Reykjavik: Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Day Trip

Summary

South Iceland’s wild coast, icebergs, waterfalls and black sand

You’ll ride out from Reykjavik along Iceland’s wild south coast, feeling glacier air at Jokulsarlon Lagoon, walking across Diamond Beach’s black sands, and getting soaked behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall—with a local guide leading every step. Expect moments that stick with you long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Reykjavik before the landscape started to feel like another planet—just endless mossy lava fields and those low, grey clouds that seem to hang around here. Our guide, Jon, kept us awake with stories about trolls and glaciers. He said something about how the weather changes every ten minutes in Iceland. I thought he was exaggerating until we stopped at Stjórnarfoss waterfall and it went from drizzle to sun to sideways rain in the time it took me to snap a photo. The air smelled sharp and clean, almost metallic near the water.

I’d seen pictures of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon before, but standing there was something else. The icebergs drifted by so quietly you could almost forget they’re massive—one creaked as it turned and a few seagulls shrieked overhead. My fingers went numb from holding my camera too long. We wandered down to Diamond Beach after that, where these chunks of glacier just sit on black sand like someone scattered glass everywhere. I tried picking one up (cold shock!) and got my gloves soaked—worth it though.

Later we stopped in Vik for dinner; I barely remember what I ate because I was still thinking about those blue icebergs. There’s this view of Reynisdrangar sea stacks out past the fishing boats—looked unreal in the mist. On the way back we hit Seljalandsfoss waterfall right as the light started to fade. You can actually walk behind it (got drenched), and if you catch it at the right angle there’s a rainbow in the spray. Jon laughed when I slipped a little on the rocks—he said everyone does at least once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore glaciers, waterfalls, and coastline

• Pick up in downtown Reykjavik
• Visit Stjórnarfoss waterfall
• See Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Stop at Diamond Beach
• Explore fishing village of Vik
• Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Reykjavik to Glacier Lagoon?

The tour lasts approximately one full day, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Is pickup included for this South Coast day trip?

Yes, pickup from approved locations in downtown Reykjavik is included.

What are the main stops on this tour?

The main stops are Stjórnarfoss waterfall, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Vik village, and Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Yes, there is a path that allows you to walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; however, there is a stop in Vik where you can purchase dinner.

Is this South Coast tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions; appropriate clothing is recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Reykjavik locations plus transport along Iceland’s south coast with WiFi onboard and a knowledgeable driver-guide sharing stories between stops—from waterfalls like Stjórnarfoss and Seljalandsfoss to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach—before returning after dinner in Vik village.