
1 / 10Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon & Boat Tour
About this activity
Sail among colossal icebergs drifting in Iceland's most dramatic glacial lagoon, where 1,000–1,500-year-old ice fragments from Vatnajökull glacier create an otherworldly landscape of silence and scale. This 14.5-hour journey combines the lagoon boat tour with iconic waterfalls and Iceland's black sand plains, offering a complete snapshot of the country's raw geological power.
Get a front row seat to the glacial lagoon as you sail among the gigantic icebergs and take in the power and the peace of this magnificent natural phenomenon. The lake is a result of Breiðarmerkurjökull glacier slowly retreating, leaving in its wake the lagoon and the oddly-shaped icebergs of various sizes. En route to the lagoon you will see some of Iceland’s most magnificent scenery, including the tallest mountain in Iceland, Hvannadalshnjúkur, and the sprawling black sand desert between Skaftafell National Park and the lagoon itself.
With its enormous and ancient icebergs breaking off from Vatnajökull glacier, this natural wonder of Iceland is a sight you absolutely cannot miss.
The lagoon produces a feeling of incredible tranquillity as the 1000-1500 year old ice silently drifts into the lake and slowly melts away. The lagoon covers 18 square kilometres (7 square miles) and reaches more than 248 metres (814 ft) at its deepest point. You may recognize the lagoon from scenes in Batman Begins, Tomb Raider and two James Bond movies.
We stop at the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is part of the Seljandsá river, which has its origins in Eyjafjallajökull glacier. What makes Seljalandsfoss so famous and interesting is that you can walk behind it. We recommend you bring either a raincoat or a waterproof coat along if you want to walk behind it. Skógafoss, another famous Icelandic waterfall, is the starting point of the Fimmvörðuháls walk over to Þórsmörk. The waterfall was also used in the films Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
We will also stop at Freysnes for lunch and Vík í Mýrdal where you can see the Reynisdrangar rock formations.
Where we will stop during the tour:
- Skógafoss
- Freysnes for lunch (not included)
- Glacier lagoon - with a boat tour among the icebergs
- Diamond beach
- Vík í Mýrdal for dinner (not included)
- Seljalandsfoss
- Plus additional comfort stops
What you will see along the way (weather permitting):
- Volcanoes: Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull, Westman Islands, Katla and Öræfajökull.
- Glaciers: Langjökull, Mýrdalsjökull, Vatnajökull and several glacier snouts.
- Waterfalls: Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Systrafoss, Foss á Síðu and several others.
- Sandy plains: Skógasandur, Sólheimasandur, Mýrdalssandur, Skeiðarársandur and Breiðamerkursandur.
- Coastlines: In Vik, at jökulsá - the diamond beach and view towards south coast in several places.
- Fertile farmland and mossy lava fields.
Please note that this tour is between 14-15 hours so it can be challenging for young children.
Highlights
- ✓Boat cruise through Jökulsárlón lagoon surrounded by ancient icebergs up to 248 metres deep
- ✓Views of Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland's tallest mountain, and vast black sand desert
- ✓Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall with optional water crossing
- ✓Visit Skógafoss, one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls
- ✓Landscape featured in Batman Begins, Tomb Raider, and James Bond films
Insider tips
- ★Wear waterproof layers: mist from behind Seljalandsfoss soaks clothes; black sand whips in wind
- ★Arrive at Seljalandsfoss early to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photos
- ★The lagoon's icebergs shift daily—each visit offers unique formations, so don't expect exact matches to photos online
- ★Black sand reflects heat; wear sunscreen despite Iceland's northern latitude
Good to know
- •Duration is 14.5 hours including drive time; confirm meeting point and pickup times with supplier
- •Bring waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, and sunscreen; lagoon boat may be windy and cold
- •Lagoon boat tour suitability depends on weather and sea conditions; confirm operating status before travel
- •The tour covers approximately 300+ km of driving; not ideal for those with limited mobility
Who it's for
Best time to visit
Summer (June–August) offers extended daylight for photography and easier driving conditions; shoulder seasons (May, September) provide fewer crowds and dramatic skies. Winter visits are possible but require caution due to ice roads and limited daylight.











