South Iceland and Glacier Lagoon: Jökulsárlón with Boat Tour
Description
Sail through Iceland’s glacial wonderland. Experience Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon up close on this unforgettable South Coast adventure. After a scenic drive past volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches, hop aboard a boat to cruise between drifting icebergs—some over 1,000 years old—on Iceland’s deepest lake. Watch as glowing blue ice floats past, then walk the shores of Diamond Beach, where fragments sparkle on black volcanic sand. With expert guides and cinematic views, this tour is pure Arctic magic. You’ll also stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall and enjoy incredible roadside views of glaciers, lava fields, and rugged coastline. The boat ride offers a rare, front-row look at one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders—perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and first-time visitors alike. Comfortable transport, local insight, and unbeatable scenery make this a must-do experience along Iceland’s South Coast.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Short break for comfort before continuing our journey to the Glacier Lagoon.
Eyjafjallajökull is a stratovolcano situated in Iceland, famously known for its 2010 eruption that caused widespread disruption to air travel across Europe. The volcano is covered by a glacier, or "jökull" in Icelandic, which gives it its name.
Skógafoss is a majestic waterfall located in southern Iceland, along the Skógá River. Skógafoss is one of Iceland's most iconic and frequently photographed waterfalls, drawing visitors from around the world. Legend has it that a treasure chest is hidden behind the waterfall, adding to its allure and mystique.
Lunch break
Jökulsárlón is a mesmerizing glacial lagoon located in southeastern Iceland. It's formed by the melting ice from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, resulting in a stunning expanse of serene blue waters dotted with icebergs. A boat ride on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon offers a captivating journey amidst the floating ice sculptures. Gliding through the icy waters, you'll get an up-close look at the intricate details of the icebergs and the vibrant shades of blue they exhibit.
Diamond Beach is a captivating shoreline where icebergs from the lagoon wash up on the black volcanic sands, creating a stunning juxtaposition of textures and colors.
Vík is a charming coastal village situated in southern Iceland, known for its stunning black sand beaches and dramatic rock formations for your dinner break. This stop allows you to unwind, enjoy a delicious meal, and take in the beauty of this charming village.
Seljalandsfoss is a stunning waterfall, what makes this waterfall unique is that visitors can walk behind the cascade, thanks to a cave-like concave rock formation. Seljalandsfoss is an enchanting sight, especially during the long daylight hours of Iceland's summer.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
• Please be at your designated pickup point at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Our pickup vehicles are well marked with the Reykjavik Excursions. • Each driver has a few stops, so it can take up to 30 minutes to finish picking everyone up, so there is no need to worry if the bus is not there right away.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in cold weather conditions, please dress appropriately. We recommend warm layers including hat and gloves and rain gear
Reviews(93)
Amazing Experience with Gunnar RA who was very informative and helpful throughout the trip.
Hello, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience. It’s great to know that Gunnar made your trip even more enjoyable with his informative commentary and helpful attitude throughout the tour. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back to Iceland for another unforgettable adventure! Kind regards, Zuzanna
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our full day excursion (approximately 15 hours). Our driver and guide, Dylan Kincla was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and shared information all along the route. We learned about the history of Iceland, main industries such as fishing, farming and tourism, interesting facts on sheep and lamb that roamed freely everywhere as well as facts on the many Icelandic horses that we saw along the way. We also learned about Iceland’s renewable energy sources and the incredible amount of geothermal and hydropower. We visited Skogafoss waterfall which is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. There was time to climb 527 steps to the viewing platform next to the falls and enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the falls although most people just walked up to the base and saw the waterfall up close without climbing steps. We also visited Seljalandsfoss which was another impressive famous waterfall. It was quite an experience to be able to walk on the path that took us behind the waterfall. Recommend wearing a rain jacket because the mist and spray gets you wet. The highlight of the day was seeing the icebergs up close on the optional amphibian Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon boat tour. The huge icebergs were shades of blue and white. It was beautiful to see panoramic views of the massive Vatnajokull glacier, the largest in Iceland, from the boat. This could also be seen on land for those who chose not to go on the boat tour but it was more impressive by to see things up close by boat. The boat tour had an English speaking guide who was full of energy and provided commentary. She also had a small iceberg on board for the passengers to pass around and take photos. We went to the Diamond Beach but we only saw a couple of very small pieces of ice on the shore. We were told by Dylan that it’s a hit or miss, sometimes there are a lot of icebergs and other times there are none. Still lovely to see the black sand beach and watch the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Hello, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your husband had such an enjoyable experience on this full-day adventure. It’s fantastic to know that Dylan made the journey even more special with his knowledge and engaging stories about Iceland’s history, culture, industries, wildlife, and unique natural resources. We’re happy that you enjoyed learning more about the country while taking in the incredible landscapes along the way. We’re also delighted that you enjoyed the beautiful waterfalls, the experience of walking behind Seljalandsfoss, and the breathtaking views at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The amphibian boat tour is indeed a fantastic way to get closer to the icebergs and experience the glacier lagoon from a unique perspective. Thank you as well for sharing your helpful tips and observations for future travelers. As Dylan mentioned, the conditions at Diamond Beach can vary greatly from day to day, but we’re glad you still enjoyed the beauty of the black sand beach and the Atlantic coastline. We truly appreciate your kind words about Dylan and will be sure to pass them along. We hope to welcome you back to Iceland for another unforgettable experience! Kind regards, Zuzanna
I was confused when I was told in English that I had paid through a travel agency in Japan but couldn't understand it without payment there. I thought I had to show my reservation ticket persistently before boarding.
Hello, Thank you for your feedback, and we’re sorry to hear about the confusion before your journey. We understand how stressful it must have been, especially after having already paid through a travel agency. In some cases, when bookings are made through third-party travel agencies, there can be delays or discrepancies in the information we receive. We apologize for the inconvenience this caused. Your suggestion about presenting the booking voucher before boarding is appreciated, and we also recommend having it readily available, especially when traveling with bookings made through third-party agencies. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a smoother experience in the future. Kind regards, Zuzanna
What a joy — and how lucky we were: beautiful weather, a blue sky, and hardly any wind. In a small group, we crossed the lagoon by zodiac, at times cruising gently and at other moments speeding across the water. The guide explained how the icebergs and ice floes are formed, the different colors in the ice, and the glacier itself. Several seals were resting on the ice floes, and we were able to view them from fairly close by. It was fascinating, enjoyable, and very well organized. Highly recommended. If you still have time, take a walk along the shore of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. We found the western shore more impressive, with better and more varied views of the icebergs and ice floes. It was especially lovely to see several seals swimming and playing. And, of course, do not forget to walk over to the beach to admire the chunks of ice washed up on the shore.
Hello, Thank you for your wonderful and detailed feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such a memorable experience at Jökulsárlón. It sounds like the weather was on your side, making the zodiac tour even more special. We’re so pleased you enjoyed learning about the glacier and icebergs from your guide and that you had the chance to see the seals resting and playing among the ice floes. Thank you as well for sharing your helpful tips for future visitors. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are delighted that the experience was both fascinating and well organized. We hope to welcome you back to Iceland for another unforgettable adventure! Kind regards, Zuzanna
The weather was great and we had a great experience! Our guide, Eric, was a good driver and tour guide. I think it is a very satisfying tour.
Dear Traveler, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you were blessed with beautiful weather and had such a fantastic experience exploring Iceland with us. It’s wonderful to know that Eric did an excellent job both as your driver and guide. His knowledge, professionalism, and friendly approach help create memorable experiences, and we’re so pleased he made your day both enjoyable and fulfilling. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Eric; he’ll be delighted to hear them. Thank you again for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Iceland. Warm regards, Rute
Amazing tour, highly recommend! Our tour guide/driver Leifur was super sweet and guided us well through all of it. Heidi also helped us with the tour and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend them for this tour. Also, the boat tour is a must-do.
Dear Traveler, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had such an amazing experience exploring the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach with us. It’s fantastic to know that Leifur’s warm personality and guidance made the day so enjoyable, and that Heidi’s knowledge added even more to the experience. We’re proud to have such dedicated team members who are passionate about sharing Iceland’s incredible nature with our guests. We’re also delighted that you enjoyed the boat tour and would recommend it. Seeing the icebergs up close is truly a unique experience and a highlight for many visitors. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to both Leifur and Heidi; they’ll be thrilled to hear them. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable Iceland adventure. Warm regards, Rute
Long 14 hr tour but plenty of stops to break up the trip . Ally the guide was friendly & informative. Alan the driver was professional . Beautiful scenery!! Glacier Lagoon boat ride was beyond description .
Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your South Iceland and Glacier Lagoon adventure and found the stops along the way well paced for such a long journey. It's especially lovely to know that Ally's friendly and informative guidance and Alan's professionalism contributed to such a positive experience. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to them both. We're also thrilled that the beautiful scenery and the Glacier Lagoon boat ride made such a lasting impression. It truly is a remarkable experience! Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Iceland for another unforgettable adventure in the future. Kind regards, Inga
Ally and Allen were Awesome!! I love that we could still buy the boat tickets right then if we forgot to do it before.
Hello Diane, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your South Iceland and Glacier Lagoon adventure and had such a great experience with Ally and Allen. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to them both. It's also great to know that having the option to purchase the boat tour tickets on the day made your experience more convenient and flexible. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Iceland for another unforgettable adventure in the future. Kind regards, Inga
Our guide, Marianne E., was excellent. The tour itself went smoothly without any issues, and it was absolutely beautiful. The boat tour was wonderful.
Dear Traveler, Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear everything went smoothly and that you enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the boat tour. It's wonderful to know Marianne made your experience even better. We truly appreciate your feedback! Best Regards, Gabriele
Gudjon Jes was one of our favourite tour guides in Iceland. He was super knowledgeable, approachable, and has a great sense of humour. We learned a lot about the history, myths, and the geological aspects of Iceland. Absolutely recommend him and these tours. Would not have learned this much if we explored on our own.
Hello, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Guðjon Jes. It’s fantastic to know his knowledge, approachable manner, and sense of humour made the tour so enjoyable, and that you were able to learn so much about Iceland’s history, myths, and geology. We’re especially happy that the experience added so much value compared to exploring on your own. We truly appreciate your kind recommendation and hope to see you again in Iceland! Kind regards, Zuzanna
