Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik cruise port: Small group

Board when your ship arrives and skip the tour company's clock

This small group Golden Circle tour departs from Skarfabakki cruise port in Reykjavik on your arrival, with no fixed start time. The guide waits for your ship to dock. You visit Gullfoss waterfall, the Strokkur geyser at Geysir, Thingvellir National Park with an easy walk to Öxarárfoss waterfall, and Kerið volcanic crater over 6 to 7 hours. The tour runs with a live English-speaking guide and includes WiFi on board. Children from age 4 are welcome, and you can buy lunch at Gullfoss or Geysir, or bring your own snacks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Gullfoss45m
2. Thingvellir National Park55m

Golden Circle sightseeing tour

• Depart from Skarfabakki port
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall
• Lunch option at Gullfoss
• Explore Geysir geothermal area
• Lunch option at Geysir
• Tour Thingvellir National Park
• Hike to Öxarárfoss waterfall
• Visit Kerið volcanic crater

The experience

The tour starts the moment your cruise docks at Skarfabakki port, with no set departure time to wait out. From there, the drive to Gullfoss takes around 1 hour and 47 minutes: long enough to settle in and hear the guide's first stories about Iceland's geology and settlement history. Gullfoss itself is the thundering centerpiece: a two-stage waterfall that drops into a narrow canyon, and the spot where you can grab lunch if you want it, or press on with snacks you've brought.

Next is Geysir, where Strokkur erupts every five minutes. A geyser you can watch repeatedly rather than wait for a single moment. The geothermal area around it is striking, and there's another lunch option here if you haven't eaten yet. From Geysir, the route moves into Thingvellir National Park, a site layered with both history and geology. This is where Iceland's parliament convened starting in 930 A.D., and where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet visibly in the landscape. An easy walk leads to Öxarárfoss, a waterfall created in the 10th century when the river channel was deliberately moved to supply water for the parliament gathering. The walk itself is manageable for all fitness levels.

The final stop is Kerið, a volcanic crater ringed by vivid red slopes that drop to a turquoise lake: one of Iceland's most photographed natural formations. The whole loop takes 6 to 7 hours from port to return, with roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes spent driving and the rest at each location. WiFi is available on board, and the guide speaks English throughout. Not all cruise schedules are covered, so confirm your departure time with the operator before booking.

What’s included

• WiFi on board.
• live English-speaking guide.
• access to Gullfoss, Geysir, Thingvellir National Park and Kerið crater.
• an easy walk to Öxarárfoss waterfall.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 20 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by EastWest

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English throughout, so you'll follow the commentary without translation. If your cruise docks late or you're traveling with children from age 4 onward, this tour's flexible departure time, no clock to beat, removes the pressure to rush back to the port.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I really board the tour whenever my ship arrives, or is there a latest departure time?

The tour departs once your cruise docks at Skarfabakki port, with no fixed start time. The guide waits for your arrival. Check with the operator to confirm they have a departure available for your specific cruise date and arrival time.

What is Strokkur and how often does it erupt?

Strokkur is a geyser in the Geysir geothermal area that erupts every five minutes, shooting hot water and steam into the air. You'll see it erupt multiple times during the stop, rather than waiting for a single moment.

What does the walk at Thingvellir National Park involve?

The walk to Öxarárfoss waterfall is easy and suitable for all fitness levels. You'll see the tectonic plates where North America and Eurasia meet, and walk along a river channel that was moved in the 10th century to supply water for Iceland's early parliament.

Do I need to bring lunch, or can I buy it on the tour?

You can buy lunch at either Gullfoss or Geysir, or bring your own snacks and lunch with you. The tour does not provide food or drink, but you're welcome to bring whatever you need.

How much driving time is there compared to time at the sites?

The total drive time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, with the rest of the 6 to 7 hour tour spent at each location: Gullfoss, Geysir, Thingvellir and Kerið.

What is Kerið and why is it striking?

Kerið is a volcanic crater with vivid red slopes surrounding a tranquil turquoise lake, creating one of Iceland's most colorful natural landmarks. It's the final stop on the Golden Circle route.