Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach & Amphibian Boat Tour

Exploring the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach & Amphibian Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of witnessing some of Iceland’s most iconic sights—the vast icebergs, shimmering black sands, and the serene beauty of a glacial lagoon—then this tour might just be what you’re looking for. Although we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a pretty compelling picture. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines scenic beauty, a bit of adventure, and plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.

What really catches our eye are the chance to get close to floating icebergs on an amphibian boat, which offers a more intimate view of the glacier’s icy sculptures. Plus, the visit to Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice sparkle on black sand, makes for a memorable ending. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the weather dependency—bad weather can impact the boat tour, and some reviews mention cancellations.

This tour seems best suited for those who want a comprehensive, scenic day trip from Djúpivogur and don’t mind the elements—sometimes Icelandic weather can be unpredictable. It’s a great pick for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, photography, and a touch of adventure, especially if you’re interested in glaciers and ice formations.

Key Points

• Scenic Highlights: The trip offers close-up views of massive icebergs and glacier landscapes, perfect for photography and soaking in Iceland’s icy beauty.
• Boat Experience: The amphibian boat tour provides an intimate perspective of floating ice and calving glaciers, though weather can affect its operation.
• Black Sand Beach: Diamond Beach, with its sparkling ice chunks on dark sands, offers a unique and photogenic end to the day.
• Comfort & Convenience: Included pickup from Djúpivogur port and transportation make it an easy, hassle-free experience.
• Duration & Value: Around 7 hours for $489.97 per person, the tour packs a lot into a day but does lean toward the pricier side considering the included activities.
• Weather Dependence: As with many Icelandic tours, the experience can be impacted by weather, with cancellations possible if conditions are poor.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins with pickup from the port in Djúpivogur, which is convenient if you’re already exploring the Eastfjords or cruising the region. The transport is comfortable and shared, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers—so you won’t be part of a giant crowd, which helps keep the experience intimate and relaxed.

The Glacial Lagoon: Jökulsárlón

Once you arrive at Jökulsárlón, you’ll be greeted by the sight of enormous icebergs floating in a tranquil, crystal-clear lake. The lagoon sits right on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park, and the view of glaciers calving into the water is genuinely awe-inspiring. We loved the way the icebergs drift with gentle waves toward the river mouth, creating a constantly changing scenery.

The sound of cracking ice, as some reviews mention, adds to the mystical atmosphere. The lagoon is large, and floating ice formations are in every direction, with their blue and white hues contrasting sharply against the dark water. This is the kind of place where you keep your camera ready because each iceberg looks like a natural sculpture.

Amphibian Boat Tour

The highlight for many is the 45-minute amphibian boat tour. This boat, capable of navigating close to the icebergs, offers a rare chance to see the glacier’s depths and floating formations up close. We imagine that being on the water, surrounded by giant ice chunks, would be both beautiful and invigorating.

However, it’s worth noting that weather can impact this part of the tour. One reviewer shared that poor weather including wind and sleet caused cancellations, which is an important consideration if you’re visiting during Iceland’s unpredictable seasons. Yet, even in less-than-ideal weather, the views from the shore are still captivating.

Diamond Beach: The Perfect Ending

After the glacier lagoon, the tour takes you to Diamond Beach, just beside Jökulsárlón. This black sand beach is famous for the ice chunks that wash ashore, glittering like diamonds on the dark sands. It’s a surreal sight—a stark contrast between the icy white and blue ice and the deep black of volcanic sands.

According to reviews, this stretch is endless, with ice pieces of all sizes, big and small, scattered across. Many visitors find this to be a highlight, with some describing it as “the perfect way to close an already mesmerizing day.” It’s an especially photogenic spot, so don’t forget your camera or phone.

Additional Details & Considerations

The tour is about 7 hours long, including pickup, travel, stops, and drop-off. For the price of $489.97 per person, you get a comprehensive experience that covers transportation, a boat tour, and time onshore at two stunning locations. Keep in mind, it’s not just about the sights—you’re also paying for the ease of transport and a knowledgeable local guide.

While meals are not included, the tour’s timing means you can bring snacks or plan to eat beforehand. Tips are optional but appreciated, especially if you find your guide helpful and informative.

The Real-World Experience and Traveler Feedback

Looking at reviews, it’s clear that most travelers leave positive impressions. One reviewer called it a “superb spot where you can enjoy many things,” highlighting the glacier’s proximity and the calming sounds of floating ice. Others appreciated the scenic beauty and the activity aspect of the boat ride.

That said, a review from someone who experienced less-than-ideal weather reminds us to be flexible. “Even though the weather did not cooperate, we still had a memorable and enjoyable time,” they said, emphasizing that even with cancellations or rough weather, the experience can still be valuable.

This honesty about Iceland’s weather is refreshing and helpful—it prepares you mentally that some parts of the tour might be affected.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, scenic day in Iceland’s Eastfjords, especially if you’re interested in glaciers, icebergs, and stunning landscapes. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with some weather variability and appreciate the convenience of guided transportation.

Since the tour is around 7 hours, it works well for those who prefer a full-day outing rather than a quick stop. The boat ride adds an immersive element, perfect for those wanting a more intimate view of the glacier’s icy grandeur.

While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the slow pace, plenty of photo opportunities, and minimal walking make it accessible to most travelers, though very young children might find the boat ride or the cold less enjoyable.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a well-organized, beautiful day exploring one of Iceland’s most iconic sights, this tour offers a lot of value. The chances to see floating icebergs up close, combined with the chance to walk along Diamond Beach, make it a memorable experience. The logistics—pickup, transportation, and a guide—are handled smoothly, allowing you to focus on soaking in the scenery.

The main consideration is the weather, which can impact the boat tour, but even on less sunny days, the views from shore are breathtaking. This tour suits those who want to combine scenic wonder with a comfortable, guided experience and don’t mind paying a premium for convenience and expert guidance.

For anyone wanting a deep dive into Iceland’s icy landscapes, this trip is a solid choice—especially for those who love photography or simply want to witness nature’s frozen artistry.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and two-way transport from the port of Djúpivogur, making logistics straightforward.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 7 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

What is the main activity during the tour?
You’ll experience a 45-minute amphibian boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to get close to the icebergs.

Can the boat tour be canceled?
Yes, poor weather conditions like high winds or sleet can lead to cancellations. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What should I bring?
While not specified, it’s wise to bring warm clothing, waterproof gear, camera, and snacks for the day.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the slow pace and scenic stops could be enjoyable for older children and teenagers.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the tour price, so plan to eat beforehand or bring snacks.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $489.97 per person, which covers transportation, the boat ride, and guiding services.

If you’re eager to explore Iceland’s icy marvels in comfort and style, this tour promises a day filled with unforgettable sights—just keep an eye on the weather forecast!