Why a Boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Needs to be on Your Bucket List

By Chris Ayliffe, Traveo

It’s a bit like asking why should you go up the Empire State Building when you can see it perfectly fine from the ground? It’s not the same.

The main thing to note, however, is that boat tours in the lagoon are only running between 1st May - 15th November. So, you’ll want to make sure you book during this period.

Taking a boat ride in Jökulsárlón is a completely different and unique experience that not enough travellers take advantage of. You can actually wander graciously through this arctic paradise and discover the true hidden gems of this attraction which may well be completely different by tomorrow.

Jökulsárlón is one of those places that when the weather is good, you can easily sit, watch, photograph and have a picnic by the water's edge and just bathe in the peacefulness of nature. However, you’ll see a load of lucky travellers kitted out in warm overalls and safety gear heading out onto a boat tour, and trust me you’ll want to join them.

Whichever boat option you choose, you’ll be taken through the many icebergs of the lagoon, learn more about the history of this attraction, why the ice looks so blue, as well as hopefully some sightings of the frolicking local seals that sun themselves out on the ice.

The ice formations are unbelievable having broken off from the colossal wall of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, on their journey to slowly melt and head out to the ocean. Sometimes the huge icebergs flip, but don’t worry, your guide is well aware of the signs when this could happen.

As you head deeper and deeper into the lagoon, you’ll feel the temperature drop and the coolness of your breath start to become visible in front of you. This is when you’ve left the touristy vibe behind and are now very much immersed in the powerful draw of raw Icelandic nature.

Listen close as your boat stops at a safe distance from the glacial wall (only Zodiac Boat tours get close enough for this). As the engine slows and chatter turns to whispers and silence, you’ll hear the creaks and groans of one of nature’s colossal frozen titans. A few sounds and cracks from these goliath structures is enough to help you appreciate both the power and fragility of the nature in front of you which is an incredibly humbling feeling.

Keep your camera close with your finger on the shutter to get some truly unbelievable shots of a series of icebergs, seals and the mighty glacier in front of you. You won’t get an opportunity quite like this again.

You’re basically going to feel like David Attenborough substituting penguins for seals. 



When it comes to picking the right boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you really can’t go wrong.

Though there are two main options to choose from, they are both fantastic experiences and cater to different people's preferences.

Do you want a peaceful and tranquil ride or an adrenaline-pumping one? 

Allow me to explain the options a little more which should help highlight which one is right for you.

This part-land part-sea craft is the perfect option to take larger groups out into the lagoon.

Your tour will take you sailing amongst the huge icebergs amidst the most picturesque scenery imaginable. You will have plenty of time to get the perfect snap of these perfectly blue ancient blocks of ice as you gently make your way in between them. 

There will also be an opportunity for you to taste a sample of this thousand year-old ice plucked straight from a glacier. This will be the purest water you’ll ever taste, as well as giving you a flavour of history as you learn more about how this lagoon was formed.



If you’re especially lucky you’ll also get to seal a handful of seals lazily sunning themselves on the ice. These creatures are as curious as they look and will often seem to pose quite happily for photos - the reality is they just can’t be bothered moving!

This is the perfect option for those of you wanting a shorter ride at a slower pace, or if you’re part of a bigger group. The guides are exceptionally well informed and will delight in answering all of your questions, and even teach you a little Icelandic if you’re especially nice.

For those of you feeling a little extra adventurous, join an hour-long zodiac boat tour.

Very appropriate for much smaller groups and those wanting to see even more of the glacier, the speed of the zodiac boats will have you zooming across the lagoon from the moment you step onboard.

Hold onto the sides as your adrenaline will be pumping with the bumps and twists and turns of this exciting glacier adventure. You’ll also get to go much closer to the icebergs than the amphibian crafts can, offering unrivalled glimpses into this frozen world.

The boats will also go much closer to the glacier wall and allow you to take your time watching this towering and crumbling glacier for a decent period of time. For those of you keen to see a glacier up close and in the most adventurous way, then you absolutely need to take a zodiac boat tour.

Your guide will stop at regular intervals, and as well as answering all and any of your questions, will explain everything there is to know about the icebergs, the lagoon and the surrounding region. 

For those of you feeling brave, this is the trip I recommend you take most when visiting Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

What Other Trips Can You Take in the Area?

Though Jökulsárlón boat tours are incredible experiences, I can’t write this article without giving you information on another nearby treasure which I also recommend you take advantage of.

Ice caves in Iceland are a rare phenomenon found at the start of every winter season with the melting and freezing of the glaciers. This process creates a series of air-pockets which form what we know as natural ice caves.

• Also check out a fantastic selection of Iceland Ice Cave Tours

Having joined the Vatnajökull ice cave tour last winter, I can vouch for how otherworldly these places are. Though they change in size and formation every year, this is a chance to drive up onto Europe’s largest glacier in a super jeep and climb deep into the belly of these creaking titans.

In my view Jökulsárlón is a much better place to photograph the Northern Lights than either the famous Golden Circle or Iceland’s Snaefellsnes peninsula.

• Make sure to explore some of these great Snaefellsnes tours

Last September I found myself driving towards Jökulsárlón when the sky erupted from sunset right through to sunrise. If you can imagine what it’s like driving passed the mountainous glacier tongues with a bright Aurora shimmering down on your path, then you can grasp how this memory won’t be leaving me too quickly!

If the Northern Lights are on your agenda, make sure you’re planning a visit to Iceland in winter  as during the long daylight hours under

the midnight sun of the summer months you won’t get to see these dancing lights.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt about it, Iceland is incredible. With so many places to check out and activities to enjoy, it’s so important that you prioritise the very best adventures to maximise your time here. For me, Jökulsárlón needs to be at or near the top of your list. The opportunity to take a boat tour into this natural wonder, glide amongst the icebergs and watch this crumbling glacier is a real once in a lifetime opportunity.

Whether you’re planning on taking an Iceland self drive tour, an Iceland small group tour, or even a Private Guided tour of Iceland, make sure Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon remains right at the top of your travel list.

When you take home your pictures and share your stories with family and friends, the moment you took your first breath within metres of a giant iceberg no one else will get to see is not an opportunity to be missed. Take the chance and experience Jökulsárlón the right way.