Exploring Heimaey: Eldfell Volcano, Puffins & Elephant Rock
A 1-hour guided electric scooter tour of Heimaey Island in the Westman Islands — ride a Kaabo Wolf Warrior 11 electric scooter (seated, fast, large enough for bigger riders) through the island’s volcanic landscape, past Eldfell volcano lava fields, Elephant Rock, and puffin viewing spots. Each rider gets their own scooter. Safety equipment, warm clothes, and rain covers included. Guide adjusts the route to what you want to see. Max 6 travelers. 4.9/5 across 14 reviews. From $106.30 per person. Free cancellation.
About This Activity
Up to 24h, full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Flexible route based on what you want to see
Seated electric scooter — fast, powerful, accessible to larger riders
1973 lava fields, the story of the eruption
In season (June–mid August) — hundreds visible
Why an Electric Scooter Tour Is a Different Heimaey Experience
Heimaey has three main ways to tour the island: the minibus tours (Ebbi’s tour, BusTravel Iceland), ATV tours, and the Eyjascooter electric scooter tour. The scooter version sits between the bus tours and the ATVs — more physical than a bus, less rough terrain than an ATV, and with the flexibility to stop exactly where you want.
The key distinction is the scooter itself. The Kaabo Wolf Warrior 11 is a powerful, seated electric scooter — not a stand-up city scooter. It has a seat, substantial power, and is large enough that Raviel M. (July 2025) specifically notes: “I’m a large person so I didn’t move slow.” The scooters move fast, making the tour feel more like an adventure than a slow island meander.
The guide is Ingibjörg (and previously Hreiðar) — a native of the island who adjusts the route based on what guests want to see. Michele M. (July 2025) describes how the operator accommodated her cruise group despite running late: “We were running late due to the rough seas and our tender situation from our cruise ship and they still accommodated us with a Private Tour Guide and we adjusted our tour so we could go see the largest puffin colony in the world. Charka, our guide was amazing and we couldn’t be more grateful! They made our day!”
At $106.30 for 1 hour with a maximum of 6 travelers, this is the most intimate guided tour option on Heimaey — smaller than any of the bus tours and more personalized than an independent ATV rental. The 4.9/5 rating across 14 reviews is perfect or near-perfect across all reviewers.
What the Tour Covers
Eldfell Volcano Lava Fields
The 1973 eruption of Eldfell created lava fields that now cover the eastern part of Heimaey. On the scooter you can get to viewpoints and into parts of the lava field that the bus tours drive past rather than into. The guide tells the story of the eruption — the midnight fissure, the 24-hour evacuation, the battle to save the harbor by pumping seawater onto advancing lava, and the families who returned to find their homes buried under meters of rock. The guide, as a native islander, has a personal connection to these events.
Elephant Rock
The iconic basalt sea cliff that waves have sculpted into the unmistakable shape of an elephant’s head — trunk reaching down to the sea. Peri D. (August 2023): “Never been on a scooter before and it was a rush! Perfect way to see the elephant rock and some other great scenery and some puffins.”
Puffin Viewing Spots
The guide takes you to the best puffin viewing locations depending on season and time of day. In season (June through mid-August) puffins are visible at multiple locations around the island, not just at Stórhöfði. mmm007comcastnet (July 2024): “So many puffins, hundreds, and so close, within ten feet. Would do it again.”
Flexible Route
Sue L. (July 2023): “The guide is a native of Iceland and will cater the ride to what you would like to see.” This is the tour’s defining characteristic: the route isn’t fixed. You tell the guide what you want to prioritize and the hour is spent accordingly.
What’s Included
- Kaabo Wolf Warrior 11 electric scooter — seated, powerful, your own bike
- Safety vest and helmet
- Knee and elbow covers (optional)
- Warm clothes and rain cover
- Safety briefing and riding lesson before departure
- Native island guide — flexible route based on your interests
- Discounted rates for youth
Not included: Transport to Heimaey Island (ferry from Landeyjahöfn, ~35 min; or domestic flight from Reykjavik). No heart problems or other serious medical conditions permitted. Not wheelchair accessible. Maximum 6 travelers. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How the Tour Unfolds
| Season | Upsides | Downsides | Book Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun–Aug (Puffin Season) | Puffins at multiple island locations, hundreds close-up | Most cruise ships visit in this window | Book 82 days ahead on average |
| May / Sept | Still some puffins, quieter island | Fewer puffins by mid-September | 4–6 weeks |
| Year-round | Eldfell and island tour runs whenever ferry/ship arrives | No puffins outside nesting season | 1–2 weeks |
Important Information
Operating hours start at 12:00 PM. Plan your ferry or cruise ship arrival accordingly.
You need to get yourself to Heimaey Island. Ferry from Landeyjahöfn (~35 min, runs several times daily) or domestic flight from Reykjavik.
Maximum 6 travelers. This is a very small group — the most intimate guided tour on the island.
The guide accommodates cruise passengers. Michele M.’s review describes the operator making a private tour work despite the group being late due to rough seas. If you’re on a cruise, contact the operator in advance if timing looks tight.
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions. The scooters are powerful and the ride is described as fast — not suitable for all health conditions.
What Travelers Said
⭐ 4.9/5 based on 14 reviews — Read all reviews on Viator
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Michele M, United States — July 2025
This place was amazing! We were running late due to rough seas from our cruise ship and they still accommodated us with a Private Tour Guide and adjusted our tour so we could see the largest puffin colony in the world. Charka, our guide was amazing. They made our day!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Donna S, United States — July 2025
What an amazing tour! We were nervous to ride the scooters but our guide was patient and gave us time to get used to riding before embarking on the tour! What a rush it was! Highly recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Raviel M, United States — July 2025
This was a very fun experience! I wish it was a little longer but we had a lot of fun riding the scooters. They actually move fast and I’m a large person so I didn’t move slow.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ mmm007comcastnet — July 2024
So many puffins, hundreds, and so close, within ten feet. Would do it again. Ride through town was easy and fun.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sue L, United States — July 2023
This was one of the best excursions! The guide is a native of Iceland and will cater the ride to what you would like to see. It was a fun way to tour Westman Island. We would definitely recommend!
Book the Eyjascooter Volcano Tour
1 hour, your own electric scooter, native island guide, Eldfell lava fields, Elephant Rock, and puffin viewing spots — the most intimate guided tour on Heimaey Island. From $106.30 per person with free cancellation.
Also on Heimaey Island: Ebbi’s Puffin and Volcano Tour (minibus, 2 hours, 736 reviews, 4.9/5) and the BusTravel Iceland Westman Islands tour (2.5 hours, cruise-optimized). Browse all at Iceland Volcano Tour.