Visit the Westman Islands
Explore Heimaey in complete privacy, from Eldfell’s volcanic heights to secluded cliffs and puffin colonies, with private guides, intimate local traditions, and a bespoke island adventure far from the crowds.
Area
Southern Iceland
Type
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Once-in-a-lifetime
Standard
Difficulty
Leisurely
Step off the mainland and into a world apart on a private exploration of the Westman Islands, Iceland’s secret archipelago where history, nature, and adventure converge. Your bespoke journey begins with a serene ferry crossing to Heimaey, the only inhabited island, where jagged cliffs rise dramatically from the North Atlantic and the whispers of the past are carried on the sea breeze.
Ascend Eldfell with your private guide, tracing the path of the 1973 eruption that reshaped the island, and delve into the stories of resilience and ingenuity preserved at the local museum. From the summit, sweeping vistas reveal the rugged beauty of the archipelago, a landscape sculpted by fire, sea, and time.
A private boat tour allows you to experience the island from the water, approaching towering cliffs, drifting past iceberg-like rock formations, and spotting puffin colonies up close, intimate encounters that few visitors ever witness. For those seeking a touch of local culture, participate in ‘Spranga,’ a sport unique to Heimaey, connecting with centuries-old traditions in a playful, unforgettable way.
Every element of this adventure is curated for exclusivity: private access, personalised pacing, and opportunities to pause, reflect, and absorb the island’s magic in solitude. By day’s end, you will have experienced Heimaey not merely as a destination, but as a living story, of volcanic fury, human courage, and natural splendour, a rare, intimate Icelandic journey designed for those who seek the extraordinary in absolute privacy.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourWonders of the North: Iceland and Ireland
Discover Iceland’s glaciers, geysers, and volcanoes, then explore Ireland’s castles, coastlines, and cultural highlights. Private guides, exclusive access, and exceptional experiences make this a seamless journey through two of Northern Europe’s most iconic destinations.
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View TourLittle Adventurers in Iceland
A thoughtfully paced Iceland adventure for families, combining Reykjavik, glaciers and volcanoes with hands-on experiences, expert guides and space to relax, from whale watching and snowmobiling to lava caves and the Blue Lagoon.
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View TourFOCUS: Iceland Wonders - A private Family Adventure
A private, family-focused journey through Iceland’s iconic sights, from Reykjavík and the Golden Circle to glaciers, lava fields, and puffin-filled fjords, with exclusive access, expert guides, and seamless luxury throughout.
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View TourFOCUS: Iceland Decoded - Exploring the Elements
Experience Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers, and hidden landscapes with private guides, family-friendly adventures, and exclusive access, from inside a dormant volcano to secret ice caves and Zodiac glacier tours.
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View TourLimitless Iceland Expedition: The Land of Fire & Ice
Discover the Land of Fire & Ice like never before. Embark on an 11-day adventure exploring Reykjavik's vibrant culture, the Golden Circle's natural wonders, and the remote beauty of the Central Highlands, Northern Coast, and Troll Peninsula.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationION Adventure Hotel
The Hotel Ion is a truly unusual hotel. It resembles a world war bunker and its remote location only adds to the intrigue. The setting is beautiful and is perfect for making the most of the ample winter and summer activities on offer in the area.
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View AccommodationThe Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon offers exclusive lagoon access, sophisticated suites, world-class wellness, and bespoke Icelandic experiences, providing discerning travellers with an unparalleled blend of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty.
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View AccommodationTorfhús Retreat
Torfhus Retreat offers an exclusive Icelandic escape with stylish suites, bespoke adventures, wellness treatments, and local cuisine, surrounded by untouched wilderness for discerning travellers seeking privacy and connection to nature.
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View AccommodationCanopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre
A chic, artful retreat in Reykjavik’s heart, Canopy by Hilton blends local character, contemporary design, and intimate experiences, the perfect base to explore Iceland in style and comfort.
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View AccommodationFosshotel Glacier Lagoon
A stylish Icelandic hideaway between glacier and ocean, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon offers sleek comfort, striking scenery and effortless access to Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders—elevated with Scott Dunn’s tailor-made expertise.
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View AccommodationBlue Lagoon Silica Hotel
A tranquil hideaway set in lava fields with exclusive access to a private lagoon, Silica Hotel offers serene luxury and a restorative base to experience Iceland’s elemental beauty with Scott Dunn.
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View AccommodationHotel Borg
Hotel Borg blends Art Deco elegance, central Reykjavík convenience, and personalised service, offering discerning travellers a refined base from which to explore the city and bespoke Icelandic experiences beyond.
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View AccommodationHotel Geysir
Nestled beside Strokkur geyser, Hotel Geysir offers stylish comfort, locally inspired dining, and bespoke Golden Circle excursions, making it the perfect base to experience Iceland’s geothermal wonders and dramatic landscapes.
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View AccommodationGlacier Lagoon Hotel
Luxury meets wilderness at Glacier Lagoon Hotel. Watch icebergs drift from your room, dine on Icelandic cuisine, and explore glaciers and lagoons with Scott Dunn’s bespoke experiences.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceLuxury Lunch in the wild
Savour a gourmet lunch in Iceland’s wild heart. From hidden caves to Thorsmork’s valleys, a private chef prepares a bespoke meal amid dramatic landscapes, turning a scenic stop into an unforgettable, intimate culinary adventure.
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View ExperienceIcee Horse Back Riding
Ride through Iceland’s wild Ölfus landscapes on a private, two-hour tour with gentle Icelandic horses, guided expertly for an unforgettable journey blending serenity, connection, and awe-inspiring scenery.
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View Experience
Friðheimar - Greenhouse Private presentation and lunch
Step into the heart of a family-run Icelandic greenhouse, where tomatoes thrive year-round. Explore, taste, and savour dishes straight from the vine, with hands-on insight into farming, horsemanship, and true Icelandic warmth.
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View ExperienceSouth Coast to Jökulsárlón Tour
Explore Iceland’s dramatic south coast in private, from black sand beaches and legendary sea stacks to towering waterfalls, glacier tongues, and charming coastal villages, in a journey of legend, wonder, and breathtaking scenery.
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View ExperienceSilfra Snorkelling between Tectonic Plates
Drift between continents in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra, where visibility stretches to 100 metres. A serene, dreamlike snorkelling experience revealing Iceland’s most ethereal underwater world.
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View ExperienceHáafell Goat Farm Visit
Visit the Icelandic Goat Centre at Háafell to meet this endangered breed up close, learning about conservation efforts while enjoying an intimate, hands-on encounter with these friendly and curious animals.
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View ExperienceInside the Volcano
Descend into the heart of a dormant volcano at Thrihnukagigur, a singular experience on Earth. Step inside a vast, mineral-streaked magma chamber, guided through its awe-inspiring geology, a private, unforgettable encounter with the planet’s raw power.
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View ExperienceSouth Coast Safari
Discover Iceland’s dramatic South Coast with a private guide, thundering waterfalls, black-sand beaches, volcanic cliffs, and glacier vistas—an exclusive journey into one of the country’s most captivating and varied landscapes.
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View ExperienceThe Golden Circle
Discover Iceland’s Golden Circle in style with a private guide: erupting geysers, roaring waterfalls, and the tectonic drama of Thingvellir National Park, where nature and history converge in a truly unforgettable journey.
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View ExperienceFalljokull Ice Cave Tour
Step into a glacial wonderland on a private tour of Falljokull’s ice caves. Traverse frozen tongues, descend into sapphire-hued tunnels, and witness the ephemeral beauty of an underground world created anew each winter.
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View ExperiencePrivate Superjeep Tour to Thorsmork
A privileged journey deep into Iceland’s wild heart. Venture by super jeep across glaciers, rivers and volcanic plains, guided to hidden wonders few ever reach—an exclusive immersion into Thorsmork’s raw, untouched beauty.
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View ExperienceLaugarás Lagoon Sanctuary of Wellness
Immerse yourself in Icelandic geothermal luxury at Laugarás Lagoon, where mineral-rich waters, mountain vistas, saunas, and a gourmet menu combine for an exclusive wellness escape in nature’s dramatic embrace.
Call us on 020 8682 5040 to start planning