How to Visit Iceland's Magical Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is one of the greatest natural wonders of Iceland. You really can't miss it, even from the side of the road. As we approached Jokulsarlon on Iceland's Ring Road, the main highway that wraps around the island, we were immediately in awe of the massive icebergs floating down the glacial lake.

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is part of Vatnajökull National Park. Huge ice blocks break apart from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift around the lagoon, eventually joining the Atlantic Ocean. We set out to experience this icy lagoon and its stunning landscapes on a zodiac boat tour.

As the climate gets warmer, Jokulsarlon gets larger due to the melting of the glaciers. The lake itself formed only 60 years ago, and has doubled in size over the past 15 years. As the glaciers rapidly retreat, it will be interesting to see how Jokulsarlon changes over the years. Only recently, it became the deepest lake in Iceland with a depth of 284 meters.

Jokulsarlon and East Iceland Video

Where is the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is 370km east of Reykjavik, just off Highway 1 (also known as the Ring Road). It takes approximately five hours to reach Jökulsárlón by car from Reykjavik, though driving conditions can make this journey take longer.

We don't recommend visiting Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on a day trip from Reykjavik. That's way too much driving time for one day. Instead, we suggest that you incorporate Jokulsarlon into your Iceland road trip adventures, whether you're visiting Iceland for a few days, a week, or two weeks like we did.

Here's a quick sample itinerary of our Iceland trip before reaching Jokularslon. We started our trip with one day in Reykjavik to enjoy the city and overcome jetlag. Then, we spent one day exploring the famous Golden Circle route, a must for any visit to Iceland.

Next, we took a self-guided driving tour of South Iceland, viewing majestic waterfalls, an old plane crash site, and a black sand beach. The following morning, after an overnight stay at Lambhus Glacier View Cabins, we drove to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon for a morning tour.

Looking to Rent a Car in Iceland?

We highly recommend renting a car in Iceland and making the journey on your own. We've written an entire guide to navigating car rentals in Iceland and understanding the basic rules of the road here.

Justin and I always use Discover Cars to rent vehicles overseas. This website scans multiple car rental agencies to allow you to compare them. You'll always find the best rates, and Discover Cars has excellent customer service, too. Here's where to find the best rental cars in Iceland.

How to Take a Boat Tour at Jokulsarlon

While it's an incredible experience to admire the icebergs from the black sand shorelines at Jokulsarlon, there's nothing better than taking a boat tour. There are a couple of different boat tour options at Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. You'll need to choose between the larger Amphibian boat and the smaller zodiac boat.

Which Boat Tour Should I Take?

The Amphibian boat tours are sailing trips aboard larger vessels in the lagoon. These allow you to witness views of the fascinating icebergs and the amazing scenery all around.

You'll get to taste 1000 year old ice from a smaller iceberg and might get the chance to see some seals. The trip is 30 to 40 minutes long and includes an English-speaking guide who will share some interesting facts about the region.

There are four Amphibian boats with numerous trips per day, and you don't need to book this one in advance.

The zodiac boat tours take place in smaller, faster moving vessels that cover more ground and allow you to get up closer to the icebergs. Much like the Amphibian boat tour, you'll get to taste 1000 year old ice and learn from an English-speaking guide.

However, you will be able to travel farther. In fact, the zodiac boat goes right up to the edge of the glacier (as close as possible, depending on the conditions). The boat trip is also 1 hour long, nearly twice as long as the Amphibian boat tour.

The zodiac boat tours are more limited, and they cost twice as much as the Amphibian boat tour. We took the zodiac tour and think it was absolutely worth doing over the Amphibian boat.

If you decide to take the zodiac boat tour, make sure you book your tickets ahead of time on the official Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon website. There are a limited amount of trips per day and these sell out well in advance.

Our Experiences on the Jokulsarlon Zodiac Boat Tour

Justin and I took the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon zodiac boat tour. It was an epic adventure, nothing like we've ever experienced before.

Justin and I zipped up our oversized one-piece winter attire, provided by the tour company and mandatory for the zodiac boat tour. It can get so chilly out there, even on a warm, sunny day. We visited at the beginning of June and while the weather was beautiful, it's much colder out on the water.

And...we're off! The captain of the zodiac boat takes small groups out to the lagoon, rides past numerous icebergs, and reaches the glacial wall.

Our tour guide grabbed a chunk of ice that broke from a larger iceberg, and brought it on board. This ice was heavier than it looked. We passed it around, and I even gave it a lick. It's not every day that you get to taste ice that's over 1000 years old.

More than I can express in words, Jokulsarlon is simply stunning. I can't recommend visiting it enough. I'm sure you'll agree after viewing these photographs.

Icebergs, Glaciers and Seals!

Here's our trip in pictures, starting with our first glimpses of icebergs. We heard the eerie, creaking sounds of ice breaking apart from the icebergs. It was fascinating to watch that sparkling, translucent ice splash down into the water.

On the boat, we took a journey around the iceberg lake. We were close enough to some of the icebergs that we could reach out and touch them. Some icebergs were blue; some were streaked with black, volcanic ash from ancient eruptions.

Finally, we approached the Breiðamerkurjökull glacial wall, gliding past it as closely as possible. We even got to see a lounging seal, soaking up the sunshine from a floating iceberg.

Diamond Beach

Back on the shore, the air was shrouded in a dense fog. We stood on the black, volcanic sands and watched the massive chunks of ice slowly drift through the gray haze.

You can see the icebergs drifting by, right from the parking area and docks for the Jokulsarlon boat tours. There's also the opportunity to see some icebergs land on the shore at Diamond Beach.

After you fully experience Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the zodiac boat tour, admire these massive chunks of ice from the shore. Walk down to Diamond Beach, just across Highway 1 / Ring Road by the coastline. You'll see tiny bits of ice all the way up to huge icebergs that might be taller than you!

How to Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Plan your trip in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if you're thinking about booking a zodiac boat tour. The boat tours operate from early May to the end of October.

They are experimenting with extending their season from April to November, so you might be fortunate enough to participate if you're travelling to Iceland in April, October or November.

Be sure to inquire in advance as the tours depend on the weather and the changing seasons. Visit the Glacier Lagoon website for online booking and more details.

Another possibility is admiring the icebergs from the shore without setting foot on a boat. You can do so at Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach. There's also a small cafe at Jokulsarlon with coffee and small bites like sandwiches.