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Heinabergslón Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Tour

3.5 hoursGroup: Small group, up to 8 peopleEasy to moderateMeet on locationAge 14+May–October
5.0(6 reviews)
Kayaker below the glacier on HeinabergslónKayakers among the icebergsTwo kayakers cheering on the lagoonKayak beside a blue iceberg
Kayaks passing blue icebergs

A glacier lagoon kayaking tour at Heinabergslón, a quieter iceberg lagoon than the well-known Jökulsárlón. You paddle among the ice in a drysuit with your guide, then take a short walk to a viewpoint over the lagoon.

Meeting point near HeinabergslónTransfer to the lagoonKayaking among icebergsViewpoint hike
  • Kayak among icebergs on Heinabergslón, quieter than the main glacier lagoons
  • About 1.5 hours of guided paddling in a drysuit
  • A short hike to scenic viewpoints over the lagoon
  • Small groups, maximum 8 people
  • No kayaking experience needed

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Meet at Gerði GuesthouseCheck in and get fitted for your drysuit and kayak gear.
2Kayaks on the lagoon shoreTransfer to the lagoonA short 4x4 or minibus ride to the water's edge.
Kayaks on the lagoon shore

A short 4x4 or minibus ride takes you from Gerði Guesthouse to the water's edge. It takes only a few minutes.

Time here · a few minutes
3Kayaker below the glacier on HeinabergslónKayaking among icebergsPaddle out among the ice with your guide.
Kayaker below the glacier on HeinabergslónKayaks passing blue icebergsKayaks among the ice from the air

Heinabergslón is smaller and quieter than the well-known lagoons further east, so you often have the ice more or less to yourselves. You paddle for about 1.5 hours among icebergs at an easy to moderate pace set by your guide.

Time here · about 1.5 hoursDifficulty · easy to moderate, guide sets the pace
4Ice stranded on the shore from the airViewpoint walkA brief hike to scenic vantage points over the lagoon.
Ice stranded on the shore from the air

After paddling, a short hike on uneven ground leads to viewpoints over the lagoon and the glacier front. Wear shoes you are comfortable walking in.

Walking · short, on uneven ground
5Two kayakers cheering on the lagoonBack at the guesthouseReturn gear at the end of the tour.
Two kayakers cheering on the lagoon

You return to Gerði Guesthouse and hand in the drysuit, life vest and boots. The whole tour takes about 3.5 hours.

About the glacier lagoon kayaking

Heinabergslón is one of several glacier lagoons in southeast Iceland, and a good deal calmer than Jökulsárlón. This tour meets at Gerði Guesthouse, where you suit up in a drysuit, life vest and boots before a short 4x4 or minibus transfer to the water's edge.

Once there you get a safety briefing and paddle for about 1.5 hours among icebergs that have broken off the glacier and drifted into the lagoon. The tour also includes a brief hike to viewpoints looking back over the lagoon and glacier. No previous kayaking experience is needed, though you should be reasonably fit and comfortable in the water.

This lagoon sees far fewer visitors than Jökulsárlón, so it suits people who want a quieter, more remote feel. It only runs from May to October, when the lagoon is clear enough of ice to paddle safely.

Included

  • Kayak, drysuit, life vest and boots
  • Professional guide
  • Transfer from meeting point to the water

Not included

  • Transport to Gerði Guesthouse
  • Food and drinks
  • Photos

What to bring

  • Warm clothing to wear under the drysuit
  • Warm socks
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses and a hat

Good to know

  • Duration is about 3.5 hours, with roughly 1.5 hours of paddling
  • Minimum age is 14, and basic swimming skills are needed
  • Maximum 8 people per group
  • Meet at Gerði Guesthouse
  • Runs May to October

Questions people ask

How is this different from the Jökulsárlón kayaking tour?

Heinabergslón is a smaller, quieter lagoon with far fewer visitors, reached by a short transfer rather than roadside parking.

Do I need to swim well?

You should be a reasonably confident swimmer, since you wear a life vest but still spend time close to icy water.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, for safety reasons. Check with us if you think you may be close to it.

What should I wear?

Warm layers under the provided drysuit, plus gloves, a hat and sunglasses.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 6 reviews
5 stars6
4 stars0
3 stars0
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1 star0
Amazing guide and tour

This tour offered some of the best scenery I’ve ever seen. Being so close to the glacier was surreal, and our guide was excellent—professional and friendly. If you’re visiting Iceland, you can’t miss this kayaking tour!

Jason L.
so worth it!

This premium tour was worth every minute. Kayaking on glacial water surrounded by ice was like being in another world. Our guide was informative, making the experience fun and educational. An unforgettable adventure that I’d recommend to everyone!

Olivia N.
Excellent

The Glacier Kayak Premium Tour was outstanding. Kayaking near the ice was both thrilling and peaceful, and our guide made sure we felt safe and informed. The scenery was unbelievable—Iceland at its best. A highlight of our trip!

Michael T.

Paddling around the glacier was an experience I’ll never forget. The tour was well-organized, and our guide was excellent. We learned a lot about the glacier and enjoyed a unique view of Iceland’s natural beauty. Highly recommend!

Natalie B.
Unforgettable!

The Glacier Kayak Premium Tour was unforgettable! Our guide was professional, making sure everyone was comfortable and safe. The views were breathtaking, and it was surreal to kayak near glaciers. This tour is a must if you’re in Iceland!

Daniel H.
Highly recommended tour by me and my family!

I did the Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Tour on Heinabergslón in June, and it was an incredible experience. The serene beauty of the glacier lagoon, with its floating icebergs and stunning reflections, left me in awe. Paddling through the pristine waters was both peaceful and exhilarating, offering a unique perspective of Iceland's natural wonders. This tour is an absolute must-do for anyone looking to experience the magic of Iceland up close. Highly recommended!

Bryan · June 2024
From20,900 ISKPer person

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