What to look for in a tour company and my top recommendations for tours in Iceland.
The road goes ever on and on.
JRR Tolkien
To tour or not to tour Iceland, this is the question. If you are planning a trip to Iceland and are still deciding whether or not you should book a guided tour, read my post about why you should be here.
Yes, you can undoubtedly experience Iceland on your own. The driving is pretty straightforward (if you are not interested in seeing the Highlands, my favorite part of Iceland!), the country is safe, and almost everyone speaks English.
However, the best way to experience Iceland is on a guided tour. During a guided tour, you can sit back and leave the driving to a professional, learn more about Icelandic culture and what you will be seeing, and, if you are lucky like me, make new friends!
When booking a tour, there are some things you need to consider. After visiting Iceland seven times and going on many tours of different types and sizes, I have compiled a list of my top FIVE things you should look for in a touring company. It all starts with sustainable tourism.
Sustainability
Let’s face it. With tourism growing in Iceland, so is conservation awareness. Iceland is home to some of the world’s pristine nature preserves, and I was most impressed during my first visit with how clean everything was. However, there has been a shift in this trend, and more and more tour operators are neglecting the creed to protect the open spaces.
When you book a tour, you must look for the guide’s promise to practice sustainable tourism. Yes, Iceland has strict conservation laws, but operators are “bending the rules” to accommodate large group sizes and increased tour numbers.
Vehicles and foot traffic leave a carbon footprint no matter what; however, we can minimize this by booking tours with companies that commit to practicing sustainable tourism and giving back to the environment.
Some companies use less plastic and waste and even operate tours, such as North Sailing, which offers a carbon-neutral whale-watching option.
Companies that promise eco friendly tourism experience:
Midgard Adventure A family owned tour operator in Southern Iceland offering Super Jeep Adventurs and hikes through the rugged Highlands and beyond.
Borea Adventures A tour operator in Iceland’s iconic West Fjords Region offering daily kayak, hiking, sailing, and seasonal ski tours.
Mr Iceland A unique horse farm and yoga retreat in Southern Iceland steeped in traditions and eco friendly practices.
North Sailing A whale watching and sailing tour operator in North Iceland.
Moðrudalur A farm and campsite in Iceland’s Eastern region with onsite restaurant, tours, and accommodations.
Yes, sometimes a smaller group size means the tour will cost more, but this also means you will have a better experience and uphold Iceland’s creed to respect nature.
Small group tours are also safer, which brings me to my next point…safety.
Safety
Iceland, although charming and beautiful, can also be dangerous. Nature and the elements rule this continent, and visitors must understand this. This is why I always counsel people to remain flexible with their plans and check the weather and road conditions during their travels on https://www.vedur.is/
With that being said, I recently saw a tour operator operating walking tours to the active volcano, which was closed with good reason for public view. If you see something like this, don’t do it. Instead, opt for a ticket to the lava show in Southern Iceland and a lava tube tour of an inactive volcano (which there are plenty of!)
Most tour operators I have been with were safe and knowledgeable, but research before booking. It is best to book with local guides or tour companies that list local guides in their description. You can also check the tour agency website for the awards listed. This is always a good sign!
Companies that promise small groups and personalized attention are the best. A good tour company also states they offer cancellations or rescheduling in inclement weather, which is an excellent sign to book with them since the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable.
Once, I went on a tour with a more extensive tour company into the highlands. The weather was terrible. Snow and high winds made for poor visibility, and we were relatively “set free” from the tour guide once we arrived. I found this appalling, especially considering the conditions.
Be sure to ask if it is a hiking tour and if the guide will stay with you for at least most of the hike. Remember to remain flexible with your plans!
Small Group Size
Once you go small, you never go back. Smaller group tours have a higher price point, but with good reason. With a small group tour, you will receive individualized attention and have a better chance of immersing yourself in the experience.
Iceland is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and unique nature. A small group guarantees an opportunity to move slowly, take your time, have questions answered, and be shown the hidden gems along the way.
If you are a solo traveler, that is a better reason to go with a small group. A smaller group size gives you a better chance of making friends, as it tends to be a more intimate setting. (think eight people in a Super Jeep versus 60 in a tour bus!)
Although tour companies like Reykjavik Excursions have carbon-neutral fleets, a small group tour guarantees a much more eco-friendly experience. Since there will be fewer travelers, the guide can take their time, which allows for a better connection to nature and the experience.
Tour size in Iceland vary. You can book everything from a private tour (a nice option if you are traveling with a group and can split the costs) to a Super Jeep style tour (usually an average of 8-10 people), a mid-size tour such as a van that holds 16-20 people, or a bus tour.
When it comes to tours, quality is best chosen over quality. I would book the smaller tours and save the rest of Iceland for a self-guided tour versus a long day on a bus.
The nice thing about smaller tours is that the guide can tailor the day on a whim if there is a change, such as the weather not cooperating or a nearby hidden gem the group would like to see. With an extensive bus tour making multiple stops, this is less likely.
Remember, you can’t see everything. Pick your top must-sees and plan a small group tour that takes you to one of those per day. No one wants to be rushed and exhausted during a vacation; it defeats the purpose!
Good Reviews
This is an obvious one. Check the Iceland travel sites on Facebook and the online reviews of your tour companies. Be sure you choose the right experience for you and what you want to experience! Which brings me to my next one…
A Unique Experience
Traveling is an experience and should be treated as such. If you are like me, the simple things bring me much joy. For example, I chose North Sailing not only for its carbon-neutral footprint and excellence but also because it offered home-baked cinnamon buns during the tour. I chose Borea Adventures for the same reasons but also because it provided a homemade fish stew at the end of the hike. The same goes for Mr. Iceland, who provides a deep connection with the magic of the Icelandic horse and his farm along with a locally sourced home-cooked meal.
As you can see, I am very food-driven, and Iceland has some delicious, one-of-a-kind cuisine to choose from!
Midgard Adventure, a family-owned and operated tour company, offers a cozy Base Camp atmosphere, lunch boxes for tours, and local guides who take the time to connect to guests. I also recommened a stay at their Base Camp for a cozy vibe, rooftop sauna, and delicious food.
All of these offer visitors a unique experience, and this was paramount for me when deciding who to choose!
In closing, remember that travel is not about ticking off a list but about experiencing a new place, meeting new people, learning, and, for us, hobby photographers, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Be sure to make it some good ones and book your tours today!
Iceland is waiting. Goða ferð!
My Top Iceland Tour Recommendations
My Top Place to Stay In East Iceland
Best Horseback Riding Experience
My Favorite Destination in Iceland- Thorsmork
Stand Atop A Monster of a Volcano with Midgard Adventure
