Iceland’s glacier lagoon tours traverse the diverse South Coast, leading you to the awe-inspiring Jökulsárlón

Situated in the southeast, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a place like no other. The glacier lagoon is a serene paradise where time seems to slow down. You can take a boat ride to get up close to the glittering, floating icebergs or simply stand on the shore, gazing in wonder at the surreal blue and white hues that paint the landscape.

Just a stone’s throw away from the glacier lagoon lies the enchanting Diamond Beach. The black sand is decorated with chunks of ice that have journeyed from the lagoon to the open sea and back. These ice gems, glistening like diamonds in the sun, create a mesmerizing contrast against the dark volcanic sands.

Explore South Iceland‘s scenic wonders on Glacier Lagoon tours via the picturesque Ring Road. Admire waterfalls, black sand beaches, and sea stacks along the way. This is Iceland’s longest one-day tour to an unparalleled destination.

Join us on a day trip to discover the glacier lagoon and more

Experience the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach along with waterfalls, black sand beaches and more.

Given the glacier lagoon’s approximately 5-hour distance from Reykjavik, you might find the journey rushed, especially with numerous enticing attractions along the route. 

Opting for multi-day tours that encircle Iceland not only provides an immersive exploration of the glacier lagoon but also ensures you have ample time to savor the other captivating sights en route. 

Combining multiple day tours presents an excellent and value-packed opportunity to thoroughly experience Iceland’s diverse beauty.

Multi-day Tours Visiting Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Multi-day tours in Iceland offer in-depth exploration

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, nestled within Vatnajökull National Park, boasts Iceland’s largest and Europe’s most voluminous ice cap, the Vatnajökull glacier. This beautiful location offers a range of exhilarating adventures and activities waiting to be explored.

During the summer season, the most sought-after activity at the glacier lagoon is the amphibian boat ride. Gliding alongside the drifting icebergs is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In winter, hop on a super jeep ride from Jokulsarlon to explore Vatnajokull’s unique crystal blue ice caves.

Your gateway to these exciting experiences begins at the parking lot of the glacier lagoon. If you opt for a self-driving adventure around Iceland, securing your spot here sets the stage for an unforgettable journey that commences at Jökulsárlon, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wonder of Iceland’s glaciers.

Get Ready for an exciting Activity from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Book an adventure starting from Jökulsárlón, your gateway to exploring Iceland’s glaciers

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Iceland’s Frozen Wonderland

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is Iceland’s immensely popular glacier destination. This striking lagoon takes shape as a vast reservoir, born when ice fragments from the nearby Vatnajökull glacier ice break free and drift their way towards the North Atlantic Ocean. 

The sheer spectacle of this glacier lagoon alone ranks high on the “must-do in Iceland” lists of many travelers. With its blue waters, glistening icebergs, and surrounding breathtaking landscapes, it’s no wonder that Jökulsárlón is often referred to as the “Crown Jewel of Iceland“.

Diamond Beach

The Diamond Beach is located just across the road from the lagoon, and offers a different kind of natural wonder. Here, icebergs that have drifted from the lagoon wash up on the black sand beach, creating a scene reminiscent of glistening diamonds scattered across the shore. It’s a photographer’s dream and a place to connect with the incredible journey of these icebergs from glacier to sea.

Glacier Lagoon’s Spectacular Scenery

Visitors to Jökulsárlón are immediately struck by its otherworldly beauty. The lagoon’s water shines in brilliant blue because of sunlight bouncing off tiny glacial particles in the water. Icebergs of different sizes float calmly against this blue background, displaying various shades of white and blue. Some icebergs show signs of their journey, while others seem artistically crafted.

Around the lagoon, the landscape is equally stunning. Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, stands tall in the background, covered in ice and snow. To the south, the rugged coastline is decorated with towering sea stacks, offering dramatic views.

The Formation of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón’s story began nearly a century ago as the Vatnajökull glacier retreated, leaving behind a large, deepening depression. It eventually filled with meltwater, creating the stunning glacier lagoon we see today. 

The glacier lagoon is now constantly fed by icebergs calving from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. These icebergs, once a part of the glacier, break free and make their graceful descent into the lagoon, where they drift majestically in the icy waters. 

The interplay of light, water, and ice creates a mesmerizing dance of colors and shapes that varies with the seasons and the time of day.

The Glacier Lagoon’s Wildlife and Ecosystem

Beyond its visual majesty, Jökulsárlón is also a hub of wildlife activity. Seals, particularly harbor seals, are often spotted basking on icebergs or swimming gracefully in the lagoon’s frigid waters. 

The lagoon is teeming with small fish, which attract these marine mammals. Bird lovers will also find much to enjoy, with various species of seabirds, including Arctic terns and skuas, making their home in the surrounding wetlands and black sand dunes.

The Glacier Lagoon as Movie Background

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Iceland has served as a captivating backdrop for several notable films, including the James Bond movie “Die Another Day.” It was featured prominently in the fantasy drama “Batman Begins”, and its ethereal beauty has also graced the screen in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.”

Activity Tours at and from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

During the summer months, for a more profound connection with the glacier lagoon, you can embark on a boat ride adventure across the lagoon. This offers an intimate encounter with the imposing ice blocks that inhabit this place, elevating your Icelandic experience. And you might be there to see the Midnight Sun!

There are two types of boat tours available: the amphibian boat tours, which are more popular and provide a relaxed experience, and the zodiac boat tours, known for their speed and exhilaration.

Winter activities around Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon are highly popular. Each year, crystal ice caves emerge on the tongues of the Vatnajökull glacier, reachable by riding modified super jeeps across the glacier. These ice caves, with their ever-changing sizes and shapes, are a mesmerizing natural wonder, providing a unique experience that can be enjoyed from Jökulsárlón. Additionally, you can enjoy glacier hikes led by professional guides equipped with top-notch gear.

Trust-Worthy Glacier Lagoon Tour Operator

With 60 years of experience in guiding visitors around Iceland, BusTravel Iceland has earned a stellar reputation for its day tours to the glacier lagoon. 

A typical glacier lagoon day tour, spanning approximately 14 hours, not only takes you to the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon but also includes stops at numerous captivating attractions along the South Coast of Iceland, both before and after reaching the glacier lagoon.

Maximize your Icelandic adventure by joining us for a glacier lagoon day tour from Reykjavik. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking wonders of the land of fire and ice.