Basalt cliffs and a waterfall, all in one run. This shore excursion packs Stuðlagil Canyon and basalt columns into one tidy route from Seyðisfjörður, with the glacial river’s turquoise color doing most of the talking. I love how the canyon walls look almost mathematical, with huge hexagonal formations that rise up to about 30 meters.

The second big reason I’m a fan is Gufufoss, a 27-meter waterfall that gives you that Skógafoss-style drama without the southern drive. With a guide like Kjartan, you also get real context for what Icelanders notice every day. The main drawback to plan for: the canyon viewing area involves lots of stairs, including down and back up.

Key things that make this tour worth it

• 30-meter basalt column cliffs at Stuðlagil make the canyon feel unreal
• Hexagonal patterns along the walls, plus a glacial river with turquoise tones
• A clear explanation of why Stuðlagil stayed unknown until the Hálslón dam
• Gufufoss (27 m) delivers a major waterfall moment on a tight timeline
• Multiple roadside photo stops on the return stretch can add extra wow
• English-speaking live guide plus free WiFi, with cruise-port pickup and drop-off

From Seyðisfjörður to the canyon: the bus ride is part of the experience

This isn’t a slow, meandering day. It’s built for cruise timing, so you trade some spontaneity for a lot of scenery per hour. You start at Ferjuleira, then settle into the coach for roughly 110 minutes toward East Iceland’s countryside and the Jökla River area.

I like this pacing because it gives you a quick payoff. Within the same half-day, you go from the comfort of town to wide-open views, and then straight into one of Iceland’s most striking geology scenes. If you’re the type who appreciates scenery even from the window, this section will feel productive rather than wasted.

Practical note: there’s no hint in the schedule that you’ll have long stops to stretch, so I’d use restroom chances when they appear and keep your rain gear handy. Weather moves fast in this region.

Stuðlagil Canyon: the basalt columns and turquoise river that do the work

When you reach Stuðlagil Canyon, the main event is the canyon walls made of enormous basalt columns. These rise up to around 30 meters and create a striking, repeating pattern—many of the columns are described as 30-meter-high hexagonal formations.

What I love most here is the contrast. The canyon feels solid and dark from above, but down at river level you get that dreamlike turquoise tone from glacial water. That combination is why Stuðlagil photographs so well from the viewing areas—your eye keeps bouncing between the hard geometry of the rock and the softer color of the river.

You’ll spend about one hour sightseeing at the canyon. That’s enough time to see it from the main viewpoint(s), take photos, and still move at a relaxed pace before you have to rejoin the group.

The stairs and viewing platform reality check

Here’s the one thing I’d plan for early: lots of stairs. Reviews and on-the-ground experience for this kind of canyon layout usually means you’ll go down and then up again to reach the viewing platform(s). So don’t treat this like a flat walk in the park.

If stairs are a problem for you, consider whether you can comfortably handle repeated steps with changing footing conditions. Rain gear helps because the area can be slick, and comfortable shoes matter more than people think.

Even if you’re fine on stairs, I suggest pacing yourself. The best photos often come after you slow down and pick angles carefully, not while rushing.

Why Stuðlagil was unknown: the Hálslón dam connection

One reason this canyon trip feels more than just scenic is the story behind why you’re seeing it at all. You’ll learn that Stuðlagil was largely unknown until the construction of the Hálslón dam changed what people could access and observe.

That’s valuable because it turns a pretty sight into a place with a cause-and-effect story. You’ll understand what you’re looking at in a more grounded way—how Iceland’s infrastructure and water management influence visibility and access to natural features.

I also like this angle because it helps you avoid the common tourist trap of treating Iceland like a slideshow. Instead, you start connecting geology, water systems, and human decision-making.

Gufufoss: a 27 m waterfall with a Skógafoss vibe

After Stuðlagil, the coach ride continues for about 1.5 hours before you reach Gufufoss Waterfall. This stop lasts around 25 minutes, which is short—but that’s normal for shore excursions built around a fixed docking window.

Here’s what to expect: Gufufoss is about 27 meters tall, and it’s described as having a feel similar to Skógafoss in the south. It’s smaller than the famous falls you might have seen in photos, but the height and power still make it worth a stop, especially when you pair it with the canyon in the same day.

You’ll have time to take photos from multiple angles. I find these quick waterfall stops work best when you arrive with a plan: one wide shot to capture the full drop, one side angle to show how the water spreads, and then a close enough shot to show texture. Twenty-five minutes goes fast if you drift.

The return ride: why those extra waterfall stops matter

On the way back toward Seyðisfjörður, you may get 2 to 3 waterfall stops along the return stretch, adding variety without changing the overall tour structure.

I love these kinds of add-ons because they keep the day from turning into bus + two major attractions only. Instead, you get several moments where you can step out, stretch a bit, and reset your eyes after staring at canyon rock and river color.

The route also gives you a second look at the East Iceland countryside. Even from the coach, you’ll notice different shapes of valleys and watercourses as the day changes light.

Guide time: what you gain from a strong local storyteller (often Kjartan)

This tour is led in English by a live guide, and the difference a good guide makes is very real here. The canyon is visually intense, but the guide’s job is to help you understand what you’re seeing and why it matters.

In particular, Kjartan is mentioned as a standout in guides who bring personal stories and a flexible attitude. That matters when the group includes families, different comfort levels, or shifting weather. A guide who’s patient with young kids and can keep things upbeat makes the schedule feel less rigid.

If you’re hoping to get more than a collection of photo stops, this is where the value shows.

Timing for cruise ports: a 5-hour plan that tries to fit the ship

The total time is about 5 hours, with your canyon visit and waterfall stop built in. You’ll also have pickup and drop-off from the cruise ship terminal, with the whole point being that the tour fits your docking window.

One practical thing to know: the canyon area is roughly 90 minutes from the cruise port in terms of travel time. That long drive is why the sightseeing blocks are relatively tight. You’re not going to linger. You’ll see a lot, then move on.

If your ship schedule is tight, you’ll still want to be ready quickly at the pickup point. Bring a small bag you can manage on stairs, and keep essentials—rain gear, water-resistant layers, camera strap—within easy reach.

Price and value: is $205 fair for this route?

At $205 per person for a 5-hour excursion, this isn’t a budget outing. But the cost does line up with what you’re paying for: transportation from the cruise area, a live guide, and access to two major natural attractions—Stuðlagil Canyon and Gufufoss—within one day.

The value equation usually comes down to three questions:

• Do you want both canyon geology and a large waterfall without changing tours?
• Are you okay with limited time at each stop?
• Do you appreciate guided context (like the Hálslón dam explanation) rather than just looking at views?

If the answer is yes, $205 can feel reasonable because you’re not piecing together separate trips and multiple logistics. If you prefer slow travel or you plan to spend hours walking, the short sightseeing windows might feel limiting.

And food is not included, so if you’ll get hungry, plan to handle snacks separately. (More on that below.)

What to bring: the rainy, stair-heavy basics

The tour notes are simple for a reason: comfortable shoes and rain gear matter. Even if the day starts clear, Iceland weather can flip quickly, and wet stairs are no joke.

I’d also bring:

• A waterproof layer you can actually move in
• Gloves or a light warm layer if it’s cool in the morning
• A small bag for your phone/camera so you can grab photos fast on the return stops

Because food and drinks aren’t included, I recommend thinking about your energy. Even a small snack can make the canyon portion feel less stressful, especially with stairs and photo time.

Who this tour fits best

This shore excursion is a strong match if you:

• Want a fast, high-impact East Iceland day from Seyðisfjörður
• Love geology and big geology stories (those basalt columns are the star)
• Want waterfall time with Gufufoss without committing to a long southern day

It’s also a good choice for people who enjoy having a guide who brings local context and can keep the day moving while still being friendly.

What doesn’t fit as well: anyone who can’t handle stairs well at the canyon viewing area. Also, the tour notes say it’s not suitable for children under 2.

Should you book this Seyðisfjörður shore excursion?

I’d book it if you’re excited by Stuðlagil’s basalt columns and you want Gufufoss as a second anchor moment in the same half-day. The route makes sense for cruise schedules, and the guided explanation about the Hálslón dam turns the canyon into more than just a pretty stop.

Skip it (or choose another option) if you know stairs will be tough for you. The canyon viewing area is the one place where your body needs to cooperate.

If you can manage that, this is the kind of outing that leaves you with two strong memories: geometric canyon rock up close, then a big waterfall moment on the return.

FAQ

How long is the Seyðisfjörður Stuðlagil Canyon and Gufufoss shore excursion?

It runs for about 5 hours total.

What does the tour include?

You get an English-speaking live guide, pickup and drop-off from your cruise ship terminal, and free WiFi.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food or drinks are not included.

What’s the main sightseeing time at Stuðlagil Canyon and Gufufoss?

You’ll have about 1 hour at Stuðlagil Canyon and about 25 minutes at Gufufoss Waterfall.

How much travel time should I expect from the cruise port?

Plan on a long drive portion—roughly about 90 minutes to the canyon area, based on the tour timing.

Are there stairs on this tour?

Yes. Reaching the canyon viewing platform involves a lot of stairs, including going down and back up.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

It’s not suitable for children under 2 years.

Is the tour fully refundable if my plans change?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

FAQ

How much does it cost?

The price listed is $205 per person.

Can I keep my plans flexible with how I book?

Yes. It offers a reserve now & pay later option, so you can book without paying immediately.