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South Iceland Day Trip: Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

  • 14hDuration
  • Max 12 peopleGroup Size
  • EnglishSpeaking Guide
  • Mobile ticketAccepted

About this experience

Duration14 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtReykjavik
LanguagesEnglish
South Iceland Day Tour

Glacier Lagoon Jokulsarlon and South Iceland Tour

A full-day journey through Iceland's most dramatic glacial and coastal landscapes


The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is one of Iceland's most breathtaking natural sites, where icebergs calved from the Vatnajokull ice cap drift silently through a vast glacial lake toward the open Atlantic. This 14-hour tour combines the lagoon with a carefully curated selection of South Iceland's most compelling stops.

The route covers approximately 380 kilometres from Reykjavik, passing through a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, glacial erosion, and relentless Atlantic weather. Each stop has been chosen to offer a distinct perspective on Iceland's natural variety.

From waterfalls you can walk behind to a black sand beach framed by towering basalt columns, the south coast provides scenery that is difficult to find anywhere else on the planet. The glacier lagoon itself is a living landscape, constantly reshaping as ice breaks away and melts.

Diamond Beach, adjacent to the lagoon, is named for the way translucent ice chunks scatter across the black basalt shoreline like gemstones. The contrast between the dark volcanic sand and the luminous blue-white ice creates a scene that is both raw and striking.

Tour Highlights

Walk along Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the lagoon wash ashore onto black basalt sand.

Witness the scale of Vatnajokull, one of Europe's largest ice caps, feeding Jokulsarlon with drifting icebergs.

Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall for a rare perspective from inside the cascade.

Visit the hidden gem Stjornarfoss waterfall, a lesser-known stop that rewards the curious traveller.

Explore Vik village and its iconic Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks rising from the black sand beach.

Stop at Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a quieter bonus lagoon with its own glacial drama, time permitting.

Itinerary Overview

1
Departure from Reykjavik

The tour departs from the capital and heads east along the south coast ring road, passing through the dramatic volcanic flatlands and coastal scenery that define this region of Iceland.

2
Seljalandsfoss and Stjornarfoss Waterfalls

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, and uniquely, a path leads visitors around and behind the curtain of falling water. Nearby, the lesser-visited Stjornarfoss offers a quieter, equally impressive natural spectacle.

3
Vik Village and Reynisdrangar

The charming coastal village of Vik sits at the southernmost tip of Iceland's mainland. The black sand beach here is overlooked by the dramatic Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks, carved by centuries of Atlantic surf.

4
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

The centrepiece of the day, Jokulsarlon is a glacial lake filled with icebergs calved from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, an outlet of Vatnajokull. Adjacent Diamond Beach offers the striking contrast of ice on black volcanic sand.

5
Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon (Bonus Stop)

If time allows, the group visits Fjallsarlon, a smaller and less-visited glacier lagoon located just west of Jokulsarlon. The atmosphere here is quieter and the views across the water to the glacier face are particularly striking.

6
Return to Reykjavik

The return journey follows the south coast back toward the capital, arriving approximately 14 hours after departure. The long drive is broken by the scenery, making the return as rewarding as the outbound route.

What is Included

Included

  • Professional guide for the full duration
  • Comfortable transport from Reykjavik
  • Stops at Seljalandsfoss waterfall
  • Visit to Stjornarfoss waterfall
  • Time at Vik village and Reynisdrangar beach
  • Visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
  • Walk on Diamond Beach
  • Fjallsarlon stop (time permitting)

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Optional activities not listed above
  • Gratuities for guide and driver

Important Information

This is a long-distance day tour covering around 760 kilometres round trip. Guests should dress in warm, layered clothing and waterproof outerwear regardless of season. Weather in Iceland can change rapidly.
Duration
Approximately 14 hours including all stops and travel time from Reykjavik.
Meeting Point
Departure is from Reykjavik city centre. Exact pickup details are confirmed upon booking.
What to Bring
Waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, and a packed lunch or snacks for the journey.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies are provided at the time of booking. Tours may be altered or cancelled due to severe weather conditions for guest safety.
Accessibility
Some terrain at beach and waterfall stops is uneven or on gravel and sand. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the operator in advance.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. The tour is rated easy in difficulty. Young children should be supervised closely near water and beach areas.

Reserve Your Place on This Tour

This is Iceland's longest and most scenically varied day tour, taking in the glacier lagoon, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the dramatic south coast in a single journey from Reykjavik.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon from Reykjavik?▼
The glacier lagoon is located approximately 380 kilometres from Reykjavik along the south coast ring road. The drive takes around four to five hours each way depending on road and weather conditions.
Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall year-round?▼
The path behind Seljalandsfoss may be closed during winter months due to ice and hazardous conditions. Your guide will advise on the day whether access is possible.
Is the Fjallsarlon stop guaranteed on every tour?▼
Fjallsarlon is listed as a bonus stop and is visited when time and conditions allow. It cannot be guaranteed on every departure.
What is Diamond Beach and how does it form?▼
Diamond Beach is a stretch of black basalt sand adjacent to Jokulsarlon where icebergs washed out of the lagoon by the tidal current come to rest. The contrast between the dark sand and translucent ice gives the beach its name.
Is this tour suitable for children?▼
The tour is rated easy and is suitable for most ages. Parents should keep young children supervised near the lagoon, beaches, and waterfall areas where terrain can be slippery or uneven.
What should I wear on this tour?▼
Layered clothing, a waterproof outer jacket, waterproof trousers, and sturdy footwear are strongly recommended. Iceland's south coast weather can shift quickly between sunshine, wind, and rain regardless of the season.
Glacier LagoonJokulsarlonSouth IcelandDiamond BeachVatnajokullSeljalandsfossReynisdrangarVik VillageIceland Day TourBlack Sand BeachFjallsarlonReykjavik Tour
Last updated: June 2025 | Product ID: ICE-GLACIER-SOUTH-01

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