Exploring Colourful Iceland by Cruise Ship

Did you know you could take a cruise around Iceland? We just came back from exploring Iceland by cruise ship, and we were amazed by the amount of colour! It was not just green lands and white snow-capped mountains, it was a riot of colour! The sheer explosion of colour. From deep blue glaciers and black volcanic beaches to vivid green moss-covered lava fields and rainbow-hued geothermal areas, Iceland is far more vibrant than you might expect. Cruising allows you to wake up each day to a new landscape, docking in remote ports and charming towns you might not otherwise reach. If your cruise ship is heading to Iceland, prepare for a destination that perfectly blends wild natural beauty with moments of calm, all from the comfort of your floating hotel.

This post discovers some of the most colourful spots to explore in Iceland on a cruise.

Iceland Cruise Guide: Discover the Colourful Landscapes of Iceland by Sea

Cruising around Iceland is a breathtaking experience, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique natural wonders. However it is not just about the Glaciers and the Northern Lights. Iceland has so much colour and is quite quirky and fun. Here are the best and some of the most colourful things to do when cruising Iceland:

Search for Street Art

Iceland’s capital is a hub of culture and history, but if you stroll through the colourful streets, you will find lots of Street Art, such as this street art over a bakery in Reykjavik, Iceland. There is so much street-art to find and it really has all of the colours of the rainbow, from whole buildings, walls and even roads.

Hunt for Rainbows ( Port Reykjavík )

Rainbows often appear over waterfalls due to the unique combination of sunlight and misty water droplets created by the falling water. So if you find a waterfall, you will likely find a rainbow, such as this one, over a Waterfall in Gullfoss.

The Science Behind Iceland’s Waterfall Rainbows: Best Times and Locations for Photography

Understanding when and where to capture those spectacular waterfall rainbows can transform your Iceland cruise experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

Optimal Viewing Conditions:
• Time of Day: Mid-morning (10 AM – 12 PM) and late afternoon (3 PM – 5 PM) provide the ideal sun angle
• Weather Pattern: Partly cloudy days with intermittent sunshine create the most dramatic rainbow displays
• Viewing Position: Stand with the sun behind you at approximately 42 degrees to the water spray

Top Rainbow-Guaranteed Waterfalls Accessible from Cruise Ports:
• Gullfoss: Double rainbow phenomenon occurs 80% of sunny days due to massive water volume
• Skógafoss: Consistent mist production makes this the most reliable for rainbow sightings year-round
• Seljalandsfoss: Walk behind the falls for 360-degree rainbow opportunities

Pro Photography Tip: The mineral content in Icelandic glacial water creates more vivid rainbow colours than typical waterfalls—the blue and violet bands appear particularly intense due to fine glacial sediment in the mist.

Explore Icelands Many Churches ( Port Seydisfjordur)

Iceland’s churches are more than just places of worship; they are landmarks that reflect the country’s history, culture, and unique architecture. They are often situated near brightly coloured roads streets and towns such as this on here in Seydisfjordur.

Visit the Golden Circle

Ok so technically not golden but you will amazed however! The Golden Circle is the popular route from Reykjavik, the Golden Circle takes you to Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. It’s a perfect day trip if you want to get a lot done in one day!

Soak in the Blue Lagoon

This world-famous geothermal spa is a must-visit. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by lava fields and enjoy a rejuvenating experience like no other. I simply could not believe how much of a dream world this felt like with the misty blue backdrop.

Experience Whale Watching

Iceland is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Akureyri, known as one of the original the whale-watching spots, offers a chance to see majestic humpbacks, orcas, and even blue whales up close. This is one of the whales we saw on our tour.

Whale Species by Season in Icelandic Waters

Discover Volcanos

Iceland is often called the “Land of Fire and Ice,” and is a volcanic hotspot with over 30 active volcanic systems across the island. This dramatic landscape is shaped by its position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Iceland’s Volcano’s have been famous for many reasons such as the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010 that disrupted air travel across Europe, to the more recent Fagradalsfjall eruption, which has been erupting on and off since. You can see the lava flow in Fagradalsfjall, or you can take a safer route, as we did, and explore the Kerið, a volcanic crater which is inactive.

Iceland’s Most Accessible Volcanic Sites from Cruise Ports

Admire Icelands Many Statues and Sculptures

Iceland’s statues are a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and deep connection to nature and history. From the striking statue of Leif Erikson outside Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik, honouring the Norse explorer believed to be the first European to reach North America, to the captivating Sun Voyager sculpture by the waterfront. I particularly loved the “How’s it Going”, a rusty phone booth commemorating Iceland’s first international telegraph cable, which was laid in 1906.

Must-See Sculptures in Iceland’s Cruise Ports

Golden Circle Tour Options for Cruise Passengers

More Golden Circle Tour Options for Cruise Passengers!