Experience the stunning landscape of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on a Zodiac boat tour.
Jökulsárlón is one of the greatest natural wonders of Iceland. You really can’t miss it, even from the road. As we approached Jokulsarlon on the Ring Road, we were immediately in awe of the massive icebergs floating down the glacial lake. These huge ice blocks break apart from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift around the lagoon, eventually joining the Atlantic Ocean.
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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 250 meters.
ZODIAC BOAT TOUR
The best way to experience Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is by taking a Zodiac boat tour. These smaller boats allow you to get right up close to the icebergs and the glacial wall.
Tip: Be sure to reserve your Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour well in advance. These tours fill up quickly, and you don’t want to be disappointed!
Don’t fret if the Zodiac boat tour is fully booked. You can also experience the lagoon on the larger Amphibian boat. It’s even an incredible experience to admire the icebergs from the black sand shorelines.
Justin and I took the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour. It was an epic adventure, nothing like I’ve ever experienced before. Don’t miss traveling here when you visit Iceland. Even if you travel to Iceland for less than a week, find a way to incorporate this tour into your travel plans.
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.
And…we’re off! The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour 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.
PHOTO ESSAY
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.
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 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.
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.
Can’t get enough photographs of Iceland? You’ll find our collection of Iceland photos in our travel photography section. You can even purchase our prints directly from the site!
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Plan your trip in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if you’re thinking about booking a Zodiac boat tour. The boat ride itself is about 40 minutes long. The boat tours operate from early May until September. Inquire in advance as it all depends on the weather and the changing seasons.
You can’t miss the lagoon from the Ring Road in southeast Iceland. You’ll drive across a large bridge, and you’ll see icebergs floating on either side of the road. That’s Jokulsarlon lagoon! Visit the Glacier Lagoon website for online booking and more details.
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Have you visited Jokulsarlon before? Have you seen icebergs in person?
Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 45+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.
Chocoviv
Tuesday 18th of June 2019
These are beautiful!
Lauren
Tuesday 18th of June 2019
Thank you so much!
Mariana Moraes
Thursday 10th of August 2017
Wow, guys, what a beautiful post. Your photos are sublime. You were so lucky to have had such good weather during your visit, I hope I have the same fortune when me and my husband take this same tour in the end of September. Whilst reading your description of this tour around the glacial lagoon, I was wondering when did you had the chance to visit, and if you went in the morning or in the afternoon period . I am not sure what time (of the year and day) it would be ideal to take this tour, so please let me know what you think. Many thanks! Xx
Terry Conner
Saturday 20th of May 2017
Just amazing. Just starting at these photos made me so happy. Looking forward to visiting this place. I am sure that it will be a memorable trip. Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer
Monday 15th of May 2017
Wow what an experience. My husband and I are visiting in a couple of weeks. Do you recommend taking our DSLR on the Zodiac tour? Or using a waterproof camera?
Lauren
Tuesday 18th of June 2019
Jennifer, we brought a GoPro and our DSLR on the boat! You don't need to worry about damaging your camera as long as you keep hold of it. The water didn't splash on the boat too much!
Nomadi
Friday 23rd of September 2016
Wow, amazing! We are heading to Iceland next summer and will definitely do that!