Golden Circle and Kerid Crater Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik

Exploring Iceland’s Golden Highlights: A Practical Guide to the Golden Circle and Kerid Crater Tour

If you’re visiting Reykjavik and want to see some of Iceland’s iconic sights without the hassle of renting a car, the Golden Circle and Kerid Crater Afternoon Tour offers a perfect solution. For just $77 per person, you get a well-paced, 8-hour journey that takes you through the best-known stops of the Golden Circle route, with the added bonus of visiting the striking Kerid Crater. Led by knowledgeable guides like Odie and Asa, this tour balances sightseeing, storytelling, and plenty of photo opportunities.

What we really love about this experience is how smooth and organized it feels — no guesswork figuring out directions, and the stops are timed well enough to enjoy each site thoroughly. The professional guides are clearly passionate and well-informed, adding depth to each location. Plus, the value is excellent when you consider all the highlights packed into one day.

A possible drawback? Because it’s a popular tour, the group size can be up to 65 travelers, which might feel a little crowded at times, especially at the more popular stops like Gullfoss. Also, food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to buy at the stops. This tour is best suited for first-time visitors or travelers with limited time who want a reliable, rundown of the Golden Circle and Kerid Crater with the convenience of hotel pickup.

If you’re someone who values expert guidance, efficient scheduling, and a comfortable ride, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s especially perfect if you prefer the peace of mind that comes with a guided experience, rather than navigating on your own.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Golden Circle: Covers Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir with expert commentary.
• Stunning Photo Ops: Iconic waterfalls, geysers, and volcanic craters perfect for memorable pictures.
• Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik save you time and effort.
• Authentic Icelandic Sights: Walk around the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir and the dramatic Kerid Crater.
• Good Value: Includes guides, transportation, and entrance fees to the park, making it a cost-effective way to see Iceland.
• Flexible Booking and Cancellation: Free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

A Detailed Review of the Golden Circle and Kerid Crater Tour

The Basics: What to Expect and Why It Matters

This tour delivers an 8-hour itinerary packed with Iceland’s most famous sights. For $77, you get transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and entry to key sites like Thingvellir National Park and Kerid Crater. These are highlights that define Iceland’s rugged landscape and historical significance, making this tour a practical choice for first-timers or anyone short on time but eager to experience Iceland’s essence.

We loved the ease of the hotel pickup, which means you don’t need to worry about arranging transport or navigating Reykjavik’s streets early in the morning. The bus is comfortable, and with most travelers booking 59 days in advance, it’s clear that this tour offers dependable scheduling and availability.

Visiting the Golden Circle: The Highlights

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s star attraction for good reason — it offers a mix of natural beauty, geological marvels, and historical sites. The tour hits all three main points:

• Geysir geothermal area and Strokkur geyser: The latter erupts approximately every 7 to 10 minutes, offering fantastic photo moments and a reminder of Iceland’s fiery volcanic activity. The geyser area is lively, but some reviews note it can feel underwhelming if you expect a grand spectacle — it’s a brief stop, but enough to grasp the geothermal energy bubbling beneath the surface.

• Gullfoss Waterfall: An impressive cascade with two tiers, each over 11 meters and 21 meters high. The sheer power of White River Hvítá makes for memorable views. Reviewers praise the good balance of time at this stop, allowing for both photos and soaking in the landscape.

• Thingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s where Iceland’s first parliament was founded in the late 900s. More than just history, it’s a place where volcanic activity is still evident—the visible division between the Eurasian and North American plates adds a geological thrill. Reviewers mention it’s a highlight, especially with enough time to walk around and appreciate its vastness.

Kerid Crater: A Volcanic Wonder

The Kerid Crater is a volcanic caldera that’s 55 meters deep, with a stunning red volcanic rock and a striking blue-green lake at the bottom. It’s only included in the 10:30 am departures, which makes it a special bonus if you’re on that schedule. With 20 minutes here, you’ll have time to walk around the rim and peek into the crater, but some reviews suggest that more time would be appreciated — especially to descend into the crater itself.

Travelers have called Kerid “an iconic volcanic crater” and describe it as “beautiful,” and it makes for a fantastic photo stop. Be sure to wear good shoes if you want to explore more closely.

The Guides and Group Size: What Makes a Difference

Reviews consistently highlight the quality of guides like Odie, Asa, and Beggi. They are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to keep the group engaged. Many mention how the guides make Iceland’s geology and history accessible and even entertaining.

The group size, maxing out at 65 travelers, can sometimes make stops feel a bit rushed — especially at popular spots. Still, the pacing is generally well thought out, and the large coach allows for a comfortable ride with amenities like Wi-Fi and USB ports, which many travelers found handy for capturing photos and staying connected.

The Pros and Cons: An Honest Look

Pros:
– Expert guides who bring the sights alive with stories and insights.
– Beautiful scenery at every stop, from waterfalls to volcanic craters.
– Good value considering transportation, guiding, and entry fees are included.
– Convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Cons:
– Group size might be larger than some prefer, leading to some stops feeling rushed.
– Food not included; expect to purchase snacks or meals at stops, often at tourist prices.
– Limited time at some sites, notably Kerid Crater and Geysir, which may leave some wanting more.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour suits first-time visitors eager to tick off Iceland’s must-see sights efficiently, or travelers who prefer guided experiences over self-driving. It’s ideal for those who want to learn about Iceland’s geology and history in a relaxed, well-organized setting. It’s also great if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive taste of the Golden Circle without the hassle of planning.

Final Thoughts

This Golden Circle and Kerid Crater tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience some of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and a well-paced itinerary, it’s hard to go wrong — especially considering the price of just $77. While it’s not a full-day in-depth exploration, it provides a solid introduction that leaves you with plenty of memorable sights and stories.

If you’re after an authentic, value-packed snapshot of Iceland’s natural beauty and history, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate expert commentary and convenience over a more intimate or self-guided approach.

FAQs

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included, making it more convenient, especially if you’re staying downtown.

How long are the stops?
Each site gets a decent amount of time — roughly 40 minutes at Gullfoss, 40 minutes at Thingvellir, and about 20 minutes at Kerid. The geyser stop is about 1 hour, giving you enough time to snap photos and explore.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You can purchase food at Strokkur geyser stop, where there are options available, but keep in mind they tend to be tourist prices.

What’s the group size?
The tour can have up to 65 travelers, which is common for popular excursions, but guides manage to keep the experience engaging nonetheless.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The stops are generally kid-friendly, and guides adapt their commentary accordingly.

What should I wear?
Since Iceland’s weather can change quickly, dress in layers and be prepared for rain or wind. The tour runs in all weather conditions, so appropriate clothing is essential.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Beyond that, refunds are not issued.

Is Kerid Crater worth including?
Absolutely, particularly in the morning tour, as it’s a unique volcanic landscape. If you’re pressed for time later in the day, this stop might be the highlight for many travelers.

To sum it up, this guided tour offers a practical way to see Iceland’s Golden Circle with all the essentials covered — stunning sights, engaging guides, and a comfortable journey. It’s perfect for those who want a hassle-free introduction and are happy with a lively, group experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone wanting a reliable overview, this tour provides a balanced mix of nature, history, and photo opportunities that will stay with you long after your trip ends.