Akureyri: Diamond Circle & Lunch (Dettifoss-Myvatn-Godafoss)

Review of the Akureyri: Diamond Circle & Lunch Tour

This guided day trip from Akureyri promises a full immersion into Iceland’s northern wonders, featuring stops at Dettifoss, Godafoss, Lake Myvatn, and other iconic sites. I’ve seen enough of these tours to know they can be hit or miss, but this one offers some unique highlights and a taste of Iceland’s wild beauty — although, as some reviews note, it’s not without its flaws.

One of the things I appreciate about this experience is how it packs what feels like a full travel story into just 10 hours — from Europe’s mightiest waterfall Dettifoss to the volcanic landscapes around Lake Myvatn. Plus, the included packed lunch with a sandwich, juice, and chocolate bar makes it a practical way to stay energized on a long day of sightseeing. I also like that pickup and drop-off are at Akureyri Port, making it convenient especially if you’re arriving by cruise ship.

However, there are some caveats. Multiple reviews mention delays and timing issues, and for some, the English fluency of the guide leaves a bit to be desired. If you’re expecting a perfectly paced, highly detailed exploration, you might find the schedule rushed, with limited time to really soak in each stop. Still, if your goal is to tick off Iceland’s top sights in one day, this tour offers a good, if imperfect, option.

Key points / Takeaways

• Iconic waterfalls: Dettifoss and Godafoss are memorable highlights — especially Dettifoss, known as Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Expect awe-inspiring power and spray.
• Geothermal wonders: Hverir (Namaskard) hot springs and boiling mud pools offer a surreal landscape of steam vents and bubbling pools, perfect for unique photos.
• Lake Myvatn: Known for its strange volcanic formations and birdlife, it’s a highlight for nature lovers wanting to see Iceland’s geological quirks.
• Húsavík fishing village: Famous for its small wooden church and harbor, it’s a charming spot, although some travelers report only seeing the port on this trip.
• Timing concerns: Multiple reviews mention the trip ending late due to scheduling errors and delays. Expect a tightly packed itinerary with little downtime.
• Guide and commentary: The tour guide’s English proficiency varies, with some passengers noting her pauses and stammering made understanding difficult — a factor if you crave detailed narration.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Actually See

Pickup at Akureyri Port & Early Morning Start

The tour begins with a pickup directly at Akureyri harbor, where you’ll look for the bus marked Soleil de Minuit. The morning can start with a slight delay — one review mentions a one-hour late departure — so be prepared for that possibility. This initial hiccup can cut into your day’s sightseeing time, so arriving early and having patience may help.

Husavík: The Charming Fishing Village

Your first stop is Húsavík, a small fishing village renowned for its wooden church and harbor. The tour includes a quick look at the area, but some travelers report only seeing the port rather than exploring deeply. It’s worth knowing that Husavík is more famous for whale watching tours, which aren’t part of this experience, so this is more about a picturesque peek rather than a full exploration.

Tjornes Peninsula & Puffins (May 20 to August 20)

On the way up, you’ll pass the Tjornes Peninsula, where, with some luck, you might spot puffins — a wonderful bonus for bird lovers. However, this is not guaranteed, and timing is key. If you’re visiting outside the puffin season, this part still offers dramatic coastline views.

Ásbyrgi Canyon: A Horse-Shaped Wonder

Next, you’ll visit Ásbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped gorge surrounded by high cliffs. The scenery here is striking and offers a good stretch of the legs, although some reviews note limited time for photography or exploration — a common challenge on packed day trips.

Dettifoss: Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall

The highlight for many is Dettifoss, the largest waterfall in Iceland by volume. It’s a force of nature that impresses even seasoned travelers. Be prepared for spray and potential crowds, depending on the season. The site is often described as awe-inspiring, though some find passing through without enough time to linger frustrating.

Hverir Geothermal Area: Fumaroles and Mud Pools

Then it’s on to Hverir (Namaskard), a geothermal area alive with steaming vents and bubbling mud pools. It’s a landscape straight out of a sci-fi movie, perfect for snapping photos of Iceland’s volcanic activity up close. This stop is a favorite for its otherworldly feel.

Lake Myvatn: A Volcanic Wonderland

Lake Myvatn offers a landscape of volcanic craters, strange formations, and birdlife. The tour provides a quick look, but some travelers wish for more time here to really appreciate the scenery or explore the nearby geothermal fields.

Godafoss: The Waterfall of the Gods

The final major stop is Godafoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Its name, meaning “Waterfall of the Gods,” is well-earned — it’s a spectacular cascade set against volcanic terrain. Many find it a fitting end to the day’s adventure.

Return to Akureyri

After a full day, the trip concludes back at the harbor, often later than scheduled due to the tight schedule and some logistical issues mentioned in reviews.

Price, Value, and Who It’s For

At a price that includes transportation, a packed lunch, and a guide, this tour offers good value for seeing some of Iceland’s top sights, especially if you’re on a cruise and limited on time. The stops are carefully chosen, and the scenery is undeniably impressive. However, the short visit durations and scheduling issues mean this tour is best suited for travelers who just want a taste of the highlights and are comfortable with a busy, somewhat rushed day.

The inclusion of lunch is practical, but the quality and style of the sandwich — a cucumber with mayonnaise — might not satisfy everyone, especially those expecting a more substantial meal. The guide’s English fluency can vary, so if clear commentary is a priority, this might be a consideration.

This trip works well for those who enjoy remarkable landscapes and are okay with brief stops and a fast pace. It’s probably less ideal for travelers seeking in-depth exploration or a leisurely experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re arriving in Akureyri on a cruise ship or just want a concentrated Iceland adventure, this guided tour of the Diamond Circle offers some of the country’s most iconic sights in one day. Expect breathtaking waterfalls, geothermal landscapes, and volcanic scenery that stick with you long after the day ends.

However, be mindful of the scheduling quirks and limited time at each stop. The experience can feel rushed, especially if delays cut into your sightseeing. Also, the quality of guiding can vary — some may find the commentary less detailed than hoped.

This tour is a solid choice for travelers who want to check off the must-see sights without the hassle of organizing multiple trips themselves. For those willing to accept a busy schedule and some logistical quirks, it’s a worthwhile glimpse into Iceland’s raw, mesmerizing north.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 10 hours, starting from Akureyri harbor with pickup and ending back at the same location.

What’s included in the tour?
The trip includes transportation, a packed lunch (sandwich, juice, chocolate bar), and a live English-speaking guide.

Are there any delays I should expect?
Yes, some reviews mention a one-hour delay at departure, which can impact the timing of site visits.

Can I see puffins on this tour?
You might see puffins on the Tjornes Peninsula between May 20 and August 20, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the guide fluent in English?
Guides’ English skills vary; some passengers report difficulty understanding due to pauses and stammering.

How much time do I get at each stop?
Time is limited — often enough for quick photos or brief walks, but not for deep exploration or relaxing contemplation.

Would I recommend this tour?
If you’re short on time and want a quick, scenic overview of Iceland’s north, it’s a good choice. For a more relaxed, detailed experience, consider other options or longer tours.