Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Witness colossal icebergs calved from a glacier floating in a serene lagoon, then sparkle like diamonds on a black sand beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More ice chunks, moody contrast.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Best Time
More ice chunks, moody contrast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness colossal icebergs calved from a glacier floating in a serene lagoon, then sparkle like diamonds on a black sand beach.
"Our favorite activity of 10 day ring road trip. We did the zodiac boat tour."
Book Zodiac Tours Early
These small boat tours are popular and book up weeks in advance. Don't miss out! :ticket:
Layer Up for the Cold
Windy and chilly conditions are common. Waterproofs, hats, and gloves are a must. :cloud: :ice_cube:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
South Coast of Iceland
Witness colossal icebergs calved from a glacier floating in a serene lagoon. A truly surreal and unforgettable sight.
Diamond Beach
Adjacent to Jökulsárlón
Ice chunks from the lagoon wash ashore on black volcanic sand, sparkling like diamonds. A photographer's dream.
+1
Zodiac Boat Tour
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Get up close and personal with icebergs and potentially seals on an exhilarating boat adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Glacier Lagoon Tour in Advance
Embrace the Elements: Dress Warmly
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Zodiac Tours Early
These small boat tours are popular and book up weeks in advance. Don't miss out! :ticket:
Layer Up for the Cold
Windy and chilly conditions are common. Waterproofs, hats, and gloves are a must. :cloud: :ice_cube:
Diamond Beach is a Bonus
Don't miss Diamond Beach right next to the lagoon for stunning ice formations on black sand. :sparkles:
Look for Seals!
Keep an eye out for seals swimming in the lagoon and lounging on icebergs. :seal:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Zodiac Tours Early
These small boat tours are popular and book up weeks in advance. Don't miss out! :ticket:
Layer Up for the Cold
Windy and chilly conditions are common. Waterproofs, hats, and gloves are a must. :cloud: :ice_cube:
Diamond Beach is a Bonus
Don't miss Diamond Beach right next to the lagoon for stunning ice formations on black sand. :sparkles:
Look for Seals!
Keep an eye out for seals swimming in the lagoon and lounging on icebergs. :seal:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain and potentially wet sand. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking beauty and unique scenery of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, calling it an unforgettable highlight of their Iceland trips. The boat tours are highly praised for their close encounters with icebergs and seals, with knowledgeable guides enhancing the experience. While some find the zodiac boat seating uncomfortable, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a must-do activity.
"Well worth the 5+ hour drive from the airport. Amazing up-close views of glaciers and seals. Experienced tour guides take you out and explain everything. Felt very safe and the views are indescribable. You even get to hold a piece of glacier in the boat. Well worth the money! I didn’t want the tour to end."
Frank Ranu
"Our experience was wonderful. The scenery itself was breathtaking, and being able to get that close to the glaciers, while also seeing seals and other natural wildlife, was unforgettable. Our tour guide and Zodiac driver was so friendly and pleasant. He provided much information about Iceland, the glaciers, wildlife, and also answered my many questions of this fascinating country.
I felt completely safe and cared for during the tour."
Laura Formanek
"Amazing experience! The amphibian ride on the glacier lagoon is unforgettable. The guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable and entertaining. The route was well planned and the scenery around the lagoon is breathtaking. Truly a must do activity in Iceland, highly recommended."
Martin Sić
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach is by driving along the Ring Road (Route 1) on Iceland's South Coast. It's approximately a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility. +1 Many organized tours from Reykjavik also visit these locations.
Yes, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is quite a distance from Reykjavik, about 280 miles (450 km) one way. It's often done as part of a multi-day trip or a very long day trip. +1
While possible, a day trip from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach is a very long day, often involving 10-12 hours of travel. Many travelers prefer to stay overnight in the area to fully enjoy the experience.
Renting a car offers the most freedom to explore the South Coast, including Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, at your own pace. +1 Alternatively, numerous guided tours are available from Reykjavik and other towns.
Yes, there are accommodation options near Jökulsárlón, including the newly opened Hótel Jökulsárlón, which offers stunning glacier views from its hot tubs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to both Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach is free. However, if you wish to take a boat tour on the lagoon, you will need to purchase tickets.
The cost of boat tours varies depending on the type of tour (amphibian boat or zodiac boat). Zodiac tours are generally more expensive but offer a more intimate experience. Prices can range from $50 to $150 USD per person.
You can book Jökulsárlón boat tours online in advance through various tour operators or directly at the lagoon's visitor center. Booking ahead is strongly advised, especially for zodiac tours.
Boat tour operations typically run from May to October, with hours varying based on daylight and weather conditions. It's best to check the specific operator's schedule when booking.
No, Diamond Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can visit and explore it freely at any time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Jökulsárlón, you can admire the floating icebergs, take a boat tour (zodiac or amphibian), spot seals, and walk along the shore. The adjacent Diamond Beach is also a must-see.
Diamond Beach is a striking black sand beach where icebergs from Jökulsárlón wash ashore, creating a surreal landscape that glitters like diamonds.
While you can walk among the ice chunks on Diamond Beach, it's important to be cautious as they can be slippery and unstable. Never attempt to climb on them.
Yes, there is a visitor center at Jökulsárlón with restrooms, a cafe, and a gift shop. Parking is also available.
The visitor center and viewing areas near the lagoon are generally accessible. However, boat tours, especially zodiac tours, may have limitations. Amphibian boat tours are often more accessible.
📸 📸 Photography
Diamond Beach is stunning at any time, but sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting. Winter months provide the most ice chunks and moody contrast.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the lagoon and beach. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting seals. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions.
Yes, specialized photography tours often operate in the Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach area, offering guidance on capturing the best shots.
Experiment with different angles from the shore, or get closer with a boat tour. The contrast of the blue ice against the black sand or water is always striking.
Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the sparkle of the ice. Shooting when the sun is lower in the sky can also create beautiful reflections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing warm, waterproof clothing for everyone, as the weather can be unpredictable. 📸 Photographers' Paradise
Aim for sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light, and consider visiting in winter for the highest concentration of ice. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale, while a telephoto can help with wildlife shots. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions and a polarizing filter to enhance the sparkle of the ice. 🚗 Road Trippers
Plan for at least a few hours to explore both the lagoon and the beach. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The sheer scale of the icebergs and the serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere make it a truly unforgettable experience. Boat tours are a highlight for many, offering a unique perspective. The zodiac tours are faster and allow you to navigate closer to the icebergs and potentially see seals, while the amphibian boat tours are larger and more stable, suitable for a wider range of visitors.
It's important to remember that Jökulsárlón is a dynamic environment. The icebergs are constantly melting and moving, so each visit offers a slightly different spectacle. The lagoon also serves as a crucial habitat for various bird species and seals, adding to its natural charm.
The Magic of Diamond Beach
+1 The contrast between the crystal-clear ice and the dark sand creates a surreal and captivating scene, with the ice chunks resembling scattered diamonds, hence its name. The best time to visit Diamond Beach often depends on the season and the tides. During winter and early spring, you're likely to find a greater concentration of ice chunks, especially after storms.
However, the beach is beautiful year-round, with the summer's midnight sun casting a different, magical light on the ice. Photographers flock to this spot for its dramatic landscapes, and it's a fantastic place to capture unique shots of nature's artistry. When exploring Diamond Beach, visitors should exercise caution. The waves can be powerful, and the ice can be slippery. It's advisable to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and be mindful of the tide.
Despite the need for caution, the experience of walking among these glistening ice sculptures on a black sand beach is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Iceland's South Coast. Activities Beyond the Lagoon and Beach
For a more unique experience, consider a buggy tour across glacial landscapes, which combines adventure with stunning scenery.
It's worth noting that Fjallsárlón, a smaller and often less crowded glacier lagoon, is located just a short drive west of Jökulsárlón and offers a similarly beautiful, albeit more intimate, experience.
Many visitors find Fjallsárlón to be a peaceful alternative or a complementary stop to the more famous Jökulsárlón.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit