Reykjavik: Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride & Diamond Beach Day Tour

This tour promises an all-encompassing day exploring the breathtaking southern coast of Iceland, with highlights like the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and iconic waterfalls. While it’s a long day—roughly 14 hours—it offers a chance to see some of Iceland’s most extraordinary sights in one go.

From what we’ve gathered from countless reviews, travelers love the knowledgeable guides, stunning natural scenery, and the value for money—especially considering the inclusion of a boat ride through floating icebergs. The only downside? The itinerary can feel quite rushed, particularly at some stops, and it’s definitely a full day for those who prefer more relaxed, less packed excursions.

This tour is perfect if you want to maximize your sightseeing in Iceland without renting a car or planning multiple day trips. It suits travelers who are comfortable with long bus rides and want a guided, comprehensive experience of Iceland’s south coast.

Good To Know

• Incredible scenic variety from waterfalls to glaciers to black sand beaches
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and storytelling
• Boat ride among icebergs offers a unique experience
• Long but rewarding day that covers a lot of ground
• Good value considering included transportation, guides, and activities
• Best suited for adventurous travelers okay with a packed schedule

You can check if your dates are available here:

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off in Reykjavik, with pickup options from various locations, including hotel pickups and specific designated meeting points. Once everyone’s aboard, the journey begins with a roughly 1.5-hour drive from Reykjavik to the first major stop. This initial stretch sets the tone, with a comfortable bus that usually fits around 30 guests, making for a manageable group size that allows for easy interaction and attention from the guide.

What makes the bus ride enjoyable are the commentary and stories offered by guides like Dennis and Jennifer, who, according to reviews, are both enthusiastic and well-informed. They keep the mood lively and help you understand the significance of each site, making the long hours seem shorter.

First Major Stop: Skaftafell National Park and the Iceberg Boat Ride

The first highlight is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a truly surreal sight. You’ll spend about an hour here, walking along the lagoon or taking in the views of floating icebergs. The real treat? The 30-minute amphibian boat tour that takes you among the ice chunks. Reviewers rave about this, noting how close and personal you get with the ice formations, seals, and the shimmering water.

One reviewer pointed out, “The boat ride among the icebergs was a highlight—so unique, so peaceful, and it felt like entering another world.” Be prepared for a bit of cold and possibly waterproof gear, especially if the weather turns rainy, as some guests noted getting a little wet during the boat ride.

Diamond Beach and Vatnajökull Glacier

Next, you’ll visit Diamond Beach, just across from the lagoon, where ice chunks wash ashore on black volcanic sand, creating a dazzling contrast. Spending around 30 minutes here, you get ample time for photos and a walk along this natural sculpture garden. Many travelers mention how mesmerizing it is—like being in a world of frozen jewels.

Following this, the tour proceeds to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, with some guides sharing interesting facts about its size and the glaciers’ role in Iceland’s landscape. For good weather days, you might even catch glimpses of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which adds a dramatic backdrop to the scenery.

Waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Stjórnarfoss

After the lagoon and glacier, the next stops are the waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is famed for its unique feature—you can walk behind the cascading water, feeling the power of nature up close. Reviews from visitors repeatedly mention how exhilarating it is to stand behind the waterfall and experience the spray.

Stjórnarfoss follows, a less crowded but equally beautiful waterfall. Here, you’ll have around 30 minutes to soak in the views, snap photos, and enjoy the tranquility that waterfalls often bring. Reviewers emphasize that these stops are well-paced, though some wished for a little more time at the first waterfall, especially considering how spectacular it is.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Vík and the Black Sand Beaches

The charming village of Vík serves as the lunch break and a moment to stretch. Located at Iceland’s southernmost point, Vík’s black sand beaches and striking sea stacks are a photographer’s dream. Many mention how the contrasting black sands and stormy coastlines look like scenes from a fantasy film.

Reviewers note that the stop here is approximately 45 minutes, which is enough for a quick meal—some recommend bringing snacks or an extra layer for the chilly coastal wind.

Additional Insights from Reviews

Several travelers highlight the guides’ storytelling skills—not just listing facts but sharing local myths, legends, and personal anecdotes. For example, Katarina was described as “lovely and knowledgeable,” adding depth to the experience.

Others appreciate the smooth bus ride with WiFi, bathrooms onboard, and the comfort of the vehicle, making the long hours more manageable. The timing is generally praised, although a few reviews mention feeling a bit rushed at some stops, particularly at Diamond Beach and the waterfalls.

At $268 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided commentary, and the boat ride—an experience many see as worth the extra expense compared to just sightseeing from land. Guests consistently mention that the boat trip is a “must-do,” offering a perspective that’s both peaceful and exhilarating.

That said, the tour is a long haul—around 14 hours. Reviewers who enjoyed it say the extensive pace is balanced by the breathtaking scenery and expert guides. Some suggest bringing layers, waterproof gear, and snacks, as the stops are timed tightly.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, with some reviews mentioning cancellations due to high winds or storms, especially at Jokulsarlon. Flexibility and a good attitude are helpful, particularly if the weather shifts unexpectedly.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers eager to see Iceland’s highlights but who don’t want to rent a car or plan multiple trips. It’s ideal for those comfortable with long bus journeys and eager to learn from passionate guides. Families with older children, photography enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a comprehensive, guided day out will find this tour highly rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This tour captures the essence of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes—ice, fire, waterfalls, and black sands—all bundled into one impressive day. The combination of guided storytelling, stunning scenery, and unique experiences like the boat ride makes it a standout option, especially if you’re short on time but want a full picture of Iceland’s southern coast.

While it’s a long day with some rushed moments, the value and quality of the sights make it well worth the effort. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, this tour offers a powerful glimpse into the natural wonder that makes Iceland so memorable.

• What’s included in the tour? The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, guided commentary, and a boat ride through Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

• How long is the total tour? The entire experience lasts around 14 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

• Is the boat ride suitable for everyone? The boat ride is amphibious and takes about 30 minutes, with some reviews mentioning slight exposure to rain or splashing, so waterproof gear is recommended.

• Can I see the Eyjafjallajökull volcano? Yes, weather permitting, you might get panoramic views of the volcano during the tour.

• Are children allowed? Children under 6 years old are not permitted on this tour.

• What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and possibly snacks for the long day.

If you’re after a comprehensive, guided tour that hits all the major sights of Iceland’s south coast, this experience is hard to beat. The combination of stunning landscapes, knowledgeable guides, and memorable activities like the iceberg boat ride makes it a top choice for travelers wanting to make the most of their Iceland trip.

It’s perfect for those who don’t mind a long day on the road, value detailed commentary, and love capturing extraordinary scenery on camera. Just be prepared for a busy schedule, and you’ll come away with stories and photos that will last a lifetime.

You can check if your dates are available here: