Reykjavik Golden Circle Cruise Excursion: Honest Review & Guide
By Tom and Dom Travel | Updated:
06/08/26
Walk between tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park, where early Viking settlers gathered to form parliament
Is a Golden Circle Cruise Excursion from Reykjavik Worth It? Our Honest Review
Is booking a Golden Circle shore excursion from your cruise ship in Reykjavik really worth the rush, or are you better off exploring downtown on your own?
After dozens of cruises and hundreds of days at sea, we have learned that some bucket-list excursions require careful timing, especially when trading independent city strolls for a jam-packed nine-hour tour.
A Reykjavik Golden Circle cruise excursion is a cracking way for cruise passengers to experience Iceland's top natural wonders in a single day. Visiting Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir, and the Secret Lagoon on a small-group tour offers exceptional value for money and covers massive ground while guaranteeing you get back to the ship on time.
Our Interactive Map of our Golden Circle Excursion
Disembarkation Chaos at Reykjavik Cruise Port
Our morning started with a proper shock on Deck 6, where our jaws hit the floor when we saw the disembarkation queue.
Because Reykjavik offers so many morning excursions, virtually everyone wanted to get off the ship at the exact same time.
We joined the line at 8:15 AM for our 8:30 AM excursion pickup, which triggered a sudden panic that we might miss our tour bus.
It took around 15 to 20 minutes to clear security, leaving us just enough time to reach our vehicle sharp at 8:30 AM.
Keep in mind that there is a substantial walk from disembarking the ship to the excursion bus parking area.
Depending on where your ship docks, your walking distance can vary significantly.
Ships docking closer to town have a short stroll, whereas berths located further out require much more walking.
The car park was an absolute sea of tour coaches, almost all labeled identically as Golden Circle tours.
To find your vehicle, you have to look closely for your specific tour company name.
Because we were the very last passengers to board our bus, all the double seats were taken.
We ended up sitting separately, with one of us at the front next to the driver and the other at the very back.
Prefer to Watch?
Our GOLDEN CIRCLE tour in REYKJAVIK on ENCHANTED PRINCESS
For our last day in Iceland Enchanted Princess visited the capital, Reykjavik! It was a very long day as we had booked an excursion to visit the Golden Circle. It was a full 9 hour day and we visited the Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfalls and Thingvellir National Park, it was fantastic.
Tom standing beside the North American tectonic plate wall at Þingvellir National Park on a Golden Circle cruise tour
Small Group Tour vs Cruise Ship Excursions
We booked our tour independently through Venture Ashore with Your Day Tours, which was a real bargain compared to booking directly through Princess.
Instead of being stuck on a massive 50-seater coach, we were in a small group on an 18-passenger minibus.
Our driver and guide, Al, was absolute spot-on throughout the entire day.
He performed both roles brilliantly, providing fantastic commentary and answering our questions about living in Iceland as we drove.
The total excursion length was nine hours, making it a comprehensive exploration of the region.
Þingvellir National Park: Walking Between Two Continents
Our first stop was Þingvellir National Park, which is usually the initial destination on most Golden Circle routes.
The national park sits directly on a tectonic fault line, featuring dramatic tearing rock formations and canyon walkways.
Al gave us a guided talk about the area before giving us 30 to 45 minutes to explore independently.
He explained that this historic location was where early Viking settlers gathered to hold their open-air court assemblies.
It was extremely busy with other tour groups, so you could hardly stop without being pushed along by the crowd behind you.
Even with the crowds, walking through the continental rift and taking in the spectacular scenery was a great start to our day.
Gullfoss Waterfall: Feeling the Roar and Mist
Our next stop was Gullfoss Waterfall, an absolute must-see destination if you are visiting Iceland.
Our minibus parked at the upper car park near the visitor centre, allowing us to walk down the steps as the view opened up.
The roar of the cascading water was immense, and the refreshing mist hit us in the face long before we reached the bottom.
We took the side track leading right down alongside the roaring river to get as close as possible.
The path remains wet and slippery from the constant spray, so sturdy shoes are essential even on bright days.
Standing right beside that massive torrent of water was a truly special, breathtaking moment.
After about 30 minutes of soaking up the landscape, we headed to the lower car park for pickup, which saved us from trekking back uphill.
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Watch Strokkur geyser erupting high into the air at the Geysir geothermal area on a Golden Circle cruise excursion
A Quick Visit to an Icelandic Horse Farm
Following another 20-minute drive, we arrived at a local farm featuring stables of Icelandic horses.
The farm also kept sheep and working sheepdogs, alongside a small wool shop selling local items.
Icelandic ponies are remarkably calm, docile, and easy to train compared to standard horses.
However, with several tour buses arriving simultaneously, the yard felt a bit chaotic with tourists all crowding around to pet the animals.
While the wool products in the shop were eye-wateringly expensive, seeing a traditional working farm offered a nice break from the major tourist sites.
Geysir Geothermal Area: Watching Strokkur Erupt
Next up was the famous Geysir geothermal field, a destination we had both been eagerly anticipating.
Although the original Geysir no longer spurts water regularly, the active Strokkur geyser bursts every 5 to 10 minutes.
It was very busy, with crowds standing around holding up their phones to capture the burst.
After watching Strokkur erupt three times, we walked up the hill trail past steaming hot springs for panoramic views across the flat plains.
The wind at the top was unbelievably strong, so holding onto your gear is an absolute necessity.
We took a scenic woodland path back down to try for a few more photos before heading toward the bus.
Unfortunately, we ran out of time to grab a proper sit-down lunch because we spent so long watching the geyser.
The line inside the visitor centre cafe was far too long to join, so we had to skip lunch and share an apple brought from the ship.
Tom and Dom relaxing in the naturally heated waters of the Secret Lagoon during a Golden Circle cruise tour
Soaking in the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
A 45-minute drive brought us to our fifth destination, the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir.
What makes the Secret Lagoon so fantastic compared to the Blue Lagoon is that it is fed by natural hot springs rather than plant runoff.
Before entering the water, guests must follow strict local pool rules by taking a complete shower without swimwear in the changing rooms.
The warm natural spring water felt amazing on a chilly day.
As you wade closer to the hot spring source at the back of the pool, the water gets noticeably hotter.
It felt much more authentic than other commercial spas, hosting a pleasant blend of tourists and local Icelanders.
We bought a cold drink from the bar to enjoy while soaking, which felt worth every penny despite typical Icelandic prices.
Al even came out to the pool edge to take group photos for us, which was a lovely touch.
After our swim, we took a quick stroll around the grounds to view the surrounding steam vents and heated greenhouses before getting dressed.
Return Journey to Reykjavik Port
Once back on the bus, Al treated everyone to an authentic Icelandic snack included as part of the tour.
The hour-long drive back to the port took a scenic route past steam vents rising dramatically from the ground.
Al offered to drop passengers off in central Reykjavik for independent sightseeing, though passengers had to make their own way back to the ship.
Given that walking back from downtown to our ship takes around 40 minutes, and we had already been out for nine hours, we decided to head straight back to the ship to relax.
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Tom and Dom in front of the roaring Gullfoss Waterfall on a Golden Circle shore excursion from Reykjavik
Was It Worth It?
So, was booking a nine-hour Golden Circle cruise excursion from Reykjavik worth it? We reckon it was a cracking experience and easily the best way to spend a full day in port.
What We Loved:
Small group format: Traveling on an 18-person minibus made transfers quick and kept the tour personal.
Spot-on driver and guide: Al delivered brilliant commentary, answered all our questions, and even took photos for us at the lagoon.
Sensational sights: Standing beside Gullfoss waterfall, watching Strokkur erupt, and soaking in the natural Secret Lagoon were unforgettable highlights.
What Disappointed Us:
Tight schedule: Fitting five stops into nine hours meant we ran out of time for lunch and had to skip hot food.
Crowded horse farm: The farm stop felt a bit chaotic with multiple minibuses pulling up at the same time.
The Verdict:
This excursion is ideal for first-time cruise visitors to Reykjavik who want to experience Iceland's iconic natural wonders without stressing about port return times.
However, if you prefer a slow pace, dislike long bus rides, or want a sit-down meal, spending your day exploring downtown Reykjavik independently might be a better fit.
Book Your Golden Circle Tour HERE
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Reykjavik Golden Circle cruise excursion easy to do during a one-day port call?
Yes, a Reykjavik Golden Circle cruise excursion is very easy to manage on a full-day port call. Small-group tours pick up directly from the port and operate on tight schedules to ensure you return to the ship well before all-aboard time.
How far is the Golden Circle from the Reykjavik cruise port?
The first stop at Þingvellir National Park is about a 40-minute drive from the cruise terminal. The complete Golden Circle circuit covers roughly 190 miles round trip from the capital.
Can you explore Reykjavik independently without an excursion?
Yes, passengers can take a port shuttle or public bus into downtown Reykjavik to explore local landmarks on foot. However, visiting distant sights like Gullfoss and Geysir requires an organized excursion or car rental.
Do you need to bring your own towel for the Secret Lagoon?
It is best to bring a towel and swimsuit from your cruise ship for the Secret Lagoon. While rental towels and suits are available on site, bringing your own saves extra expenditure.
What should you wear on a Golden Circle shore excursion?
Because Icelandic weather is windy and changeable, bring waterproof walking shoes, dress in warm layers, and wear a reliable waterproof jacket.
If you only have one day in Reykjavik, our top recommendation is to book a small-group Golden Circle tour that includes the Secret Lagoon. Traveling in a small minibus saves time at every stop and delivers an authentic, unmissable taste of Iceland.
About the Authors
We’re Tom and Dom, the creators behind Tom and Dom Travel. Through our ship reviews, cabin tours, port guides, and cruise tips, we share honest, experience-led advice from our travels around the world. Everything we publish is designed to help you cruise with confidence.
Thanks for reading, and happy cruising.
