Isafjordur and the Westfjords: The 12 Best Day Trips

1.Dynjandi Waterfall Guided Day Trip by Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,484 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $82Our pick

Travel from Isafjordur’s cruise dock by modern bus to Dynjandi, the Westfjords’ great 100-meter waterfall. An English-speaking guide such as Camilla, Sally, or Annalise adds local stories during the one-hour drive. You get 90 minutes at the falls, enough for photos and the uphill path if you wear sturdy shoes.

“I really liked the history the tour guide gave us. Traveling one way to the falls and returning along a different route gave us additional scenery. Also we had a surprise bonus stopping at the Godafos Hotel for Coffee/tea and pastry!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Dynjandi Waterfall Tour and Icelandic Farm Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,245 reviews · 3.5 - 4 hours · from $154

From Isafjordur’s port, you ride through tunnels and fjords to 100-meter Dynjandi, with time for a steep, rough trail walk. At Gemlufell farm, meet sheep and horses, hear about Icelandic farming, and enjoy coffee, tea, and hjónabandssæla cake. Guides such as Tom, Rachel, Thor, and Brynn are known for lively stories and local lore.

“We had the pleasure to travel with Brynn and her father, the sights were fantastic, the wedding cake and tea/coffee/hot chocolate delicious, I've learned a lot”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Dynjandi Waterfall Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 600 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $81

Travel by bus from Isafjordur to Dynjandi, Iceland’s remarkable seven-tier waterfall, with an English-speaking guide. You’ll follow the fjord coast, hear local history and stories, and have about an hour to walk toward the falls. Guides including Rachel, Alan, and Ulfar have earned praise for lively commentary, while the rocky path calls for sturdy shoes.

“Great stuff. Guide British and amazing info. The site is not too crowded like golden circle and if you walk with care to the top you have a feeling of discovery.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Westfjords Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 173 reviews · 3 hours · from $115

Join Sjóferðir ehf. in Ísafjörður for a three-hour whale watching trip through the Westfjords. Guide Tom, a marine biologist, explains whale behavior and helps identify individual humpbacks. You may also see minke whales, dolphins, orcas, puffins, and rugged fjord scenery. The boat has indoor seating and a toilet, but warm, waterproof clothing is essential.

“Amazing experience. It’s a beautiful sunny day. Spots a group of whales. I felt nauseous when the boat was floating on the water for whale watching.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Westfjords Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $113Top rated

Join Sjóferðir in Ísafjörður for about three hours on the waters of Ísafjarðardjúp. Guides such as Tom and Chloe share clear, lively facts about humpback whales while the captain seeks feeding groups without chasing them. Expect wide fjord views, seabirds, possible minke whales, dolphins, and orcas, plus close whale encounters when conditions allow.

“Amazing whale experience, they were so close to ship. Make sure to dress warm and waterproof! Rough seas, take seasickness tables prior and hold on tight.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Small Group Tour Ísafjordur Dynjandi Waterfall & Secret Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 52 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $215

Travel from Ísafjörður port to 100-meter Dynjandi Waterfall, walking past smaller falls on the way. Then visit a traditional working farm for a taste of rural Iceland, with possible treats and animal encounters. Guides such as Suzie, Heidi, and Brin are praised for lively local insight. The tour runs about four hours in English.

“Very knowledgeable guide. Great info on everything Iceland. Answered all questions very accommodating as well.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Bolafjall View Platform Guided Trip by Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 38 reviews · from $59Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide at Ísafjörður port for a two-hour bus trip to Bolafjall. A specially equipped highlands bus climbs the steep gravel road toward the radar station and viewing platform at 636 meters. You’ll see Ísafjarðadjúp, dramatic Westfjords scenery, and possibly Greenland on a clear day.

“The driver waited us near the ship on time. He was very careful, knowledgeable and nice. We visited the rock and also had some stops in interesting places.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.4 Hour Isafjordur and Dynjandi Tour With Photo Stops

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $169

Travel from Ísafjörður to 100-meter Dynjandi waterfall with an English-speaking guide such as Jake, Anna, Stefán, or Jonas. Walk past smaller falls, stop at Holtsbryggja pier, and watch for seals, whales, birds, black-sand beaches, and local villages. The small van group and flexible routing suit cruise passengers.

“We were picked up promptly on a comfortable van. Stefan did a great job driving and telling us about the locations. Of course the highlight is the amazing Dynjandi waterfall.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Isafjordur and Westfjords Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 4 to 12 hours (approx.)

Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle from Ísafjörður into the Westfjords with guides such as Jake, Anna, or Stefan. Visit fishing villages, the Ósvör Maritime Museum, Bolafjall’s cliff-top platform, and Dynjandi waterfall. The route can last 4 to 12 hours and suits families, cruise passengers, and small groups.

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Isafjordur and Westfjords Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 4 to 12 hours (approx.)

You’ll travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle from Ísafjörður with a local guide such as Steffan, visiting fishing villages, the Ósvör Maritime Museum, Bolafjall’s skywalk, and Dynjandi waterfall. The route can run 4 to 12 hours, with pickup anywhere in Ísafjörður and time to pause for photos and walks.

“Private transportation was great, beat all the buses . Stopped where ever & when ever we wanted. Took how ever much time we wanted. Guide took us to private view points. She was great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Private wakeboarding or waterskiing trip in Westfjords

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $250

Meet your English-speaking guide at 9:00 am in Ísafjörður, collect the needed gear, and drive together to a white sand beach beside Flateyri. You will learn the basics of wakeboarding or waterskiing, ride in the North Atlantic, and hear local stories about Westfjords life. Guide Justas has a calm, encouraging approach that suits beginners and intermediate riders.

“Justas was a fantastic tour guide. He took us through the basics of wakeboarding and made sure we felt comfortable at all times. The setting was amazing - it was a beautiful sunny day and we were surrounded by the fjords. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Ísafjörður Shore Excursion: Dynjandi & Westfjords

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2 reviews · 6 hours · from $212

From Ísafjörður, you’ll travel by coach through Bolungarvík to Dynjandi waterfall, with stops at a cliffside viewpoint, turf-roofed fishermen’s huts, and Óshólar Lighthouse. English and Spanish guiding is available. Weather can change the route, and the tour includes walking on uneven ground.

Check availability →Read our full review