Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & South Iceland – Day Tour From Reykjavik
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s South Coast on a full-day tour from Reykjavik to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
Marvel at the otherworldly icebergs drifting in the lagoon, set against the backdrop of Vatnajökull Glacier. Along the way, you’ll explore iconic sights like the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. We will also make several stops along the way. The hidden gem that is Stjórnarfoss waterfall; the charming, seafront town of Vík, where from its black sand beach one can spot the majestic Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance.
With comfortable transportation and expert guide sharing fascinating insights, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure, capturing the essence of Iceland’s natural wonders—all in a single, awe-inspiring day.
Iceland’s South Coast is a true natural beauty, as numerous popular attractions lie along the coastal line. 380 km (236.12 miles) from Reykjavik is the astonishing highlight: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and its surrounding wonderland, are truly one of a kind.
The sheer force of nature has carved one of the outlet glaciers from the Vatnajokull ice cap, Iceland’s largest and Europe’s most voluminous glacier, and formed Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach. The beach’s black-velvet-textured sand is scattered with big and small blocks of ice. Coming into existence in the 1970s, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and its vicinity became a symbol of Iceland’s pure and ever-changing nature.
As one of the most praised day tours in Iceland, this 14-hour day tour, our longest, is filled with impressive attractions and picturesque landscapes, making the journey unforgettable.
Tour highlights & itinerary
- Professional guide
- Free WiFi on board
- Pickup and drop off (available for additional fee)
- Food and drinks
- Warm, water- and windproof clothing are always useful in Iceland
- All tickets are e-tickets so there is no need to print them out
- A 30 minutes boat ride on the Glacier Lagoon can be purchased from your guide on the bus. Tickets cost ISK 6700 for 13+, ISK 3300 for kids aged 6-12, and free for kids 5 and under
- Food and drinks are not included but can be purchased on the way, there is time allocated for lunch. We will also make a dinner stop, likely in Vík, on the way back to Reykjavík
- The duration of the tour is 14 hours. Please be aware that the tour could run long if affected by bad weather or other delays
- Cancellation policy: Cancellation fee of 100% if cancelled 1 day or less before departure
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Itinerary
Itinerary
Pick-upCentral ReykjavikOur day tour will begin with a fast and efficient pick-up service. We will collect you from either one of the hotels in the center of Reykjavik or one of the many designated pick-up stops in the city. Once we have all of our guests on board, we will begin our exciting journey.
Heading out to South Iceland via Route 1, you can expect to see iconic sceneries on both sides: silver-topped glaciers, black sand lowlands, mossy lava fields, and the glistering Atlantic ocean beaconing afar. The South Coast of Iceland is full of dramatic scenes.
1 Stjórnarfoss waterfallOur first stop of the day is the lesser-known natural wonder, Stjórnarfoss waterfall. It’s a highly recommended attraction for a Ring Road trip itinerary.
Stjórnarfoss waterfall cascade falls in two stages, both about 15 meters (49.21 ft) high. The lower drop falls over a dome-shaped rock in the form of an eye-pleasing symmetry. The photogenic waterfall has attracted many photographers for its unique appearance. Originating from the Stjórn river off of Mount Geirlandshraun, Stjórnarfoss streams out from a valley, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
2 Jökulsárlón Glacier LagoonAfter a few hours of driving, we will reach the star attraction of this tour – Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, praised as one of Iceland’s natural crown jewel.
Jokulsarlon was created by the Breiðarmerkurjökull glacial tongue, one of the outlet glaciers from Iceland’s largest ice cap Vatnajokull. In the 1970s, the retreating glacier left a huge pond near the coast that eventually became Iceland’s deepest lake. Another feature you will notice in the glacier lagoon is the floating icebergs, which glow in different shades of blue. Some of them even have brownish stripes, due to the ash sediment from volcanic eruptions decades ago.
After the iceberg calves off from the glacier, they roll, tumble, and drift around the lagoon, making them change colors, shapes, and appearances frequently. Over time, they break down into smaller pieces and are washed out to the sea. It’s absolutely breathtaking to watch.
Summer is a fantastic time to explore the lagoon as you may want to join a boat ride to sail among the icebergs, which is an optional extra. Seeing the floating icebergs close up is overwhelmingly unforgettable. Jokulsarlon also hosts vivid wildlife. Arctic terns nest close by, lovely seals swim around or rest on icebergs, and you get to experience the purest element of Iceland’s nature.
Jokulsarlon is popular for its stunning beauty and ever-changing appearance. It also inspired many moviemakers to give their work a unique touch. James Bond movies Die Another Day and A View to a Kill shot here as well as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Batman Begins, and The Northman all shot scenes in this area.
3 Diamond BeachThe icebergs that broke away from the glacier tongue wander into the lagoon before being washed ashore, scattered on the black sand beach like precious gems. The ice on the black sand is a stunning contrast. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
You may find some peacefulness walking in the fresh sea air, and maybe even some playfulness from the seals playing in the surf.
4 Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon photo stopA seasonal stop, we make a quick visit to Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon for a great photo opportunity. Fjállsárlón is far less busy than Jökulsárlón, so you can soak in the beauty of the incredible views is peace and tranquility.
Fjallsárlón is in fact a local favorite, as outdoor lovers like to kayak or take a zodiac boat ride on its serene lake, among the icebergs with a much closer distance to the outlet glacier. The jagged glacier ice and its countless crevices form an unforgettable icescape.
Please note that we only stop at Fjallsárlón on clear days. If it is too foggy or misty for a good view, we instead extend our time stay at Jökulsárlón and the Diamond Beach.
5 Vík Village and Reynisdrangar Sea StacksA charming seafront village, Vík í Mýrdal is small with only 300 inhabitants, but filled with amazing natural wonders as Iceland’s southernmost village. Several stores and gift shops with great options are found here for visitors to recharge and shop for souvenirs.
The unique nature gives Vik vibrant colors in summer. The black sand beach at Vik is a top-rated destination for its diverse sceneries, and marvelously sculpted sea stacks. It all helps to fulfill visitors’ imaginations, with the sound of heavy tides splashing and creating a dreamy, misty world.
Use the stop at Vík to take a picture of the magnificent Reynisdrangur sea stack in the distance.
6 Seljalandsfoss waterfallOne of Iceland’s most well-known, most popular waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss waterfall is fed by the glacial meltwater from the famous/notorious glacier volcano Eyjafjallajokull. Falling from a 60-meter cliff, Seljalandsfoss hosts a special surprise.
When conditions are allowed, visitors can walk behind the cascade and take a look at the entire area from behind the fall for a spectacular panoramic view.
- Drop-offCentral Reykjavik
After the visit to the waterfall, it takes about two hours to reach the capital. We will head back to our bus and hit the road to Reykjavik via Route 1.
Our day tour will begin with a fast and efficient pick-up service. We will collect you from either one of the hotels in the center of Reykjavik or one of the many designated pick-up stops in the city. Once we have all of our guests on board, we will begin our exciting journey.
Heading out to South Iceland via Route 1, you can expect to see iconic sceneries on both sides: silver-topped glaciers, black sand lowlands, mossy lava fields, and the glistering Atlantic ocean beaconing afar. The South Coast of Iceland is full of dramatic scenes.
Our first stop of the day is the lesser-known natural wonder, Stjórnarfoss waterfall. It’s a highly recommended attraction for a Ring Road trip itinerary.
Stjórnarfoss waterfall cascade falls in two stages, both about 15 meters (49.21 ft) high. The lower drop falls over a dome-shaped rock in the form of an eye-pleasing symmetry. The photogenic waterfall has attracted many photographers for its unique appearance. Originating from the Stjórn river off of Mount Geirlandshraun, Stjórnarfoss streams out from a valley, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
After a few hours of driving, we will reach the star attraction of this tour – Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, praised as one of Iceland’s natural crown jewel.
Jokulsarlon was created by the Breiðarmerkurjökull glacial tongue, one of the outlet glaciers from Iceland’s largest ice cap Vatnajokull. In the 1970s, the retreating glacier left a huge pond near the coast that eventually became Iceland’s deepest lake. Another feature you will notice in the glacier lagoon is the floating icebergs, which glow in different shades of blue. Some of them even have brownish stripes, due to the ash sediment from volcanic eruptions decades ago.
After the iceberg calves off from the glacier, they roll, tumble, and drift around the lagoon, making them change colors, shapes, and appearances frequently. Over time, they break down into smaller pieces and are washed out to the sea. It’s absolutely breathtaking to watch.
Summer is a fantastic time to explore the lagoon as you may want to join a boat ride to sail among the icebergs, which is an optional extra. Seeing the floating icebergs close up is overwhelmingly unforgettable. Jokulsarlon also hosts vivid wildlife. Arctic terns nest close by, lovely seals swim around or rest on icebergs, and you get to experience the purest element of Iceland’s nature.
Jokulsarlon is popular for its stunning beauty and ever-changing appearance. It also inspired many moviemakers to give their work a unique touch. James Bond movies Die Another Day and A View to a Kill shot here as well as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Batman Begins, and The Northman all shot scenes in this area.
The icebergs that broke away from the glacier tongue wander into the lagoon before being washed ashore, scattered on the black sand beach like precious gems. The ice on the black sand is a stunning contrast. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
You may find some peacefulness walking in the fresh sea air, and maybe even some playfulness from the seals playing in the surf.
A seasonal stop, we make a quick visit to Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon for a great photo opportunity. Fjállsárlón is far less busy than Jökulsárlón, so you can soak in the beauty of the incredible views is peace and tranquility.
Fjallsárlón is in fact a local favorite, as outdoor lovers like to kayak or take a zodiac boat ride on its serene lake, among the icebergs with a much closer distance to the outlet glacier. The jagged glacier ice and its countless crevices form an unforgettable icescape.
Please note that we only stop at Fjallsárlón on clear days. If it is too foggy or misty for a good view, we instead extend our time stay at Jökulsárlón and the Diamond Beach.
A charming seafront village, Vík í Mýrdal is small with only 300 inhabitants, but filled with amazing natural wonders as Iceland’s southernmost village. Several stores and gift shops with great options are found here for visitors to recharge and shop for souvenirs.
The unique nature gives Vik vibrant colors in summer. The black sand beach at Vik is a top-rated destination for its diverse sceneries, and marvelously sculpted sea stacks. It all helps to fulfill visitors’ imaginations, with the sound of heavy tides splashing and creating a dreamy, misty world.
Use the stop at Vík to take a picture of the magnificent Reynisdrangur sea stack in the distance.
One of Iceland’s most well-known, most popular waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss waterfall is fed by the glacial meltwater from the famous/notorious glacier volcano Eyjafjallajokull. Falling from a 60-meter cliff, Seljalandsfoss hosts a special surprise.
When conditions are allowed, visitors can walk behind the cascade and take a look at the entire area from behind the fall for a spectacular panoramic view.
After the visit to the waterfall, it takes about two hours to reach the capital. We will head back to our bus and hit the road to Reykjavik via Route 1.