Tours & experiences

Private Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Tour

About this experience

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon at Vatnajökull National Park, is an amazing place and an absolutely mind blowing experience. Go on an amphibian boat tour (optional extra), navigating amidst white and blue icebergs, watching the heads of seals chasing fish into the water.

Check out the Diamond Beach at the mouth of the short glacial river where crumbling bits of transparent ice sparkle in the black volcanic sand.

This 14-15-hour day trip from Reykjavík immerses you in the splendors of Iceland's south coast. It unveils scenic wonders like the Eldhraun Lava Field, Skaftafell, and Öræfajökull, Iceland's highest peak. Opting for a private tour provides flexibility, enhancing the experience of these picturesque locations.

While there's considerable driving, the journey is a reward in itself, culminating at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon—a jewel shaped by the forces of ice and fire.

At a glance

  • Duration: 14 hr–15 hr
  • Private experience

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

VIP Transport (1-6 Passengers)
Vehicle for 1-6 Passengers
Pickup included
Minibus (7-18 Passengers)
Vehicle for 7-18 Passengers
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour14 hr–15 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 14 hr–15 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Private vehicle and English speaking driver
  • Pick Up and Drop Off in Reykjavik

Not included

  • Food & Beverages
  • Driving-Guide (the tour is operated with English speaking driver)

Itinerary and highlights

From Reykjavík we drive to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (2 hour drive). This is the waterfall which you can walk all the way behind where it cascades off the foothills of Eyjafjallajökull. A very scenic location where you can sometimes catch the late afternoon sun shining through the water. There is also a little food truck there that sells fresh donuts and hot coffee throughout the day. We stop here around 30 minutes.

Drive from Seljalandsfoss to Skógafoss (30 minute drive). One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Iceland in the foothills of Eyjafjallajökull volcano where Skógaá river tumbles down almost 200 feet into a beautiful gorge. The waterfall can be enjoyed by walking right into the gorge which is on the same level as the parking lot or you can climb up 428 steps and get a slightly different angle.

We continue the tour to Reynisfjara Beach (40 min drive from Skógafoss). A stretch of black beach going from Reynisfjall mountain to Dyrhólaey. This is the southernmost tip of Iceland and going straight out the next firm ground you hit is Antarctica about ten thousand miles to the south. Being right between the two great volcanoes Eyjafjallajökull and Katla the coastline here is ever changing and during the 1918 Katla eruption the coastline moved out almost 200m due to the amount of sand, gravel and ash brought forth. There are some fascinating rock formations embedded in the mountainside and basalt columns rise from the surf just off the shore. During summer, this is also a nesting site for puffins.

The Eldhraun Lava Field is the largest lava flow on earth from historic times, around 600 km2 which is roughly the size of The City of Chicago. During the massive eruption of Laki in 1784 the ash cloud circumnavigated the world blocking the sun causing harsh winters and cold summers in the northern hemisphere which resulted in the famine that sparked the french revolution.

Vatnajökull National Park is our largest National Park and Vatnajökull is by far the largest glacier in Iceland, around 8000 km2, with an average thickness of almost 400 m, and has 30 outlet glaciers and various glacier tongues flowing from the main one. Öræfajökull Volcano is a part of the glacier and its highest point Hvannadalshnjúkur is the highest peak of Iceland 2110,9 m. Private tours can be arranged to go the glacier and into a natural ice caves which sometimes form along the edge of the glacier.

From Reynisfjara Beast we drive past several nature spots on the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (about 3 hours of travel). Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Jökulsárlón, a stunning glacial lagoon in southeast Iceland. Marvel at the surreal landscape adorned with floating icebergs, as they gracefully drift from the Vatnajökull Glacier to the Atlantic Ocean. The contrast of crystal-clear ice against the black volcanic sands creates a breathtaking scene. Jökulsárlón, with its unique blend of natural wonders, stands as a testament to Iceland's awe-inspiring and otherworldly landscapes.

Experience the enchantment of Diamond Beach, a coastal wonder near Jökulsárlón in Iceland. Here, glistening icebergs from the nearby glacial lagoon wash ashore, adorning the black volcanic sands like diamonds. The juxtaposition of sparkling ice and dark beaches creates a surreal and captivating spectacle. Diamond Beach is a testament to nature's artistry, offering a picturesque and unforgettable glimpse into the beauty of Iceland's south coast.

The drive Back to Reykjavík from Diamond Beach is about 4-5 hours approx).

Meeting and pickup information

  • In private tours, the driver will arrive at your accommodation approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. Please note that there are traffic restrictions in the city centre for vehicles larger than eight seats. If your group exceeds this size, the pick-up location may not be directly in front of your hotel. The local tour provider will inform you of the nearest pick-up location if direct pick-up is not possible. All our vehicles are easily recognisable, displaying the distinctive Snæland Travel logo and a sign in the window with the tour and/or main passenger name.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Snaeland Travel

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The tour is 14-15 hours with most of the time getting to the location and viewing the beautiful nature from the bus (approx 11 hours)
  • Note that this tour is in private car with driver. The driver is not a professional guide.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 14 hr–15 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
What are the pickup arrangements?
In private tours, the driver will arrive at your accommodation approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. Please note that there are traffic restrictions in the city centre for vehicles larger than eight seats. If your group exceeds this size, the pick-up location may not be directly in front of your hotel. The local tour provider will inform you of the nearest pick-up location if direct pick-up is not possible.

All our vehicles are easily recognisable, displaying the distinctive Snæland Travel logo and a sign in the window with the tour and/or main passenger name.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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