Heimaey Island

Heimaey Island

Iceland

Witness dramatic volcanic landscapes where black sand beaches meet puffin colonies and steam vents rise from geothermal wonders.

Currency Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Language Icelandic
Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit May–Sep
Typical Duration 7-17 nights
Price Range $1,469–$72,928 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscapes, puffin colonies, and pristine natural beauty in the Westman Islands.

Cruises that visit Heimaey Island

Build Your Day in Heimaey Island

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Eldheimar Probably the best museum that we visited in Iceland. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 1 PM Thu
Gott restaurant The food was excellent, the drinks were marvellous and we had a great time! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Thu
Puffin Lookout - Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands), especially on the island of Heimaey. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Beluga Whale Sanctuary One of the very best experiences we had in Iceland. Wildlife refuge · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Tanginn Thai lamb, whale steak and reindeer burger all on point, top notch place! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Thu
The Brothers Brewery Great atmosphere, nice service. Brewpub · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 2 PM Thu
Slippurinn Incredible drinks, unique food to dazzle the palate, and great service. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Temporarily closed
Vigtin bakhús friendly service, delicious food and nice view. Bakery · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Vöruhúsið The food here is so delicious, everything we ordered was out of this world. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Thu
Hotel Vestmannaeyjar Great facilities, friendly staff and modern vibe. Hotel · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Heimaey Heimaey has such beauty, history, and puffin sightings! Island · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Kráin - Local Restaurant Great service lovely atmosphere and reasonable prices for Iceland. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM
Ribsafari Incredible experience, most exciting thing we got to do in Iceland! Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Bónus Good range of goods including fresh fruit and vegetables in chilled room. Supermarket · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Ranya Kebab The lamb was absolutely delicious and the service was great! Fast Food · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM
Beautiful Puffin and Shore View We start from the very south of the Island and finish in this place. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Eyjatours - Puffin Tours in Iceland The puffin and volcano tour was a wonderful adventure around Heimaey! Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Elephant Rock This island is located in Westmanjar archipelago in Iceland. Rock · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Pizza 67 Really good pizza and draft beer on the island. Pizza · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Storhofdi Lighthouse We just managed to see a faint outline of Surtsey island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Krónan Vestmannaeyjum Interesting local shopping...it's not Costco! Discount supermarket · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Halldórsskora (Elephant Rock) Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Einsi kaldi restaurant A little pricey, but it is a very nice restaurant with good food. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM Thu
Volcano ATV This tour was a great way to explore the island on our day trip to Heimaey. Tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Lundinn (Original Puffin Bar) No pretension, just good 70s and 80s music and a friendly vibe. Pub · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Canton- Chinese Good food, nice people. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Flakkarinn Scenic Overlook the Flakkarinn Scenic Lookout is a must stop while you are in Heimaey. Scenic spot · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Eydís Ísbúð The owner is friendly and the options are top notch. Ice Cream · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM
Icons of Iceland Fantastic place to see puffins! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Skansinn It’s as much history of Heimaey as there is. Historical landmark · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Prýði The Spritz was refreshing and my Irish Coffee was perfectly balanced. Wine bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
The Viking Town Nice recreation of a Viking house. Museum · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Klif Exfoliate your hands on the rope climb. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Sprangan Thanks to our guide, Ebbi, for showing us how to do it! Fairground · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Seabirds and Cliff Adventures My husband and I went on the volcano and puffin tour with Hjördís. Tour operator · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Stafsnes Very beautiful corner and cave of the island Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Heimaey Lighthouse Nice spot with great views, perfect quick stop on Heimaey Scenic spot · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Höllin Really great place to enjoy a good moment Bar · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Icewear Vestmannaeyjar Meant to just gift a jacket to my boyfriend but also found one for myself! Outdoor clothing and equipment shop · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Litla Skvísubúðin Women's clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Póley In-store shopping·In-store pickup Gift shop · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Heimaey vinnu- og hæfingastöð Nice island to visit quite place Candle store · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 3 PM Thu
Kubuneh verslun Nice stuff, Icelandic wool and sweaters, clean, well organized. Thrift store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 1 PM Thu
Salka Verslun Nice staff and great clothes 👌🏽 Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Heimadecor In-store shopping·In-store pickup·Delivery Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Heimaey Island

About Heimaey Island

Heimaey Island stands as a distinctive port of call in Iceland's Westman Islands, attracting nine premier cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, and Oceania Cruises. With 138 upcoming sailings and a strong presence during the peak summer months of June through September, this charming Icelandic destination offers travelers a more intimate alternative to larger ports. Most cruises calling here are seven-night voyages that connect Heimaey with other Nordic highlights like Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Grundarfjørdur, making it an ideal stop for those seeking authentic Icelandic experiences.

Stepping ashore on Heimaey Island, you'll discover a vibrant fishing community with dramatic volcanic landscapes shaped by the island's fiery geological history. Passengers typically explore the striking black sand beaches, visit the fascinating Eldheimar museum dedicated to the 1973 volcanic eruption, or venture to nearby puffin colonies during the breeding season. The island's compact size and welcoming atmosphere make it easy to experience genuine Icelandic culture in just a few hours ashore.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Witness Volcanic Landscapes & Geology

Explore Heimaey's dramatic volcanic terrain shaped by the 1973 eruption that nearly destroyed the town. Hike to the summit of Eldfell volcano for panoramic views of the Westman Islands, or visit the Eldheimar museum to see preserved houses buried in lava and learn about this transformative natural disaster.

2

Taste Fresh Seafood & Local Cuisine

Savor Iceland's finest seafood at harborside restaurants serving the day's catch—puffin, Arctic char, and fresh fish are specialties. Visit local bakeries for traditional Icelandic rye bread baked in geothermal springs, and sample creamy skyr yogurt at cozy cafés overlooking the North Atlantic.

3

Spot Puffins in Their Natural Habitat

Heimaey is home to one of the world's largest puffin colonies, with over one million birds nesting on the cliffs during breeding season. Take a guided boat tour or hike to clifftop viewpoints where you'll witness these charming birds up close in their natural environment.

4

Browse Authentic Icelandic Crafts & Goods

Wander the compact town center's boutique shops featuring hand-knitted sweaters, local wool products, and traditional Icelandic crafts. The harbor area offers unique souvenirs including locally-made jewelry, art, and specialty foods that reflect the island's rich maritime heritage and creative community.

5

Experience Authentic Island Life & Culture

Walk through the charming streets of Heimaey town to discover how locals rebuilt their community after the 1973 eruption. Visit the Heimaey Heritage Museum, attend a local festival if timing allows, and chat with residents who proudly share stories of resilience and island traditions.

Cruise Lines at Heimaey Island

Cruises Departing From Heimaey Island

Cruises Visiting Heimaey Island

Ship Schedule at Heimaey Island

Heimaey Island Location

Other Cruise Ports in Iceland

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heimaey Island known for?

Eldfell eruption history, harbor, puffin colonies, and dramatic volcanic scenery.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer months offer mild weather and easier wildlife viewing.

How can I reach Heimaey Island?

Ferry services operate from the Icelandic mainland to Vestmannaeyjar port.

What can I do on Heimaey Island?

Walk the harbor, explore Eldfell, and enjoy puffin watching and scenic coastal trails.