Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour

Geothermal calm meets waterfall drama. This half-day ride is one of the easiest ways to cover Goðafoss plus the oddball Mývatn Nature Baths without stress. What makes it work is the tight plan for cruise ship timing, the packed lunch (chicken or vegan), and the live English guide who brings Icelandic history to the bus window. The main thing to consider is the flies around Mývatn, so plan to protect your face and snacks.

I also like the mix of short stops for big photos and one longer moment for soaking, about two hours at the baths. In fact, several guides on this route, like Niko, Ivy, Vicki, and Hannes, were praised for history, humor, and clear explanations. The potential drawback is that two hours in the baths goes fast, especially if you get chilly walking between pools.

Key highlights you will feel right away

• Goðafoss in person is wider than it is tall, curving in a crescent that makes photos easier than you think.
• Lake Mývatn’s strange ground gets explained in a way that makes the volcanic terrain feel logical, not random.
• Mývatn Nature Baths for 2 hours lets you treat the day like a real break, not a rushed stop.
• Packed lunch is included, with a chicken or vegan sandwich choice plus a water bottle.
• Timed for cruise docking, so you can relax about being back late when your ship is in port.

A cruise-friendly half-day into North Iceland

If you have a cruise stop in Akureyri and only a few hours to spend, this tour is built for that exact reality. You meet at the big parking lot on Gránufélagsgata 50, and the schedule is designed to match your docking times. That matters because North Iceland takes time to reach, and a shore excursion that fights your ship departure is just no fun.

The day runs about 6 hours, with a comfortable bus pace between stops. The itinerary includes a 30 minute transfer, a waterfall photo and walk stop, a quick look at geothermal formations near Skútustaðagígar, then the longer payoff at the baths. You also get free Wi-Fi on board, which sounds small, but it helps when you want to message home or check maps on your phone before you’re fully offline in remote terrain.

One practical note that helps: your lunch is packed so you can spend more time outside the bus. That can make the day feel less like “commute plus two photos,” and more like an actual sightseeing circuit.

Goðafoss waterfall: the story behind the curve

Goðafoss is one of those Iceland sites where the name sounds legendary, but the real win is how it looks up close. The waterfall is famous for being wider than it is high, and it curves in a crescent shape. That curve creates a visual sweep that keeps changing as you move a little along the viewing areas.

You get a 35 minute stop for photos, walking, and scenic views on the way. It’s long enough to do the easy walk, grab a few angles, and still avoid feeling rushed. The guide also adds context so you’re not just standing there watching water fall. One of the best stories here is Icelandic history: when a local chieftain threw pagan statues into the falls, it marked a symbolic moment when Icelanders adopted Christianity.

That bit of history turns the experience from scenic to meaningful. You start noticing how the falls sit in the landscape, and the day stops feeling like a checklist. It turns into a sense of place, with Iceland’s cultural shift happening right in front of you in motion and spray.

Skútustaðagígar and Mývatn viewpoints: reading volcanic terrain

After Goðafoss, the tour heads toward Lake Mývatn. This region is shaped by volcanic forces, and the ground can look like it belongs on another planet. You stop at Skútustaðagígar for a photo moment and sightseeing, then you view Lake Mývatn from a special viewing point.

Skútustaðagígar is known for pseudo craters. Think volcanic aftermath that left behind the kind of terrain you can’t help but stare at. Even if you’re not a geology person, you’ll likely pick up a sense of cause and effect from your guide’s explanations. That’s the difference between a stop where you snap photos and move on, and a stop where you actually understand what your eyes are seeing.

A word of caution that matters for comfort: Lake Mývatn is known for flies. One passenger specifically mentioned that the flies can be really annoying, so plan for them like you plan for weather. If you’re sensitive to bites or you hate bugs near food, bring insect repellent and consider covering up your face and arms when you’re eating or walking between points.

Mývatn Nature Baths: the blue lagoon of the north

This is the big moment. The tour’s centerpiece is a visit to Mývatn Nature Baths, with about two hours to swim and relax. The pools are naturally heated by geothermal forces below the surface, and they’re known for mineral-rich water. You’ll be soaking outdoors, with views over the Mývatn area, so you get scenery plus the thermal break.

Why this stop is such good value on a cruise day: the baths admission is included. That turns the price into more than bus transport. It’s also the kind of experience that helps you recover from cold weather without losing time indoors. Even if you only want a light dip, two hours is enough time to settle in and then decide what you like, without the pressure of a strict “in and out” schedule.

A few comfort realities you should know up front:

• Expect the smell of geothermal water. One review noted the odor was worse than expected.
• Communal showering is part of the setup. If you dislike that style of facilities, plan for it mentally.
• Towels and swimsuits are not included, but you can rent them at the baths for extra cost. If you packed light, that’s fine, but if you can bring your own towel and swimsuit, you’ll feel more comfortable.

I also like the way this stop balances relaxation and sightseeing. You’re not just sitting in one pool the whole time. You can move between pool areas and spend time where the views feel best, while still benefiting from the heat when the air gets breezy.

Lunch on board: simple, included, and actually helpful

You get a packed lunch with a chicken sandwich or a vegan sandwich, plus a water bottle. It’s included, which helps because Icelandic food pricing can be painful on a tight schedule. More importantly, the packed format means you eat when it’s convenient for the route, not when the group is stuck waiting for a restaurant.

One small caution: the lunch choice is supposed to be chicken or vegan. Still, at least one passenger reported getting only chicken salad when they expected a vegetarian option. If you have a strict dietary need, I’d treat the sandwich choice like a must-confirm detail, especially if your cruise day is short on time.

How to make lunch easier in real conditions: eat soon after you get the break and keep snacks covered when you move near Lake Mývatn. Between cold air, wind, and flies, the “right moment” to eat matters more than usual.

Transportation and timing: what keeps this from feeling rushed

This tour includes transportation from Akureyri Cruise Terminal, and it finishes by returning you back to the ship. The meeting point is Gránufélagsgata 50, in the big parking lot, and your guide meets you there.

Several people praised the ability to stay on schedule. That’s crucial on cruise excursions, because delays can cascade quickly. Past passengers also noted guides and drivers were conscientious about getting everyone back in time, sometimes arriving a bit early when they chose the direct return route.

There can also be minor timing hiccups if the pickup details shift close to departure. One person mentioned a start time change near ship departure time, but they were assured the return would be on time and ended up back a few minutes early. That’s a reminder to stay flexible and watch for your guide, especially if your ship has an assigned tender or a shifting pier layout.

A final transport comfort detail worth noting: the bus is described as comfortable, and Wi-Fi is included. That makes the ride feel less like dead time and more like moving through the countryside with your camera, phone, and headspace ready for stops.

What it costs, and why it can still feel fair

The price is $247 per person for a 6 hour tour. That’s not cheap, but it’s also not just paying for a bus. You’re getting:

• Round-trip transport for a remote, multi-stop route
• A packed lunch with water
• Free Wi-Fi on the coach
• Entrance ticket to Mývatn Nature Baths
• A live English speaking guide

For a cruise day, these inclusions are what drive value. In Iceland, the cost of transportation, food, and attraction tickets adds up quickly. When a single package wraps those pieces together, you reduce the hassle cost, not just the money cost.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys independent planning, you could theoretically build a DIY day. But on cruise time, DIY often means extra stress and extra uncertainty. This tour trades flexibility for certainty, and for many people, that’s exactly the right exchange.

Who this tour is for (and who should tweak expectations)

This tour suits you if you want a strong highlights day without spending a full day on the road. You’ll likely enjoy it if you care about:

• Waterfalls and Iceland history tied to a viewpoint walk
• An easy introduction to geothermal culture through the baths
• A “see it all” day that still includes real time to relax

It may not be ideal if your priority is unhurried soaking. Some people wished they had more time in the baths. Two hours is good for a first experience, but if you want long sessions and slow drifting between pools, consider a longer stay option where you can extend the soak.

It’s also best if you don’t mind being a bit practical about bugs. If you hate insects at your face level, bring protection and keep food covered.

My decision checklist: should you book?

Book this tour if you want:

• A cruise-safe way to hit Goðafoss and Mývatn in one day
• Baths time that’s long enough to feel like a break
• Lunch included so you don’t lose sightseeing time
• A guide who adds history and local context, not just directions

Consider another option if:

• You have no tolerance for flies and you don’t plan to protect yourself
• You really want more than two hours for soaking
• You dislike communal facilities like shared showers, even if the pools are worth it

If you go in with the right expectations, this tour is a very solid use of a short port day. You end the trip with that rare Iceland combo: dramatic waterfall energy, otherworldly volcanic terrain, and then warm geothermal water to reset your body before getting back to your ship.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 6 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at the big parking lot on Gránufélagsgata 50. Your guide will be there.

Which stops are included during the day?

You visit Goðafoss waterfall, Skútustaðagígar, and Lake Mývatn viewpoints, then you go to Mývatn Nature Baths.

How much time do we spend at Mývatn Nature Baths?

You get about 2 hours at the baths.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a packed lunch that includes a chicken or vegan sandwich and a water bottle.

Are entrance tickets included for the baths?

Yes. Entrance tickets to Mývatn Nature Baths are included.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Swimwear and a towel are required. Towel and swimsuit rentals are available at an extra cost from Mývatn Nature Baths.

Is Wi-Fi provided?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included.

Is the tour guide available in English?

Yes. The tour has a live guide in English.