Gateway to Iceland · Reykjavík, hotels and bus stops
A driver-guide takes up to 17 people in a minibus from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón, with Fjaðrárgjúfur canyon, a turf church and Vík on the way. Pick it if a big coach puts you off and you want the canyon too.
Gateway to Iceland runs this tour only on minibuses, with one person who drives and guides. That's the difference you pay $57 extra for over the Reykjavik Excursions coach: fewer people at every stop, a guide who talks to you rather than at you, and a bit of freedom with the route. It runs with four adults at minimum and 17 at most; one guest's group was about ten.
The day packs in nine stops. The church above Vík with its view of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, 30 minutes at Fjaðrárgjúfur canyon, the small Foss á Síðu waterfall, then one hour at Jökulsárlón and 20 minutes on Diamond Beach. On the way back you stop at Hofskirkja, a turf church, eat in Vík and finish at Seljalandsfoss. From 1 September to 1 April there's also a 30-minute northern lights stop if the sky and the forecast allow.
The price of all that is length. The listing says 14 to 16 hours, and guests report leaving at 7:30 am and getting back between 10:30 pm and nearly midnight. An hour at the lagoon is less than the coach trips give, and Fjaðrárgjúfur can be closed in winter conditions. The boat ride is extra, bought on site, and when part of the group takes it, the others wait: one guest stood in the cold for longer than planned while the boat ran late.
From your hotel or the nearest bus stop if your hotel is in the centre's no-bus zone.
Twenty minutes above Vík, then 30 minutes walking the rim of the canyon, weather permitting.
Free time on the shore, or the boat if you buy a ticket on site.
Ice on the black sand across the road from the lagoon.
The turf church, a 45-minute dinner stop in Vík, then 30 minutes at Seljalandsfoss.
About 30 minutes at a dark viewpoint if the aurora is out, then back to Reykjavík.
★★★★★It was an extremely long day, but the tour was absolutely amazing and showed several of the most beautiful locations in southern Iceland. The Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach were some of the main highlights of my entire trip. We also got to see seals swimming in the ocean.
★★★★★Bring warm clothes, it was chilly and windy in September. Plenty of bathroom breaks and snacks for purchase along the way. [...] Minibus providesd a more intimate size group to get to know. Simply fabulous
★★★★★The cherry on top was making sure we were at a good stop to see the northern lights! We were so lucky he was knowledgeable in capturing the lights (with forecasts) [...]
★★★★★Tour guide Ian was very knowledgeable and accommodating to the group! Tour felt very private as group was around 10 people! Route was very good as well!
Read next:
17 travellers at most, always in a minibus, with a minimum of four adults for the tour to run. One guest's group was about ten people, which "felt very private".
One hour at the lagoon and 20 minutes at Diamond Beach. If time at the lagoon matters most, the Reykjavik Excursions day trip gives 1 hour 20 minutes.
There's a 30-minute northern lights stop from 1 September to 1 April, but only if the sky is clear and there's aurora activity. Several guests saw them; nobody can guarantee it. Read more in our winter guide.
Yes. The booking takes children from 0 to 5, youths from 6 to 12 at a reduced price, and adults from 13. One family did it with a three-year-old. Be honest with yourself about a 16-hour day.
Ready to book
A minibus of 17 at most, Fjaðrárgjúfur canyon, an hour at the lagoon and a northern lights stop from September to March.
Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Day TripThe best-rated coach day to the lagoon: 1 h 20 min at Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.★ 4.7 · 14.5 hours · from $185
Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach & South CoastThe most-reviewed lagoon day trip: 1 h at Jökulsárlón and 30 minutes on Diamond Beach, parking fees included.★ 4.7 · 14 hours · from $235
2-Day South Coast, Glacier Hike & JökulsárlónTwo days, one night: a Sólheimajökull glacier hike, Fjaðrárgjúfur and 90 minutes at the lagoon. Small group of 19.★ 5.0 · 2 days · from $639