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 Circumnavigate Iceland, a geothermal wonderland, on a gay cruise of fire and ice. Rugged, otherworldly, and endlessly inspiring, Iceland is nature’s grand masterpiece. Circle the entire island on a stylish gay cruise, unveiling thundering waterfalls, quaint coastal villages, and glacier-carved fjords along the way. Cross the Arctic Circle, marvel at puffin-filled cliffs, and soak in the magic of geysers, gorges, and a hefty dose of gay camaraderie. From lava fields to zodiac rides, this all-encompassing adventure captures the true spirit of Iceland; untamed, unreal, and unforgettable (dragons not included).
Experience the thrill of a lifetime—a complete circumnavigation of Iceland, the legendary Land of Fire and Ice. Our 12-day Iceland Circumnavigation: Mountains, Volcanoes and Waterfalls takes you around the entire island nation, starting and ending in Reykjavik. Explore by small polar ship, Zodiac, kayak, on foot, and occasionally by coach, as you witness thundering waterfalls, vast glaciers, erupting geysers, volcanic cliffs, and remote wild coasts. Cross the Arctic Circle, spot iconic puffins, marvel at Vatnajökull Glacier, and photograph Dettifoss—Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
• Take in stunning Icelandic views on a 10-night expedition cruise aboard the stylish Ultramarine
• Begin and end in colorful Reykjavík, home to the impressive Hallgrímskirkja Church
• Witness the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall, set amidst the remote landscapes of the Westfjords
• Visit Vigur Island to experience traditional Icelandic culture
• Discover Northern Iceland’s powerful waterfalls, including Dettifoss and Goðafoss, set amid volcanic landscapes
• Wander through surreal lava formations, mud pots, and geothermal fields around Lake Mývatn and Dimmuborgir
• Cross the Arctic Circle at Grímsey Island, home to thousands of puffins
• Visit Seyðisfjörður and the Skálanes Nature and Heritage Centre, spotting wildlife like reindeer and Arctic foxes
• Stroll along Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach in Vatnajökull National Park
• Unveil the dramatic remnants of the 1973 eruption at the Westman Islands
Day 1
Velkomin til Íslands! Touch down in Reykjavík, Iceland’s charismatic capital, where Viking legends meet sleek Nordic design. The day is yours to explore at your own pace. Wander past colorful tin-roofed houses, pop into an art gallery, or sip coffee at one of the city’s cozy cafés while gazing out toward Faxaflói Bay. Don’t miss the soaring Hallgrímskirkja Church. Its panoramic tower view is the perfect way to get your bearings. This evening, we’ll get acquainted with a Group Meeting at 6:00 PM, followed by an included Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: TBA, Reykjavik
Day 2
After a hearty Icelandic breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in the capital before your afternoon transfer to the port. Explore Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, shop for locally made woolens, or sample a traditional hot dog at the city’s most famous stand (trust us – it’s a thing). Around mid-afternoon, we’ll regroup at the hotel for our transfer to the ship.
Once aboard Ultramarine, settle into your cabin, meet your Expedition Team, and toast the start of your voyage with a Welcome Briefing and dinner as we sail north into the North Atlantic.
Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Days 3 - 5
Prepare for three days of wild, untamed beauty as we explore the remote Westfjords, often called Iceland’s best-kept secret. This is where mountains tumble into the sea, waterfalls roar over ancient cliffs, and tiny fishing villages cling to fjordside slopes. On Zodiac cruises and guided shore landings, we’ll venture into places that few travellers ever see. At Dynjandi, the "thunderous" waterfall that cascades down a 100-metre (328-foot) cliff, we’ll stand in awe of its sheer power. Nearby, we’ll visit Vigur, a private island regarded as a capsule of Icelandic heritage. Local guides will introduce us to centuries-old traditions of eiderdown harvesting and share tales of island life.
Back on board, there are opportunities for sea kayaking, Zodiac rides, and even a guided paddle excursion, depending on conditions. Keep your camera handy; the Westfjords’ breathtaking landscapes and curious seals are endlessly photogenic. On our final day in this region, our Expedition Team will seek out even more hidden corners before we sail eastward toward Iceland’s rugged north.
PLEASE NOTE: Unlike our typical offerings, an expedition cruise is not only more exciting, but also less predictable. The Captain must factor in ever-changing sea, wildlife, and weather conditions in a remote part of the world. Therefore, the itinerary is less specific than usual, and sights visited are subject to change. Still, the days will be full of adventure.
Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Days 6 - 8
Over the next few days, we’ll unveil the magic of Northern Iceland, a land of contrasts where volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, and Arctic waters collide. We’ll marvel at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and visit Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods", where Iceland’s early leaders once declared their conversion to Christianity. In the Lake Mývatn region, we’ll explore bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and the surreal lava formations of Dimmuborgir, filming location for several Game of Thrones scenes.
At Skútustaðir, we’ll stroll among mysterious pseudocraters formed by ancient steam explosions, while the nearby Hverir geothermal field seems straight from another planet. A true voyage highlight comes as we cross the Arctic Circle at Grímsey, a tiny island with only about 70 residents and thousands of puffins. We’ll also explore Skagafjörður, known for its towering cliffs and abundant birdlife. Keep your eyes on the horizon for minke and humpback whales; these waters are among their favorite feeding grounds. Evenings bring soft Arctic light and long golden sunsets, an unforgettable northern glow.
Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Day 9
This morning, our ship anchors at Seyðisfjörður, one of the country’s most picturesque villages. Here, we’ll visit the Skálanes Nature and Heritage Centre, a fascinating hub where science, sustainability, and Icelandic tradition converge. Local researchers will guide us through their work monitoring wildlife and preserving cultural heritage in this fragile ecosystem. With luck, we may spot reindeer grazing on the slopes, or even an elusive Arctic fox. Trails of varying difficulty offer stunning views over the fjord. Beyond the science, this region is steeped in stories of resilience and harmony between humans and nature, threads that continue to shape Icelandic identity today.
Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Day 10
Today we dock in Djúpivogur, a small port where the soaring peaks of East Iceland give way to the sweeping plains of the south. It’s a place of quiet charm and rugged beauty, framed by waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and snow-tipped mountains. From here, we’ll travel inland to Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. We’ll visit the luminous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift gracefully, and stroll along Diamond Beach, where fragments of glacier ice glitter against jet-black sand. With time to hike and explore, this region showcases the raw power and poetic beauty that make Iceland unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Day 11
Our cruise adventure continues to the Westman Islands, a stunning volcanic archipelago off Iceland’s southern coast. Home to sea cliffs, panoramic views, and one of the world’s largest puffin colonies, this area is a paradise for bird lovers and photographers alike. We’ll go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the group, to learn about the dramatic 1973 eruption that buried part of the town in lava and ash. Today, remnants of that event serve as a powerful reminder of Iceland’s ever-changing landscape. From the ship, we’ll navigate through one of the narrowest harbors in the world, an unforgettable approach flanked by towering cliffs. Keep an eye out for Klettsvík, the cove that once housed Free Willy star Keiko the orca during his reintroduction to the wild. Later, we’ll hike through meadows of tall grass to a puffin colony, where these charismatic seabirds nest by the thousands. It’s a fitting finale to a journey defined by wonder, wilderness, and wildlife.
Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Day 12
This morning, we return to Reykjavík and bid farewell to Ultramarine and our incredible Expedition Team. Thanks for joining our Iceland adventure, and safe travels home!
If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
For those wishing to extend their stay, Reykjavik Pride is scheduled to run through August 8th, 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.
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• A gay group host and experienced expedition leaders throughout the voyage
• Breakfast daily, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
• Complimentary select beer, wines, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner throughout the voyage
• Credit of $100 USD for additional drinks and on-board purchases
• Out Adventures dry bag
• Quark Expeditions parka
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
• All gratuities for drivers, included meals, and porters
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
• All land transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
• International airfare
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Passport and visa expenses
• Adventure Options and any other optional activities not outlined in the itinerary.
Note: availability is very limited, and options can sell out at any moment.
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
• All items of a personal nature (laundry, premium alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, etc.)
• Gratuities for the ship and expedition crew (we recommend $380 – 450 USD per passenger)
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.
If circumnavigating Iceland isn’t enough adventure for you, we have a number of chilling and thrilling optional excursions you can add to your Iceland: Gay Cruise & Expedition. Choose up to 2 excursions per guest (the Kayaking Program and Paddling Excursion are not combinable).
Early pre-booking is highly recommended for all optional activities, as spaces fill quickly. All optional excursions are subject to availability.
TUNDRA TO TABLE: ICELAND
$139 USD per person (once per voyage)
Tundra to Table: Iceland takes guests on a culinary journey through Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland. Created in partnership with Pure Arctic, an Icelandic brand dedicated to sustainable, zero-carbon food production, Tundra to Table: Iceland showcases authentic tasting menus prepared by two rising Icelandic chefs. Guests convene in Ultramarine’s Bistro 487 to sample free-roaming lamb, greenhouse vegetables harvested from volcanic soil, smoked Westfjords lamb or kleinur (Icelandic donuts), among other dishes, while learning about regional foods, traditions, and Icelandic cooking techniques.
SEA KAYAKING
$2,215 USD per person (multiple times per voyage)
Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay or paddling alongside coastal shorelines in some of the most remote areas of the world. The Ultramarine’s Sea Kayaking program is a great way to intimately explore your surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises.
The number of opportunities to kayak is weather-dependent, and will be conducted only during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required, and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion.
PADDLING EXCURSION
$328 USD per person (once per voyage)
If you’re interested in kayaking but would like to try something a bit less demanding, you’re the perfect candidate to sign up for a one-time paddle on the Ultramarine’s stable sit-on-top kayaks – great for anyone with minimal or no kayaking experience. Small groups of passengers will be taken out on calm days, with expert guides always present to provide instruction and help you connect with the polar sea. Two groups of 10 will be pre-booked, and once successfully completed, any subsequent outings will be offered via lottery on board.
The Land of Fire & Ice is one of the world's most welcoming LGBTQ+ destinations.
This pristine nation is a perfect place to explore if you’re hungry for an epic adventure. Capital city Reykjavik offers everything from eclectic nightlife to tantalizing Nordic cuisine. The countryside is a great place to spike your adrenaline by white water rafting, glacier trekking, or zipping on Zodiacs through glacial lagoons. And when you’re ready to unwind in a natural hot tub, hundreds of geothermal zones await (you may even spot the Northern Lights).
Culture Shock
Tourism in Iceland is well-developed enough to afford many of the luxuries of home. Nearly everyone speaks English, and locals are very outgoing and friendly.
Iceland Visa
A visa is not typically required for American, Australian, British, and Canadian citizens travelling to Iceland for fewer than 90 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
Local LGBT Scene
While the scene is small and centred around Reykjavík, being LGBTQ+ in Iceland is a complete non-issue (they’ve already had a lesbian prime minister).
Weather
Summer in Iceland is pleasant but chilly. Daytime highs average in the low 60s°F (15°C), with evening temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C). Rain is always a possibility, so bring along an umbrella for the city and layers to keep you warm. You will be provided with an official Quark Expeditions parka to keep.
Required Vaccinations:
Routine vaccines are recommended. Consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice on any additional vaccinations or health precautions before traveling to Iceland.
Electricity
The electrical supply on board the Ultramarine is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Passengers coming from the USA and Canada may need to bring a small 220v/110v converter. Before you purchase a converter, check your electronics, as most modern cameras, computers, smartphones, and devices are already compatible with 220/110 volts. The electrical outlets in your cabin and around the ship accept standard European two-round pin plugs, so you may need to bring a travel adapter. You’ll also find a USB outlet at each bedside and some in the public presentation spaces.
Connectivity:
Our hotel offers Wi-Fi. During the cruise, basic Wi-Fi is included, suitable only for email or texting apps. You can purchase ship-to-shore satellite communications and Wi-fi access on board. Pricing will be provided with your final trip documents. Connectivity while on the ship can be very sporadic.
Starting Point:
Arrival and departure transfers are not included on this tour due to the extreme costs of transportation in Iceland. Detailed transportation information will be provided in your final Trip Documents. The starting point hotel in Reykjavik will be confirmed in the trip confirmation email approximately 10-11 months prior to departure.
Finishing Point:
The Ultramarine is scheduled to arrive in Reykjavik between 7 AM and 8 AM local time. After breakfast, and once the ship has docked, you will have time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour. After disembarkation, you will transfer to a central downtown location. More details will be sent with the trip confirmation email.
The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer.
Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.
With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.
Ultramarine, the newest, ice-strengthened polar tour ship designed specifically for navigating the Arctic and Antarctic, with a priority on maximising guest experience in this part of the world.
The MV Ultramarine can hold a maximum of 199 passengers (200 people is the maximum number that can leave any ship at the same time in the Antarctic according to IAATO regulations) and 140 crew, so not only does it pass this important passenger limit rule, there’s substantial staff available to cover all needs and requirements for high-end cruise executions.
With a focus on environmentally responsible tourism, Quark ensured that the Ultramarine also utilises the most sustainable tech available to operate, including special systems to convert waste to energy, minimise fuel consumption and navigate narrow passages without impacting the land or seabed.
Luxury is paramount onboard, and every corner blends spacious functionality with high-end amenities and tasteful decorations.
There are 8 decks with different style cabins, lounge, two bars, two restaurants, presentation room, gym, spa, reception, ready room and a fully-stocked store.
The newest addition and arguable highlight is the two twin engine helicopters that allow for off ship experiences such as scenic flights and landings in places few people have ever seen.
Located at the bow on Deck 7 is the Panorama Lounge, the ultimate social hub on the Ultramarine. It’s perfect place for guests to relax and unwind at the end if a big day’s exploration or to chill in the morning with a cup of coffee while watching the landscapes pass by.
The main restaurant on the ship is the Balena Restaurant located on Deck 5, there’s two sections to the Balena Restaurant – the front section which is more like a lounge and the bright, back section which has more of a diner feel.
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