Northern Lights Over Virgin Voyages Near Iceland

There are few better reminders that Iceland’s magic does not begin at the harbour. Sailors aboard a Virgin Voyages ship were treated to a spectacular northern lights display just off the Icelandic coast, with green aurora sweeping across the sky above the ship’s glowing red deck.

The photographs were shared by Richard Branson, who described the view spotted by Virgin Voyages sailors as “just spectacular”. It is easy to see why: the red light of the ship, the dark North Atlantic and the moving green aurora create a scene that feels almost cinematic.

Northern lights seen from a Virgin Voyages ship near Iceland. Images shared by Richard Branson from Virgin Voyages sailors.

Iceland is made for a cruise itinerary

A cruise around Iceland can reveal a different landscape at every port. Ships call at harbours around the country: Reykjavík in the southwest, Grundarfjörður in the west, Ísafjörður in the Westfjords, Akureyri and Húsavík in the north, Seyðisfjörður in the east and ports along the south coast and the Westman Islands.

That means a single voyage can bring together geothermal valleys, glacier-fed waterfalls, black-sand beaches, volcanic lakes, puffin cliffs, whale-rich fjords and small fishing towns. The right shore excursion turns a limited day in port into a well-paced Iceland experience, with meeting arrangements and return timing planned around the ship.

Reykjavík and South Iceland shore excursions

Reykjavík is the gateway to several of Iceland’s classic routes. From the cruise port, guests can reach the Golden Circle, the South Coast, glacier country and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

• Golden Circle Cruise Arrival Small-Group Tour from Skarfabakki – a port-friendly route to Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.
• Golden Circle Shore Excursion from Reykjavík Port – Iceland’s best-known trio of natural highlights in one carefully timed day.
• Golden Circle Small Group from Reykjavík Port – a more personal way to experience the Golden Circle.
• South Coast Small Group from Reykjavík Port – waterfalls, glacier views and black-sand coastline.
• Private South Coast Cruise Excursion – a flexible private day shaped around the ship’s schedule.
• Private South Coast Tour from Reykjavík Port – a private route through South Iceland’s waterfall and coastal scenery.
• Private South Coast and Glacier Hike from Reykjavík Port – sightseeing combined with a guided adventure on the ice.
• Private Snæfellsnes Tour from Reykjavík Port – a longer private day to lava coast, fishing villages and Kirkjufell.

West Iceland shore excursions from Grundarfjörður

Grundarfjörður sits beneath Kirkjufell on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It is an exceptionally scenic place to begin a shore day, with black volcanic shores, sea cliffs, fishing villages and Snæfellsjökull all within reach.

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour from Grundarfjörður Port – a five-hour introduction to the peninsula’s best-known scenery.
• Private Snæfellsnes Shore Tour from Grundarfjörður – a private option with more flexibility for your group.
• Kirkjufell Classic Kayak Tour – see the famous mountain from the water on a local adventure.
• Midnight Sun Kayaking Adventure – a memorable choice when the season and ship schedule allow.

Westfjords shore excursions from Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður is surrounded by steep mountains and deep fjords. Shore time here can lead to the layered falls of Dynjandi, whale watching in Ísafjarðardjúp or the remote landscapes of Hornstrandir.

• Dynjandi Waterfall and Farm Tour from Ísafjörður Port – a four-hour shore excursion to the great waterfall of the Westfjords.
• Whale Watching in Ísafjarðardjúp – search for whales, dolphins and seabirds beneath dramatic mountains.
• Wildlife and Arctic Foxes – a boat and walking experience in the wild landscapes of Hornstrandir.
• Bike Around the Walls – Ísafjörður Mountain Biking – an active local option for travellers who want to explore on two wheels.

North Iceland shore excursions from Akureyri

Akureyri has Iceland’s largest selection of dedicated shore excursions outside Reykjavík. Routes range from a focused visit to Goðafoss to full days around Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, lava formations, geothermal areas and nature baths.

• Goðafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri Port – a concise two-hour option centred on the Waterfall of the Gods.
• Goðafoss Waterfall and Fjord Viewpoint – pair the waterfall with wide views across Eyjafjörður.
• Goðafoss and Turf House from Akureyri Port – nature and Icelandic history in one easy shore day.
• Goðafoss and Geothermal Baths from Akureyri Port – waterfall scenery followed by warm geothermal water.
• Goðafoss and Whale Watching from Akureyri Port – combine a legendary waterfall with a wildlife cruise on Eyjafjörður.
• Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Cruise Shore Excursion – a balanced route through North Iceland’s volcanic heart.
• Lake Mývatn Small-Group Shore Excursion – a small-group option from Akureyri Port.
• Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and Lava Fields Cruise Excursion – waterfalls, lava and geothermal landscapes in one day.
• Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn and Nature Baths Shore Tour – classic northern scenery with time to relax.
• Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss Shore Tour – a longer day connecting two remarkable waterfalls.
• Dettifoss and Goðafoss with Packed Lunch – two contrasting giants of North Iceland.
• Private Goðafoss, Mývatn and Nature Baths Shore Tour – a private format for groups who want a more personal pace.

Selected Akureyri departures are also available with German, Spanish or Italian guidance.

North Iceland shore excursions from Húsavík

Húsavík is famous for whale watching, but its port is also a practical starting point for Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss.

• Húsavík Port: Goðafoss and Turf House Museum – a four-hour mix of nature and culture.
• Dettifoss and Lake Mývatn from Húsavík Port – a seven-hour shore route into the northeast.
• Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Lake Mývatn from Húsavík – canyon, waterfall and volcanic scenery.
• Private Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shore Excursion – a private six-hour route from Húsavík Port.

East Iceland shore excursions from Seyðisfjörður

Colourful Seyðisfjörður is one of Iceland’s most memorable arrivals by sea. From the harbour, travellers can head inland to basalt canyons and waterfalls or follow the coast in search of puffins.

• Stuðlagil Canyon from Seyðisfjörður – a five-hour journey to extraordinary basalt columns and blue-green water.
• Stuðlagil Canyon and Waterfalls from Seyðisfjörður Port – a longer port departure with more East Iceland scenery.
• Puffin Tour from Seyðisfjörður with Gufufoss – seasonal birdlife, waterfall views and Eastfjords coastline.

South Iceland and the Westman Islands

Cruise calls in the south can include the Westman Islands, where volcanic history is never far away. Travellers meeting locally can add the Vestmannaeyjar Volcano ATV Tour, an active way to explore the island’s young lava landscapes and dramatic coastal setting.

How to choose the right Iceland shore excursion

Start with the exact port, docking time and all-aboard time shown by your cruise line. Then choose a route that matches the hours available, your preferred pace and the conditions you are comfortable with. Icelandic weather can change quickly, so warm layers, waterproof outerwear and sturdy shoes are useful even in summer.

For the smoothest day, enter the correct ship details when booking and follow the meeting instructions on your voucher. Tour order and individual stops can change when weather, road access or the vessel’s schedule requires it.

From northern lights at sea to Iceland ashore

The Virgin Voyages photographs capture something special about arriving in Iceland by ship: the journey itself can become part of the adventure. One moment may bring northern lights over the ocean; the next day can bring waterfalls, whales, glaciers, lava fields or a quiet fjord village.

Explore Fun Iceland day tours and choose the shore experience that fits your Iceland port call.