From Reykjavik: Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride, Diamond Beach Tour

Planning a trip to Iceland and looking for a way to experience its legendary landscapes without the hassle of driving? This full-day guided tour from Reykjavik offers a comprehensive glimpse into the country’s southern coast, blending iconic sights like Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and stunning waterfalls. As someone who’s reviewed countless tours, I can say this one hits a sweet spot for travelers craving authentic scenery, a touch of adventure, and the comfort of guided logistics.

What I love about this tour? First, the opportunity to cruise among massive icebergs on a close-to-nature boat ride is genuinely special. Second, the stops at Seljalandsfoss and Stjórnarfoss waterfalls offer a chance to get up close and feel the raw power of Iceland’s water systems. The only thing worth considering is that it’s a long day — approximately 14 hours — so it’s best suited for those prepared for a marathon of sightseeing and travel.

This tour is perfect for travelers eager to cover a lot in one day. It suits those who want an organized experience with expert guides, and who are comfortable with extended hours on a bus. If nature and glaciers top your list, and you’re ready for a journey that’s as scenic as it is packed with memorable stops, this trip will serve you well.

Contents hide

1 An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

2 Who Would Love This Tour?

3 Practical Tips for Your Day

4 FAQ

5 In The Sum Up

Key Points

Incredible Glacier Views: Cruise among floating icebergs in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a highlight for nature lovers.
Waterfall Wonders: Walk behind Seljalandsfoss and admire Stjórnarfoss — both showcase Iceland’s raw water power.
Authentic Icelandic Scenery: From black sand beaches at Vík to panoramic volcano views, the landscape here is unforgettable.
Guided Comfort: Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with stories, local insights, and a friendly attitude.
Long but Worthwhile: A 14-hour trip, but with comfortable transportation and plenty of photo stops, it’s manageable.
Value for Money: For $258, you get a comprehensive itinerary, boat ride, and expert guide — a good deal considering the sights covered.

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An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik.

Starting Out — Convenience and Comfort

The day kicks off with hotel pickup options, including from central Reykjavik or Skarfabakki cruise port, which is perfect for those staying in the city. The transportation is thoughtfully planned, with the initial drive lasting about 1.5 hours to Skaftafell National Park, where the adventure begins. A comfortable coach with amenities like a toilet makes the long drive more bearable, and the small group size (around 30 guests) keeps the experience intimate.

Crossing the South Coast — A Scenic Journey

As you travel deeper into southern Iceland, you’ll notice the change in scenery from urban to vast, rugged landscapes. The guides are typically well-informed, with reviews praising guides like Ritchie and Beckie for their enthusiasm and storytelling. They often share local legends, ecological facts, or even sing Icelandic tunes, adding flavor to the trip. The long drive is not just transit — it’s part of the adventure, offering spectacular viewpoints and photo opportunities.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach — The Main Event

The star of the day is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you’ll hop onto an amphibian boat for a 30-minute ride among towering icebergs. This experience is frequently highlighted as a “fantastic” highlight, with many reviewers mentioning how close the icebergs come and how surreal the scene feels. Since the lagoon glistens with floating ice, expect plenty of photo ops.

From the reviews, many travelers recommend paying extra for the boat ride — “it’s a unique experience,” and “worth every penny.” If the weather cooperates, you’ll also get sweeping views of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, adding an extra layer of drama to the landscape.

Adjacent to the lagoon is Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash ashore on black sand, creating a striking contrast. This beach is often described as “magical,” with glistening ice against the dark sand making for unforgettable photographs. You’ll have about 30 minutes here to walk, take pictures, and soak in the scene.

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Waterfalls — Power and Beauty Up Close

Next, the tour makes stops at Stjórnarfoss, where you’ll have a chance to walk behind the waterfall, feeling the spray and hearing the thunder of falling water. Reviewers like Jolanta praised the “long, fun-filled trip” and the “impressive waterfalls,” which reveal Iceland’s raw power. The walk behind Seljalandsfoss is similarly popular, allowing you to stand behind a curtain of water and experience nature’s might firsthand.

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Vík and Black Sand Beaches

Mid-afternoon, the tour visits the charming village of Vík, Iceland’s southernmost settlement. Here, you’ll see the famous black sand beaches and sea stacks, a scenery so otherworldly it’s often considered a must-see. If the weather’s good, you might get clear views of Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano famously known for disrupting European air travel in 2010.

Return Journey — Long but Worth It

After a day packed with sights, the journey back to Reykjavik takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, with the tour ending at various central locations or your accommodation. Many reviews note that although it’s a long day, the experience makes it worthwhile. Travelers have mentioned that the bus is comfortable, and the stops for food and restrooms break up the long hours.

What’s Included and How It Adds Value

For $258, this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided experience, and the boat ticket. The guided aspect is often praised, with reviewers like Lisa emphasizing guides’ knowledge and friendliness. The boat ride itself is a significant upgrade, turning a scenic lagoon viewing into an interactive experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for those who don’t mind a full day of travel and want to see Iceland’s iconic sights with minimal hassle. It’s particularly ideal if you’re short on time but eager to cover multiple highlights in one go. Travelers who appreciate guided insights and local stories will find the guides’ commentary adds a lot to the experience.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, leisurely pace, or traveling with very young children (under 6), this tour might be less suitable due to its length. But for those who want a packed, adventure-filled day with tons of photo opportunities and memorable moments, it’s a solid choice.

Practical Tips for Your Day

Dress in layers: The weather can change quickly, especially near glaciers and waterfalls.
Wear comfortable shoes: Expect walking and getting close to waterfalls.
Bring a camera: The scenery is stunning, from icebergs to waterfalls.
Consider packed lunch: Although stops for food are included, packing snacks can keep you energized.
Arrive early for pickup, especially if booking an optional hotel transfer, to avoid missing the start.
Be prepared for a long day — rest well beforehand, and plan your evening accordingly.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, including Skarfabakki cruise port.

What’s the duration of the tour? The trip lasts approximately 14 hours, which includes travel, sightseeing, and breaks.

Can I pay later or cancel? Yes, you can reserve now and pay later with full cancellation allowed up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children? Children under 6 years old are not permitted on this tour.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for unpredictable Icelandic weather.

Are meals included? No, but there are stops for food and restroom breaks. You might consider bringing snacks or a packed lunch.

What about the boat ride? The amphibian boat ride is a major highlight, giving you a close-up view of icebergs. It’s often described as “fantastic” and “worth the extra cost”.

What if the weather is bad? The tour operates rain or shine, but some sights, like views of the volcano, depend on weather conditions. The boat ride may be canceled if wind or weather are unsafe, but the guide will adapt and highlight other sights.

In The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Reykjavik offers an excellent way to see some of Iceland’s most iconic spots without the hassle of self-driving. The combination of spectacular landscapes, engaging guides, and unique experiences like the iceberg boat ride makes it a strong choice for travelers eager to maximize their time.

While it’s a long day, the value for money and variety of sights make it worthwhile — especially if you’re visiting Iceland for the first time and want a curated, hassle-free experience. The stops at waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the glacier lagoon create a compelling mosaic of Iceland’s natural beauty.

This tour is best for adventurous travelers, photo enthusiasts, and those who love learning about Iceland’s geology and folklore from passionate guides. If you’re prepared for a full day and want a solid overview of Iceland’s southern wonders, it’s an excellent way to spend your time.