustrate the history of the industry, the processing of the herring into meal and oil, a fish freezing plant and a waterfront dock area where visitors can stroll past eleven different fishing vessels on display. A live herring salting demonstration with traditional songs and dances are performed by the local “Herring Girls” where the spirit of old herring plants is revived.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland voyages only
Hrisey
HIKE THE ISLAND
Tour Highlights: Learn more about the flora, fauna, geology and the island’s history.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: US$45 per person
Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 35
The island of Hrisey is rightly known as Eyjafjordur’s pearl of nature and is renowned for its abundant birdlife. On this hike of the island you will get many different impressions about the local flora and fauna while you not only hike upcountry but also along the coast. Along the way you will stop at the Energy Zone. The Eastern area of Hrisey is said to be full of energy and is considered to be the second most powerful area in Iceland after Snaefellsjokull Glacier. Here you can sit down and enjoy the scenery while inhaling positive and relaxing energy. Join this hike to experience panoramic views and reload your battery with positive energy. The hike is approximately 5 kms on uneven ground so is recommended for guests with a relatively good level of fitness.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland voyages only
BIRD WATCHING & LIFE ON HRISEY
Tour Highlights: Learn more about birds on Hrisey, the village and life on the island.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: US$45 per person
Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 35
It is believed that up to 40 bird species nest on the island (mid April to mid August) whereas the ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) is the most prominent. Some can only be counted in a few pairs while others are in thousands. The main reason for this unusually large concentration of birds is that all hunting of birds and gathering of eggs is banned on the island and there are no natural predators such as foxes, minks, mice or rats. Hrisey also has very favourable conditions for birds with low growing willow and bushes, and plentiful food. You will also visit the oldest house of Hrisey, the House of Shark Jorundur, where you will find an exhibition about the history of the island and the history of shark fishing in Iceland in earlier centuries. There is an approximately 1.5 km hike involved on this tour.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland voyages only
TRACTOR TRIP AROUND THE VILLAGE
Tour Highlights: Enjoy a sightseeing tour with a tractor
Duration: 1 hour
Price: US$45 per person
Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 25
Join this unique style of sightseeing! On this approx. 30 minutes tour you sit in an uncovered farm-style hay waggon pulled by a tractor and travel through the village and surroundings. The local guide informs you about the island’s and the village’s history. There are about 200 inhabitants on the island, living in a trim fishing village with paved streets, tidy gardens and a view of the surrounding mountains which can be equaled by few. You will also visit the oldest house of Hrisey, the House of Shark Jorundur, where you will find an exhibition about the history of the island and the history of shark fishing in Iceland in earlier centuries. This tour would be suited to most guests however there is some short stretches of walking involved.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland voyages only
Akureyri
BUS TOUR – MYVATN MAJOR
Tour Highlights: The Lake Myvatn, Godafoss Waterfall, Dimmuborgir, Myvatn Nature Baths.
Duration: 7-8 hours
Price: US$180 per person.
Minimum Group Size: 20
Maximum Group Size: 45
Enjoy one of the most beautiful areas of Northern Iceland. The local unique landscape would be fascinating on its own. However, in the area around Lake Myvatn there are also countless bird species (mid April to mid August). You will also stop at the impressive black lava formations of Dimmuborgir and visit the spectacular Godafoss waterfall (waterfall of the gods). In the end, a soothing bath awaits you at Myvatn Nature Baths. The thermal bath offers you a unique composition of minerals, silicates and geothermal microorganisms. The warm, soothing water is a treat for body and mind and leaves a lasting effect after this visit. Look forward to an amazing journey through an area of extreme contrasts. This tour includes lunch and is suited to all guests, the longest walk time in 20 mins.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages
BUS TOUR – ICELANDIC NATURE AND CULTURE
Tour Highlights: Godafoss Waterfall, Eyjafjord, Icelandic culture and history
Duration: 4 hours
Price: US$85 per person
Minimum Group Size: 20
Maximum Group Size: 45
This half-day excursion combines scenic highlights as the Eyjafjord, the mountain pass Vikurskard and one of the spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, the Godafoss, with extensive Icelandic history and culture. The well-preserved farm Laufas from 1850 is nowadays a museum and gives impressions of the living conditions during former times. This farm was built of strips of sod and turf and was home to the local priest and his attendants. It was one of the richest farms in the area. This tour is suited to all guests, the longest walk time in 20 mins.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages
KAYAK TOUR
Tour Highlights: Impressive nature seen from the kayak
Duration: 4 hours
Price: US$110 per person
Minimum Group Size: 2
Maximum Group Size: 10
Look forward to an approx. 1.5 hours kayak tour that will show you the huge variety of birds (mid April to mid August) and the beautiful mountain backdrop from a fascinating different angle. This tour is both suitable for beginners and veterans. Enjoy the silence and the beautiful views while you slide through the impressive fjord landscape. If you are lucky you might even spot whales! After a fascinating kayak tour you get time to relax in the geothermal hot pot at the beach in Hjalteyri with beautiful views of the fjord and the mountains or you can stroll around the old fishing village before you head back to Akureyri. As there is a lot of kayaking involved it is recommend that guests are in a good physical condition to go on this tour.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages
FLIGHT ABOVE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN ICELAND
Tour Highlights: Godafoss Waterfall, Dettifoss Waterfall, Lake Myvatn
Duration: 2 hours
Price: US$395 per person
Minimum Group Size: 5
Maximum Group Size: 7
There are many great ways to experience Iceland, but none is more unique than exploring Iceland by air. This is a unique opportunity to experience Northern Iceland from a completely different perspective. Fly through the landscape of The Game of Thrones, Oblivion and Prometheus, filmed in this dramatic landscape. Circle the waterfall of the gods, Godafoss, and be impressed by Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. You will be amazed by the 1.5 hours long flight above the highlights of Northern Iceland. This tour is an unforgettable experience.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages
Husavik
WHALE WATCHING ON RIB BOATS
Tour Highlights: Whale watching on RIB boats (Rigid Inflatable Boat)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Price: US$180 per person
Minimum Group Size: 6
Maximum Group Size: 48
Husavik is the whale watching capital of Iceland where you can see the gentle giants at close range. On this tour you will pass the puffin island Lundey where you can experience thousands of puffins during the nesting period (mid April to mid August). The speedboats are not only adventurous and fun but also more agile and maneuverable giving you the opportunity to look for whales. So look forward to an unforgettable whale watching tour. Suitable for most guests however due to safety reasons pregnant women and passengers with heart, knee and back problems are unable to go on this tour.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages (whale watching tour included in Northern lights and Whales voyages)
HIKE TO THE LAKE BOTNSVATN
Tour Highlights: Panoramic views and stunning nature
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Price: US$45
Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 40
Deep-set beneath the colourful slopes of Husavik Mountain, a fair distance from civilisation, Lake Botnsvatn is a particularly serene and peaceful location to visit. It is surrounded by mountains from three sides. Along the way you will follow a small river and will be surrounded by pure beauty and silence. Up at the lake you might be lucky to hear the eerie calls of the Northern Diver (mid April to mid August), or simply just sit down for awhile and relax while soaking in the views as the waters lap at the shore. The hike is approximately 9.5 kms so it is recommended for guests in a generally good physical condition. There needs to be a minimum of 10 people for this tour to run and there is a maximum of 40 spots.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages
BUS TOUR – DIAMOND CIRCLE
Tour Highlights: Europe‘s most powerful waterfall Dettifoss and Vesturdalur
Duration: 5-6 hours
Price: US$130 per person
Minimum Group Size: 20
Maximum Group Size: 45
A number of Iceland’s highlights are included in this excursion – travel alongside the Jokulsargljufur Glacial canyon to Vesturdalur valley and to Hljodaklettar, the echoing cliffs. They are world known for their basalt columns that characterize the ancient lava flow. You also stop at the Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe‘s most powerful waterfall, which is unique and where a mass of water, mud and sand rumbles into Iceland’s most impressive canyon. There will be some moderate walking for 30-60 minutes involved on this tour.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages
Seydisfjördur
HUSEY – SEALWATCHING WHILE HORSE RIDING
Tour Highlights: Icelandic horse riding tour
Duration: 6 hours
Price: US$180 per person
Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 18
The history of the Icelandic horse reaches back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Nowadays, there are approx. 65,000 Icelandic horses in Iceland. This small sized horse is considered to be intelligent, well-tempered and versatile. The farm Husey is located between two glacial rivers, 37 miles north of Egilsstadir. This two hour horse riding tour offers a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of the coast and nearby mountains as well as endless opportunities for spotting birds and seals and enjoy the wonderful nature. Suitable for guests with a maximum weight of 100 kgs, no previous horse riding experience necessary.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland voyages only
BUS TOUR-SKALANES-NATURE RESERVE
Tour Highlights: Visit of the remote nature reserve
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: US$145 per person
Minimum Group Size: 25
Maximum Group Size: 37
This tour is a unique opportunity to visit one of Iceland’s most remote places that even few Icelanders have witnessed. The tour begins with a drive to Thorarinsstadir archaeological site where you will take a look at an interesting Viking era excavation site. From there the tour continues along the fjord surrounded by high mountains. You will not only cross rivers but also drive through spectacular mountain scenery too. The nature and heritage centre of Skalanes covers 1,250 hectares. The centre aims to create a site where Icelandic environment and cultural history can be researched and interpreted whilst maintaining a model for sustainable tourism. The area is a habitat for approx. 50 different bird species during the summer time (mid April to mid August). Enjoy the beautiful scenery overlooking the fjords and mountains while going on a walk along the coastline. Before heading back to the town of Seydisfjordur you will enjoy some local refreshments at Skalanes House. There is a 2.5 km moderate walk on uneven ground but you can stay at the Skalanes House and enjoy the beautiful scenery from here.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland voyages only
HIKE IN THE MOUNTAINS
Tour Highlights: Impressive nature
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Price: US$45 per person
Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 40
Enjoy a beautiful hike amongst the mountains of Seydisfjordur. Soak in the amazing views you will get over the Seydisfjord, the valley and the town, while walking your way up into and along the mountains. Along the way you will pass by the art sculpture “Tvisongur” where you can try out your singing talents. After a short while the path will disappear and you will end up and hike along in pure nature. The hike involves walking on uneven ground without a path so is recommended for guests who are in a generally good physical condition.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland voyages only
Djupivogur
BUS TOUR-GLACIER LAGOON/JÖKULSARLON
Tour Highlights: Amphibian boat tour on the Glacier Lagoon, dramatic landscapes.
Duration: 7-8 hours
Price: US$195 per person
Minimum Group Size: 20
Maximum Group Size: 45
This tour takes you to the magnificent Glacier Lagoon Jokulsarlon. Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the glacier Breidamerkurjokull and large icebergs float on the lagoon. The lagoon is not very wide but it is up to 750 feet deep which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland. Sail among the huge icebergs in the picturesque scenery of Jokulsarlon with a specially equipped boat for approximately 35 minutes. Lunch is included and this tour is suitable for all guests.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages
BIRD WATCHING AND CITY WALK
Tour Highlights: Various types of birds, local art, coffee & cake at Langabud
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Price: US$45 per person
Minimum Group Size: 5
Maximum Group Size: 20
During the breeding season from mid April to mid August, Djupivogur is an interesting choice for bird watchers because you can experience unspoiled nature and see the bulk of Icelandic birds in their natural environment. It is home to 36 species of birds during summer time (mid April to mid August), among them ducks and waders. During this walk you will also pass by the local stone collection by Audunn where you can enjoy a stunning collection of all kind of minerals and gems. The owner himself is an artist and has worked on all the stones in his collection. In the end you will enjoy a nice coffee and one of the best cakes in Iceland at Langabud.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland voyages only
ADVENTUROUS SUPER JEEP TOUR
Tour Highlights: 4×4 Super Jeep tour, mountains and canyons
Duration: 5-6 hours
Price: US$290 per person
Minimum Group Size: 4
Maximum Group Size: 36
Enjoy a Super Jeep drive to the hidden gems of nature that can be discovered in the National Park Vatnajokull. On the Jeep tour you will not only cross glacier rivers but drive through spectacular mountain scenery too. And you can expect narrow and steep canyons, fierce waterfalls and dramatic mountain formations. Lunch boxes from the Ocean Diamond kitchen will be provided.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages
Vestmannaeyjar
BUS TOUR-POMPEII OF THE NORTH – LAVA TOUR
Tour Highlights: A geologically and historically interesting bus tour, visit of the Volcano Museum Eldheimar
Duration: 3 hours
Price: US$110 per person
Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 45
This guided bus tour around Heimaey Island includes the volcanic crater and houses half-buried from the volcanic eruption of 1973. It‘s a unique and fascinating landscape with diverse birdlife (mid April to mid August). The tour ends at the volcanic center, a unique museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption 1973, the emergence of Surtsey Island 1963 and the geology of the Westman Islands. Suitable for most guests as there is only easy walking involved.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages
THRILLING QUAD (ATV) EXPERIENCE
Tour Highlights: 4×4 Quad (ATV) tour in the lava fields; driving a Quad (ATV) yourself.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: US$110 per person (double use, 2 people per ATV)
US$140 per person (single use, 1 person per ATV)
Minimum Group Size: 2
Maximum Group Size: 7/14
On this one hour guided Quad (ATV) tour you will ride through stunning lava fields while experiencing the real offroad feeling. While driving around you get great views over the island and the surrounding areas. And if you are lucky you might even get a glimpse of the world famous volcano Eyjafjallajokull on the other side on the mainland. This is a unique and adventurous opportunity to experience Westman Islands! Don´t miss out on the fun! The tour requires guests to be in a generally good physical condition and guests must provide their driver’s licence to be able to drive the ATV’S.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages
VOLCANO HIKE
Tour Highlights: Climbing a volcano, visit of the Volcano Museum Eldheimar
Duration: 3 hours
Price:US$45 per person
Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 40
Various catastrophes have befallen the island of Heimaey and its inhabitants throughout history. Probably the most tragic incident to take place on the island is the volcanic eruption in 1973. Learn more about the geology and volcanology of Iceland during this 2 hours hike upon a volcano. After reaching the top of the volcano you will not get to see lava flow but you can still feel the warmth of its activity. At the end of the hike, you will visit the unique volcano museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption in 1973, the emergence of Surtsey Island in 1963 and the geology of the Westman Islands. The hike is approximately 5.3 kms on uneven ground and uphill so it is recommended for guests that are in a generally good physical condition.
Available on: Circumnavigation of Iceland and Best of Iceland voyages
