08 Oct Glacier Kayaking in Jökulsárlón, Iceland

My second favorite activity in Iceland was glacier kayaking in Jökulsárlón, also known as the Glacier Lagoon. I love kayaking here in the States, and I even own an inflatable kayak. You can thus imagine my excitement when we kayaked in glacial waters around icebergs. It was a truly unique and intimate experience, for the layout of the Glacier Lagoon constantly changes as icebergs melt or drift off to sea and new chunks break off from the glacier. 

Curious about some of my other favorite activities in Iceland? Check out my Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland as well as my Top Iceland Excursions.

Contents:

1) Location of the Glacier Lagoon

2) Background of the Glacier Lagoon

3) Tour Options 

4) Kayaking Tour Price

5) Kayaking Tour Time and Experience

6) What to Wear

7) Kayaking Tips

1) Location of the Glacier Lagoon

Glacier kayaking in Jökulsárlón was one of my favorite activities in Iceland for many reasons. It is an incredible and unique experience that is only offered in a couple of locations around the world. 

Jökulsárlón, also known as the Glacier Lagoon, is located in eastern Iceland. For reference, it is approximately two and a half hours northeast of the town of Vík. If you want to visit the Glacier Lagoon, you will need to plan for at least a weekend in Iceland, but preferably a long weekend or even an entire week. 

Other Kayaking Locations in Iceland

There are a variety of other places to kayak in Iceland, including but not limited to the Westfjords and Sólheimajökull glacier lagoon. Why did we choose Jökulsárlón? We did not travel to the Westfjords, so that was not an option for us. Additionally, Jökulsárlón is the most popular glacier lagoon in Iceland, hence why it is named Glacier Lagoon. It tends to have larger icebergs floating in its lagoon than other places, making it a prime spot for kayaking.

Kayaking around the Glacier Lagoon on a tour

Parking – Kayaking in Iceland

The parking lot linked above is the main lot for the Glacier Lagoon. Whether you plan to walk around the lagoon or go on a boat or kayaking tour, you are able to park in that lot. Additionally, there is a lot across the street next to Diamond Beach. You can park there then walk across the street to the lagoon or vice versa. 

Lodging

For nearby lodging, we stayed at The Barn the previous night, which is located right by the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Vík. After our kayaking and other adventures of the day, we crashed at Laekjarhus Farm Holidays for the night. 

On the other hand, why not spice up your trip with a stay at one of the most romantic hotels in Iceland?

Iceberg in the Glacier Lagoon

2) Background of the Glacier Lagoon

Did you know hundreds of thousands of people visit the Glacier Lagoon each year? That is right, it is a pretty popular tourist destination in Iceland. Honestly, it was one of my favorites so be sure not to miss it during your visit. Check out my article for even more information on the lagoon.

Creation of the Lagoon

The lagoon formed through the melting of Vatnajökull, which is the largest glacier in Iceland. However, to be more specific, the lagoon formed through the melting of Breiðamerkurjökull, which is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. It first formed in the mid 1930s and has been increasing in size since then as the glacier continues to melt.

Size of the Lagoon

The lagoon is currently approximately seven square miles (~18 square kilometers) large. Nevertheless, it will continue to grow in size with the melting of the glacier. Furthermore, it is around 660 to 815 feet (~183 to 248 meters) deep. 

The lagoon boasts a variety of small to large icebergs within its waters. The most unique thing, though, about the lagoon is that it is constantly changing. Icebergs break off from the glacier, float around the lagoon, and flow out to the ocean every day. The Glacier Lagoon will thus look slightly different each time you visit. 

Taking in the views at the Glacier Lagoon

3) Tour Options

You can still find a way onto the Glacier Lagoon in Iceland if you are not a fan of kayaking (do not worry, I will not hold it against you). Additionally, Iceland boasts a variety of other excursions throughout the country. 

Boat Tours in Iceland

There are A LOT of tour companies that offer boat tours. They generally offer two options for boat tours: (1) Amphibian (2) Zodiac. The amphibian boat is larger – think similar to a small ferry. The zodiac is a much smaller boat that zips through the water faster than the amphibian boat. Furthermore, due to the fact the zodiac boat is smaller, the guide can drive slightly closer to the icebergs (though while still keeping a safe distance). Both boat tours offer a great experience, and thus you cannot choose wrong!

Boat tour recommendation: 2 Day Jökulsárlón with Glacier Hike and South Coast Waterfalls Tour.

Kayaking Tours in Iceland

I might be a little biased, but I think kayaking is the best way to experience the Glacier Lagoon in Iceland. Kayaking gets you closer to the water, which means you can actually touch some icebergs. Okay, well you are not allowed to get that close to the larger icebergs, but you can use your paddle to touch smaller icebergs or even pick up small chunks of ice. It takes a little bit of work to paddle around, but I think it is 10000% worth it. 

We booked a glacier kayaking tour in Jökulsárlón with Arctic Adventures.

Trying to capture this moment in my mind forever

4) Kayaking Tour Price in Iceland

We booked our kayaking tour with Arctic Adventures, and it cost $165 (~23,780 ISK) for a tandem kayak. It was thus about $82 (~11,820 ISK) per person. While multiple companies offer tours, prices tend to stay generally around $150 to $200 (~21,620 to 28,820 ISK) for a tandem kayak. 

Icebergs floating along the water at the Glacier Lagoon

5) Kayaking Tour Time and Experience in Iceland

Our kayaking tour was two hours long, though they did ask us to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes beforehand. The first hour consisted of getting ready for kayaking. We met the tour guide, received instructions, put on our boots and bodysuits, and received our helmets, paddles, life jackets, and waterproof bags. We then walked to the shore where our kayaks were waiting for us.

The next hour was all kayaking! The tour guide led us around the Glacier Lagoon, making sure we passed by all of the largest icebergs of the day. They also told us fun facts about Iceland and the lagoon. For example, only 10% of an iceberg sits above the surface while the remaining 90% sits below. Furthermore, we saw a couple of seals swimming around – keep your eyes open for their little heads poking out of the water.

Kayaking in the Glacier Lagoon

6) What to Wear 

Our tour company sent us a detailed email after we booked our glacier kayaking tour on the Glacier Lagoon in Iceland. It included all the information we needed concerning what to wear. When we arrived at our meeting location, we saw how everyone dressed differently. Some wore sweatpants or leggings and a t-shirt. Others wore multiple pairs of socks and two jackets. Based on our experience, here is what I would recommend wearing if you go in the summer. For reference, the temperature was around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (~10 degrees Celsius) when we kayaked. 

I recommend wearing one pair of leggings or sweatpants, whatever you find to be more comfortable. On the top, I suggest either a tank top or t-shirt. If you run more on the cold side, maybe opt for a long sleeve shirt or light jacket. Additionally, I recommend a pair of warm socks, whether they be wool, fuzzy, etc. The tour company provided a pair of boots, a bodysuit (it felt a lot like a sweatsuit), and a life jacket. Consider bringing a hat and/or gloves as well.

For additional recommendations on items to bring on your Iceland trip, check out my Iceland summer road trip packing list and international travel essentials.

Kayaking towards an iceberg in the Glacier Lagoon

7) Kayaking Tips

Before we began kayaking on the Glacier Lagoon in Iceland, our tour guide went over all necessary information regarding timing, safety, etc. I will sum up a couple of the main points here. While there are general tips to follow regarding kayaking, glacier kayaking in Jökulsárlón, Iceland does require extra guidance. 

Keep a Safe Distance From Icebergs – Kayaking in Iceland

One important thing to keep in mind is to keep a comfortable distance from the icebergs while kayaking. Only 10% of the iceberg is above the water while the remaining 90% is below. Icebergs can thus become very uneven, causing them to tip over or a portion to break off at any second. However, feel free to get up close and personal with the little chunks of ice floating around. We found ourselves always wanting to tap them with our kayak paddles. 

Bring a Camera and Waterproof Bag

I highly recommend bringing some sort of camera for pictures. We brought our phones on the kayak as well as an actual camera. The tour company provided us with a waterproof bag to store items, such as cameras, while kayaking. You are also welcome to bring your own. Amazon has quite a selection, but the waterproof case from F-color is one of the most popular.

When out on the water, the guide stopped near the larger icebergs to offer some facts as well as to allow time for pictures. We made friends with two people in another kayak, and we then took pictures for each other. 

General Kayaking Tips

For a tandem kayak, it is best practice for the heavier person to sit in the back. The person in the front is then the captain. This means the back person needs to follow the captain’s (or the front person’s) lead. Row on the same side and at the same time – it is truly up to the back person to keep both paddlers in sync. 

Our tour guide was amazing. We asked them a bunch of questions, and they were prepared to answer every single one. That being said, feel free to ask your tour guide any and all questions you might have! Most of the guides have worked at their respective tour companies for years. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know them and learn from them. 

Having the time of our lives on a kayaking tour

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Feel free to use our Iceland itinerary as an example for your own: 9 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland.

Check out some of Iceland’s hidden gems: 4 Hidden Gems in Iceland.