Exploring Iceland

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With a magnificent landscape that has everything from glaciers to volcanoes and rugged fjords to shimmering hot springs, Iceland is an amazing island in the North Atlantic that may be best explored by cruise ship.

Several popular, luxury, and expedition cruise lines visit Iceland from May to October. Itinerary options include regional voyages, departing from Europe or North America, which visit ports in destinations like the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada or Greenland in addition to Iceland. You can also take a flight to Iceland, then board a cruise ship that will sail around the island.

Iceland’s scenery is enchanting. For example, runoff from Iceland’s glaciers feeds an estimated 10,000 waterfalls. Some spectacular waterfalls are easily accessible by bus tour, but you can also take an adventurous hiking or ATV excursion to see even more.

About 10% of Iceland is covered by pristine glaciers, some of them concealing active volcanoes. Tour boats can take you to view the outflows of several glaciers, especially in the island’s southern half. Glacier tours by helicopter are available, too.

Dozens of species of birds call Iceland home, including adorable Atlantic puffins. There’s good puffin viewing on Vigur Island, also a favorite spot for eider ducks, arctic terns, and black guillemots. On the way to Vigur, you might also see humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins in the water.

An excursion to Heimaey Island will reveal a volcanic cone named Eldfell, formed during an unexpected 1973 eruption. The months-long eruption covered homes and buildings in lava and ash, but when it was done, the island’s resilient residents were able to recover. Today, you can view the lava fields, black sand beaches, and more via tour bus, boat, or ATV.

Then, there’s the Golden Circle. If your cruise begins in, ends in, or calls on the capital city of Reykjavik, you can take a Golden Circle tour – a day-long scenic road trip. The tour includes some of Iceland’s most famous attractions, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Falls, and Strokkur Geyser. If your ship stays overnight in Reykjavik, you may also have time to visit the Blue Lagoon, a beautiful hot spring (don’t forget your bathing suit).

There’s even more to do in Iceland, including sailing up fjords, kayaking and rafting along glacial rivers, and spending time with pony-sized Icelandic horses. To talk about how you can explore Iceland by cruise ship, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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