South Coast, Diamond Beach & Jökulsárlón Tour

Highlights

• See the best of Iceland’s stunning South Coast scenery in one day
• Soak up the experience of close encounters with towering waterfalls
• Enjoy the spectacle of immense icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Walk amongst glittering iceberg fragments on dramatic Diamond Beach
• Gaze in wonder at Europe's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull

Inclusions

• Round-trip transportation
• Professional tour guide

Tour Itinerary

On our thrilling South Coast & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon tour, you will enjoy a spectacular sightseeing adventure, traveling along Iceland’s stunning South Coast.

You’ll see the best of Iceland’s natural wonders, as the famous “Ring Road” cuts a path between towering mountains, gigantic glaciers, brooding volcanoes, and thundering waterfalls. Wherever you look, the views are breathtaking!

Along the way, you’ll begin to feel the elemental beauty of Iceland, built by fire and sculpted by ice. The journey will take you to some of Iceland’s greatest treasures, including the iconic waterfalls at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

Did you know that glaciers cover more than a tenth of Iceland? You’ll see these immense rivers of ice reaching down from the mountains and volcanoes inland as we pass Skaftafell National Park on our way to the Glacier Lagoon.

Vatnajökull (the Water Glacier) is the largest glacier in Iceland, and one of its “outlet glaciers” has created a dreamlike destination for you to experience!

Immense icebergs “calve” from the glacier’s edge and crash into the deepest lake in Iceland, the Glacier Lagoon at Jökulsárlón.

The “Glacial River Lake” only emerged a few decades ago as the glacier began to retreat. Now you can stand here in amazement and watch ghostly white and pale blue icebergs float serenely around the lagoon. It’s a bucket-list location, featured in Hollywood films and TV shows!

Watch out for seals and birds, who love to perch on the icebergs before these enormous multi-colored chunks of ice head out to sea.

Nearby, you can stroll on Diamond Beach, a fantastic black sand beach famed for the huge iceberg fragments that drift ashore, sculpted into unbelievable shapes by the wind and the waves.

You’ll never forget this day trip adventure, where you’ll see the finest sights the “Land of Fire and Ice” offers!

Explore the South Coast

The South Coast of Iceland is a treasure trove of natural wonders, boasting a diverse range of landscapes that will leave you in awe. As you travel along this scenic route, you’ll encounter towering mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls, each one more breathtaking than the last. The South Coast is home to some of Iceland’s most iconic attractions, including the majestic waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, which are sure to leave you spellbound. With its unique blend of rugged beauty and tranquility, the South Coast is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Iceland.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Experience

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a natural wonder that will leave you speechless. Located in the heart of Vatnajökull National Park, this glacial lake is the deepest in Iceland, with a depth of over 814 feet (248 meters). As you walk along the shores of the lagoon, you’ll be mesmerized by the sight of ghostly white and pale blue icebergs floating serenely on the water. The lagoon is a result of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier’s retreat, which has created a dreamlike destination that is unlike anywhere else on earth. Take a boat ride on the lagoon and get up close and personal with the icebergs, or simply stand on the shore and marvel at the sheer beauty of this natural wonder.

Diamond Beach Adventure

The Diamond Beach is a black sand beach located near the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Iceland. The beach is famous for its unique feature of having ice chunks scattered on its surface, which are washed ashore by the waves. The ice chunks are formed from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, and they appear as shards and orbs that sparkle like diamonds against the black sand. Take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the power of nature, or simply sit back and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. The Diamond Beach is a photographer’s paradise, and it’s a great spot to capture some truly unique and unforgettable images.

F.A.Q.

1. How far away is the Glacier Lagoon?

The Glacier Lagoon at Jökulsarlón is in southeast Iceland, so this tour will require a long drive. But that means you'll see all of Iceland's sensational South Coast, with magnificent views in all directions. It doesn't take very long to reach the start of the South Coast route after we leave the capital city, Reykjavík. From there, it'll take about two hours to get to Seljalandsfoss and another 30 minutes to arrive at Skógafoss. After that, it's about another three hours from Skógafoss to Jökulsarlón. Returning to the capital from there will take about five hours. 

2. How long will my South Coast, Diamond Beach  & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour take?

Starting with a convenient pick-up from the city, the tour will last about 14.5 hours. 

3. What does the South Coast, Diamond Beach  & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour include?

The tour includes convenient city pick-ups and a comfortable journey in one of our modern coaches, with expert commentary and support from one of our professional tour guides in English. Enjoy the free WiFi and USB charging points onboard, so you can make the most of your time when you visit Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón, and Diamond Beach.

4. How long is the South Coast, Diamond Beach  & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour?

The overall distance from the city to the Glacier Lagoon and back is approximately 470 miles (760 kilometers).

5. Can you enjoy a day on the South Coast if the weather is bad?

Icelanders have a saying: “If you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes.” So that means you need to prepare for all eventualities. Bring waterproof clothes, dress in light layers that you can take off and put back on quickly, and wear sturdy waterproof shoes with good grip!  

6. Where can you eat during the South Coast, Diamond Beach  & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour?

We ask you not to eat and drink when you're on board our coaches, but don't worry about getting hungry! Several little towns and villages on the route have great cafes and restaurants where you can grab something to eat and drink. We'll pick the best ones as we travel along the Ring Road on the South Coast. 

7. Where are the pick-up locations for the South Coast, Diamond Beach  & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour?

Where possible, we will collect you from all major hotels in the greater Reykjavík area. In the city center, tour buses cannot always park outside the hotels, so we will pick you up from designated bus stops instead. We also pick up from the cruise ports.

8. Have we answered all your questions about the South Coast, Diamond Beach  and the Glacier Lagoon?

If you have any questions or are considering visiting the South Coast on your own, just click here to ask us for more information!

Please note

• We offer an optional boat tour sailing amongst the icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - check for more information when booking!
• NB - the boat tours are seasonal and weather dependent.
• All tours are guided in English.
• There is not a stop at Vatnajökull, but it is visible from the bus. 

Pickup points

Not booked your hotel yet? Hotel not listed? Staying with a friend/family?

Don't worry, you can give us that information when you add this item to your cart.

Pickup Info

Please present your electronic travel voucher/ticket at the time of tour departure.

Pick up and drop off
Pick up from hotels, guesthouses and designated bus stops starts 30 minutes before the tour departure time stated on your voucher.

Need assistance?
Call: +3545401313 or e-mail: iceland@grayline.is