Arctic Trip
Arctic Trip
4.5
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Grimsey Island, Iceland
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
54 reviews
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MeghannLL
Toronto, Canada11 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
My 8-year-old daughter and I recently went on the winter day trip tour to Grimsey Island with Halla from Arctic Trip as our guide. She was awesome and made us feel so welcome and comfortable on our tour! She encouraged us to look for dolphins just after our departure and what a show we witnessed! We saw many, many dolphins playing in the water and jumping in the wake of the ferry! It was so amazing to see that with my girl :) Due to precautions with the Covid-19 virus, we were not able to do all things normally done on the tour but we were okay with this. We had the entire lounge to ourselves on the ferry! Halla gave us chocolate treats and made us a grilled cheese sandwich with coffee/hot chocolate. She really went above and beyond and I am very appreciative of her hospitality. We crossed the Arctic Circle and received a certificate. This was awesome. It was great to learn about the history of the island and the locals. What a magical place. We will definitely return some day and spend some a few days there. Thanks Halla!!! You're the best!
*Note: my girl and I were fine on the ferry ride but we normally do not have seasickness when travelling by boat. Having said that, it is not for the faint of heart!!!
*Note: my girl and I were fine on the ferry ride but we normally do not have seasickness when travelling by boat. Having said that, it is not for the faint of heart!!!
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George R
Birmingham177 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We were met by Hella off the boat from Dalvik. Her smile told us we would have an enjoyable trip. As there was only myself and my wife we were treated to a 4x4 vehicle and the added bonus of Hella's sister who drove the more difficult part of the island's tracks. Before we started touring the island we were taken to a restaurant where we had a delicious bowl of asparagas soup and bread. During the tour Hella's warmth was obvious. Her knowledge she passed on to us about the Island, it's people and animals was amazing. She took us to the place where the Arctic circle passed through the island as well as the best places to see puffins and Arctic terns. She even opened the roof to attract the terns diving bombing. Although about three hours long the tour ended all too quickly. A wonderful way to engage with Icelanders. Thank you Hella.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IcelandMimmo
Isafjordur, Iceland10 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We had a great day on the "friendly" island of Grímsey. You straight away felt the good vibe on the island when you embarked the ship Sæfari/Samskip.
The island has a good soul.
We had booked the Summer-tour with Arctic-trips. We were met on the docks by our guide Halla, she showed us the way to the restaurant, were we started the tour with tasty soup and bread, what a nice way to start the tour before walking around the island.
We were very impressed with our super friendly and pleasant guide Halla. It's obvious that she is very passionate about her job and the island of Grímsey.
What a great day we spent with her on the island.
Highly recommend booking a tour with Arctic-trips 😊👍❤️
The island has a good soul.
We had booked the Summer-tour with Arctic-trips. We were met on the docks by our guide Halla, she showed us the way to the restaurant, were we started the tour with tasty soup and bread, what a nice way to start the tour before walking around the island.
We were very impressed with our super friendly and pleasant guide Halla. It's obvious that she is very passionate about her job and the island of Grímsey.
What a great day we spent with her on the island.
Highly recommend booking a tour with Arctic-trips 😊👍❤️
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MasonNYC
3 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
What an amazing experience! My wife and I spent 10 days on our second trip to Iceland and the day trip to Grimsey with Arctic Trips was hands down our favorite experience. We were a little nervous about taking the ferry boat out, but it was actually very seamless to book online and the boat trip was quite enjoyable.
Grimsey is an amazing place full of birds (Puffins everywhere) and unreal scenery. We considered going by ourselves without a guide (normally how we travel), but it was so nice to have a guide as there is so much to learn about Iceland, birds, and way of life on Grimsey. 4 hours on the island was an amazing time by itself, but next time we will stay for an overnight trip to really get to experience the island.
Thank you Halla for an amazing experience we won’t soon forget! We could not have asked for a friendlier and more enjoyable guide to spend the day with. We look forward to our next visit!
Grimsey is an amazing place full of birds (Puffins everywhere) and unreal scenery. We considered going by ourselves without a guide (normally how we travel), but it was so nice to have a guide as there is so much to learn about Iceland, birds, and way of life on Grimsey. 4 hours on the island was an amazing time by itself, but next time we will stay for an overnight trip to really get to experience the island.
Thank you Halla for an amazing experience we won’t soon forget! We could not have asked for a friendlier and more enjoyable guide to spend the day with. We look forward to our next visit!
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lex121
Horley, UK22 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
I can’t recommend this experience enough. Halla is incredible; warm, knowledgeable, funny, charming - you want to be her friend, and this tour gives you that privilege for a precious few hours.
We went off season, which we were really grateful for. We got to see the island in all its bleak beauty. It’s an uniquely special place (we’re now seriously considering buying a second home there at some point!). You feel like you’re on the edge of the world, but it made me feel connected with life and the planet in a way that I rarely get to experience in my day to day existence.
Halla met us off the ferry, took us to see the Orb (a short but gorgeous drive/walk) and then took us on a little tour of the island, including some houses that might come up for sale!
It’s a genuine community; people rely on each other to get through daily life. When Halla’s car broke down, her lovely nephew came to pick us up and we finished the tour with him, before they saw us safely back to the ferry.
The ferry ride itself is quite long, but comfortable and worth it; it feels like an experience in its own right and it’s incredible to see the north Icelandic coast from the boat.
I couldn’t recommend this experience highly enough. Worth every single penny and we’ll definitely do it again in the summer season to see Grimsey in a new light.
We went off season, which we were really grateful for. We got to see the island in all its bleak beauty. It’s an uniquely special place (we’re now seriously considering buying a second home there at some point!). You feel like you’re on the edge of the world, but it made me feel connected with life and the planet in a way that I rarely get to experience in my day to day existence.
Halla met us off the ferry, took us to see the Orb (a short but gorgeous drive/walk) and then took us on a little tour of the island, including some houses that might come up for sale!
It’s a genuine community; people rely on each other to get through daily life. When Halla’s car broke down, her lovely nephew came to pick us up and we finished the tour with him, before they saw us safely back to the ferry.
The ferry ride itself is quite long, but comfortable and worth it; it feels like an experience in its own right and it’s incredible to see the north Icelandic coast from the boat.
I couldn’t recommend this experience highly enough. Worth every single penny and we’ll definitely do it again in the summer season to see Grimsey in a new light.
Written February 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gillian m
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Couples
During our trip to the North of Iceland we decided we would take the ferry from Dalvik to Grimsey. The water was very choppy because of the time of year but our guide Halla couldn't have done more to help us. When we arrived on the island it looked beautiful covered in a blanket of snow. We were driven around by Halla and her nephew and given a tour of the whole island and even got to meet the sheep! It was a wonderful insight into how small islands function. Tourism is vital to communities like this and we'd urge anyone to visit when in the area. We had a great day there, with wonderful hospitality and we'll definitely be back again in the summer to see the puffins and the whales.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Never_Easy_to_Please
Miami Beach, FL203 contributions
May 2021
We loved our tour and saw all the things one can see on this tiny island. The island is beautiful and fascinating. But it's the stories of the people who live on the island and what life is like - winter and summer - from a long-time resident that makes the tour even better. We gained all sorts of insights into life in Iceland and life so far from the mainland. We'd love to go visit again. The tour was easy to arrange and we were greeted at the ferry as promised. Everything was perfect.
Written May 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike W
Lake Mary, FL13 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
I took the Circle Air 9 seater plane out of Akureyri, IceLand on 8 July 2023. We had a total of 5 passengers including myself. The flight was beautiful and felt extremely safe . Once arriving to Grimsey Island we were greeted by a wonderful local woman. I have been in love with Puffins my entire life (60). The island is amazing . We were on the Island for 2 1/2 hours. I was solo and the 4 others were more interested in the Arctic Circle phot op then the puffins . Because of that , I felt that I was not allotted time enough to observe the puffins . On the website they inform us that we will be experiencing a taste of local cuisine. I wish that they informed us that it was going to be puffin! I understand that puffin is a delicacy in Iceland, but I would have appreciated a heads up that we would be eating one on a tour that is advertised as one for those who adore these creatures. I did tell our tour guide/ driver on the way to the island that I did not want to eat any puffin, yet I still had one on my plate. I kindly passed and did not let this hamper the rest of my amazing experience. I also did not make a big fuss in front of the other guests and I gave my plate to another traveler. The cod was delicious. Again, I just think the tour should clearly state that you will be offered a puffin to eat.
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abha
4 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
We had a blast meeting and hiking with Karen. She was knowledgeable and kind, as well as very patient. She gave us a fantastic tour of the beautiful Grimsey Island and generously shared insights about life there. She also gave us a great recommendation for a lagoon in Akureyri. We are so glad we visited!!
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raj K
Fort Lauderdale, FL185 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
I loved the guide Halla. She is everything I could have asked for. Her knowledge was superb as well as her mannerisms. We spoke about a variety of subjects, about the island, about puffins, about weather, about Iceland, and about a lot of things. It was simply an awesome opportunity to tour the island with someone who lives on the island but has traveled the world (for example, she has been to Greece a number of times).
Written July 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am trying to book the Grimsey ferry for this July 23 but can’t get past my name etc. to put in payment info. Is there a better (in English) to use than the Saefarae site?Have been trying all afternoon. Thank you. Craig
Written April 23, 2021
Is there any type of tour in December if we've already booked our own airfare with Air Iceland Connect? We'd really like to see the Arctic Circle Monument on the short layover....
Written November 30, 2019
Is there any type of tour in December if we've already booked our own airfare with Air Iceland Connect? We'd really like to see the Arctic Circle Monument on the short layover....
Written November 30, 2019
Thanks for the info. If you did it again, would you get a guided tour? Some of the other reviews rave about one guide in particular.
Written February 22, 2018
We did it ourselves, choosing Wednesday to take the ferry since it gave us the longest time on the island (approximately 5 hours). Other days only let you stay 1-3 hours, so check our ferry times before you go. We saw puffins everywhere and had no problem finding the Arctic Circle marker. We ate a pbj lunch that we packed so we could tell everyone we had lunch north of the Arctic Circle. :) We got a certificate in the gift shop that they signed and stamped to show we had made it. I also snapped screenshots of google maps until it showed the 66 degrees to prove I was there. It was one of the highlights of our Iceland trip!
Written July 8, 2019
do you know of any day trips to Grimsey from i.e. Reykjavik?? We are planning to go to Iceland on our own, book a hotel in Reykjavik and take tours out from there...any other suggestions? Or advice on how long a trip we should take to see the best attractions? and what about the Highlands? and Westman Islands?? Many thanks!!
Written August 8, 2017
The westman Islands are very interesting including the volcano museum and the history behind the 1973 eruption. There is more to do there than at Grimsey. Although it is a feather in any story to say you have been above the Arctic Circle. On Grimsey you can either fly in or take the ferry not sure how much those are I was on a circumnavigation cruise that stopped at various ports including Grimsey. At Grimsey you can see Puffins, the Arctic Circle pole and there is a quaint restaurant other than that nothing else on the island. There are many other very good tours out of Reykjavik that are exciting and will allow you to see the country side. The Blue Ice is great as well as the white water rafting on the white river both of those are great day trips. the Blue Ice is all day and the river rafting is about 1/2 day. hope this helps
Written August 10, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.