From late spring to early autumn, Reykjavik’s a popular stop for cruise ships. Reykjavik Excursions is the go-to operator for arriving passengers, offering reliable and punctual day tours that depart and return conveniently near the cruise ship terminal. We work hard to ensure seamless coordination with cruise schedules, so you can explore Iceland’s top natural and cultural sights without worrying about the ship leaving without you. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite Reykjavík shore excursions for cruise passengers. We’ll take a look at some of the things you can do if your time in Reykjavik is short so that you gain maximum enjoyment from every last second.

Where do the tours depart from and how easy is it to get from the cruise terminal?

Disembarking cruise passengers will be able to make the most of Reykjavik Excursions’ direct pick up service. Unlike in downtown Reykjavik, where the bus stops are numbered, these additional locations are aimed at those joining tours from further out, such as at Skarfabakki Harbour, the city’s cruise ship terminal. Note that this is in a different location to the Old Harbour. To make the most of this service, simply add on a pick up at the time of booking and select the Skarfabakki Harbour option. You’ll be transported to the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik and from there you’ll board the bus appropriate to the tour or activity that you’ve selected. Depending on traffic, the journey time between the cruise ship terminal and the BSI Bus Terminal typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes. When you return, the process works in reverse – it couldn’t be simpler, giving you complete peace of mind.

How long will you spend in port?

The amount of time your ship will spend in Skarfabakki Harbour depends on the cruise line and its schedule. Every itinerary is different. Some ships arrive early in the morning, typically around 7 or 8am, and set sail later the same day, usually around 5 or 6 in the afternoon. Others reach Reykjavik later in the day; typically if you’re on one of these cruises, you’ll depart the following day as the afternoon is drawing to a close. Before making a booking for a land-based activity and choosing one of the short scenic tours from Reykjavik port, check the schedule you’ve been given and note the arrival and departure times. You’ll need to allow a buffer so that you’ll have time to disembark and travel to where the activity takes place or our BSI Bus Terminal where you’ll connect with your tour bus; our included transfers run smoothly so there’s no need to worry about missing your departure.

What types of tours does Reykjavik Excursions offer for cruise passengers?

Reykjavik Excursions offers a wide range of tours where the timing usually works for cruise passengers. Remember to always check on our website the approximate return time and allow some leeway – it’s never a good idea to cut things too fine, as unforeseen hold-ups occasionally happen. That said, let’s take a look at a few of the things you might do if you’re looking to fill your time.

Get to know Reykjavik

The Icelandic capital is as charming as it is compact. Nowhere is too far away even if you’re only in port for a day. However, you don’t want to waste a precious moment, so organising your sightseeing makes a lot of sense. Though there’s an excellent city bus network, it’s perhaps more convenient to use a Hop On Hop Off bus as this connects all the major sightseeing destinations. You buy a 24 hour ticket which means you can loop the route as many times as you like within that period of time. There’s a useful map online which updates in real time so you can see where your nearest bus is. You can start and finish at Skarfabakki Harbour; the buses run about every 30 minutes departing Harpa Concert Hall between 8.30am and 5.30pm from May to September. Winter hours are a little shorter and buses spaced out to every 45 minutes, worth noting for instance if you’re here in April. One of the most tempting stops is Harpa Concert Hall, known for its distinctive glass panels and striking architecture. Several stops are made in the vicinity of the Old Harbour, which are recommended for anyone booking a whale watching tour if the sailings work with your schedule or those wanting to catch the Lava Show or FlyOver Iceland. You’ll also want to get off at Lækjargata, which is the closest stop to Tjörnin, the city’s pretty pond, and Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik’s famous church. Finally make time to visit Perlan, whose creative and innovative exhibits showcase Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes. Also worth considering is a guided walking tour. Several tours are available including a cat-themed trail, a mythical walk and a couple of foodie-inspired excursions. Throughout the walk you’ll learn a little of Reykjavik’s history, folklore and culture as you move through its characterful streets with someone who knows them well.

Visit the Golden Circle

Arguably the best Reykjavik day trip for cruise passengers is a Golden Circle tour. This region is one of the most breathtaking in the country and is conveniently located within easy reach of the Icelandic capital. Our Golden Circle Direct tour is an express version of this popular excursion that takes about six and a half hours. This tour combines three remarkable places: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall. Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, singled out for its unusual combination of standout volcanic landscapes and its contribution to Icelandic history and culture. Here you can see where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates have diverged leaving a gnarly rift valley, and set foot where Iceland’s early law makers met at the country’s first parliament. Geysir isn’t only a geothermal area, it’s also the place where the term geyser originates. This small but active field is littered with hot springs and fumaroles. Steam rises from the ground and stained patches on the ground are a reminder that water is mineral-rich. The star of the show here is undoubtedly Strokkur, a reliably active geyser that erupts every 5 to 10 minutes. When it does, a jet of superheated water creates a fleeting turquoise dome before erupting as high as 30 metres into the air. Rounding out the trio is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. It’s found on the Hvitá River, which is fed by meltwater from Langjökull – the country’s second largest glacier. A path leads up beside the two-stepped waterfall, enabling you to safely get close to the edge and witness the spectacle of huge volumes of churned up water tumbling down into the gorge. The combination of three very different yet equally captivating sites so close to the city makes a Golden Circle tour a must-do. If you only book one shore excursion in Reykjavik Iceland, make it this one. It’s the easiest way to understand how Iceland was shaped as a nation and why this isolated country in the middle of the North Atlantic lures so many overseas visitors.

Have an Icelandic adventure

Just because your time in Reykjavik is short, it doesn’t have to mean you forgo the thrill of an Icelandic adventure. We offer several activities that can be accommodated during a single day, which makes them ideal for cruise ship passengers. Be sure to check whether they are meet on location activities or if transfers are included before firming up your plans. If you can spare four hours, consider booking a horse riding tour; you’ll spend about 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle immersed in the beautiful Icelandic countryside. Our horses are sturdy, calm creatures, making them ideal for novice riders. Once you’ve gained confidence and mastered the basics, you can attempt a tölt. This is a fifth gait that’s unique to Icelandic horses and one that’s as smooth as it is fast. Perhaps you might slide along a fun zipline at Hveragerði? Options include a Superman-style ride or a conventional ride; both will have you squealing with delight. Harnessed and helmeted, it’s the chance for you to gain a unique perspective on the sensational Icelandic countryside. Best of all, the drive to Hveragerði from Reykjavik’s cruise terminal takes less than an hour. Iceland’s known as the Land of Fire and Ice, on account of its many volcanoes and glaciers. Cruise ship passengers might opt to visit Raufarhólshellir. Located just half an hour from Reykjavik, this impressive lava tunnel is one of the largest in Iceland, measuring 30 metres wide and 10 metres tall in places. A partial cave-in near the entrance floods the space with light, allowing guests to appreciate the colourful minerals that brighten up the walls and ceiling. It really has the wow factor. And there’s more: the plate boundary that runs across Iceland comes into sharp focus for those snorkelling in Silfra Fissure. It’s an unusual way of experiencing the Golden Circle but one you’ll never forget. You’ll be grateful for the dry suit as you immerse yourself in the icy cold water, but marvel at its exceptional clarity, the result of the glacial water being filtered as it passes through the volcanic rock.

Geothermal lagoons

The proximity of Reykjavik’s Skarfabakki Harbour to several of the country’s most delightful geothermal lagoons makes this an enticing prospect when choosing your Reykjavik cruise excursion. With limited time at your disposal, we’d suggest choosing between three of the closest: Sky Lagoon, Blue Lagoon and Hvammsvik Hot Spring. If your ship is in port for a little longer, you might also consider Laugarás Lagoon which has recently opened on the Golden Circle route. Each of these has its own unique personality. Sky Lagoon, for instance, boasts an infinity edge pool overlooking the ocean and a seven step ritual that focuses on your wellbeing. The Blue Lagoon’s milky blue water contrasts starkly yet exquisitely with the charcoal grey lava that surrounds it. Hvammsvik Hot Spring is the epitome of rustic chic and its hot pools overlooking serene Hvalfjörður are second to none. Our tours include transfers, so getting there from the ship is straightforward. You’ll encounter well-equipped changing rooms where fluffy towels and hairdryers are provided, so all you have to remember is your swimsuit. We allow long enough for you to have a lengthy soak and fully unwind, before taking you back to Reykjavik where you can continue your holiday. Thanks to Reykjavik Excursions, the limited time on a shore visit is made extra-special as there are so many cruise-friendly tours in and around Reykjavík. If you’re keen to see a little of Iceland beyond the city limits, then our cruise-friendly tour selection is just the ticket. You’ll have time for memorable sightseeing tours that take in some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, thrilling activities where Iceland’s jaw-dropping scenery forms a unique backdrop or stylish geothermal lagoons perfect for a relaxing soak before you return to the ship. With so many irresistible Reykjavik cruise excursions to choose from, which will float your boat?