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 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Abt ABT, not only was the least expensive, but also had the best service. Appliance store · ★ 4.8 · 24k Open · Closes 5 PM
Eldstó Art Cafe / Restaurant Friendly people, chill music, and delicious burger. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Hygge Restaurant & Bar The restaurant was so cozy, the drinks were great, and the food was amazing. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Eldheimar New things to see and interactive information that brings the story to life. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Gott restaurant Fantastic atmosphere and an incredible staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Puffin Lookout Find a good place to sit and enjoy the entertainment. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Beluga Whale Sanctuary Highly recommend doing the boat tour with the aquarium. Wildlife refuge · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Tanginn Full bar has a great selection of cocktails and beer/wine. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
The Brothers Brewery Nice drinks, friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. Brewpub · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 7 PM
næs The atmosphere is so quaint, cozy, yet stylish and intimate. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Slippurinn Incredible drinks, unique food to dazzle the palate, and great service. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Permanently closed
Vigtin bakhús friendly service, delicious food and nice view. Bakery · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Mon
Vöruhúsið Delicious food, good drinks, great service. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Hotel Vestmannaeyjar Can be loud with the street below if it is the weekend. Hotel · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Beautiful Puffin and Shore View A very fun1 experience. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Ribsafari It was so much fun, 12/10 I’d do it again and again! Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Vestmannaeyjar Camp Site 3 hot showers available, clean washrooms and common room as well. Campground · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Heimaey There are not many food options but enough to get what you want. Island · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Kráin - Local Restaurant Fish and chips were great, everything on the plate was perfect. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Ranya Kebab Really solid, delicious food and affordable for Iceland prices. Fast Food · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Bónus Good range of goods including fresh fruit and vegetables in chilled room. Supermarket · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closes soon · 7 PM
Eyjatours - Puffin Tours in Iceland Entertaining and educational! Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Vestmannaeyjaferjan Herjólfur ohf It's fun to go outside for a few minutes and feel the wind and light rain. Ferry service · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Elephant Rock I can stare at it for hours without getting bored. Rock · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Pizza 67 Very good service and amazing food Pizza · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Halldórsskora (Elephant Rock) Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Stafkirkjan Just a neat experience. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Krónan Vestmannaeyjum Nice store and helpfull staff Discount supermarket · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
Einsi kaldi restaurant (Note: The photo doesn't do justice to the great taste!) Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Volcano ATV We went as a large family with a range of ages and all loved it. Tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Westman Islands Inn Nothing over-the-top, simple clean and comfortable. Hotel · ★ 3.4 · 0k
Lundinn (Original Puffin Bar) Nice bar, very nice staff and the atmosphere was fun. Pub · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 PM
Urðaviti Lighthouse Industrial activity next door. Observation deck · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Island Adventures My husband and I and are 18 year old son all loved it. Tour operator · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Canton- Chinese I think it is post summer tourist season so the hours are short. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Eydís Ísbúð The owner is friendly and the options are top notch. Ice Cream · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Icons of Iceland Absolutely incredible. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Flakkarinn Scenic Overlook Amazing views - cool area to explore. Scenic spot · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Prýði Adorable atmosphere, great service, and delicious beverages! Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Tvisturinn Decent food for a fair price Fast Food · ★ 4 · 0k
Vikin Very quiet, beautiful black sand beach. Beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Viking Town Accessible by pedestrian path, took a Hopp scooter to get there. Museum · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Klif Exfoliate your hands on the rope climb. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Sprangan Fun to watch people attempt to climb the ropes! Fairground · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Heimaey Lighthouse Nice view and a good walk. Scenic spot · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Stafsnes Got there in sunshine and it was wonderful. Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Icewear Vestmannaeyjar They have clothes Outdoor clothing and equipment shop · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
beach photopoint Beautiful black sand beach. Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Höllin Really great place to enjoy a good moment Bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Póley Thoughtfully curated with unique goods. Gift shop · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Litla Skvísubúðin Women's clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Grétar Þórarinsson ehf verslun og verkstæði On my first day in the Westman Islands I visited this shop. Knit shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Salka Verslun Nice staff and great clothes 👌🏽 Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Heimadecor In-store shopping·In-store pickup Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Vörubakarí the bread is high quality and the pastries just melts in your mouth 😋😋😋 Bakery · ★ 5 · 0k
Volcano Café Cafe · ★ 4 · 0k Permanently closed
Icelandic stones craft store Home made jewelry with Icelandic stones and Icelandic coins before 1980 Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k

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.