Ice Guide Glacier Tours · Jökulsárlón car park
A guided kayak tour on Jökulsárlón itself: you meet at the lagoon car park, pull on a two-piece suit and paddle a sit-on-top kayak between the floating ice for about 1.5 hours. Pick it if you are already in the south-east and want the lagoon at water level, quietly, under your own power.
This is the one way on GetYourGuide to get onto Jökulsárlón itself without a day trip from Reykjavík. Ice Guide Glacier Tours meets you at the Glacier Lagoon parking lot, hands out a two-piece suit and the rest of the gear, and takes the group out in sit-on-top kayaks. That means you sit on the hull, not inside it, so there is no skirt to fight and getting off is simple. The whole tour lasts about 1.5 hours, gearing up included, and arriving 20 minutes early is required. Guests in 2026 describe paddling past large icebergs and seeing seals; seals are common here but never certain.
The limits are strict. You must be 14 or older and able to swim, and the listing rules out people with back or heart problems and anyone prone to seasickness. Wear warm base layers and socks under the suit, and bring a hat and sunscreen. Smoking, alcohol and touching wildlife are not allowed. A 71-year-old first-timer wrote in October 2026 that it went well, so fitness matters less than comfort in cold water.
Transport to the lagoon and food are not included. Parking at Jökulsárlón costs 1,110 ISK per car (2026), paid through the Parka app or at the machines, and the fee is valid until midnight. Kayak trips depend on the wind: in September 2026 one group was cancelled in the morning and rescheduled the same afternoon. Guests posted kayak reviews into October 2026, and the dates still on sale show in the booking calendar. Every tour on this page cancels free up to 24 hours before the start on GetYourGuide.
Find Ice Guide Glacier Tours at the Glacier Lagoon parking lot. Pay for parking in the Parka app.
The guide hands out the two-piece suit and gear. Wear thermal layers and socks underneath.
A short safety talk on handling the kayak and keeping clear of the ice.
Paddle out with the guide between the floating ice, with Breiðamerkurjökull at the head of the lagoon and, often, seals around you.
Out of the suit and back at the car park about 1.5 hours after the start. The lagoon café is a short walk away.
★★★★★it was absolutely amazing. one of my top experiences on our trip. It was my first time to kayak and it was easy to understand [...] the glacier, the icebergs, the seals....do not hesitate. it was perfect!
★★★★★My father and I had a great time. He is 71 and it was his first time in a kayak! It went great and our guide was knowledgeable. Magical place! [...]
★★★★★The scenery itself is stunning, but what really made the tour was our guides, Mathias and Thomas. They were professional, patient, and clearly passionate about what they do. They made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable on the water, explained the glacier and the lagoon really well [...]
★★★★★Initially canceled in the morning due to strong winds, we were able to reschedule for the afternoon, and it was superb!
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Yes, with a guide. This tour takes groups out in sit-on-top kayaks for about 1.5 hours, with a suit and all gear provided. Private kayaks are not recommended by the lagoon's operator.
No. Many guests are first-timers; sit-on-top kayaks are stable and the guide briefs you first. You must be 14 or older and able to swim.
Warm underlayers and socks, as the listing says, plus a hat. Sunscreen helps on bright days, since the ice reflects the light.
Strong wind can cancel a trip; one September 2026 group was moved from morning to afternoon. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before on GetYourGuide.
Ready to book
Paddle Jökulsárlón itself in a sit-on-top kayak, between the icebergs, with a guide and a suit provided.
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