Iceland: Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon Kayak Tour with Gear

Summary

Kayak past icebergs on Sólheimajökull’s silent blue lagoon

You’ll paddle through Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon with an expert guide, weaving around blue-white icebergs in total quiet. Feel the chill air in your lungs as you learn about glacial history and local stories. All gear—including dry suit—is provided so you can focus on those wild Icelandic moments you’ll keep thinking about long after.

What’s the experience like?

“Is it always this quiet out here?” I asked our guide, Jón, right after we pushed off from the edge of Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon. He just grinned and nodded, like he’d heard that question a hundred times but never got tired of it. The only sounds were our paddles dipping into water and these weird little pops from melting ice — almost like the lagoon was sighing. It was colder than I expected, but honestly, the dry suit kept most of it out. My toes were another story (bring extra socks, trust me).

We moved slowly at first — Jón showed us how to steer the kayak without spinning in circles (I still managed to do a half-spin anyway). The icebergs looked unreal up close, all blue veins and jagged edges. At one point, a chunk cracked off somewhere far away and echoed across the water. No one said anything for a minute; you just felt tiny in the best way. Jón talked about how the glacier changes every year — he pointed out spots where it used to reach and told us stories about his grandfather walking across places that are now just open water.

I tried to say “Sólheimajökull” right (Li laughed at my attempt), then drifted for a bit just watching sunlight hit the ice. There’s this smell — kind of sharp and fresh — that I still think about sometimes when I see photos from that day. We didn’t rush. Nobody really wanted to leave the water yet, even though my fingers were starting to tingle by then. Heading back to shore felt strange, like waking up from a good dream you want to remember.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak on Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon

• Meet guide at Sólheimajökull Basecamp
• Gear up in dry suit
• Learn basic paddling techniques
• Kayak on iceberg-dotted lagoon
• Explore glacier and ice formations
• Learn about geology and glacial history
• Return to shore

Top questions

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No experience is needed; stable sit-on-top kayaks are used and basic paddling techniques are taught by your guide.

Where does the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon kayak tour start?

You meet your guide at Basecamp at Sólheimajökull parking lot.

Is equipment included in the kayak tour?

Yes, all technical equipment including kayak, paddle, and dry suit is included.

What should I bring for kayaking on Sólheimajökull?

Bring warm clothing and an extra pair of socks for comfort under your dry suit.

Are children allowed on this glacier lagoon kayak tour?

Yes, but only one child can be booked per one adult.

How early should I arrive before departure?

Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time at the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes expert guidance from a local professional, use of a stable sit-on-top kayak with paddle, all necessary technical equipment plus a dry suit—so you’ll stay comfortable while exploring the glacier lagoon’s icy waters together.