Kayaking, 1.5 Hours

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Tour

★ 4.7 532 reviews

from $155 per person

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Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meeting point: Ice Guide Glacier Tours (meeting point at Glacier Lagoon parking lot)
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: IceGuide Iceland

Overview

IceGuide Iceland runs the tour in English, and it begins with gear-up at the Glacier Lagoon parking lot, where a guide hands out a two-piece suit and all the necessary equipment. From there the group launches straight onto the lagoon.

On the water, the pace is guided, with chances to spot seals and birds between the ice. Reviewers frequently single out the guides as patient and knowledgeable. One traveller in his seventies paddled for the first time on this tour and had a great time. You should be comfortable in water and able to swim.

The operator describes the kayak tour as environmentally friendly, and one reviewer appreciated doing something more in harmony with nature than the packed boat trips on the lagoon. It does not suit travellers expecting hotel pickup or transport, since both are excluded and you must make your own way to the meeting point. Arrive 20 minutes early, dressed in warm underlayers, and bring a hat and sunscreen.

From$155 per person

Duration1 hour 30 minutes

Rating4.7 from 532 reviews

What's Included

Included

Fully guided tour
Two piece suite
All necessary equipment
SIT-ON-TOP kayaks

Not Included

Food and drinks
Transportation to the meeting point

Itinerary

Meet at the lagoonMeet the guide at the Glacier Lagoon parking lot, 20 minutes before the activity starts.
Gear upReceive a two-piece suit and all necessary safety equipment before heading to the water.
Launch onto the lagoonHop into the kayak and paddle out onto the lagoon with the group.
Paddle the lagoonPaddle among floating icebergs, with chances to see seals and birds, and views of the ice cap and the vast dome of ice above the lagoon.

GearIncluded

GuideIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this tour goes, from what you wear under the suit to how the weather can change plans.

Dress warmly. The operator asks for warm underlayers and socks beneath the two-piece suit, plus a hat and sunscreen. Layer up as directed, since the suit works best over proper clothing.
First-timers welcome. One reviewer had never kayaked before and found the instructions easy to follow, saying the tour convinced them to take up kayaking at home. Reviewers also praise the guides for making everyone feel safe and comfortable on the water. You do need to be comfortable in water and able to swim.
Weather can reshuffle. One reviewer had a morning departure canceled for strong winds and rescheduled to the afternoon, where it went well. Weather on the day can affect the schedule.
Wildlife and ice. Seals and birds appear on the lagoon, and reviewers repeatedly mention the scale of the icebergs up close. Touching marine life and plants is not allowed, so keep a respectful distance.
Getting there. Plan to arrive 20 minutes before the start for gear-up.
Quiet alternative. One reviewer chose this over the packed boat trips on the lagoon and appreciated the quieter, lower-impact experience. The operator also emphasizes the tour's environmentally friendly approach.

From$155 per person

Rating4.7 from 532 reviews

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. One reviewer had a morning departure canceled for strong winds and was able to reschedule to the afternoon. Some travellers who reviewed the tour felt the pace was rushed and wanted more time to pause for photos on the water. Food, drinks and transport to the meeting point are all excluded, and smoking plus alcohol and drugs are not permitted. The tour also requires participants to be able to swim and comfortable in water.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. Pickup is not included, and transportation to the meeting point is listed as an exclusion. You meet the guide at the Glacier Lagoon parking lot, 20 minutes before the tour starts.

What Is Included In The Price?

A fully guided tour, a two-piece suit, all necessary equipment and sit-on-top kayaks. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own snacks and water.

How Long Is The Tour?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours. Participants are asked to arrive 20 minutes before the activity starts.

Can Beginners Do This Kayak Tour?

Yes. Reviewers say the guides explained everything clearly and kept the group feeling safe. Participants should be comfortable in water and able to swim.

What Should I Wear And Bring?

Wear warm underlayers and socks under the provided suit, and bring a hat and sunscreen. Alcohol, drugs and smoking are not allowed.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If weather forces a cancellation on the day, one reviewer was able to reschedule to a later departure.