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Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour from Reykjavík

About 14 hoursGroup: Larger group, by coachEasyCoach from ReykjavíkAge 6+All year
4.9(11 reviews)

This Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon tour takes you from Reykjavík to Iceland's best-known glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach in one long day, with stops at Seljalandsfoss, Vík and Stjórnarfoss on the way.

JökulsárlónDiamond BeachSeljalandsfossVík and ReynisdrangarStjórnarfossFjallsárlón
  • See icebergs on Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
  • Walk on Diamond Beach among ice on black sand
  • Stops at Seljalandsfoss, Vík and Reynisdrangar sea stacks
  • Optional boat ride on the lagoon in summer
  • Guided day tour with pick-up in Reykjavík

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkMeet at Bus Stop 12 in Reykjavík early in the morning, or add hotel pick-up for a fee.

You are picked up early in the morning from your hotel or the nearest bus stop in central Reykjavík. The coach drives east over Hellisheiði and along the South Coast.

Read our Reykjavík guide →
2Seljalandsfoss waterfallSeljalandsfossA short stop at Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind in summer.
Seljalandsfoss waterfallSeljalandsfossSeljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss drops 60 metres from what was once the edge of the coastline, before sea levels fell after the last ice age. The Seljalandsá river is fed by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in 2010 and grounded flights across Europe. It is one of the few waterfalls in Iceland with a path behind the falling water, so expect to get wet and bring a waterproof jacket. A short stop at Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind in summer.

Read our Seljalandsfoss guide →
3Vík and ReynisdrangarVík and ReynisdrangarIn Vík you see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks from the village beach.
Vík and ReynisdrangarVík and ReynisdrangarVík and Reynisdrangar

In Vík you see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks from the village beach, with the black sand stretching out below Reynisfjall mountain. It is a good place for a coffee and to stretch your legs. The waves are strong along this coast, so keep well back from the water.

Read our Vík í Mýrdal guide →
4Stjórnarfoss waterfallStjórnarfossNear Kirkjubæjarklaustur the tour stops at Stjórnarfoss, a wide waterfall a few…
Stjórnarfoss waterfallStjórnarfossStjórnarfoss

Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur the tour stops at Stjórnarfoss, a small, wide waterfall on the river Stjórn, a few minutes' walk from the road. It is a quiet stop before the coach crosses the lava fields and sands towards Vatnajökull.

5Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon filled with iceJökulsárlón and Diamond BeachAt Jökulsárlón you have free time by the lagoon and at Diamond Beach, where icebergs…
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon filled with iceBlocks of ice on Diamond Beach at sunsetIceberg reflected in the lagoon

At Jökulsárlón you have free time by the lagoon and at Diamond Beach, where icebergs rest on the black sand. From May to November you can add a boat ride on the lagoon. If conditions allow, you also stop at Fjallsárlón.

Read our Jökulsárlón guide →
6Back to ReykjavíkThe coach drives back west to Reykjavík, arriving late in the evening.

The coach drives back west to Reykjavík, arriving late in the evening.

Read our Reykjavík guide →

About the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon tour

Jökulsárlón sits at the foot of Breiðamerkurjökull, a tongue of Vatnajökull, about 370 km east of Reykjavík. Icebergs break off the glacier, drift across the lagoon and float out to sea, where many wash up on the black sand of Diamond Beach across the road.

It is a long drive, so this is a long day: about 14 hours door to door, and sometimes longer in bad weather. The upside is that you see the whole South Coast in one trip and do not have to drive the road yourself, which matters in winter when conditions change quickly.

On the way east you stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the village of Vík with its view of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and Stjórnarfoss near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. At Jökulsárlón you have time to walk along the shore, visit Diamond Beach and, from May to November, take an optional boat ride among the icebergs. When conditions allow, the tour also stops at the smaller and quieter Fjallsárlón lagoon.

The tour runs in a comfortable coach with a guide who talks about the places you pass. Bring food or plan to buy it at the stops, as meals are not included.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost
Boat ride on Jökulsárlón (May–November)
Boat ride on Jökulsárlón (May–November)

Included

  • English-speaking guide
  • Transport by coach
  • Free Wi-Fi on board

Not included

  • Hotel pick-up (can be added for an extra fee)
  • Boat ride on the lagoon (optional, May–November, paid extra)
  • Food and drinks

What to bring

  • Warm, windproof and waterproof clothing
  • Comfortable shoes for walking on sand and gravel
  • Snacks and water for a long day
  • Hat and gloves outside summer

Good to know

  • Duration: about 14 hours; it can run longer in bad weather
  • The tour starts at 7:00. Meet at Bus Stop 12 (opposite Storm Hotel) within 30 minutes of the start, or add hotel pick-up for an extra fee
  • Minimum age 6
  • Easy level: short walks at each stop
  • The optional boat ride runs May–November only
  • Fjallsárlón is visited only when weather and time allow
  • In winter you drive in darkness for part of the day
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start; no refund if you cancel less than 24 hours before

Questions people ask

Is a day trip to Jökulsárlón from Reykjavík worth it?

It is a long day, but it is the easiest way to see Jökulsárlón without a car or an overnight stay. If you have more time, a 2-day South Coast tour gives you a slower pace and a glacier hike too.

Is the boat ride included?

No. The boat ride is optional, runs from May to November, and is paid extra. Ask your guide on the day.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?

It is not a Northern Lights tour, but on clear winter evenings you may see them from the coach on the way back.

Is food included?

No. The tour stops at places where you can buy food, but many guests bring a packed lunch and snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children from age 6 can join. Keep in mind it is a long day, mostly on the coach.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
4.9Based on 11 reviews
5 stars10
4 stars1
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Another world

The Glacier Lagoon tour was absolutely breathtaking—huge floating icebergs, seals swimming nearby, and the peaceful stillness of the surroundings. The nearby Diamond Beach sparkled with chunks of ice scattered across the black sand. This tour was a highlight of our trip!

Tara N. · May 2025
Totally worth it!

This long day tour from Reykjavik to the diamond beach and the glacier lagoon was totally worth it! It was the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen and I have been around!
Please take this tour and see the amazing sightings!

Nicolette · April 2025
Good tour but long day

This was a very nice tour, but it was very long. I would give the experience 5 stars if it were not so long, but I guess the glacier lagoon and diamond beach is just so long away from Reykjavik. Petur from ITG recommended that we did the 2 day south coast tour but we had already booked our AirBnb in Reykjavik and did not want to do it. If I will come to Iceland again, I will go with the 2 day tour.

Cassandra · December 2024
Great experience

This tour was fantastic! Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and the black sand at Diamond Beach made for unique photos. Our guide was great, making the experience even better.

Ben H.
Long but stunning day!

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon was stunning, and we even saw seals! The tour was well-organized, and our guide shared fascinating facts. Diamond Beach was also amazing. This was a memorable tour with breathtaking scenery!

Kate A.
Incredible views!

This tour was one of the highlights of my trip to Iceland! The scenery along the South Coast was stunning, and when we reached Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, I was absolutely amazed. The icebergs floating in the lagoon were so beautiful and surreal, and I even spotted a few seals swimming nearby. The tour also took us to Diamond Beach, where the ice pieces on the black sand were like something out of a movie. Our guide was fantastic, sharing so much information about the area's history and geology. This tour is a must for anyone visiting Iceland!

David K. · October 2024
From27,990 ISKPer person

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