CircumnaviGAYtion: 10 Reasons To Join Our Iceland Gay Cruise

An all-encompassing LGBTQ+ voyage around one of the world’s most epic islands.

Our Iceland gay cruise and expedition is a surefire way to rock your thermal socks off: volcanoes belching steam like dragons, waterfalls that roar louder than a pride parade, and wildlife so cute it should come with a warning label. And yes, we’re sailing around the entire island, hitting all the highlights as well as the hard-to-get-to spots that most tourists never see. Muster up, because here are 10 reasons to set course for Iceland in summer 2027!

10. Reykjavík: The Coolest Capital On Earth

Our journey kicks off in Reykjavík, Iceland’s pint-sized powerhouse of color, culture, and charisma. You’ll have time to explore the city’s Norse history, ultra-modern architecture, and cafés that could convert even the most caffeine-resistant traveler.

Stroll down Skólavörðustígur, the city’s famous rainbow street leading straight to Hallgrímskirkja Church, and you’ll feel like you’re walking a runway made just for you! The nightlife? Deliciously welcoming. Be sure to pop into the legendary Kiki Queer Bar. But what truly sets Iceland’s capital apart is its culture of deep, genuine acceptance. This is a country that elected the world’s first openly lesbian prime minister, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, over a decade ago. LGBTQ+ rights aren’t just tolerated here; they’re celebrated.

Beyond the rainbow street and the Kiki Bar, there are plenty of fun, offbeat activities to spice up your stay, including The Icelandic Phallological Museum (better known as the world-famous penis museum).

This quirky institution houses the largest collection of… well, phalluses… from land and sea mammals across Iceland. Equal parts educational, hilarious, and delightfully weird, it’s a perfect stop for travelers who enjoy a little cheeky humor with their science.

We also recommend taking the elevator to the top of Reykjavík’s most formidable church for panoramic views of the city’s colorful rooftops, mountains, and harbor. It’s the best selfie spot in town. Period.

9. All Aboard The Ultramarine

Get excited, because we’re boarding the ultra-hip Ultramarine, our floating adventure basecamp.

There are 20 quick-launch Zodiacs, deployed via a water-level hangar and four separate embarkation points, so you can hop off in a flash for wildlife encounters and shore landings. Even better, the wraparound viewing deck gives you sweeping, 360° access to icebergs, wildlife, and endless polar vistas. 

Inside, Ultramarine relies on stylish yet practical design: spacious suites (including solo, balcony, ultra, and owner’s tiers), heated bathroom floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows in some cabins so you never miss a moment of the landscape.

For downtime, there’s a Panorama Lounge & Bar with huge glass walls, Balena Restaurant with views from every seat, and even a state-of-the-art theater for talks and films.

Wellness is front and center too. Imagine relaxing in a sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows, unwinding in the spa, or stretching out in the yoga studio or gym.

But what really makes our ship shine is how green it is: it has a Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) that converts onboard waste into energy, reducing its footprint in the fragile polar regions. This will be our 4th cruise on Ultramarine, and she’s one of our favorites: classy, chic, and ready to go where other ships can’t.

8. The Westfjords: Iceland’s Best-Kept Secret

Remote. Rugged. Ridiculously beautiful. The Westfjords are the Icelandic equivalent of stumbling upon an untouched fantasy realm, minus the dragons (we think). Keep your eyes peeled as we sail towards the Westfjords because we’ll pass by the famous Kirkjufell Mountain.

Upon arrival, we’ll be met with fjords, green hills, dramatic cliffs, candy-colored beaches, and the occasional shaggy sheep who clearly believes it owns the place. We’ll deploy Zodiacs and go ashore, hiking through pristine wilderness and wandering among fishing villages with distinct Viking heritage.

Among the spots we’ll visit are Dynjandi, the “thunderous” waterfall that looks like a bridal veil for a 300-foot-tall giant. We’ll also see Mongufoss, a remote cascade so beautiful it deserves its own reality show.

There’s also Vigur Island, home to 7,000 ducks, 100,000 puffins, and Europe’s largest colony of Black Guillemots. It’s basically the Coachella of birdlife.

7. Northern Iceland: Waterfalls, Lava Worlds & the Midnight Sun

As we hopscotch through Northern Iceland, you’ll notice that landscapes shift from lush valleys to barren lava fields faster than you can say, “Did we just cross into another dimension?” Must-see spots include Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. 

We’ll also visit Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” named for its mythic past, and Mývatn, with its Game of Thrones–worthy pseudocraters and sci-fi lava formations.

Then there’s Hverir, a bubbling, steaming geothermal playground straight out of a wizard’s handbook.

We’ll literally cross the Arctic Circle on Grímsey, puffin paradise and home to just 70 humans. Keep your eyes peeled for whales: minke, humpback, and even orca occasionally glide through these northern waters, showing off like nature’s synchronized swimmers.

6. Birds, Boats, And Big History

Seabirds rule the roost along the cliffs of Drangey: guillemots, puffins, and kittiwakes galore. Meanwhile, Siglufjörður dazzles with its quiet charm and deep maritime roots. 

After a waterfall outing, we’ll drift into Húsavík, aka Iceland’s whale-watching capital. This charming seaside town sits on the edge of Skjálfandi Bay, prime feeding territory for humpbacks, minkes, and even the occasional blue whale. Colorful fishing boats bob in the water, snow-capped peaks glow in the distance, and the salty breeze carries the promise of unforgettable encounters. Add in a quirky whaling museum, cozy cafés, and a proud maritime heritage, and it’s no wonder this little northern gem has captured the hearts of adventurers from around the globe.

5. East Iceland: Fjords, Forests, And A Fantastic Heritage Center

Welcome to the east, where fjords slice into mountains and Iceland’s largest forest waves hello. We’ll explore Seyðisfjörður, a fjord that looks like it was painted by a watercolor artist.

Then it’s on to the Skálanes Nature and Heritage Center, where science, culture, and wilderness combine like an Icelandic Marvel team-up. Local researchers will introduce us to the area’s wildlife, ancient traditions, and fascinating geology. Keep a lookout for reindeer, Arctic foxes, and sweeping alpine beauty.

4. Southern Iceland: Glaciers, Icebergs & Diamond Beach

The south coast is where Iceland flexes its dramatic muscles. From the town of Djúpivogur, we’ll travel inland to Vatnajökull National Park, home to everything Iceland’s PR team brags about: glaciers, black-sand beaches, volcanoes, and surreal iceberg lagoons.

Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, with its floating ice sculptures, then wander down Diamond Beach, where shards of glacial ice sparkle on black sand like Mother Nature dropped her jewelry. It’s worth noting that the hiking trails in this area weave through some of the most spectacular terrain on the island.

3. The Westman Islands: Puffins, Lava & A Harbor You’ll Never Forget

The Westman Islands were formed by underwater volcanic eruptions, which gave birth to Mordor-like lava fields and precipitous cliffs. As we sail through the harbor’s famously narrow entrance, look starboard for Klettsvík, former home of Keiko, the beloved orca star of Free Willy.

On Heimaey, the only inhabited island, we’ll stroll past the still-visible aftermath of the 1973 eruption that reshaped the town.

Our Zodiac adventure around the Westman Islands brings us face-to-face with one of the largest puffin colonies in the world. Sci-fi fans might know these adorable cliff-dwellers as the inspiration for the Porgs in Star Wars. 

2. Polar Plunge

This is the kind of wild, brag-worthy moment you’ll be telling people about for the rest of your life. Imagine standing at the edge, bundled in a robe, heart pounding with equal parts terror and thrill – then splash! You leap into the icy, electric-blue water, letting out a shriek that instantly becomes part laugh, part primal victory cry. 

Don’t worry – you’ll be safely secured with a tether, and crew will be right there to ensure there are no issues. But the best part? The photos. Nothing says “I conquered Iceland!” like a perfectly timed shot of you mid-air with a backdrop of glaciers, mountains, and a cheering crowd of shipmates.

1. Crossing the Finish Line…with Pride!

We complete our full circumnavigation right where we started – in Reykjavík, and likely smack dab in the middle of Reykjavik Pride! The annual festival is scheduled to run through August 8th, 2027, with the Pride Parade itself happening on August 7th. Prices and details for our post-cruise Reykjavik Pride package will be available approximately 8-10 months prior to departure.

Book a few nights post-trip to enjoy the city a bit more, and once we’ve firmed up our plans for Pride, we’ll send out an update to everyone on the trip.

Volcanoes and waterfalls and puffins – oh my!

If our Iceland Circumnavigation sounds like your kind of wild, windswept wondercruise, Contact Us or submit your booking form to get your adventure started. The Land of Fire and Ice is calling… and we’re absolutely answering. ❄️🔥🛳️