Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Day Trip

Icebergs drifting in a lagoon 248 meters deep, then washing onto black sand a few hours later.

You get five of Iceland's most photographed South Coast landmarks in one day (Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano) with a professional local guide handling the 12-hour route, two meal breaks, and transport from your Reykjavik hotel. No hiking or glacier gear needed, and the fixed itinerary means you're not deciding what to skip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Eyjafjallajökull Volcanopass by
2. Skógafoss25m
3. Skaftafellsjökull40m
4. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon1h 20m
5. Diamond Beach15m

South Coast and Glacier Lagoon tour

• Depart from Reykjavík
• Drive along South Coast
• Pass Eyjafjallajökull Volcano
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall
• Lunch break in Freysnes village
• Stop at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Visit Diamond Beach
• Dinner break in Vík village
• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Break in Hvolsvöllur town
• Return to Reykjavík and hotel drop-off

The experience

Most glacier tours stick to one thing: a lagoon, or a waterfall, or a beach. This one strings five together across Iceland's South Coast in a single day, and the contrast is what makes it work. You leave Reykjavik in the morning heading southeast, and by midday you're standing at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon watching chunks of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier drift silently across water so blue it doesn't look real. The lagoon spans 18 square kilometers and drops over 248 meters in places. It's the kind of scale that makes you quiet.

Then you walk onto Diamond Beach, maybe an hour later, and those same icebergs are washing up on black volcanic sand, catching the light like broken glass. Your guide is there pointing out the geology: how the ice came from that glacier you just saw, how the dark sand is from ancient lava flows, how the whole landscape is still being shaped by forces that don't care about human timescales. You stop at Skógafoss on the way, a 60-meter waterfall that throws up enough mist to soak you if you get close, and at Seljalandsfoss, where you can actually walk behind the curtain of water if you're willing to get wet. There's a lunch break in the village of Freysnes with views of the southern mountains, and a dinner stop in Vík before the long drive back to Reykjavik. The whole thing is about 12 hours door to door, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

The guide does the heavy lifting on timing and navigation. You're not figuring out which road to take or how long each stop should be. The tour runs year-round, which means you might see this landscape in midnight sun or in near-darkness depending on the season. Dress warm. The wind on Diamond Beach is real, and the mist from the waterfalls doesn't care if you thought you were prepared. No hiking gear or special fitness level is required. You're mostly walking short distances and standing still taking photos, which is exactly what this landscape rewards.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, guided access to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano and lava fields, lunch in Freysnes, dinner in Vík, a professional local guide, and WiFi on board.
• Cruise port pickup is available if selected.
• Specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Options for this experience

2 options

Meet at BSI Bus TerminalGuide in English · 07:30

Hotel pickup from central ReykjavikGuide in English · 07:30Pickup from hotels and designated spots in central Reykjavik, starting earlier than the standard departure, with pickup included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (6 to 15 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 38 pickup points.Operator's directions: “BSÍ Bus Terminal is our centrally located hub in Reykjavík, just a short walk from the city center. Please be there at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Reykjavik Excursions

Is this one for you?Right for travelers based in Reykjavik who want the South Coast's five main landmarks in one day without arranging transport or timing themselves: the fixed itinerary and guide handle all of that. Plan for a full 12 hours out, which is what makes fitting the glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, two waterfalls, and a volcano into a single day possible.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 15 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the full day trip from Reykjavik?

Approximately 12 hours total, including hotel pickup and drop-off, multiple stops, and two meal breaks.

What's included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, guided tour of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, lunch in Freysnes, dinner in Vík, professional local guide, and WiFi on board.

Do I need hiking boots or special gear?

No. The tour requires no hiking or glacier gear. Wear warm layers, a hat, gloves, and rain gear. The weather is cold and windy, especially at Diamond Beach.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You walk short distances at each stop but are not doing multi-hour hikes.

Can I book this if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

Yes. Pickup from the cruise port is available as an option when you book.

What is Diamond Beach?

A black-sand beach where icebergs from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon wash ashore, creating a striking contrast of sparkling ice against dark volcanic sand.

How deep is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?

The lagoon reaches depths over 248 meters and spans 18 square kilometers.

Is the tour carbon neutral?

Yes. The tour operates as a carbon-neutral experience in cooperation with Vaxa Technologies.