Reykjavik to Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Day Trip

Summary

Glacier lagoon icebergs black sand beaches waterfalls south coast

You’ll ride from Reykjavik along Iceland’s south coast with a local guide, stopping for coffee breaks, thundering waterfalls like Skógafoss, and lunch under glacier views. At Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach you’ll watch ancient ice drift past black sand—an oddly peaceful kind of magic you might still be thinking about days later.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Reykjavik when the landscape started changing—one minute it was all mossy lava fields, then suddenly these wild cliffs and waterfalls. Our guide, Jón, had this way of telling stories that made even the quietest stretches feel alive. He pointed out Eyjafjallajökull (yeah, I still can’t say it right), explaining how its eruption once grounded half of Europe. The air out there smells sharp and cold, almost metallic. We stopped for coffee in Hvolsvöllur—tiny place, but the bakery had this cardamom bread that warmed up my hands.

I didn’t expect Skógafoss to be so loud. The mist hit my face before I even got close, and Jón joked about Viking treasure hidden behind the falls—he winked like he might actually believe it. Lunch was in Freysnes, where everyone just sort of quietly stared out at the mountains between bites; it’s hard to keep up conversation with that view staring back at you. The drive east felt long but weirdly peaceful—the kind where you lose track of time watching glaciers slide by outside the window.

When we finally reached Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, I just stood there for a while listening to the ice creak and shift on the water. Some people tried skipping stones but they barely made a splash—the water’s too thick with little bits of ice. Walking onto Diamond Beach after that felt unreal; clear chunks scattered everywhere like someone smashed a chandelier over black velvet. My boots squeaked on the sand and I remember thinking how quiet everyone got—just wind and waves and those weirdly perfect pieces of ice catching light. On the way back we stopped at Seljalandsfoss, but honestly my mind was still stuck on those blue-white shapes floating in the lagoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — South Coast and Glacier Lagoon tour

• Depart Reykjavik
• Stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• View Eyjafjallajökull volcano
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall
• Break in Hvolsvöllur town
• Lunch in Freysnes village
• Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Visit Diamond Beach
• Dinner break in Vík village
• Return to Reykjavik

Top questions

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

The tour lasts a full day, with early morning departure from Reykjavik and return in the evening.

Is pickup included for this Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Reykjavik is included; cruise port pickup is also available if selected.

Do I need special gear or hiking experience?

No hiking or glacier gear is required; just dress warmly in layers with hat, gloves, and rain gear.

What stops are included on this south coast day trip?

You’ll visit Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, Skógafoss waterfall, Freysnes for lunch, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Vík village for dinner break, and Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

The tour includes a lunch stop in Freysnes where you can purchase your own meal.

Are there restroom breaks during the trip?

Yes, there are regular stops including Hvolsvöllur for refreshments and restrooms.

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes, WiFi is available on board during transport.

Can infants join? Are child seats available?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik (or cruise port if selected), guided transport along Iceland’s south coast with WiFi onboard, storytelling by a professional local guide at each stop from waterfalls to glacier lagoon to Diamond Beach—and plenty of time to wander or grab lunch along the way before heading back in the evening.