Travel bucket list idea:

Cruise Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

Iceland
Bucket List Experience

Iceland, Jokulsarlon lagoon, Beautiful cold landscape picture of icelandic glacier lagoon bay,

Last updated: 23 April, 2024

This glacial lagoon in southeast Iceland is a unique sight. Shimmering under the great ice cap of Vatnajokull, the lagoon is filled with icebergs, which glint in a rainbow of icy colours, from snow white to translucent blue.

Simply wandering around the lagoon’s edges is an experience in itself, but the best way to explore is to hop on a guided boat cruise. Steering through the enormous icebergs allows you to see them up close and appreciate their shape and colours. Around the mouth of the lagoon, look out for seals diving for fish.

The icebergs are shards of the nearby Breidamerkurjokull glacier, which cleave off into the lagoon, and are pushed towards the sea as the glacier moves down the valley. It’s well worth walking down to the beach at the mouth of the Jokulsa river, where icebergs wash up onto the black volcanic sands. For obvious reasons, it’s dubbed Diamond Beach.

Unsurprisingly, Jokulsarlon is a favourite location for film crews: Lara Croft, Batman and James Bond are just a few of the big-name movies which have used it as a backdrop.

Logistics

Price from: £35

Minimum age: Any

Age suitable: 8+

Frequency: monthly

When: All year around

Duration: 1 night

Getting there & doing it

The lagoon is a long drive from Reykjavik. You’re better off making a day trip of it from somewhere like Hotel Ranga on the south coast.

Boat trips depart frequently – every half hour between June and August – and last about 30-40 minutes. You can pre-purchase vouchers online, or just buy a ticket when you get there.

There are two types of boats – amphibian boats are larger and slower, but more stable. More expensive Zodiacs are smaller, faster and more nimble and can get closer to the icebergs.

Wear warm clothes and bring waterproofs – the boat trips take place on Zodiacs and other open boats so you’re exposed to the elements.

There are usually a couple of food trucks parked up near the lagoon serving excellent lobster rolls and fish and chips.

When to do it

Tours operate from May to mid-November, weather permitting, departing frequently throughout the day.

Sunset is a wonderful time, as the icebergs glow in magical colours. The experience quality is heavily weather dependent, so if the weather is bad, don’t bother.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

South Coast, Diamond Beach & Glacier Lagoon Day Tour

Reykjavik

Viator

On the South Coast and Glacier Lagoon Tour you will spend the day experiencing firsthand the invigorating diversity of the Icelandic landscape. From views of Vatnajokull glacier, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls to the sparkling hunks of ice found on the Diamond Beach at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. On your way to the glacier lagoon, you will pass through the South Coast region of Iceland, a land of magnificent waterfalls, striking black sands, massive glaciers and volcanoes interspersed with farms. You will have unforgettable views of Skaftafell wilderness area in Vatnajokull National Park and drive through the starkly beautiful black sand expanse of Skeidararsandur. Just before reaching the lagoon you will also have a view of Iceland’s largest active volcano, Oraefajokull.

Price €159

Min age 0

Rating 4.40 / 5 [509 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Glacier Lagoon and Iceland South Coast Day Trip from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Viator

Experience a day full of glaciers, icebergs, and waterfalls at Iceland's jewel. This guided day tour takes you along the south coast of Iceland with views of glaciers, black sand coastline with great Diamond beach, the small village of Vik for dinner and the nearby amazing rock formations.

Price $179

Min age 6

Rating 4.66 / 5 [439 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2-Day Tour to the Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon & South Coast

Reykjavik

Viator

Enjoy this 2 day tour from Reykjavik and see the majestic South Coast. One of Iceland's most breathtaking sights, you will travel in comfort on board an air conditioned or heated minibus and stop at places like the Blue Ice Cave, waterfalls, and the iconic Reynisfjara, a black sand beach. This tour also includes breakfast, a professional guide, and overnight accommodation.

Price $629

Min age 8

Rating 4.93 / 5 [272 ratings]

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South Coast and Glacier Lagoon with Boat Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Viator

Price $226

Min age 6

Rating 4.58 / 5 [250 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2 Day Ice Cave & South Coast: Glacier hike, Jokulsarlon lagoon & Northern Lights

Reykjavik

Viator

Come to see most popular and unique locations in Iceland's South Coast and experience the world's rarest natural phenomenon: a blue ice cave which you will reach by hiking on the glacier, under Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. In this 2-day tour you'll visit all attractions that make Iceland the best travel destination: powerful waterfalls, black sand beaches, Jokulsarlon, the one and only glacier lagoon, and will go hunting for the mighty northern lights.

Price €555

Min age 8

Rating 4.71 / 5 [146 ratings]

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SEE ALL RECOMMENDED TOURS & TICKETS

Who to go with: tour operators

Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with

Glacier Lagoon

Iceland

Long-running outfit offering tours on tours on their four amphibian boats, or the faster and more nimble Zodiacs (for closer iceberg viewing).

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Destination guides

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iceland

Iceland

Destination guide

From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.

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