Four hours, two icons, zero stress. You’ll get Goðafoss up close, then soak at Forest Lagoon in geothermally heated water, all timed for cruise-day convenience. I love how the drive gives you big Eyjafjörður fjord views without feeling rushed, and I also love that the lagoon time is built in so you can actually relax. One thing to watch: the cruise pickup meeting points can be confusing if you arrive early and don’t see clear signage right away.

The payoff is simple. You’re out of the cold air for the waterfall, back into warmth at the lagoon, and you’re back on schedule with a clear plan for ship access or a drop-off in town. If you want it to go smoothly, treat the pickup like the main event—confirm your vessel name and keep your phone handy.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Goðafoss timing that leaves room for photos without turning the waterfall into a quick look-and-go
• Forest Lagoon entry included so you can jump straight into the geothermal soak
• Fjord views from the drive along the coast of Eyjafjörður during the ride
• Local English-speaking guidance that helps you connect what you see with what’s happening around Akureyri
• Choice at the end to go back to the ship or get dropped in town to stretch your legs

A Cruise-Day Combo That Actually Fits: Goðafoss + Forest Lagoon

This is the kind of tour that makes sense when you’re only in Akureyri for a limited window. You start with the loud, famous stop—Goðafoss—then shift into quiet mode with a geothermal soak at the Forest Lagoon. The total time is 4 hours, which is tight but realistic if you like a clear plan.

I also like the pacing. You’re not spending all day in transit or waiting around with nothing to do. Instead, you do one big headline experience and one relaxing one, with time to enjoy both.

Goðafoss Waterfall: Iceland’s Big Moment Without the Hassle

Goðafoss is the star, and you’ll see why. It’s a waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót River, known for its dramatic drop of about 39 feet. The whole area feels like a natural amphitheater—when the wind and spray hit, you understand why this place became famous in the first place.

What I like most about going here on a guided port tour is the way you get orientation fast. A good local guide doesn’t just point at the falls; they help you understand the setting and why the view matters. On past departures, I’ve seen guides named Siggi/Sieggy, plus Ean and Hogni, and the common thread is practical local detail.

One small consideration: waterfall photos can be slightly weather-dependent. If it’s windy, you’ll still get great views, but you might want to keep your camera strap secure and plan for brief bursts of spray.

The Eyjafjörður Drive: Views That Make Akureyri Feel Bigger

Between the waterfall and the lagoon, you’ll ride along the coast of Eyjafjörður Fjord—one of Iceland’s longest fjords. Even if you’ve seen photos online, the scale hits different from the road. You get that sense of long water, long weather shifts, and mountains lining the edges.

This section matters because it breaks up the day. You don’t go from the waterfall straight into hot water with no transition; you get to settle your body, breathe, and take in the fjord view. It also helps you time your energy. If you’re the type who gets cold easily, this is the bridge that keeps the day from feeling like one long sprint.

Forest Lagoon Hot Springs: Warm Water in Birch and Pine

Then you’ll switch scenes to something much calmer: Forest Lagoon. This spa sits with a nature setting—birch and pine trees around you—so you can soak while still feeling like you’re in the Icelandic outdoors. The heat comes from geothermal springs, which makes a huge difference on a cooler day.

I love the logic here: the falls are a spectacle, but soaking is where your body recovers. After standing near spray and walking for viewpoints, hot water feels like an automatic reset. The tour includes entry, so you can budget less and focus more on the experience.

Time at the lagoon also makes a difference. People on this route often say the schedule gives them enough room to settle in, not just dip a toe and rush back. One traveler even reported opting to explore afterward—meaning the lagoon is the main event, not a quick stop.

Two practical notes:

• Bring flip-flops or water shoes if you have them, since the ground around spas can be slick.
• Towel rent is not included, so plan for that cost or bring what you need.

Timing and Transport: How the 4 Hours Stay Comfortable

This is designed for cruise ship season, with pickup at the Akureyri port. That matters because the logistics are different in summer. You’re dealing with multiple ships, multiple piers, and a schedule that can’t drift.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus if you need it. On a practical level, you should still be ready for comfort outside the vehicle and bring layers, since Iceland weather changes fast.

At the end, you may have flexibility. One traveler noted there’s an option to be returned directly to the ship or dropped off in town. If your ship dock is tight or you want a little wander time, that drop-off option can be ideal.

Pickup Points in Akureyri: Know Where Star Travel Actually Is

Pickup is the part that can feel the most stressful if you get there and nothing looks obvious. So do yourself a favor and get familiar with where you’ll meet.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship:

• Tangabryggja Port: Just outside the cruise ship area, look for small wooden houses. Star Travel is at house number 3.
• Oddeyrarbryggja Port: Right outside the ship, you’ll find an Icewear shop. Next to it is the designated agent area where tour agents wait. You’ll be looking for a colleague wearing a bright yellow jacket and a Star Travel sign.

If you’re staying in Akureyri (not cruising), make sure you selected the correct accommodation for pickup.

Also, double-check the phone number you provide. The operator may need to contact you with updates, and it’s better if you can actually answer.

English Guide + Local Detail: What You Gain Beyond the Photos

A waterfall and a hot spring are easy to understand on your own. The value here is the commentary. With an English live guide, you get context while you’re still in the moment—like why the fjord route matters, or what to notice around Goðafoss and the ride back toward Akureyri.

One review highlighted that a guide named Sieggy (local to Akureyri) shared lots of neighborhood-style detail, not just general facts. Another mentioned Siggi stopping at a couple of viewing points along the way and giving information about the area. That kind of guidance is what turns a checklist tour into a day that feels more connected.

If you like hearing how locals interpret place—weather, geography, and what to watch for—this tour fits well.

Price and Value: Is $203 Worth It?

At $203 per person, this isn’t a budget add-on. But it can still feel like good value, mainly because you get:

• Port pickup
• English guided tour
• Entry to Forest Lagoon

For many cruise visitors, the real comparison is convenience. If booking through a cruise line would mean less choice and higher costs, this tour often comes out cheaper for a similar pairing of stops. One traveler specifically said it was much cheaper than P&O for the same kind of plan.

Think of it like this: you’re paying for time saved and friction avoided. In Iceland, that matters on a port day. You want a schedule that keeps you moving, not a self-drive puzzle between the waterfall and the spa.

What to Bring for a Better Day (Especially if It’s Chilly)

This tour swings between cold air and warm water fast. You’ll want to dress in a way that survives both.

I recommend:

• Warm layers for the drive and waterfall area
• Water-resistant outerwear if rain or spray is possible
• Swimsuit under clothes if you plan to use the lagoon right away
• Flip-flops or water shoes
• A small bag for phone and keys you can keep close in the vehicle

Don’t forget that meals and beverages are not included. If you need food, plan to grab it before or after the tour depending on your cruise schedule and your ship timing.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This tour is a strong fit if:

• You want a two-stop day that feels complete without needing a rental car
• You like famous sights, but you also want a real recovery moment afterward
• You’re visiting Akureyri by cruise and want pickup handled for you
• You prefer an English-speaking guide with local context

It may be less ideal if you’re the type who hates any time pressure at all. Even though it’s 4 hours, you are moving between two popular places and you’ll need to stay ready for the next segment.

Should You Book This Akureyri Port Tour?

I’d book it if you want the best version of a port-day day trip: Goðafoss first for the wow factor, then Forest Lagoon for warmth and decompression. The included Forest Lagoon entry is a real perk, and the schedule is built around cruise convenience.

I’d hesitate only if you know you struggle with meeting points or you’re arriving right at the edge of docking time. In that case, plan extra buffer time so you can find the meeting spot (especially Tangabryggja house number 3 or the Oddeyrarbryggja Icewear shop area next to the agent zone).

If you can manage pickup timing, this tour offers a clean, high-reward mix of spectacle and soak.

FAQ

How long is the Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

The tour runs for 4 hours.

Is pickup included, and where does it start?

Yes. Pickup is included from Akureyri port. Meeting points depend on which pier you’re at: Tangabryggja (Star Travel house number 3) or Oddeyrarbryggja (agent area next to the Icewear shop, look for a Star Travel sign and a colleague in a bright yellow jacket).

Is entry to Forest Lagoon included?

Yes. Entry to the Forest Lagoon is included.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour includes an English guided tour.

What isn’t included in the price?

Meals and beverages are not included, and towel rent is not included.

What if I’m traveling on a cruise ship?

This tour is tailored for cruise ship passengers during cruise ship season. If you’re cruising, make sure you’ve provided the name of your vessel because there are multiple ports in Akureyri.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $203 per person.