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Private Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Tour

Take this tour to see basically the entire south of Iceland in one day with your own driver and vehicle.

Our best rates
214500 Price Per Person
Our best rates
214500 Price Per Person

Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour

Skip the part where you need to wait for a pick up and switch busses and jump right into the adventure with your own driver and vehicle. A luxury which if you are a bigger group is not even more expensive than joining a scheduled tour.

We leave Reykjavik in the morning and drive along the south coast, passing the towns of Hveragerði and Selfoss. With reasonable weather you are likely to see the Westman Islands in the distance. Along the way we pass the famous waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. If you like, your driver can make a short stop here for you to take some pictures and enjoy a walk to the falls. Of course you will also have stops for food, drink and comfort.

After passing the towns of Vik and Kirkjubæjarklaustur we reach the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón. Here you can see giant icebergs move from the glacier towards the ocean. Some of them are brought back to land nearby which is why the beach nearby is often called Diamond beach. From the beach you also get a great view at Vatnajökull glacier from where the ice bergs originate.

In the lagoon itself you may see seals swimming between the icebergs. After a boat ride (optional) we head back to Reykjavik and arrive in the city late in the evening.

 

Customize Your Private Jökulsárlón Tour

Since it's a private tour the itinerary is flexible and we're happy to customize it with you. We get plenty of requests to add a boat tour at Jökulsárlón or switch out stops for a visit to the the lava tunnel or head into Skaftafell National Park. Simply contact us and we'll design the perfect tour for you. Additional charges may apply and we'll send you the full details.

If you wish for more information during your tour we recommend you book the tour with a guide. Your certified guide will drive and show you Iceland's south coast while sharing stories and informative details while on the road and during your stops. This option allows your group to be up to fourteen passengers 

Contact us to Customize your Private Tour. 

 

Major Sights along the South Coast

Vatnajökull Glacier and National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is our largest National Park and Vatnajökull is by far the largest glacier in Iceland, around 8000 km2, with an average thickness of almost 400 m, and has 30 outlet glaciers and various glacier tongues flowing from the main one. Öræfajökull Volcano is a part of the glacier and its highest point Hvannadalshnjúkur is the highest peak of Iceland 2110,9 m. Private tours can be arranged to go the glacier and into a natural ice caves which sometimes form along the edge of the glacier.

Eldhraun

The Eldhraun Lava Field is the largest lava flow on earth from historic times, around 600 km2 which is roughly the size of The City of Chicago. During the massive eruption of Laki in 1784 the ash cloud circumnavigated the world blocking the sun causing harsh winters and cold summers in the northern hemisphere which resulted in the famine that sparked the french revolution. 

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

A stretch of black beach going from Reynisfjall mountain to Dyrhólaey. This is the southernmost tip of Iceland and going straight out the next firm ground you hit is Antarctica about ten thousand miles to the south. Being right between the two great volcanoes Eyjafjallajökull and Katla the coastline here is ever changing and during the 1918 Katla eruption the coastline moved out almost 200m due to the amount of sand, gravel and ash brought forth. There are some fascinating rock formations embedded in the mountainside and basalt columns rise from the surf just off the shore. During summer, this is also a nesting site for puffins.

Skógafoss

One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Iceland in the foothills of Eyjafjallajökull volcano where Skógaá river tumbles down almost 200 feet into a beautiful gorge. The waterfall can be enjoyed by walking right into the gorge which is on the same level as the parking lot or you can climb up 428 steps and get a slightly different angle.

Seljalandsfoss

This is the waterfall which you can walk all the way behind where it cascades off the foothills of Eyjafjallajökull. A very scenic location where you can sometimes catch the late afternoon sun shining through the water. There is also a little food truck there that sells fresh donuts and hot coffee throughout the day.

Itinerary

The below itinerary is a fully flexible suggested itinerary, popular among our guests. However, as this is a private tour you're able to customize the experience to your liking.

Here are a few suggestions that have been popular with our guests and are well worth contacting us for:

Contact us to Customize your Private Tour. 

Your first iconic attraction is a view of Seljalandsfoss waterfall and you can ask your driver to stop to enjoy a walk to the waterfall.

This is the famous waterfall that you can walk all the way behind where it cascades off the foothills of Eyjafjallajökull. A very scenic location where you can sometimes catch the late afternoon sun shining through the water. Most days you'll also find a little food truck there that sells fresh donuts and hot coffee throughout the day.

Destination Highlights

  • Getting up close and walking behind the waterfall
Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland, cascading down a cliff with a walkway that allows visitors to walk behind the falls.

Skógafoss waterfall is the second must-see attraction on the south coast route to Jökulsárlón. You can also choose this as one of your stops on the route to enjoy getting close to one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. It's also made the big screen in movies including Walter Mitty. 

Skógafoss is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Iceland in the foothills of Eyjafjallajökull volcano where Skógaá river tumbles down almost 200 feet into a beautiful gorge. The waterfall can be enjoyed by walking right into the gorge which is on the same level as the parking lot or you can climb up 428 steps and get a very different view.

Destination Highlights

  • Rainbows on clear days
  • Getting up close and feel the energizing spray from the water
Skógafoss Waterfall cascading powerfully in Iceland, surrounded by lush green cliffs with tourists standing at its base.

As we continue along we reach a stretch of black sand, Reynisfjara beach, that runs from Reynisfjall to Dyrhólaey — the southernmost point of Iceland.

This coastline sits between two major volcanoes, Eyjafjallajökull and Katla. When Katla erupted in 1918, the shoreline pushed out nearly 200 meters from the force of sand, gravel, and ash creating the famous Reynisfjara beach as it looks today. On the beach you'll see what look like human-made columns that were forged by cooling lava and formed cliffs of hexagon basalt columns rising from the sand. On the beach is also a cave called Hálsanefshellir and rising from the sea are Reynisdrangar sea stacks, or Trolls that turned to stone according to local legends.

Destination Highlights

  • Black Sand Beach
  • Hálsanefshellir Cave
  • Basalt Column Cliffs
  • Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
Cave Sea Stacks Black Sand Reynisfjara Iceland.

We make our way to Jökulsárlón the highlight of today's adventure and the entire south coast. 

The glacier lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that have broken off from Breiðamerkurjökull, one of the outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull. As we arrive, you’ll see the icebergs drifting slowly across the water, shifting with the tides and wind. The colors range from pure white to deep blue. 

Seals are also often spotted swimming among the ice however seeing them up close in their natural habitat is increased by joining a zodiac boat tour. 

*Please note that a boat ride, amphibian or zodiac, is not included but can be arranged for an additional charge.

Destination Highlights

  • Glacier and lake views
  • Floating icebergs
  • Bird watching - Arctic tern nesting grounds in summer
  • Seal sightings on the animal's terms
  • An iceberg flip or iceberg calving (if luck's on our side)
  • A zodiac tour to get closer to the glacier (optional)
A boat tour among icebergs on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Iceland.

After visiting Jökulsárlón we simply cross the road from the glacier lagoon and stop at Diamond Beach. You’ll walk along the black sand where pieces of ice from the lagoon wash up on shore. The ice chunks glitter in the sunlight, scattered across the beach like jewels—hence the name. You’ll have time to explore, take photos, and watch the waves roll in between the ice.

After we head back to Reykjavík where you arrive in the late evening.

Sunrise at Fellsfjara Diamond Beach with icebergs glistening on the black sand, showcasing Iceland's stunning natural beauty.

Here are just a few things to consider taking with you on your day out:

  • Warm layers - Places inland tend to be colder than Reykjavík
  • Rainproof layers - Especially if you plan to visit waterfalls
  • Food and Drinks - We'll make sure to also stop along the way
  • Hiking boots - Sturdy shoes are better in this landscape
Calendar Icon
Flexible
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14 Hours
Globe
English-Speaking Driver

Included

  • Your own Driver and Vehicle
  • Pickup and Drop-off in Reykjavík
  • Private Guide for an Additional Charge

Not Included

  • Food and Drinks
  • Jökulsárlón boat tour, amphibian or zodiac

Have a question?

Booking a trip doesn’t have to be confusing. Simply send us an inquiry with any questions you have. We're always happy to help.
Send us a message

Tips and trivia

  • Jökulsárlón has been featured in two James Bond Films.
  • Bieber filmed his video “I'll Show You” at Skógafoss and Eldhraun
  • See our Bus Stops in Reykjavík for info on city center pickups
  • We do not advise bringing small children due to long driving times

Additional information

  • For larger groups and vehicles please contact us
  • Contact us if your desired date is not available
  • Contact us for tours with short notice of less than 5 days

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Frequently Asked Questions

Our Private Tours are popular with a diverse crowd of travelers. Families, especially those with younger children who may need more time and attention, benefit from traveling on their own schedule and with a dedicated driver, while cruise ship and layover passengers enjoy fully using their limited time on land without having to compromise and adjust to scheduled tours.

Travelers who are looking to avoid the crowds at all cost and travel in more luxury and style also greatly enjoy our private tours and the flexibility and control it comes with. If you feel like extending your time a bit at one location or skipping another, all you need to do is talk to your driver. 

The beauty of our private tours is that hotel pickup and drop-off services within Reykjavík capital area are included with all private tours. Please note that groups of six people or more may be affected by Icelandic law which prohibits using larger vehicles within some streets in Reykjavik’s downtown area. In that case you may have to be picked up at your accommodation’s nearest bus stop. Most downtown hotels are within a 5 minute walking distance from bus stops. 

When booking your tour our convenient system will provide you with the closest pick-up location if direct pickup is not possible at your accommodation for the vehicle required for your group size.

If you have any specific questions or need further details, reach out and we're happy to assist.

All private tours and transfers include an experienced English-speaking driver. If you wish to have a certified local guide lead the tour for the day, you can submit a request by contacting us.

In this case, your expert driver-guide takes the wheel and provides detailed insights, stories, and context throughout the journey — both while driving and at each stop. You’ll have a dedicated private guide ready to show you the hidden perspectives, cultural depth, and local knowledge that most travelers never get to experience.

Iceland's weather can change quickly, so layering your clothing is a must. We suggest dressing in warm, waterproof layers, including a waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear, and a hat and gloves to keep you comfortable in any conditions. Taking an extra pair of warm socks with you is also never a bad idea.
Make sure to bring a warm jacket in winter, especially for northern light tours as it can get cold standing outside on crisp winter nights.

Be aware that inland Iceland is usually colder than the Reykjavík area.

Your Private Tour does not include food and beverages. For longer tours your driver can recommend where to stop and buy food, whether you're looking to sit down for lunch or quickly grab a bite before hitting the road again. For super jeep tours that venture into the highlands taking snacks for the road too is a good idea. 

As this is a private excursion the schedule is yours to control within the duration of the tour. You can always consult your driver for advice. 

Tips and trivia

  • Jökulsárlón has been featured in two James Bond Films.
  • Bieber filmed his video “I'll Show You” at Skógafoss and Eldhraun
  • See our Bus Stops in Reykjavík for info on city center pickups
  • We do not advise bringing small children due to long driving times

Additional information

  • For larger groups and vehicles please contact us
  • Contact us if your desired date is not available
  • Contact us for tours with short notice of less than 5 days

Have a question?

Booking a trip doesn’t have to be confusing. Simply send us an inquiry with any questions you have. We're always happy to help.
Send us a message
A group of travelers on a private glacier lagoon tour admiring the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon at sunset, with massive icebergs floating in the serene water under a golden sky in Iceland.

Private Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Tour

Price per person 214500
Total price 214500
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