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Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Tour

1.5 hoursGroup: Small group, up to 9 peopleEasy to moderateMeet on locationAge 14+May–September
5.0(7 reviews)
Kayakers beside an iceberg on JökulsárlónKayak passing a blue icebergSeal resting on the iceLone kayak on the glacier lagoon
Two kayakers with paddles raised

A Jökulsárlón kayaking tour that puts you on the water among floating icebergs, not just looking at them from the shore. You wear a drysuit over your clothes and paddle a sit-on-top kayak with your guide, no experience needed.

Jökulsárlón car parkKayak fittingPaddle among icebergs
  • Paddle a sit-on-top kayak right among floating icebergs on Jökulsárlón
  • Drysuit, life vest and boots included, so you stay warm and dry
  • Small groups, maximum 9 people, with an English-speaking guide
  • No kayaking experience needed
  • Close-up views of Vatnajökull's outlet glaciers and the surrounding mountains

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Meet at Jökulsárlón car parkFind the marked van, get fitted for your drysuit and gear.
2Two kayakers with paddles raisedSafety briefingYour guide explains paddling technique and safety before you launch.
Two kayakers with paddles raised

Your guide explains paddling technique and safety, and you are fitted with drysuit, life vest and boots before you launch from the shore. It takes only a few minutes, and no kayaking experience is needed.

Time here · a few minutes
3Kayakers beside an iceberg on JökulsárlónKayaking among the icebergsPaddle out into the lagoon, weaving between floating ice.
Kayakers beside an iceberg on JökulsárlónRed kayak beside a tall icebergKayak between two icebergs

You paddle a sit-on-top kayak out into Jökulsárlón, weaving between icebergs of all sizes that have calved off the glacier. Vatnajökull's outlet glaciers and the mountains frame the lagoon. You are on the water for about an hour at an easy to moderate pace set by the guide.

Time here · about 1 hour on the waterDifficulty · easy to moderate, guide sets the pace
4Two paddlers in a red kayakBack at the car parkReturn gear and change back into your own clothes.
Two paddlers in a red kayak

Back on shore you return the drysuit, life vest and boots and change into your own clothes. The car park can be busy in summer, so this is a good time to leave without rushing.

About the Jökulsárlón kayaking tour

Jökulsárlón is the glacier lagoon most people only see from the shore. This tour gets you onto the water in a sit-on-top kayak, paddling in among the icebergs that have calved off the glacier and drifted into the lagoon.

You meet your guide at the marked van in the Jökulsárlón car park, get fitted with a drysuit, life vest and boots, and get a safety briefing before heading out. The paddling itself is not technical, so this suits people with no kayaking background, though you should be reasonably comfortable in the water and able to swim.

The lagoon is busy with day visitors in summer, so the car park fills up; plan to arrive 40 to 50 minutes before your tour to find parking and get changed. The tour only runs from May to September, since the lagoon needs open, ice-free water to paddle safely.

Included

  • Sit-on-top kayak
  • Drysuit, life vest and boots
  • English-speaking guide
  • Safety briefing

Not included

  • Transport to Jökulsárlón
  • Photos
  • Food and drinks

What to bring

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

Good to know

  • Duration is about 1.5 hours, with roughly 1 hour of paddling
  • Minimum age is 14, and you should be comfortable in the water
  • Maximum 9 people per group
  • Runs May to September only
  • Arrive 40–50 minutes early, since the car park gets busy in summer

Questions people ask

Do I need kayaking experience?

No, the paddling is not technical and your guide talks you through it before you start.

Will I get wet or cold?

You wear a drysuit over your clothes, so you stay dry. Warm layers underneath are still a good idea.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, there is a weight limit for safety reasons; check with us if you are close to it.

Why does it only run in summer?

The lagoon needs to be free of ice ice in a way that is safe to paddle through, which is only reliable from May to September.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 7 reviews
5 stars7
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Unforgettable kayaking trip

Kayaking among the icebergs in Jökulsárlón was incredible! The scenery was like nothing we’ve ever seen, and the guides made the experience safe and enjoyable. A truly unforgettable adventure.

Charles · August 2025
Best part of my Iceland trip - kayaking was very unique!

Kayaking in Jökulsárlón was one of the best parts of our trip. It felt surreal to be so close to the icebergs, and the views were incredible. Our guide was engaging and knowledgeable, making the whole experience even better. A must-do in Iceland!

Lauren W.
Unreal experience

Being on the water surrounded by icebergs was unreal. The Jökulsárlón kayaking tour was organized perfectly, and our guide made the experience safe and enjoyable. Highly recommend for those who want to see Iceland from a new perspective!

George K.
Fantastic

This tour was amazing from start to finish! Paddling close to the icebergs in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon was breathtaking. The guide was friendly and gave us lots of information about the glacier and the lagoon. An unforgettable experience!

Hannah M.
Highlight of my ring road trip

Kayaking at Jökulsárlón was a highlight of my trip. The icebergs looked otherworldly from the water, and it was a relaxing yet exciting experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and helpful. This is a must-do in Iceland if you love unique adventures!

Carl T.
Dream come true!

This tour was a dream! Kayaking around the icebergs in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon was incredible. The guide was fantastic, sharing details about the glaciers and keeping us safe. The scenery was surreal, and I couldn’t stop taking photos. Highly recommend this experience!

Amelia S.
From18,500 ISKPer person

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