Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Tour, Höfn

4.8 (14 reviews)
Explore the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in Iceland, kayaking amidst seals and breathtaking scenery with knowledgeable guide.

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure kayaking in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, considered one of Iceland's natural wonders. Throughout this small group tour, you'll have the freedom to kayak at your own pace while basking in the sight of icebergs and friendly seals. The tour concludes with a relaxing paddle back to shore, promising an unforgettable experience filled with beautiful views and wildlife encounters.

Highlights

  • Experience the thrill of small group kayaking in Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
  • Enjoy the freedom of taking photographs and paddling at your own pace
  • Get a unique up-close view of icebergs and seals away from the crowds of large boats

Know before you go

Duration
1h 30m
Recommended for
14 years old & up
Group
Small group

What you'll do

Experience the wonder of kayaking in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a natural marvel of Iceland. The tour is specially designed for small groups with a maximum of 10 people. This allows for a more personalized experience and the opportunity to connect with your surroundings without any distractions.

Your kayak will be a top-notch sit-on-top model designed for stability and ease of use. Suitable even for beginners, these kayaks allow you to enjoy the experience without the worry of capsizing. As you paddle, you'll have the freedom to move at your own pace, pausing to take photos or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenes around you. Your guide will accompany you on this journey, providing witty and informative commentary about the surrounding landscape. 

The walk from the check-in point to the kayaking launching area will give you a moment to take in the mesmerizing beauty of the lagoon before embarking on the journey. Once in the lagoon, you'll have the unique opportunity to observe seals in their natural habitat. These friendly creatures are often spotted sunbathing on an iceberg or swimming around the kayaks, providing an unforgettable encounter with Icelandic wildlife. The Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is considered a natural wonder of Iceland, and its wildlife adds to the charm of this location.

Please note that a reasonable level of fitness is required for this activity. The weight limit is 120kg, and the largest available suit size is XXL. As with any outdoor activity, weather conditions can play a role in the experience. In the event of adverse weather, your safety is the priority, and the tour may be canceled with a full refund provided.

The Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon Kayak Tour is an eco-friendly way to explore nature, ideal for those wanting to minimize their environmental impact while soaking in the beauty of Iceland. The experience promises to be a highlight of your journey, providing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure amid floating icebergs and wildlife.

What's included

  • Kayak
  • Two-piece kayak suit
  • Life vest
  • Boots

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Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Must-do Experience

Many reviewers describe the kayaking adventure as a must-do experience, highlighting its uniqueness and unforgettable nature. (7 mentions)

caroline
“Was such a great experience to kayak around the icebergs in the glacier lagoon.”  — caroline G.
Trish
“Once in a lifetime experience - kayaking in a glacier lagoon!”  — Trish A.
Rachel
“This was by far my favorite excursion to be up close to the beautiful icebergs and seals.”  — Rachel K.
Serene Environment

Reviewers frequently mention the serene and peaceful environment of kayaking around the icebergs in the glacier lagoon. (4 mentions)

caroline
“Very serene and beautiful.”  — caroline G.
Ann
“Kayaking amongst glaciers in this beautiful and peaceful space is an experience that I will never forget.”  — Ann G.
S
“it is a more serene and enjoyable way to spend time amongst the icebergs.”  — Steve H.
Close Encounter with Seals

Participants enjoyed close encounters with seals, which were friendly and swam near the kayaks, adding to the experience. (3 mentions)

Ann
“I much preferred seeing them -- and the seals -- up close from a kayak than I would have jammed into a large boat with lots of people.”  — Ann E.
Rachel
“seals were swimming all around us. The seals were friendly and swam up near us, a few seals were on an iceberg sunbathing.”  — Rachel K.
Photographic Opportunities

The activity provides excellent opportunities for photography, even in overcast weather, with beautiful views of icebergs and seals. (2 mentions)

Dave
“the weather provided great opportunity for photographs amongst the icebergs and seals”  — Dave K.
Rachel
“Once kayaking in the lagoon, we had the freedom of taking pictures and kayaking at our own pace.”  — Rachel K.

Traveler reviews

14 total ratings, 11 with reviews
4.8
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.8
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
4.8
Jake
Jake B.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025
When we first arrived at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon the sun was shining and it was an absolutely stunning sight! The color of the water and different shades of blue coming off the floating icebergs took me by surprise-such beauty with the Vatnajökull glacier as the backdrop. It made me excited about kayaking the lagoon-a first for me to paddle amongst icebergs!
But within the hour clouds took over and a light steady rain began. Suddenly the tour didn’t seem like it was going to be much fun....
Read more

When we first arrived at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon the sun was shining and it was an absolutely stunning sight! The color of the water and different shades of blue coming off the floating icebergs took me by surprise-such beauty with the Vatnajökull glacier as the backdrop. It made me excited about kayaking the lagoon-a first for me to paddle amongst icebergs!
But within the hour clouds took over and a light steady rain began. Suddenly the tour didn’t seem like it was going to be much fun. But our small group suited up and braved the walk with paddles in hand to where the kayaks waited. Instructions were given on safety while kayaking the lagoon and how to paddle. And I should mention that the outfitter had appropriate waterproof and warm gear for us during this wet and cold paddle trip. The weather deterred the majority of the visitors that were there earlier so we had the lagoon to ourselves. It was quiet and serene on the water and the rain stopped the moment we started our paddle. The clouds remained but didn’t take an ounce of beauty away from the experience. I had goosebumps paddling around the looming icebergs. They were pieces of artwork. Our guides were fun and informative and made safety a priority. The equipment was in very good condition, kayaks are sturdy. Our suits were a Godsend. The experience was unique and memorable. This is a good trip for people with any level of kayaking experience. I loved this experience. After our excursion we crossed the road to see Diamond Beach. Another amazing surprise!

Tips for future travelers

Don’t let the weather deter you. We did this excursion the first week of September. We were happy to have warm thermals to wear under the outer gear they supplied us with.

Quality of Experience
Outstanding natural beauty, great equipment, terrific guides.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Care about paddler’s safety, did a great job of making sure we all had a fun experience.
Keith
Keith K.
Independence, KY | Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023
Definitely a must-do adventure. Read more

Definitely a must-do adventure.

Quality of Experience
Unique ecological environment.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
caroline
caroline G.
Livingston, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 16, 2023
Was such a great experience to kayak around the icebergs in the glacier lagoon. Very serene and beautiful. Read more

Was such a great experience to kayak around the icebergs in the glacier lagoon. Very serene and beautiful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ann
Ann G.
American Canyon, CA | Reviewed on Jul 31, 2023
One of the best experiences I've ever had. Kayaking amongst glaciers in this beautiful and peaceful space is an experience that I will never forget. Plume, my guide was professional, easy going, and very knowledgeable. He eased the nervousness of a few of my group members that had zero kayaking experience. Read more

One of the best experiences I've ever had. Kayaking amongst glaciers in this beautiful and peaceful space is an experience that I will never forget. Plume, my guide was professional, easy going, and very knowledgeable. He eased the nervousness of a few of my group members that had zero kayaking experience.

Tips for future travelers

Please remember to tell people that the largest wetsuit size is XXL. Two members of our group didn't go on the trip due to the sizes available in the wetsuits.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
S
Steve H.
Rock Hill, SC | Reviewed on Jul 14, 2023
If you are capable of kayaking, I highly recommend kayaking rather than the motorized boats. You reduce your impact on the planet. More importantly, it is a more serene and enjoyable way to spend time amongst the icebergs. Read more

If you are capable of kayaking, I highly recommend kayaking rather than the motorized boats. You reduce your impact on the planet. More importantly, it is a more serene and enjoyable way to spend time amongst the icebergs.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Marsha
Marsha B.
Post Falls, ID | Reviewed on May 31, 2023
Very disappointed, cancelled due to wind. When is it not windy the there? Provided full refund Read more

Very disappointed, cancelled due to wind. When is it not windy the there? Provided full refund

Quality of Experience
Dave
Dave K.
Gastonia, NC | Reviewed on Oct 04, 2022

Although somewhat overcast skies, the weather provided great opportunity for photographs amongst the icebergs and seals. Our tandem kayaks were stable and easy to operate. Our tour around the lagoon was relaxed and we enjoyed our tour guide thoroughly!

Trish
Trish A.
Gastonia, NC | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2022
Once in a lifetime experience - kayaking in a glacier lagoon! With seals! Read more

Once in a lifetime experience - kayaking in a glacier lagoon! With seals!

Quality of Experience
B
Bojan B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2022
One of the absolute highlights of the journey and something I have never experienced elsewhere. Just an amazing experience coupled with top-notch service. Read more

One of the absolute highlights of the journey and something I have never experienced elsewhere. Just an amazing experience coupled with top-notch service.

Tips for future travelers

Nothing other than to just say: go for it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nothing to improve! Guide was very clear, witty, and informative.
Transport
Not much to comment on here, as we drove ourselves to the activity and there was a walk from the check-in to the kayaking jumping off point.
Ann
Ann E.
Canton, MI | Reviewed on Jul 16, 2022
This is unquestionably a must-do experience. Kayaking is fun in lots of different locales, but kayaking around icebergs was particularly special. I much preferred seeing them -- and the seals -- up close from a kayak than I would have jammed into a large boat with lots of people. The Diamond Beach across the road from the glacial lagoon is also spectacular. Read more

This is unquestionably a must-do experience. Kayaking is fun in lots of different locales, but kayaking around icebergs was particularly special. I much preferred seeing them -- and the seals -- up close from a kayak than I would have jammed into a large boat with lots of people. The Diamond Beach across the road from the glacial lagoon is also spectacular.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

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Itineraries with Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Tour