Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Tour

If you’re looking for a truly unique way to see one of Iceland’s most breathtaking sights, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon kayaking tour offers a compelling blend of adventure and awe-inspiring scenery. This guided experience takes you out onto the shimmering waters among floating icebergs, with opportunities to spot seals and enjoy the expansive icy landscape—an experience that’s as much about serenity as it is about adventure.

While we haven’t personally paddled here (that’s your trip to plan!), we’ve combed through reviews and details to help you understand what makes this tour special. Two things we particularly love? The knowledgeable guides who help you navigate the lagoon safely and the stunning, ever-changing scenery of glaciers and ice that make each moment feel like a postcard. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the weather, which can occasionally lead to cancellations or water splashing onto kayaks—something to keep in mind.

This tour suits travelers who are comfortable in water, eager for an authentic outdoor experience, and interested in Iceland’s natural beauty in a hands-on way. If you’re looking for a memorable, eco-friendly adventure that blends scenery, wildlife, and excitement, this might be just what you need.

Key Points

• Guided Experience: Led by knowledgeable guides ensuring safety and enriching your understanding of the environment.
• Stunning Views: Paddle among floating icebergs with views of the ice cap and vast glacier domes.
• Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to see seals, seabirds, and other native wildlife.
• All Equipment Included: Kayaks, safety gear, and a two-piece suit provided for comfort.
• Flexible Schedule: Tours last around 1.5 hours with varying start times—check availability.
• Environmental Focus: An eco-friendly way to explore Iceland’s pristine icy landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Tour

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon kayaking tour offers a chance to get up close with some of Iceland’s most iconic icy scenery. If you love being on the water and crave a more active, immersive experience of nature, then paddling among the floating icebergs in this vast lagoon is bound to leave a lasting impression.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, it’s the stunning vistas—the way the sunlight hits the ice, casting shimmering reflections, is truly unforgettable. Second, the wildlife sightings, especially seals bobbing among the ice, add a lively and natural touch to the quiet serenity of the lagoon.

However, it’s worth noting that weather conditions can impact the tour, with wind sometimes leading to cancellations or splashes of glacier water onto your clothes—something that reviewers have pointed out. Still, the safety measures and quality equipment provided help ensure a comfortable adventure.

This tour is best suited for adventurous spirits who are comfortable in water and eager to explore Iceland’s icy wonders from a fresh perspective.

What Exactly Can You Expect?

The Meeting Point and Preparation

The tour begins at the Glacier Lagoon parking lot, marked clearly for IceGuide. You’ll meet your guide, who will give you a briefing, provide a two-piece suit to keep you warm, and all necessary equipment. This gear is designed to make sure you stay dry and comfortable, even if glacier water splashes into your kayak—a minor but noted point from some reviews.

The Paddling Experience

Once suited up, you’ll hop into a sit-on-top kayak, an ideal choice for stability and ease of movement in such a dynamic environment. The guided part of the tour helps you navigate the lagoon safely, with the guide sharing insights about the landscape, glaciers, and wildlife.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Scenery and Wildlife

As you paddle out, you’ll be surrounded by floating icebergs of all shapes and sizes, their icy blues and whites reflecting the sunlight. The vast dome of ice above the lagoon, part of the larger ice cap, creates a majestic backdrop. Many guests mention how breathtaking the views are, describing it as a place where “the scenery is so stunning, it’s almost surreal.”

Seal sightings are common, with the opportunity to watch these playful animals pop up around your kayak. Birdlife, especially seabirds, adds a lively dimension to the quiet waters. For many, the experience of gliding quietly among the icebergs and wildlife is the highlight.

The Duration and Pace

The entire tour lasts around 1.5 hours, which feels just right—long enough to soak in the scenery but not so lengthy as to tire you out. The start times vary, so checking availability and selecting a morning or afternoon slot is recommended.

End of the Tour

After paddling, you’ll return to the starting point, with the chance to share your photos and stories with fellow travelers. The tour ends where it begins, making logistics straightforward.

Pricing and Value

The tour includes all necessary equipment, a two-piece suit, and a fully guided experience. While the price might seem modest, the value is rooted in the quality of the guides, the exclusive access to such a pristine environment, and the memorable wildlife encounters.

Compared to other glacier activities in Iceland, paddling among icebergs offers a more personal and less crowded perspective. It’s a rare chance to see glaciers from the water, which many visitors find more intimate and engaging than simply viewing from land.

Real Traveler Insights

One reviewer praised the guides, saying, “The guides were great, and we were very well taken care of. The boat trip on the lake was wonderful in itself—it could have been longer.” This highlights the professionalism and attentiveness of the guiding team, which can make or break a tour in such an environment.

Another pointed out a small inconvenience: “Some glacier water might enter the kayaks when launching them, splashing onto clothes.” It’s a minor detail but worth considering—wearing appropriate layers and expecting some splashes is advisable.

A less favorable review mentioned a canceled sail due to strong winds, which reminds travelers that weather conditions can impact the experience. The tour provider’s refund policy seems straightforward, but it’s always good to be flexible and prepared for potential changes.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Arrive 20 minutes early to get suited up and briefed.
• Wear warm underwear, socks, and a hat—the environment is cold, even on sunny days.
• Bring sunscreen, especially if the sun reflects off the ice.
• Be comfortable in water and able to swim, as the tour requires.
• Check availability as start times vary depending on the day.
• Note that children under 14 and those with back or heart problems, non-swimmers, and people prone to seasickness are not suited for this activity.

The Sum Up

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon kayaking tour offers a compelling combination of adventure, scenery, and wildlife viewing. It’s perfect for travelers who want a more intimate connection with Iceland’s icy majesty, provided they’re comfortable in water and prepared for variable weather. The knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and environmentally friendly approach make this experience stand out among glacier activities.

While not the cheapest option, the value comes from the chance to paddle among iconic icebergs, spot seals, and enjoy Iceland’s natural silence from a different perspective. It’s an ideal choice for adventure-minded travelers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone eager to create memorable stories from their Iceland trip.

If you’re willing to dress warmly, stay flexible with weather, and love outdoor pursuits, this kayaking experience will likely become one of your favorite Icelandic memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 14 years old.

Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes, participants should be comfortable in water and able to swim.

What should I wear?
Wear warm clothing, including layers and socks, and bring a hat and sunscreen.

What is included in the price?
The tour provides a full guide, all necessary equipment, and a two-piece suit to keep you dry.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, though weather can sometimes lead to cancellations.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the Glacier Lagoon parking lot, marked IceGuide.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
Yes, it emphasizes environmentally friendly exploration of this pristine landscape.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1.5 hours, with varying start times available.

You can check availability for your dates here: