Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Husavik

Iceland packs a lot into one day. This 5 to 6 hour shore excursion links Godafoss Waterfall with the strange volcanic sights around Lake Myvatn, giving you waterfalls, steam vents, lava formations, and the option of a warm soak. I like the variety, and I like that the small group is capped at 19 people. The main drawback is time: long drives and rough weather can make the day feel rushed.

I also like the flexible choice at Lake Myvatn. You can use the Nature Baths, or visit Grjotagja Cave and the continental rift instead. Guides such as Norbert have been praised for humor, clear explanations, and professional handling of port changes. Just keep in mind that the Nature Baths cost extra, and the admission must be reserved before the tour.

Key points to know before you book

• Godafoss comes early: You get around 30 minutes at the Waterfall of the Gods, enough for photos and a short walk.
• Lake Myvatn packs in several sights: Námaskarð, Dimmuborgir, Grjotagja Cave, and the Nature Baths all feature in the day.
• The Nature Baths are optional: Entry costs ISK 7,400 per person and should be booked for about three hours after the tour begins.
• Driving takes real time: Some stretches between sights can last 45 to 60 minutes, so this is a road trip with stops, not a stay-put excursion.
• Port flexibility matters: The tour is listed for Húsavík, with Akureyri also shown in the tour details. The operator has handled a port change caused by high wind and seas.
• Weather can change the pace: Rain, wind, and cold may shorten stops, especially at exposed volcanic sites.

Godafoss gives the day a strong opening

The first major stop is Godafoss, one of northern Iceland’s most memorable waterfalls. Its name means Waterfall of the Gods, and the broad curtain of water makes the title feel earned. You get about 30 minutes here, with no separate admission charge.

That time is sensible for a cruise excursion. You can walk to viewing points, take photographs, and watch the water thunder over the curved rock ledge without losing half the morning. The stop is not long enough for a slow wander, but it gives you a proper look rather than a quick roadside pause.

I like the way Godafoss sets the tone for the rest of the outing. The scenery changes quickly as you leave the waterfall behind, moving toward the volcanic country around Lake Myvatn. Depending on the weather, you might see snow-capped mountains, open fields, and dramatic bands of cloud during the drive.

Bring a waterproof jacket even if the sky looks friendly at the port. One outing had rain and high wind, which limited time at several stops. Iceland has a talent for changing the rules halfway through the day.

The road to Myvatn is part of the experience

This is not a tour where every sight sits ten minutes apart. Driving between stops can take 45 to 60 minutes, according to the timing reported for the route. That matters when you are comparing this excursion with a shorter port activity.

The upside is that the drive connects two very different parts of northern Iceland. You are not simply being shuttled to one attraction, taking a photograph, and returning. The road gives you changing views and a sense of how spread out the region is.

The downside is easy to understand. A delayed ship arrival, slow disembarkation, bad weather, or an extended stop can squeeze the schedule. One cruise group had to skip the hot springs after arriving late, choosing the cave and rift instead. If your ship reaches port behind schedule, tell the guide what matters most to you as soon as possible.

The vehicle has been described as clean and modern, which makes a difference on a full half-day outing. The group limit of 19 people is small enough to feel more personal than a large coach, while still keeping the price below what a private vehicle would usually require.

Námaskarð shows Iceland at its rawest

At Námaskarð, also called the Hverir area, the earth looks and behaves differently. Bubbling mud pools, steaming ground, and fumaroles create an eerie scene of gray soil and rising vapor. There is no admission fee for this stop, and about 20 minutes is planned here.

This is one of the most unusual parts of the route because you are seeing geothermal activity without a polished resort setting. The mud pots bubble under their own power, and the steam vents remind you that Iceland is still a very active volcanic country.

You should expect strong smells around the mud pools. The ground is uneven, and the area is exposed to wind and rain. Stay on the marked paths and follow the guide’s directions. The point is not to get close to the pools, but to see them safely from the proper viewing areas.

Twenty minutes works for photographs and a short look. It may feel brief if the weather is good and you want to examine every pool. In cold rain, you may be grateful that the stop does not drag on.

Dimmuborgir turns lava into sculpture

Dimmuborgir means Dark Castles, an apt name for the collection of lava formations near Lake Myvatn. Here, old volcanic rock has been shaped into arches, towers, and twisted forms. You get about 20 minutes at the site.

The stop adds texture to the day. Godafoss is all motion and sound, Námaskarð is steam and mud, while Dimmuborgir is still, dark, and oddly architectural. The rock formations look almost built, even though their shapes came from volcanic activity.

The planned stop is enough for a short walk and photographs, but not for a long exploration of every path. That is important if you prefer extended walks. This excursion samples several places rather than spending hours at one.

You might find the light especially useful here. Cloudy weather can make the black lava look even more dramatic, while sunshine brings out warmer tones in the rock. Good shoes are sensible because the surface can be rough and uneven.

Grjotagja offers the best backup to the baths

Grjotagja Cave is an old bathing cave set within part of the rift between the Eurasian and American continents. The stop lasts around 15 minutes, so expect a look inside and a short explanation rather than a lengthy cave visit.

The cave gives the route a more intimate stop. After the wide waterfall and open geothermal fields, you are looking into a compact space tied to Iceland’s volcanic geology. The continental rift connection makes it especially worthwhile for anyone interested in how the region was formed.

The cave also acts as the practical alternative to the Nature Baths. If you do not want to pay for a soak, or if the ship arrives late, this is the choice that keeps the day moving without dropping a major sight.

I would not treat Grjotagja as a full replacement for the baths if soaking is the main reason you chose the tour. It is a short geological stop, not a spa visit. Still, it is a smart option for you if you prefer scenery and geology over changing clothes and pool time.

The Nature Baths need advance planning

Myvatn Nature Baths, also called Jardbodin vid Myvatn, are the tour’s relaxing option. The planned stop is about one hour, including time at the baths and cafe, if the schedule allows. Admission is not part of the tour price and costs ISK 7,400 per person.

You must reserve your own entry in advance. The recommended booking time is about three hours after the tour starts. That timing is meant to allow for the drive and earlier stops, but the schedule can shift because of ship timing and weather.

I like the choice this gives you. A warm geothermal bath can be a fine finish after time outside at Godafoss, Námaskarð, and Dimmuborgir. If soaking is not your thing, you are not forced to buy an expensive add-on. You can visit Grjotagja Cave and the rift instead.

The catch is that one hour passes quickly. You need time to enter, change, enjoy the water, and get ready to leave. If the ship is late or the weather slows the route, the bath may be cut short or skipped. Book the ticket only after considering how much flexibility you need.

Food and drink are not included. The Nature Baths have a cafe, so you can use the stop for a drink or snack, but that cost is yours as well.

Guides and port handling can make or break the day

The guide is important on this route because much of the value comes from the explanations between stops. Norbert has been singled out for clear information, good humor, and a professional manner. Another guide was praised for being easy to find at the port and for having an engaging personality.

Those details matter on a cruise day. At the meeting point, you do not want to spend twenty minutes wondering which vehicle is yours. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, and the guide meets you at the port area.

The port details need close attention when you book. The tour information identifies Húsavíkurhöfn in Húsavík as the start and end point, while Akureyri also appears as the location in the tour details. One ship could not dock at Húsavík because of high wind and seas, and Imagine Iceland Travel moved the arrangement to Akureyri.

That kind of port change is a serious concern for cruise passengers, and the operator handled the switch well in that case. Still, check your own ship’s port and confirm the meeting point before sailing. Do not assume that a change in docking plans will be automatic on every date.

Is $306.40 a fair price?

At $306.40 per person, this is not a cheap shore outing. The price includes transport, pickup, drop-off, and a guide, but not meals, drinks, or the ISK 7,400 Nature Baths admission.

The value depends on what you want from your day. If you want to see both Godafoss and the Myvatn area without arranging a rental car, the cost buys convenience and a carefully connected route. You also avoid the worry of driving in Icelandic weather while trying to return to the ship on time.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want one attraction or a long, slow visit at the baths. You are paying for distance, several stops, and a small group, not for extensive time at each site.

I see this as a good value for a cruise passenger who wants a broad taste of northern Iceland. The route covers more ground than a simple waterfall trip, and the included guide adds context during the long drives. Budget separately for the baths, food, and drinks before you decide.

Who will enjoy this Myvatn excursion?

I would choose this tour if you want variety in one day. You get a waterfall, geothermal mud pools, lava formations, a cave, and an optional bath. That range suits you if this is your main chance to see northern Iceland from port.

It also suits you if you prefer guided transport. The distances are substantial, and the route is easier when someone else handles the driving and timing. The small group limit should make the day less cumbersome than a large bus outing.

You may want another option if you dislike long drives or need a relaxed pace. The stops are short, and poor weather can shorten them further. Anyone hoping to spend a full afternoon at the Nature Baths should book a bath-focused outing instead.

This is also a good match for people who enjoy geology. The route does not just show pretty scenery. It takes you to places where volcanic heat, lava, steam, and tectonic movement are easy to see.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Book the Nature Baths only if you are comfortable with a fixed appointment. The recommended time is three hours after the tour begins, and you should allow for delays caused by the ship or weather.

Wear layers and bring rain protection. Wind and rain have affected the pace before, especially at exposed sites. Solid footwear will help at Dimmuborgir, Námaskarð, and Grjotagja.

Keep your expectations realistic about photography. You will have time for pictures at Godafoss and the other stops, but this is not a photography workshop. If you want a particular place to receive extra time, tell the guide early.

The tour accepts mobile tickets, is offered in English, and confirmation arrives when you book. Most people can take part, but the schedule and terrain mean you should be comfortable getting in and out of the vehicle and walking short distances over uneven ground.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want the biggest range of sights in a single northern Iceland port day and you accept a brisk pace. Godafoss, Hverir, Dimmuborgir, and Grjotagja each show a different side of the region, while the Nature Baths give you a choice rather than a requirement.

Think twice if your ship often runs late, if you want a long soak, or if extended driving sounds tiring. The strongest reason to choose this outing is variety, and the main cost of that variety is time on the road.

For most cruise passengers with one day in the area, I find the route appealing and practical. Confirm the port, plan the bath ticket carefully, and prepare for Icelandic weather. Do that, and the tour gives you a lively, well-rounded look at the volcanic country around Lake Myvatn.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Húsavíkurhöfn in Húsavík. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Is Godafoss admission included?

Yes. Godafoss has no separate admission charge as part of this tour.

Is entry to the Myvatn Nature Baths included?

No. Admission costs ISK 7,400 per person and must be reserved in advance.

When should I reserve the Nature Baths?

The recommended reservation time is about three hours after the tour begins.

What happens 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 activity has a maximum group size of 19 people.