14 To 15 Hour Day Trip

From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

★ 4.5 1,460 reviews

from $225 per person

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Duration: 14 to 15 hours
Meeting point: 36 drop-off locations, depends on the option selected
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Icelandia

Overview

This is a full circuit of Iceland's south coast from Reykjavik, run by ICELANDIA, with the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and Diamond Beach as the main events. The bus rolls out along the south, stopping at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls before crossing the black sand flats between Skaftafell and the lagoon. Roughly 1.5 hours of free time at Jökulsárlón lets you walk the shore and watch icebergs that calved off Vatnajökull drift past, some of it ice aged between 1,000 and 1,500 years.

The route also passes views of Hvannadalshnjúkur mountain and pulls in at Diamond Beach, where ice chunks scattered on black sand catch the light. An optional boat cruise around the lagoon, at extra cost, can be added, and it only runs in the warmer months. Weather permitting, you pass Skaftafell for mountain and glacier views. Several travellers reported northern lights appearing on the evening leg back, an unplanned bonus rather than a promise.

The whole day runs 14 to 15 hours, so it suits people who want the south coast's big sights in one trip and can handle a long bus day. Reviewers repeatedly said the many stops make the drive pass quickly, with a guide narrating history, geology and wildlife along the way. The operator also notes you may recognize locations from films shot in the area, including Batman Begins and Tomb Raider.

From$225 per person

Duration14 to 15 hours

Rating4.5 from 1,460 reviews

What's Included

Included

Transportation by bus
Expert local guide
Wi-Fi onboard the bus
Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon boat ride (if option selected)

Not Included

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Meeting point in ReykjavikThe starting location depends on the option selected, so check the booking page for details.
Bus along the south coastA coach transfer of about 1.5 hours, with a break at Hvolsvöllur.
Skógafoss waterfallPhoto stop, walk and sightseeing at the falls.
Lunch stopAround 40 minutes at a local restaurant. Extra fee, not included.
Jökulsárlón lagoonAbout 1.5 hours of free time, photos and walking on the shore.
Optional lagoon boat cruiseA guided 40-minute boat ride among the icebergs. Optional and at extra cost, in warmer months only.
Diamond BeachVisit and sightseeing on the black sand strand speckled with ice.
Vik break and dinnerAbout 45 minutes in Vik for dinner and sightseeing. Extra fee.
Seljalandsfoss and returnPhoto stop and visit at the waterfall, where you can walk behind the water, before drop-off at one of the listed locations.

What To Expect From The Tour

A day this long needs some planning. Here is what past travellers and the booking page suggest.

Where this tour sits among 7 tours in Reykjavik Day Trips listed here (from-price per person, USD)

BusTravel Diamond Beach Day Trip$211
14 to 15 Hour Day Trip (this tour)$225
Small-Group Minibus, Hotel Pickup$229
Gray Line 14.5-Hour South Coast$234
Reykjavik Excursions Guided Day Trip$234
Boat Ride Included, 14 Hours$292
Reykjavik Excursions Boat Tour$328

Dress for anything. The operator advises warm clothing and rain gear. You will be outside at waterfalls, a beach and the lagoon shore, so layers and waterproofs are the sensible call.
Pace and fitness. Each stop involves walking, with time to explore on foot at the falls, the beach and the lagoon. Several travellers said the schedule was well paced with plenty of time at most stops, though some felt rushed at the main sights and wanted more time there.
Food is on you. Meals are not included. There is a roughly 40-minute lunch stop at a local restaurant and a dinner break in Vik, both at extra cost. Reviewers noted plenty of restroom and refreshment breaks beyond these.
Group feel. This is a coach tour with an expert local guide and onboard Wi-Fi.
The boat option. The lagoon boat ride is only included if you select that option, and only runs in warmer months. Choose it on the booking page if you want to get close to the icebergs from the water.
Long day, big payoff. Reviewers consistently call the day long but worth it. Several said the frequent stops and views along the way made the hours pass quickly, and some were surprised by northern lights on the return leg in the evening.

From$225 per person

Rating4.5 from 1,460 reviews

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Common issues. The honest downside is length: 14 to 15 hours on a bus, which several reviewers flagged as tiring even while calling the trip worthwhile. Some travellers felt the schedule was compressed and wanted longer at the main stops. Food, drinks, the optional boat cruise and both meal stops cost extra, and hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as excluded. Northern lights sightings mentioned in reviews are luck, not part of the itinerary. The Skaftafell pass-by depends on weather, and the boat ride only runs in the warmer months.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Tour?

The full day runs 14 to 15 hours from Reykjavik and back. Reviewers describe it as long but well broken up with stops at waterfalls, Vik and Diamond Beach along the way.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included. The meeting point varies depending on the option you select, so check the booking page for the exact pickup details before you go.

Is Food Included?

No. Food and drinks are excluded. The itinerary includes a lunch stop of about 40 minutes at a local restaurant and a dinner break of about 45 minutes in Vik, both at your own expense.

Is The Boat Ride On The Lagoon Included?

The Jökulsárlón boat cruise is not part of the base price, you select it and pay for it when booking, and it runs in the warmer months. It is an optional 40-minute guided cruise among the floating icebergs, at extra cost if not bundled.

What Should I Bring?

The operator recommends warm clothing and rain gear. You will be outdoors at waterfalls, a black sand beach and the lagoon shore, so layers and waterproofs matter more than on a typical day trip.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.