Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach tour

Follow the South Coast to floating icebergs, black sand and waterfalls, with a local guide and Reykjavík pickup.

Tour at a glance

Duration
Approx. 14–16 hours
Joining point
See Travel details
Travel style
Small-group minibus
Guide
English
Food
Buy at stops
Activity
Sightseeing & short walks

Description

Jökulsárlón’s icebergs, Diamond Beach and South Coast sights in one long day from Reykjavík, with pickup and a small-group guide included.

Read moreRead less about this tour

Travel east through the South Coast’s farmland, lava fields and glacier scenery to Jökulsárlón. Spend time by the lagoon, then visit nearby Diamond Beach, where pieces of glacier ice can wash onto the black sand. Vík, Foss á Síðu, Hof turf church and Seljalandsfoss break up the journey.

Allow around 14–16 hours for this minibus day, including plenty of driving and outdoor stops. Food and drinks are bought separately. Fjaðrárgljúfur may be included in summer when conditions allow; on dark winter evenings, your guide may look for the Northern Lights on the return journey.

Dates & availability

From Reykjavík to the glacier lagoon

Blue-white icebergs floating on calm Jökulsárlón lagoon beneath a pastel sunset.

Icebergs at Jökulsárlón

See the lagoon from the shore, with the glacier landscape beyond.

Golden sunlight shining through glacier ice on the black sand at Diamond Beach.

Diamond Beach

Look for glacier ice against the black sand and Atlantic surf.

Seljalandsfoss falling from green cliffs above a meadow of summer wildflowers.

A day along the South Coast

Waterfalls, Vík and Hof turf church along the route.

Included in your day

  • Pickup and drop-off at your selected listed pickup location
  • Local driver-guide and live commentary in English
  • Small-group minibus transport

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Optional amphibian boat ride at Jökulsárlón

What to bring

  • Warm layers and wind- and waterproof outerwear
  • Sturdy, waterproof shoes
  • Food, drinks or money to buy refreshments at stops

Your day, stop by stop

  1. Pickup in Reykjavík

    Choose your pickup point in Travel details. The map shows the Reykjavík area; follow your confirmation for the exact location and time.

  2. Vík & Reynisdrangar

    Stop by Víkurkirkja, the church above Vík, for views towards the coast and Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

    Vík village and its red-roofed hilltop church overlooking the sea stacks.
  3. Fjaðrárgljúfur · summer stop

    The canyon may be included during summer when access and conditions allow. It is not a fixed stop on every departure.

    The river winding through Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and the green summer landscape.
  4. Foss á Síðu

    See the waterfall dropping from the cliffs above the South Coast farmland.

    Foss á Síðu falling from cliffs above green fields and farm buildings.
  5. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

    Watch floating ice from the shore. An amphibian boat ride is a separate optional purchase when operating and available; it is not included in this booking.

    Blue-white icebergs floating on calm Jökulsárlón lagoon beneath a pastel sunset.
  6. Diamond Beach

    Visit the black-sand shore near the lagoon. The shapes and amount of stranded ice change with the sea and conditions.

    Golden sunlight shining through glacier ice on the black sand at Diamond Beach.
  7. Hof turf church

    On the return journey, stop at the small turf-roofed church at Hof.

    Hof turf church with its white entrance, grass roof and mountain backdrop.
  8. A meal break in Vík

    There is a stop to buy food and drinks in Vík. Meals are not included in the tour price.

    Vík village and its red-roofed hilltop church overlooking the sea stacks.
  9. Seljalandsfoss waterfall

    See the waterfall from the visitor area. Access to the path behind it depends on conditions and closures.

    Seljalandsfoss falling from green cliffs above a meadow of summer wildflowers.
  10. Northern Lights · winter conditions permitting

    On the return journey in the dark season, the guide may stop to look for the aurora if skies and activity allow. A sighting is not guaranteed.

  11. Return to Reykjavík

    Return to your selected Reykjavík drop-off. Follow your confirmation for the exact location and arrangements.

Tour stops on a map of IcelandAn illustrative geographic overview. Follow your booking for exact joining and return arrangements. Use the stop list to explore each stop.1Reykjavík2345678911© OpenStreetMap (map data and licence; opens a new tab)

Pickup in Reykjavík

Choose your pickup point in Travel details. The map shows the Reykjavík area; follow your confirmation for the exact location and time.

The map shows a possible drive between the main stops. Pickup and drop-off follow your booking details. Your guide may adjust the route for weather, daylight and access. The canyon is seasonal, and wildlife and Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed. The boat ride and meals cost extra.

Ready for your day?

Starting time

Choose a travel date in Travel details to see the starting times.

Choose a travel date first

All times are Iceland time.

Pickup location

Choose a pickup location. Your confirmation will show where and when to be ready.

Price checked at checkout

Who can join

See traveller age categories and requirements in Travel details and the tour’s activity guidance.

Accessibility

A long minibus day with outdoor stops and potentially uneven, wet or icy paths. Contact us before booking so we can check specific boarding or mobility needs.

Cancellation terms

Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Later cancellations and no-shows are not refunded. Cancellation policy.

A few useful answers

How long is the tour?

Allow approximately 14–16 hours. This is a long day from Reykjavík, with substantial driving, outdoor stops and breaks for food. Weather and road conditions can affect the return time.

Is a boat ride included?

No. The visit includes time by the lagoon from land. An amphibian boat ride costs extra and is subject to seasonal operation and availability. It is not an add-on sold through this checkout.

Are meals included?

No. There are stops where you can buy food and drinks, including a meal break in Vík. Bring refreshments or money for these stops.

Will we visit Fjaðrárgljúfur?

The canyon is a summer stop when conditions and access allow. It is not guaranteed on every tour. Your guide can adjust the route for weather, daylight and safety.

Will we see the Northern Lights?

Sightings cannot be guaranteed. During the dark season, the guide may look for the lights on the return journey if cloud cover and aurora activity allow. The glacier lagoon and South Coast sightseeing remain the main tour.

Can children join?

There is no minimum age. The listed categories are adults aged 13 and over, youth aged 6–12 and children aged 0–5. A child seat is available free of charge; select it for the traveller who needs it and provide the child’s age and height when asked. Consider whether a 14–16-hour day will suit your family.

Can I book for one person?

Yes. Bookings can be combined, but the departure needs at least six adults in total to operate. If the tour is cancelled, you can accept an offered alternative or receive a full refund.

Does this include a glacier walk or ice cave?

No. This is a sightseeing tour with lagoon and coastal stops. A glacier hike, ice cave visit and specialist glacier equipment are not included.

What should I know about pickup?

Select a listed pickup location and read its instructions. Reykjavík collection runs approximately 07:30–08:00, Iceland time; some hotels require you to be ready earlier or have different pickup hours. Follow your selected location and confirmation. Check the GTIce sign and tour name with the driver. Contact us before booking if your location is not listed.

Can I cancel my booking?

Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Later cancellations and no-shows are not refunded. The deadline uses Iceland time and when we receive your request. Cancellation policy.

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