Golden Circle and Kerid Minibus Tour with Blue Lagoon Transfers

So, you’re considering joining the Golden Circle and Kerid Minibus Tour with Blue Lagoon transfers—a popular choice for travelers wanting a taste of Iceland without the hassle of navigating on their own. While we haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, we’ve gathered plenty of insights from reviews and details to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What we genuinely like about this experience is the comfort of guided touring, especially if you’re not keen on driving in unfamiliar, often rugged terrain, and the chance to see some of Iceland’s most iconic sights in one packed day. The expert commentary from guides tends to make the stops more meaningful, and the convenience of the Blue Lagoon after a day of exploring is a real bonus.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the timing and logistics, particularly around the Blue Lagoon entry, which isn’t included in the tour price. Some travelers have mentioned that the bus’s age and audio issues can detract from the overall experience. This tour suits those who want a full day of sightseeing without the stress of planning and are okay with a somewhat structured schedule.

If you’re after a comprehensive introduction to Iceland’s landscape and geology, and don’t mind sharing the ride with a small group, this could be a perfect fit. It’s especially good for first-timers who want to tick off several highlights in one go.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience covering the Golden Circle sites plus Blue Lagoon transfer
• Guided tour with insightful commentary enhances the visit
• Comfortable transportation with Wi-Fi, making the day more pleasant
• No need to drive or plan your route, ideal for relaxing
• Blue Lagoon entrance not included but available as an optional add-on
• Group size limited to 24, maintaining a personal touch

What This Tour Offers

This tour from Reykjavik is designed to give you a streamlined experience of Iceland’s highlights, all without the hassle of renting a car. For around $129, you get approximately 11 hours of sightseeing in a small group, with the added benefit of transportation, Wi-Fi, and guided commentary. The tour is especially recommended for first-time visitors or those wanting a stress-free day out.

The Itinerary in Detail

Golden Circle Route: The Heart of Iceland’s Natural Beauty

This is the core of the tour and what many travelers think of when they picture Iceland—geothermal activity, waterfalls, and tectonic splits. The route includes the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park.

Geysir area – Here, Strokkur steals the show by erupting every 7 to 10 minutes, shooting water high into the air. It’s a lively scene, and you’ll enjoy watching the bubbling springs and steaming vents. Some reviews mention that the guide’s commentary adds a lot of value here, explaining the geothermal activity and local significance.

Thingvellir National Park – Not just a pretty landscape, this site is historically and geologically important. It’s where Iceland’s first parliament was founded, and you can see the visible division between the European and North American tectonic plates—an incredible natural feature. Travelers often comment that the guide’s insights make this stop more meaningful.

Gullfoss Waterfall – One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Gullfoss is a two-tiered cascade that roars with over 100 cubic meters of water per second. The views are dramatic, and the sound of the water crashing down makes it a memorable highlight. Several reviews mention that the timing is good here, giving you enough time to soak in the scenery.

Kerid Crater: A Volcanic Wonder

This 6,500-year-old volcanic crater is a striking sight, with a deep, vivid blue lake at the bottom. It’s a quick stop—about 20 minutes—but enough to marvel at the deep red volcanic rocks contrasting with the lake. Travel guides note that this is a must-see for geology fans, and reviews suggest that the included admission makes it an easy add-on.

Blue Lagoon: The Iconic Icelandic Spa

The last stop is the famous Blue Lagoon, where you can unwind in the mineral-rich waters. The tour doesn’t include the entrance fee, which you need to book separately—usually around €50-€60. The tour departs around 7 p.m., giving you a couple of hours to relax before heading back to Reykjavik.

Travelers rave about the Blue Lagoon, often mentioning how much it adds to the experience after a day’s exploration. One reviewer called it “a must,” especially for its relaxing amenities and picturesque setting.

Note: Some reviews describe the bus as somewhat dated, and a few mention audio issues. Still, the overall vibe is comfortable, and the Wi-Fi onboard helps pass the time.

Transportation and Group Size: What to Expect

The air-conditioned vehicle is a definite plus, especially when Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Wi-Fi onboard means you can share photos or check info during stops, which many travelers find helpful.

With a maximum of 24 travelers, the group size maintains a friendly, manageable atmosphere. Most travelers say the guide’s commentary is informative and adds flair to the stops, with some reviews praising guides like Omar, Sven, Siggy, and Monica for their knowledge and humor.

Considerations for the Price

The tour costs $129 per person, which at first glance seems reasonable given the number of sites visited. When you factor in transportation, guide service, and the convenience of not driving, the value holds up well. However, the Blue Lagoon entry isn’t included, so that’s an additional expense if you wish to indulge.

Some reviews highlight the good value, especially when considering the full day of sightseeing, while others note that the bus’s age might affect comfort slightly. Still, most feel the experience is worth the cost.

How the Day Unfolds

Your day starts at 9 a.m., with pickup at the designated Reykjavik meeting point. The tour runs until about 7 p.m., ending back near the start point. Most travelers find this schedule a good balance—enough time to see everything without feeling rushed.

The stops are well-timed—about 45 minutes at Thingvellir, 1 hour and 20 minutes at Strokkur, an hour at Gullfoss, and a quick 20 minutes at Kerid. The Blue Lagoon gets about two hours, giving plenty of time to soak and relax.

Several reviews mention that the guides sometimes go above and beyond, including additional viewpoints or extra stops for photos, which adds a layer of customization to the experience.

What Travelers Are Saying

The majority of reviews are highly positive, with many praising the knowledgeable guides and the amazing sights. Here are some quotes that stand out:

• “Our tour guide, Bryndis, was excellent! She was very informative and a good driver. Saw a lot. Enjoyed the falls and Blue Lagoon! I would highly recommend this tour.” (Review by mbriggs15)

• “Siggie is a fantastic guide. He even took us to some extra viewpoints and falls. Highly recommended!!” (Review by Betsy_W)

• “Sven was a guide who loves Iceland and wants to make sure you’re having a good time. It was marvelous to see the crater, waterfall, and geyser.” (Review by Andrew_G)

• “The Blue Lagoon was really beautiful, and the staff were very on top of safety procedures.” (Review by Taylor_F)

• “Thomas is the best tour guide ever! He is super kind, nice, and friendly.” (Review by Tracy_Y)

Most travelers feel the guides are what make the experience memorable, with many mentioning their humor, knowledge, and extra effort.

Downsides Mentioned

A few travelers have pointed out issues like:

• Organizational hiccups at pick-up points, leading to some initial chaos, especially at the port of Reykjavik.

• The bus’s age and sometimes poor audio quality, which can make listening to commentary tricky.

• A late-arrival cruise ship that missed the tour due to weather and inflexibility in refund policies.

While these are not universal complaints, they’re worth keeping in mind—especially if you’re arriving by cruise or have strict schedules.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This guided Golden Circle plus Blue Lagoon tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive, hassle-free day in Iceland. It suits those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery rather than worry about logistics or driving on unfamiliar roads.

Travelers who love geology, waterfalls, and geothermal sites will find plenty to marvel at, and the small group size offers a more intimate experience. If you’re comfortable with a fixed schedule and understand that the Blue Lagoon isn’t included in the price, you’ll get great value.

However, if you’re after a more flexible, private experience or have special needs like mobility considerations, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi onboard, making the long day more pleasant even if the bus isn’t brand-new.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, Wi-Fi, and guided commentary. The Blue Lagoon entrance is not included but can be booked separately.

How long do stops last?
Stops range from 20 minutes at Kerid to 1 hour and 20 minutes at Strokkur, allowing enough time for sightseeing and photos.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. Last-minute cancellations aren’t eligible for a refund.

Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?
Most travelers say yes, especially after a long day of sightseeing. Keep in mind, the entry fee is extra.

How many people are in the group?
The group size is limited to 24, giving a balance between social atmosphere and manageable numbers.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if I miss the tour due to my cruise ship arriving late?
Some reviews mention that late arrivals due to weather or delays can’t be accommodated, so plan accordingly.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely—multiple reviews praise guides like Omar, Sven, Siggy, and Monica for their insights and friendliness.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour is structured, but some guides do include extra viewpoints or photo stops if time allows.

Final Thoughts

This Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour from Reykjavik offers a practical way to see Iceland’s most celebrated natural wonders without the stress of self-driving. It combines comfort, guided expertise, and a well-organized itinerary to make a memorable day.

It’s especially suited for first-timers, small groups, or anyone wanting to relax and enjoy Iceland’s landscapes with minimal hassle. The Blue Lagoon adds a perfect relaxing end, though it requires an extra booking. While some minor issues like bus age and audio quality are noted, most travelers find the overall experience rewarding and worth the price.

If you’re looking to check off the main sights efficiently, enjoy good company and commentary, and don’t mind paying separately for the Blue Lagoon, this tour makes for a compelling choice.

Hopefully, this detailed breakdown helps you decide whether the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon experience fits your Iceland trip. Safe travels, and enjoy every moment of your adventure!