Heimaey Island, part of the Westman Islands archipelago, is a small but lively spot packed with volcanic history, rugged coastlines, and abundant wildlife. What makes Heimaey stand out for tours is its proximity to active volcanoes like Eldfell, its colorful seabird colonies, and the chance to explore natural wonders by different modes — from scooters to boats to luxury cars. We especially enjoy the volcano ATV tour for its fun and educational approach, as well as the boat tours for their wildlife encounters, like puffins and seals. Whether you’re after a family-friendly ride or a private luxury experience, Heimaey offers options that make the most of its volcanic landscape and maritime charm.
This list covers a variety of tour types: ATV adventures, boat trips, private tailored drives, and wildlife-focused scooter tours. Each offers a different perspective on the island’s geology, nature, and history. To help you choose, we’ve examined the details, reviews, and what makes each experience unique, so you can find the best fit for your interests and budget.
Now, let’s explore these top-rated experiences in detail.
1. Volcano ATV Tour
Explore the volcanic landscape of Eldfell and the rugged coast of Heimaey on this small group ATV tour. Just 1 hour long, this adventure takes you around the island with a guide who shares stories about the island’s formation and eruptions. Each ATV seats two, and while they’re easy to drive, a driver’s license is required — perfect for those who want a hands-on experience without needing prior off-road skills.
What makes this tour stand out is the balance between fun and learning — you’ll visit Prestvik beach, where a fishing ship was stranded, and drive around lava flows that are still fresh from recent eruptions. The guide takes you into the middle of Eldfell, offering spectacular views of the volcano’s crater and the surrounding coastline. Each ATV is automatic, making it accessible for most drivers, and all safety gear is provided.
This tour is highly rated, with 249 reviews averaging 5.0/5, and reviews consistently highlight the fun of driving and the knowledgeable guide. It’s perfect for families (ages 6 and up) and anyone craving a lively, active way to see the island’s volcanic side. The small group size guarantees personalized attention, and the scenery is unforgettable.
Bottom line: If you want an engaging, family-friendly way to explore Heimaey’s volcanic terrain, this ATV tour offers excellent value and memorable views.
2. Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar
Zooming around Heimaey by boat provides a completely different perspective on the island’s rugged beauty. This 1 hour 30 minutes cruise is perfect for wildlife lovers and those curious about Iceland’s volcanic geology. The boat takes you past sea caves, Elephant Rock, and along the coast where you’ll see puffins, seabirds, and perhaps seals resting on rocks.
One reason this tour ranks highly is its intimate approach to wildlife viewing. The crew shares stories about the island’s volcanic eruptions and the many seabird colonies, making it both educational and entertaining. Passengers often spot puffins flying overhead and observe the new lava from the 1973 eruption — a reminder of Heimaey’s fiery past.
The boat is comfortable, and lifejackets are provided, with an emphasis on safety. The reviews praise the enthusiasm of the crew and the clear, unobstructed views of the landscape. Costing around $102.56 per person, it’s a good value for a chance to see wildlife up close and learn about the island’s geology.
Bottom line: This family-friendly boat tour combines scenic views, wildlife sightings, and volcanic storytelling, making it a must for nature enthusiasts.
3. PRIVATE 2-Hours Tour – Westman Islands with a local in a BMW X5
For those seeking exclusivity and tailored experiences, this private drive offers a personalized way to explore Heimaey. Led by a local guide in a sleek BMW X5, this customizable 2-hour tour can be adapted to your interests — whether that’s puffin colonies, volcanic sites, or scenic spots for photos.
The flexibility of this tour is what sets it apart. Guides like Malissa or Melissa have 5-star reviews, and they tailor the route to your preferences. Want to stop for photos of Elephant Rock or take a leisurely walk around a historic church? Just say the word. If you’re short on time but want a deep dive into the island’s highlights, this is an excellent choice.
The cost is around $607.15 for up to four people, making it a good value for a private experience. Guests describe guides as knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, often mentioning how they enjoy the relaxed pace and personal attention. This tour is ideal for travelers who want control over their sightseeing and enjoy private luxury.
Bottom line: If you prioritize comfort, personalized service, and seeing the island at your own pace, this private BMW tour is an excellent investment.
4. Eyjascooter Volcano Tour in Westman Island
Discover Westman Island’s volcanic scenery on electric scooters designed for fun and safety. This 1-hour tour takes you around the island on specially designed electric scooters with seats, making it more comfortable and accessible. You’ll ride with a guide who shares stories about the night of the volcano and the island’s geological history.
The scooters are powerful, like the Kaabo Wolf Warrior 11, and the tour offers a unique way to experience the island’s natural beauty. You may see puffins, sheep, horses, and stunning views of lava flows. The guides do a safety briefing beforehand, and helmets, knee pads, and elbow covers are provided.
Rated 14 reviews, all 5-star, travelers love the fun of riding the scooters and the chance to explore areas that are hard to reach on foot. This tour suits active travelers who want a quick, exhilarating overview of the island’s landscape with a focus on wildlife and volcanic features.
Bottom line: If you’re after a dynamic, eco-friendly adventure that combines wildlife viewing with volcanic scenery, this scooter tour delivers.
5. Eyjascooter Puffin Tour in Iceland
For bird lovers, this puffin-focused scooter tour is a highlight. In about 1 hour 45 minutes, you’ll glide on electric scooters through areas of Westman Island where puffins nest during summer. The small group of up to 6 travelers ensures an intimate wildlife experience.
Your guide takes you to special spots for puffin sightings, with plenty of opportunities for photos. The tour also includes a visit to the Sea Life Trust Museum, where you can learn about Icelandic seabirds and marine life. The safety gear is included, and the guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm — especially for their storytelling about puffins and the island’s volcanic past.
Rated 34 reviews, 4.5/5, travelers find this tour a perfect mix of wildlife, scenery, and education. It’s ideal for those who love birds and want to see puffins up close while exploring scenic coastal areas.
Bottom line: This personalized puffin tour combines wildlife, scenery, and a chance to learn about marine birds, making it ideal for nature lovers.
6. Puffin Islands and volcano Boat Tour
Rounding out our list, this boat tour offers a scenic cruise past the puffin islands of Elliðaey and Bjarnaey, with views of Heimaey’s new lava flows from the 1973 eruption. It lasts about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes and provides an excellent chance to see wildlife, volcanic features, and sea caves in one trip.
The boat sails along the east coast of Vestmannaeyjar, passing by islands with the famous “loneliest house in the world” on Elliðaey. You’ll also visit a sea cave where you can enjoy music and the natural acoustics. Local guides share stories about puffins, island history, and volcanic activity, enriching the experience.
Rated 5 reviews, 5/5, this tour appeals most to wildlife and geology enthusiasts who want a relaxed, scenic cruise with a touch of adventure. It’s also a good option if you’re limited on time but want a comprehensive view of the islands’ natural beauty.
Bottom line: For a short but scenic cruise with wildlife and volcanic highlights, this boat tour offers a memorable and relaxed experience.
How to Choose Your Heimaey Tour
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and physical activity level. If you want an active, family-friendly adventure, the Volcano ATV Tour is hard to beat for fun and scenery. For wildlife lovers, the Puffin Islands Boat Tour and Puffin Scooter Tour offer close encounters with seabirds. Those seeking a private experience can opt for the private BMW tour, perfect for customized exploration.
Budget-conscious travelers may prefer the boat tours or scooter adventures, while those after a more exclusive, tailored trip might find the private drive worth the splurge. Consider the tour duration and physical activity involved — scooters and ATV rides are quite active, whereas boat tours are more relaxed.
Booking early is advised, especially during the high season in summer, when demand for wildlife and adventure tours peaks. Think about your main interests: volcanic landscapes, wildlife, private luxury, or a mix — and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Heimaey Island offers a surprising variety of ways to explore its volcanic landscape, coastlines, and birdlife. Whether you prefer a lively ATV ride, a scenic boat cruise, or a private custom tour, there’s something to match your style. For active families, the ATV tour is a highlight, while bird enthusiasts will love the puffin scooter and boat tours. Travelers seeking comfort and exclusivity will enjoy the private BMW experience.
No matter which you pick, booking early ensures you won’t miss out — Heimaey’s tours fill up quickly in the summer months. So plan ahead, pick the experience that excites you most, and get ready for a memorable adventure on this remarkable island.
