South Iceland and Glacier Lagoon: Jökulsárlón with Boat Tour

If you’re eyeing a trip to Iceland and want to see some of its most breathtaking sights, this full-day tour from Reykjavik promises to pack a lot into approximately 14 and a half hours. It’s a popular choice for travelers looking to experience iconic waterfalls, shimmering icebergs, and unique volcanic landscapes without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines stunning scenery with a comfortable, guided group ride — including expert commentary that adds context to the natural wonders. Plus, the iceberg boat cruise in Jokulsarlon is undeniably a highlight, giving you up-close views of ancient glaciers.

On the flip side, it’s fair to mention that the long day and busy stops could feel rushed, especially if you prefer a more leisurely pace. Still, if you’re eager to tick off several key sights in a single trip, this tour hits all the essentials. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a full itinerary and don’t mind spending a lot of time on a coach.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and more
• Expert guides enhance the experience with stories and information
• Long travel day, with about 14.5 hours from start to finish
• Excellent value for those wanting a full overview of Iceland’s south coast
• Limited stops might feel tight for some, but they maximize sightseeing opportunities
• Suitable for travelers comfortable with bus travel and early mornings

Introducing the Tour: What’s Included & Who It’s For

This 14.5-hour day trip from Reykjavik is designed for travelers who want to see Iceland’s iconic south in one go. For $261 per person, you get a lot of bang for your buck, including hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and the chance to explore some of Iceland’s most photographed sites.

The highlight, of course, is the 30-minute boat tour in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where you’ll weave between floating icebergs estimated to be between 1,000 and 1,500 years old. Many reviews emphasize how magical this part of the day is — “gliding close to the immense icebergs” and “touching 800-year-old ice” are common remarks.

This tour is a solid fit if you’re eager to pack your day with scenery and want the convenience of a guided coach trip. It’s especially good for those who prefer an organized experience over self-driving, and who enjoy learning about Iceland’s geography along the way.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience

Departure & First Stops

Your day starts early with pickup from Reykjavik’s bus terminal or select hotels, usually around 7:30 am. You’ll jump into a comfortable, air-conditioned coach — a good thing considering the long hours. The group maxes out around 45 travelers, which helps keep things manageable but still lively.

The first stretch of the drive takes you through Iceland’s volcanic landscape, giving you a chance to take in stark, rugged scenery and learn about the land’s geology. Your guide will share insights about Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjukur, and other natural landmarks.

Hvolsvollur: First Rest & Volcano View

About 20 minutes here for a quick comfort break, with no extra charge. You might take this chance to stretch your legs and snap some photos of the volcanic surroundings.

Eyjafjallajökull: The Eruptive Volcano

Next, the tour stops at Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that caused European air travel shutdown in 2010. It’s a striking sight, especially with its glacier cover, and it adds an element of historical significance to your journey.

Skogafoss Waterfall: A Classic Iceland Scene

One of the highlights, Skogafoss, is a powerful waterfall that’s 197 feet tall. It’s a favorite among visitors, and many reviews mention its beauty. You can even walk behind it, depending on conditions, which makes for great photos and a more immersive experience.

Review highlight: “This was a very cool experience with the glacier lagoon boat tour. Despite the rain, the tour pushed through and it was beautiful to see the glaciers and be able to touch an 800-year-old ice!” — Kim_F

Freysnes: Lunch & Rest Stop

Afternoon includes a 40-minute break for lunch — a needed pause after several hours on the road. You’ll want to bring snacks or buy food at this stop, as it’s not included.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Iceberg Cruise

The main event! You’ll arrive at Jokulsarlon, a seven-square-mile lake filled with floating icebergs. The scenery is staggering — blue, white, and sometimes translucent ice against a calm water backdrop.

The boat tour here lasts about 30 minutes, and it’s a chance to get close to the massive, ancient ice formations. Many travelers describe it as a surreal experience, with quotes like “it was a long drive but worth it for the lagoon,” and “touching the ice was unforgettable.”

Diamond Beach

Just a short walk from the lagoon, the black volcanic sand beach is where icebergs wash ashore, creating a glittering contrast. It’s a quick stop but one that’s worth snapping a few photos, especially with the sunlight shining on the ice.

Vík & Black Sand Beaches

Vík, the charming coastal village, is your dinner stop — about 45 minutes to relax, eat, and enjoy the rugged scenery. The black sand beaches and dramatic sea stacks are postcard-perfect.

Seljalandsfoss & End of the Day

On your way back, you’ll visit Seljalandsfoss, famous for the walking path behind the cascade. It’s a fitting end to a long day, providing one last stunning photo opportunity before heading back to Reykjavik.

The Travel Experience: Comfort, Group Size & Timing

You’ll be riding in a cozy, air-conditioned coach, which is crucial for long hours on the road. The group size maxes out at 45, so it’s a manageable number, and guides tend to be friendly and informative — many reviews praise their knowledge and storytelling.

Timing is tight; the stops are brief — mostly around 20-45 minutes each — to fit everything in. While this means you see a lot, it can also feel rushed, especially if you like more time at each spot. Several reviews echo this sentiment: “the time at each stop was not enough,” “feels rushed,” or “more time needed for the stops.”

The long drive is unavoidable given the distances, but frequent stops help break up the journey and keep everyone engaged.

The Value & Cost Analysis

At $261, this tour offers a rundown of Iceland’s south coast with several major sights included. Considering the boat cruise alone is a highlight, plus the guided commentary and transportation, many travelers find it is good value for a full-day experience. The included stops, scenery, and the chance to touch ancient ice make it worth the price.

However, keep in mind that food and drinks are not included, so budgeting for meals during the day is wise. The stops are brief, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or longer time at fewer sites, this might not be your best fit.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that guides make or break the experience. Many praise guides like Gunnar and Chris for their knowledge and enthusiasm. The glacier lagoon boat tour is consistently described as “fantastic,” with travelers loving the close-up views of the icebergs and the chance to “touch 800-year-old ice.”

Some travelers found the stops too short, especially for families or those wanting more time to explore. One reviewer mentioned that crowds and quick stops made it difficult to enjoy the sites at a relaxed pace. Still, others appreciated the well-organized, long drive that maximized sightseeing.

In terms of group size, the 45-person limit strikes a good balance — big enough to feel lively, but small enough to avoid feeling lost.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right For You?

This full-day Iceland adventure offers a robust snapshot of the south coast’s highlights, with the iceberg cruise being its star attraction. If you’re eager to see iconic waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches without the hassle of navigating yourself, this trip provides a solid, guided experience.

It’s especially suited for travelers who don’t mind a long day on a coach and are excited about a packed itinerary. If you prefer more flexibility or longer stops at fewer sites, you might find this tour a bit rushed.

Overall, it delivers good value, memorable scenery, and the chance to learn about Iceland’s geology and landscape from passionate guides. Be prepared for a full day but know that many find it to be worth every minute, especially when witnessing the glaciers and icebergs up close.

FAQ

What’s included in this tour?
You get transportation (bus fare), guided commentary in English, hotel pickup (select hotels), and a 30-minute boat trip in Jokulsarlon. The tour is carbon neutral, in cooperation with Vaxa Technologies.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are two rest stops where you can buy food and beverages.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 14 and a half hours, starting early in the morning and returning to Reykjavik in the evening.

What are the main sights I’ll see?
You’ll visit waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss), the black sand beach near Vik, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach. The boat cruise among icebergs is a key highlight.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the stops are brief, and the landscape is awe-inspiring for all ages. However, be prepared for a long day of travel.

How crowded are the stops?
Reviews mention that stops can feel rushed with limited time, especially at popular sites. The group size is limited to 45, which helps manage the crowd.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss?
Yes, depending on conditions, you can walk behind the waterfall, which offers a unique perspective and great photo ops.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly, including rain gear, hat, and gloves. Also, bring snacks or water for breaks, as meals are not included.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In the end, this tour is a solid pick if you’re looking for an organized, scenic journey through Iceland’s south coast, with plenty of bucket-list sights and an epic iceberg cruise to top it off. It’s a busy day, but many find it a rewarding way to gather unforgettable memories of Iceland’s wild, icy beauty.