Vatnajokull National Park tour: Glacier lagoon & Diamond Beach

Vatnajokull's glacier, two waterfalls, icebergs on black sand

A full-day tour of Iceland's South Coast and Vatnajokull National Park, ending at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. You drive through black sand plains and past massive waterfalls, stop for views of Skaftafell wilderness and Oraefajokull volcano, then walk to see icebergs scattered across the dark shore. A professional English-speaking guide leads the route. The tour runs approximately 14 hours with regular stops for meals and rest.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 230 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

No Pick-up 07:30 Guide in English Board the tour at BSI Bus Terminal, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík

Pickup from the hotel at 7:00 07:30 Guide in English Pickup is included

None of these options right for you? See 4 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore South Coast and Glacier Lagoon

• Pass Eyjafjallajökull volcano
• Stop at Skogafoss waterfall
• Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Walk to Diamond Beach
• Restroom and dinner break
• Stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Drive through Skeidararsandur black sand
• View Skaftafell wilderness area
• Visit village for lunch and shopping

Stops and time spent at each 6 stops

1. Eyjafjallajökull Volcano passing by
2. Seljalandsfoss 20m
3. Skógafoss 30m
4. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon 1h
5. Diamond Beach passing by
6. Vatnajokull National Park passing by

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• WiFi on board.
• pickup and drop-off from selected locations (if the hotel pickup option is chosen at checkout).

Times

• Every day 07:30

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 50

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 35 pickup points.

Book up to 2h before

Ages Adult (16 and older) · Youth (6 to 15 years) · Child (under 1)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Gray Line Iceland

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

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Traveler reviews

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The experience

Vatnajokull covers 14,000 square kilometers and feeds the lagoon at Jokulsarlon, where Breidamerkurjokull, one section of the glacier, calves icebergs into the water. The tour builds toward that moment: you start by driving through Skeidararsandur, the starkly beautiful black sand expanse, then stop at Skógafoss waterfall, where a staircase lets you climb to views from above. On the return, Seljalandsfoss offers a footpath behind the falls themselves, a rare vantage when weather allows. The guide points out Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that last erupted in 2010 and disrupted European air traffic for weeks.

At the glacier lagoon, an easy walk takes you down to Diamond Beach, where icebergs that have drifted out to sea wash back onto the black sand and glitter in the light. You'll have time to walk among them and photograph the contrast. The route passes through the Skaftafell wilderness area inside the national park, giving you views of the landscape that frames the whole day. Stops are built in for meals (at your own cost) and restroom breaks, and the van is air-conditioned for the long drive.

The tour departs early and returns late, so plan for a full day away from your base. If you choose the hotel pickup option, you'll be collected at 7:00 in the morning. Without it, you'll meet the group at a central location. WiFi is available on board, and the guide travels with the group the entire route.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 15 years); Child (under 1).

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 24 h before the start.

What can I actually do at Diamond Beach when I get there?

Diamond Beach is an easy walk from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. You walk among icebergs that have washed up on the black sand shore, where they glitter in the sun. There is time to photograph them and explore the beach during the scheduled stop.

Can I take a boat tour on the glacier lagoon itself?

Boat tours on the glacier lagoon are not included in this tour price. The tour includes the lagoon viewpoint and the walk down to Diamond Beach, but a separate boat excursion would be an additional cost.

What is Seljalandsfoss like compared to other waterfalls on the route?

Seljalandsfoss is unique because a footpath runs behind the waterfall itself, giving you a perspective from behind the falling water when weather permits. Skógafoss, visited earlier in the day, has a staircase that takes you above the falls instead. Both stops are included in the tour.

How long is the drive to the glacier lagoon from the starting point?

The full tour runs approximately 14 hours with regular stops along the way. The glacier lagoon is at the far end of the South Coast route, so most of the day is spent traveling and stopping at the named sites rather than at any single location.

What should I bring for a day this long?

Warm and waterproof clothing is recommended. The tour includes stops where you can purchase meals and use restroom facilities, but you'll want to bring layers and rain gear for the Icelandic weather and the time spent outdoors at each stop.