Iceland is a land sculpted by the colossal forces of nature - a haven of geysers, waterfalls, hot springs, and, perhaps most distinctively, glaciers. An astonishing 11% of this island is covered in glacial ice, forming a landscape that is as surreal as it is sublime. These colossal ice masses give birth to astonishing glacier lagoons - icy wonderlands filled with floating icebergs showcasing a mesmerising display of colours, shapes, and sizes.
Jökulsárlón: the superstar of all glacier lagoons
One of the most famous glacier lagoons is the magnificent Jökulsárlón, located in the southeast of the country. Here, the icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier float serenely in the icy waters before their eventual journey to the Atlantic Ocean, creating an ice-filled shoreline called “the Diamond Beach”.
A boat tour in the summer months here is an absolute must-do, offering you an up-close and personal experience of these icy marvels.
Amphibian Glacier Lagoon Boat Tours offer a truly unique experience, allowing you to traverse the icy landscapes of Iceland in a whole new way. These special tours utilise amphibious vehicles designed to travel on land and water, making them perfect for exploring the glacier lagoons. They provide an exhilarating opportunity to get up close and personal with the majestic icebergs that characterise these captivating bodies of water.
Explore the icebergs up-close
Once aboard an amphibious boat, you'll find yourself in the heart of the lagoon, surrounded by the breathtaking ice sculptures that have detached from the glacier, their shapes and sizes as diverse as the myriad hues of blue, brown, black, and white that dance upon their surfaces.
But it's not just about the icebergs. The tours also offer a chance to appreciate the stunning glacial environment. Often, you'll see seals lounging on the ice floes or swimming in the clear glacial waters. The guides, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, will share captivating stories about the area, its history and geology.
Zodiac boats, small inflatable vessels known for their stability and manoeuvrability, are perfectly suited to the labyrinthine lagoons studded with floating icebergs, delivering an unparalleled adventure into the heart of these icy wonderlands.
Aboard a Zodiac boat on Jökulsárlón
Aboard a Zodiac boat, you'll weave through the lagoon's shimmering turquoise waters, venturing close to the towering ice sculptures looming above the surface.
The compact size of Zodiac boats allows for a more personalised experience, getting you closer to the icebergs, wildlife, and the pulsating beauty of the lagoons than larger boats can.
As you glide through the stunning tableau of the glacial lagoon, you'll have the opportunity to witness seals frolicking in the water and a myriad of bird species circling overhead. From arctic terns to the majestic skuas, these boat tours provide bird lovers with forgettable experience.
Zodiac boat tours are not just about the visuals; they're about immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of the lagoon. Listen to the melodic dripping of melting ice, the occasional thunderous crack of a calving glacier, and the gentle lapping of the waves against your boat. It's a symphony of natural sounds that are as captivating as the views themselves.
Accompanying the Zodiac boat tours are expert guides ready to enrich your journey with insights into the geological wonders around you. They will regale you with stories about the lagoons' formation, the icebergs' life cycle, and the area's fascinating ecology.
Safe, immersive, and highly engaging, Zodiac boat tours provide a unique vantage point to explore and appreciate the staggering beauty of Iceland's glacier lagoons. So, come aboard and let the allure of these icy marvels captivate your senses.
Sólheimajökull glacier lagoon
Jökulsárlón is, thankfully, not the only glacier lagoon in Iceland: the country is home to Europe's most impressive glaciers, many of which have formed lakes with floating icebergs.
If you prefer to escape the crowds, consider a visit to a glacier lagoon at Sólheimajökull, or the lesser-known glacier lagoons of Vatnajökull: Fjallsárlón and Breiðárlón. These lagoons, though smaller, offer equally mesmerising views with far fewer tourists. Fjallsárlón's proximity to its parent glacier, Fjallsjökull, and its view of the towering Öræfajökull volcano, is truly captivating.
For the adventurous at heart, the glacier lagoons at Grænalón and Skeiðarárjökull are a testament to Iceland's untamed beauty. Accessible only by hiking or private helicopter tour, a visit to these remote lagoons guarantees solitude and an intimate encounter with the raw power of nature.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a quiet observer of the world's natural wonders, Iceland's glacier lagoon tours will undoubtedly enthral you. In the solitude of these icy realms, you will witness nature's artistry at its finest, where the intertwining hues of frosty blues, deep blacks, and pure whites create an awe-inspiring spectacle that remains etched in the memory forever.
Whether you're an adventurer at heart, a lover of nature's grandeur, or simply curious about the geology and formation of these icy wonders, the Glacier Lagoon tours in Iceland promise a magical, thrilling and enriching experience you'll remember for a lifetime.