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Diamond Beach, Vatnajökull

Diamond Beach, Vatnajökull: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Trip

1. From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Trip

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the south of Iceland on a full-day sightseeing tour by bus. Go to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon outlet of the largest glacier in Europe, leaning about its history and formation from your local guide. Following a pickup from your hotel in Reykjavik, transfer to the southern coast and the dramatic Glacier Lagoon. Enjoy plenty of time to see the floating icebergs and enjoy the stunning scenery. During the season, make sure to reserve your ticket to the boat cruise on the Jökulsárlón and experience the unique Glacier Lagoon spectacle up close. When you prebook, your place is guaranteed. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is Iceland’s largest and deepest glacier lagoon. It branches from Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Return to Reykjavik, stopping at the gorgeous waterfall Seljalandsfoss. You will visit the Diamond beach with black sand, and there will be an additional stop in Iceland's southernmost village at Vík for dinner.

From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

2. From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Embark on a guided tour from Reykjavik to the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Witness the mighty Hvannadalshnjúkur mountain and black sand desert that sprawls between Skaftafell National Park and the lagoon.  Stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascades to reach the other side. Continue to the majestic Skógafoss waterfall and admire the impressive 60-meter drop. Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and stroll along the shores of the lake. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the area as 1,000- to 1,500-year-old ice breaks away from the Vatnajökull glacier and floats silently on the water. Recognize locations from some of the many movies that have been filmed in the area, such as Batman Begins and Tomb Raider. Stop at the spectacular Diamond Beach and admire the strand of black sand speckled with clumps of ice, giving an appearance of shimmering diamonds. In the warmer months, enjoy an added boat ride around the lagoon and witness the floating icebergs up-close.

From Reykjavik: 3-Day South Coast Winter Tour with Ice Cave

3. From Reykjavik: 3-Day South Coast Winter Tour with Ice Cave

Explore the geothermal and frozen landscapes of the south coast of Iceland on a 3-day tour. Marvel at amazing waterfalls and explore an ice cave. Be wowed by black lava sand beaches, walk on the shores of Glacier Lagoon, and feel the thrill as you encounter spectacular geothermal features. Day 1: Golden Circle & Kerið Volcanic Crater On the first day you will visit all the best-known places in Iceland that make the Golden Circle Route: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Golden Waterfall and Haukadalur Geothermal area that is home to Strokkur Geyser. Before heading to your lodging for the night you will also visit the volcanic crater lake of Kerið. When spending the night in a lovely village of Hveragerði you can walk around Geothermal Park or by Reykjafoss Waterfall searching for Northern Lights (if weather conditions are favorable). Day 2: South Coast of Iceland Second day will start with drive across the South Coast of Iceland to reach your first destination - Seljalandsfoss waterfall and nearby hidden waterfall of Gljufrabui. Continue to Skógafoss waterfall to watch the Skógá River fall 60 meters at the powerful cascades. After seeing three stunning waterfalls comes time to walk on the worlds-famous Black Sand Beach of Reynisfjara. Dark volcanic sands stretch as far as the eye can see, with mighty Atlantic waves crashing into the Reynisdrangar, fingers of volcanic rock that tower into the sky just offshore. Second night, this time spent in remote location in South-East Iceland, brings more chances to spot aurora. Day 3: Ice Caving Expedition and Glacier Lagoon This day takes you deep into the Vatnajokull National Park. Walk on shores of Glacier Lagoon and on ice scattered beach called Diamond. The highlight of the whole tour is an ice caving. Equipped with all the necessary safety equipment you will jump on the super jeep taking you to the stunning natural ice cave laying underneath the biggest glacier in Europe - Vatnajokull. The Blue Ice Cave really shows the tremendous forces of Icelandic nature, as they are formed naturally in glaciers when fresh water freezes in the plunging winter temperatures. New caves are created every year as the glaciers freeze and melt and refreeze into different shapes. On that day you will also stop by a traditional turf church and take another look at basalt columns when having a refreshment break in the village of Vik.

Iceland: 3-Day Golden Circle, South Coast, & Glacier Tour

4. Iceland: 3-Day Golden Circle, South Coast, & Glacier Tour

Experience the beauty of southern Iceland on this 3-day guided tour from Reykjavik. Explore the Golden Circle, sleep in Hveragerði Village, and marvel at the power of Geysir Strokkur. Watch the waves crash against Reynisfjara black sand beach and relax with an optional cruise on Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Day 1:Start your tour by visiting the highlights of the Golden Circle. Visit Thingvellir National Park where you can stand with one foot in Europe and one in America. Next, see Gullfoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, and marvel at the Geysir Strokkur as it erupts every 5-10 minutes. Discover the Mars-like landscape of Kerið, a magical crater lake of brilliant blue-green water surrounded by bright red soil. Spend the night in Hveragerði Village before starting the next day on the south coast. Visit the geothermal park and try bread baked in the hot ground, boil eggs, or simply relax in the mud baths. Day 2: Visit the two great waterfalls of the south coast, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss, as well as the lesser-known waterfall of Glufrabui. Drive under the great Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier cap where you'll can enjoy an optional glacier hike. Finish your second day at the iconic Reynisfjara beach, where the sea crashes on the black sands. Admire the great, hexagonal basalt columns and black rock sea stacks. Rest at an overnight stay in the remote Suðursveit County. Day 3: Spend time gazing at majestic glaciers and lagoons before heading to the amazing Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Immerse yourself in the scenery with an optional boat tour and have the chance to see seals swimming around the huge icebergs. Finally, the last stop is at Fjáðrárgljúfur River Canyon. At the end of your tour experience, head back to Reykjavik with an estimated arrival time of 9:15 PM.

South Coast Iceland: 2-Day Blue Ice Cave & Jokulsarlon Tour

5. South Coast Iceland: 2-Day Blue Ice Cave & Jokulsarlon Tour

You adventure begins with you being picked up in Reykjavík in a small and comfortable minibus before heading straight to the south. Your first stop will be the almighty Seljalandsfoss waterfall, bring a raincoat and you’ll be able to make the short hike behind the falls. Following this, you will progress onward to the Skógafoss waterfall. Tucked in a little gorge, the river Skógá tumbles down a 60-meter cliff before continuing down the landscape towards the Atlantic Ocean. You will then reach a blue ice cave, where you will have the opportunity to hike through this natural phenomenon Following the ice cave, you will hike an outlet glacier spawning from the one of the largest glaciers in the country. After meeting your highly trained glacier guides you will hike on the ice for 1.5 hours, a truly spectacular experience and opportunity to learn more about this breathtaking and increasingly rare natural phenomena. In the evening you will arrive at your hotel in the southeast, where you will have dinner before meeting your guide for further information about the Northern Lights. If the sky is clear and the forecast is good your guide will find a good spot to hunt the famous Aurora Borealis. You will then visit a black sand beach, home to many types of Iceland birds and other wildlife, before retiring back to your accommodation for the night. Day 2 will begin with a venture to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a 200m deep glacial lagoon fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest glacier. You will be able to witness icebergs floating from this glacier lagoon out into the Atlantic Ocean where they are quickly thrown back to shore by the tide and winds. This black sand beach is full of smaller ice rocks in all shapes and sizes, sparkling like diamonds in the daylight. The ice itself comes in all shades of white and blue forming beautiful contrasts. Your day will conclude with your return to Reykjavík.

Reykjavík: 2-Day Tour with Icebergs, Glaciers & Waterfalls

6. Reykjavík: 2-Day Tour with Icebergs, Glaciers & Waterfalls

Explore Iceland's South Coast on a 2-day guided tour from Reykjavik. Experience stunning views of Solheimajokull glacier and listen to the waves crashing into Reynisfjara black sand beach. Spot seals swimming in Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and admire Fjadrargljufur River Canyon. Begin by visiting the two great waterfalls of the south coast, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, as well as visiting the lesser known, more secret waterfall of Glufrabui. You will stop so that you can buy lunch. Drive under the great Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier cap, where you can take part in an optional glacier hike for about 1.5 hours and have a closer look at the Solheimajokull glacier. Admire the great Reynisfjara beach, where the sea crashes upon black sands and hexagonal basalt columns and rock stacks tower over the surroundings. After overnighting in an Icelandic countryside accommodation, take a closer look at majestic glaciers and lagoons. Choose to enhance your experience with a 1.5-2 hour-long guided glacier hike. Pick this option and have with all the necessary safety equipment to enjoy the stunning blue ice. Visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and take an optional amphibious boat tour, sailing on the lagoon. See the huge chunks of ice crack off the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier and float slowly out to sea. See icebergs lying on the vivid black sand like diamonds on satin. Spot seals swimming around the huge icebergs before visiting the turf-roofed church Hofskirkja and Fjadrargljufur River Canyon. The canyon was formed a few thousand years ago during a glacial period, leaving a snaking river behind when the ice sheet retreated.

From Reykjavík: Summer 3-Day South Coast/Golden Circle Tour

7. From Reykjavík: Summer 3-Day South Coast/Golden Circle Tour

You will be picked up from your accommodation or a nearby bus stop and, from there, set out to see Iceland’s most famous route: the Golden Circle. You’ll get the chance to experience everything that the area has to offer, including geothermal spots, waterfalls, and some local favorites. On day 2 you will experience the South Coast of Iceland with its two amazing waterfalls and further East you will head into the national park of Vatnajökull and take part in a glacier hike from Skaftafell. On Day 3 you return to Reykjavík, but with a few stops along the way. The first stop of the day will be Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and just across the road you will see the amazing Diamond Beach. Heading South you will stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach and Sólheimasandur desert.

From Reykjavík: 4, 5, 6 or 7-Day Small-Group Ring Road Tour

8. From Reykjavík: 4, 5, 6 or 7-Day Small-Group Ring Road Tour

Spend 4, 5, 6 or 7 days on a road trip around the land of Ice and Fire. Explore and see the best attractions of Iceland and experience an adventure without having to worry about getting around. The maximum number of passengers on this tour is 19 which creates a more personal and enjoyable experience. Day 1 – South Coast of Iceland Departing from Reykjavík, see the Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss and Glubrabui waterfalls and admire the black-sand shores of Reynisfjara Beach. Take in the views on a glacier hike. Day 2 – Adventure in the East Start the day in style with a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (a boat tour between icebergs is included) and the nearby Diamond Beach. Drive to the Vestrahorn and Studlagil canyons before continuing along the dramatic east coast which boasts long, narrow fjords with steep sides and jagged peaks. At the end of the day, take a soak in Vök Geothermal Floating Pools. Day 3 – Lake Mývatn and waterfalls Today, discover the unique natural volcanic environment of Lake Mývatn. Encounter geothermal hot springs, caves with steaming blue waters, imposing rock formations, unique birdlife, and fauna. Explore highlights such as the magnificent Dettifoss, which is Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Góðafoss - the waterfall of Gods. Relax at the end of the day with a visit to Mývatn Natural Geothermal Spa and plunge into silky, blue waters rich in skin-healing minerals. Day 4 – Northern Iceland Start your day at Akureyri, the capital of the North. Here you will enjoy the atmosphere of this charming town and take part in whale-watching boat tour. While driving through the North Coast towards Reykjavik you will have a moment to enjoy the Hvítserkur and Kolugjufur Canyon. Day 5 (optional) – Borgarfjörður and Lava Caving Admire the great Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming over a distance of almost 300 ft. Afterwards, see the majestic Barnafoss waterfall and Reykholt Historic Site. Later, head inside the biggest lava cave in Iceland, Viðgelmir, before finishing the day at Deildartunguhver, the highest flowing hot spring in Europe. Day 6 (optional) – Snæfellsnes National Park Spend the day exploring Snæfellsnes National Park. This park has often been referred to as "Iceland in miniature", due to its many varieties of geology. Don't miss a visit here if you want to capture the true spirit and beauty of the island. Day 7 (optional) – Golden Circle Finish your time in Iceland with a journey along Iceland's most popular route. Spot Geysers, The Golden Waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and Kerið Volcano, all of which are must-sees for visitors. You may also choose to add a visit to the Blue Lagoon to your tour today.

Iceland: Complete Island Self-Guided Audioguide

9. Iceland: Complete Island Self-Guided Audioguide

With the Iceland complete audio guide, you get all the information that a tour guide would otherwise give you. Using GPS, the app recognizes where you are on your round trip and provides you with exciting information in the right places. So nothing stands in the way of your individual rental car tour. Your digital Iceland travel guide for the whole island of fire and ice! This audio guide offers more than 340 stations (7.5 hours of playing time) with information about the country, people, and sights in all parts of the country. It includes not only the Ring Road and the Golden Circle but also the Reykjanes and Snaefellsnes Peninsulas, the Westman Islands, the East and West Fjords, and the wild Icelandic Highlands.

Reykjavik: 3-day South Coast and Golden Circle Experience

10. Reykjavik: 3-day South Coast and Golden Circle Experience

Day 1: Thingvellir National Park Your tour will begin with a visit to the famous Thingvellir National Park, where you will encounter the Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir and the surrounding geothermal area. Day 2: Seljalandsfoss On your second day, you will experience Seljalandsfoss. The first stop will be to the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where you can walk behind the tumbling water flow and feel the vibrations of the water hitting the ground. Right next to it is the waterfall Gljúfrabúi, which is snugly tucked in a gorge hidden from most people's view. To reach the waterfall, you must first test your balance by bouncing on rocks lying in the river bed. A failure means instant foot wetness and a good laugh from your co-travelers. Afterwards, prepare to meet the pearl of the south coast, Skógafoss Waterfall. Majestically tucked in a wide gorge, the waterfall tumbles down 60 meters up above a cliff into a small river, producing a cloud of mist and spray that rainbows like to dance in during the sunshine. Try to warm up for the glacier by running up the 527 steps to the top, your guide will be timing you. Following this, you will venture towards Black Sand Beach. You will visit Reynisfjara, where the Atlantic coastline presents massive waves hitting the unique basalt columns in the cliffs above the sand. This area of the south is also a paradise for bird lovers, as puffins and dozens of other unique species nest on top of these cliffs in the summertime from June to August. Day 3: Jökulsárlón You will start your third day with a trip to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest glacier. You will have the opportunity to book a boat ride between the icebergs during the summertime, allowing you to get a closer look at the surrounding floating ice. On the other side of the road, the icebergs from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon float into the Atlantic Ocean where they are quickly thrown back to shore by the tide and winds. This black sand beach is full of smaller ice rocks in all shapes and sizes, sparkling like diamonds in the daylight. The ice itself comes in all shades of white and blue, forming beautiful contrasts which are guaranteed to make your Instagram account pop. Later, to complete your perfect adventure, you will hike to an outlet glacier spawning from one of the largest glaciers in the country. After meeting with your glacier guides and strapping on your safety and glacier equipment (helmets, harnesses, crampons, and ice axes), hike on the ice for 1.5 hours. This is sure to be a spectacular experience and an opportunity to learn more about this breathtaking and increasingly rare natural phenomena.

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What people are saying about Diamond Beach, Vatnajökull

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 104 reviews

I just wanted to praise Chiara’s performance as a guide. She is a pleasure to listen to, she has lots of knowledge about the information she is giving us, it feels like she was having fun and enjoying the tour just like the rest of the group. She is an amazing professional and seems to love doing what she does. The last but note the least, the driver on the tour, Mihal (I believe that is his name) was an incredible driver and drove us safety in some icy areas and through out the wind.

Hello, I was in Iceland on January 9, 2023 and I booked the Glacier Lagoon tour. First of all, I have to say that I have never had such a good tour guide. It's a very long day, but it flies by. Despite the icy roads, our bus driver mastered everything with ease. If I would do it again immediately, I have to come back in the summer and hopefully do this tour with the same tour guide.

Monika and Tomek provided us with the most amazing experience that all who visit Iceland MUST book onto. I can’t thank either of them enough for the places we’ve seen and the memories made! Never a dull moment during Monikas sometimes comedic talks and interesting music choices!

It was organized well and the guides were wonderful. Loved the locations and time was sufficient at every stop. Accommodations were good.

Big shout out to Perla and Peter , the best driver and guide you could get , without them it wouldn’t have been the same