Kayaking Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon Icebergs No Experience

Icebergs drift past you while you paddle calm water in a dry suit.

Kayak on the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon in Iceland with a professional guide, paddling stable sit-on-top kayaks among icebergs and blue ice formations. The tour lasts about two and a half hours, includes all gear and instruction in basic paddling technique, and suits any fitness level. Meet at the basecamp parking lot; bring warm clothing and extra socks, and arrive 30 minutes early. Children are welcome from age 14, with one child per adult.

The Experience

Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon sits in South Iceland, and the basecamp parking lot is where you meet your guide and gear up in a dry suit before paddling. You'll use a stable sit-on-top kayak—built for beginners—and learn basic paddling techniques on shore before heading onto the water. The lagoon itself stays calm, which is what makes it possible to drift close to towering blue and white ice formations and passing icebergs without the paddling becoming a fight.

Once you're on the water, the guide leads you safely through the lagoon, passing near the glacier face and around drifting ice while explaining the landscape's geology and glacial history. The whole experience lasts about two and a half hours on the water and on shore combined. You're surrounded by quiet—the kind of moment in nature that Iceland's glacier lagoons are known for, and the reason this tour keeps groups small and away from the crowded spots.

Everything you need is included: the kayak, paddle, dry suit, and professional guidance. No paddling experience is required, and the tour suits any fitness level. The only things to bring are warm clothing and an extra pair of socks; the dry suit handles the water, but layering underneath keeps you comfortable in Iceland's cold. Arrive at the parking lot 30 minutes before departure so there's time to fit the gear and go over the basics before you push off.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• kayak and paddle.
• dry suit and technical equipment.
• instruction in basic paddling technique.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Icelandic Mountain Guides

Is this one for you?The basecamp parking lot is where you start, so you don't need a car or a ride beyond getting to that point—if you're staying elsewhere in South Iceland or renting without a vehicle, confirm the parking location when you book. The guide handles everything on the water, which means you show up, get fitted, and paddle; nothing else to arrange or time around.

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Top questions

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon?

No experience is required. Your guide teaches basic paddling techniques on shore before you get in the kayak, and the sit-on-top design is stable and forgiving for beginners. The lagoon water stays calm, which makes the paddling straightforward even on your first time.

What's included in the kayaking tour?

The tour includes the kayak and paddle, a dry suit, all technical equipment, and a professional guide who speaks English. You don't need to bring or rent gear separately—everything is provided and fitted at the basecamp.

How long does the Sólheimajökull kayaking tour take?

The tour lasts about two and a half hours total, which includes time to gear up, learn paddling basics, paddle the lagoon, and return to shore. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early so you're ready to start on time.

Can children kayak on the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon?

Children are welcome from age 14 onward. The booking rule is one child per one adult, so each child needs an adult in the group.

What should I wear for kayaking in Iceland?

Bring warm clothing and an extra pair of socks—the dry suit keeps water out, but layering underneath is what keeps you warm in Iceland's cold. The basecamp provides the dry suit and all paddling gear, so you only need to dress warmly underneath.

Where do I meet the guide for the glacier lagoon kayaking tour?

You meet at the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon basecamp at the parking lot. This is where you'll gear up and start the tour, so arrive 30 minutes before your departure time to get fitted and briefed.