- Jökulsárlón is Iceland's deepest lake at over 284 metres
- Amphibious vehicles and other boats have carried roughly 900,000 passengers since 1985
- Seals gather in large numbers at the lake's mouth during winter
- The glacier recedes about 200 metres every year
About Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón sits at the head of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier in the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park. The lake covers about 25 square kilometres and was reported as Iceland's deepest in 2009 at over 284 metres.
Huge blocks of ice calve from the edge of Vatnajökull and are about 30 metres high. The glacier recedes approximately 200 metres every year. In 2017 the Icelandic State bought the farm Fell which includes Jökulsárlón. Jökulsárlón and the surrounding area are part of Vatnajökull National Park.
You can see the lake from Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell. The lagoon is 75 kilometres west of Höfn town and 60 kilometres east of Skaftafell. Park rangers work in the area throughout the year and offer free educational walks during summer months.
Many visitors combine the lagoon with Diamond Beach across the road and other south coast attractions.
Book Jökulsárlón Boat Tours
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An amphibious vehicle joined the fleet on Jökulsárlón in 1988. By 1995, three amphibious vehicles were in service, and a fourth was added in 2006.
These vehicles drive directly into the water from the shore. They navigate between floating icebergs. The advantage is easy boarding without needing to transfer from land to a traditional boat.
Commercial boat tours began in 1985 after the premiere of the James Bond film A View to a Kill. In summer 1987, about 5,000 passengers sailed on two small vessels. The company has carried 60,000 to 70,000 passengers annually for the past few years.
Since the first commercial tour, approximately 900,000 tourists have taken boat excursions on the lagoon. The company operating these trips employs about 30 seasonal staff.
- Access to a lake visible from Route 1 but best seen from the water
- Multiple tour types available for different preferences
- Wildlife viewing opportunities including seals in winter months
- Part of Vatnajökull National Park with year-round ranger presence
- Location pairs well with nearby Diamond Beach and south coast attractions
- Great skuas nest nearby and may react aggressively near their territory
- Weather and ice conditions can change tour availability
- Check tour operator websites for seasonal schedules
Zodiac Boat Tours
Zodiac-style boats offer a different experience on Jökulsárlón. These smaller inflatable craft sit lower in the water than amphibious vehicles. You get closer to the ice and water surface.
Zodiacs can manoeuvre between icebergs more nimbly than larger vessels. The lower vantage point changes your perspective of the ice blocks about 30 metres high. You feel the scale more directly when floating at water level.
Access requires boarding from a dock or shoreline rather than driving into the water. Weather conditions affect zodiac operations more than amphibious tours because of the smaller craft size. Dress warmly and bring waterproof layers regardless of forecast.
Both zodiac and amphibian tours navigate the same lake covering about 25 square kilometres. Your choice depends on preferred boat style and proximity to the ice.
Kayak Tours
Kayak tours provide the most intimate way to explore Jökulsárlón. You paddle yourself through the icebergs rather than riding as a passenger. The experience is quieter and more immersive.
There are lagoon tours provided by several different companies in kayaks. The self-propelled nature means you control your pace and can pause near ice formations that interest you. You also experience the cold water temperature more directly.
Kayaking requires more physical effort than sitting in a motorised boat. You need to dress for water exposure and possible splashing. The low position in a kayak offers a similar perspective to zodiac tours but with full control of movement.
Consider your fitness level and comfort with kayaking before booking. The lake was reported at over 284 metres deep, and glacier-fed water makes this a serious environment.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Wildlife and Nature
Seals gather in large numbers at the mouth of Jökulsárlón during winter to catch fish. The mammals are one of the main wildlife attractions visible from boats. They use ice blocks as resting platforms between fishing.
Great skuas nest in the area and are not afraid of human beings. These seabirds do not tolerate people near their nests and may dive aggressively. Stay with your tour group and follow any ranger guidance.
The icebergs themselves change constantly as the glacier calves new blocks. The glacier recedes about 200 metres every year. Each boat trip shows a different arrangement of ice depending on recent calving and weather.
Park rangers offer free educational walks during summer for visitors who want to learn more about the glacial environment. Hiking trails around the area provide land-based perspectives to complement boat views.
In winter, there are ice cave tours that leave from the lagoon parking lot.
Comparing Tour Types
| Tour Type | Vessel | Water Level | Boarding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphibian | Large vehicle | High vantage point | Drive-in from shore |
| Zodiac | Inflatable boat | Low, close to water | Dock or shoreline |
| Kayak | Self-paddle | Lowest, immersive | Shore launch |
Amphibian tours suit those who want easy access and stable platforms. The higher seating position gives broad views across the lagoon. Zodiacs trade stability for proximity to ice and a more adventurous feel.
Kayak tours require the most involvement and physical effort. You experience the environment directly rather than as a passenger. All three types navigate among icebergs about 30 metres high.
Check current operating schedules with tour providers before planning your visit. Weather in Iceland changes rapidly, especially near glaciers and open water.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Planning Your Visit
Jökulsárlón is accessible via Route 1. The location is a natural stop on day trips from Reykjavík heading southeast. It also fits well into multi-day itineraries.
The lagoon sits within Vatnajökull National Park, and visiting the shore is free. Boat tours require booking and payment. Check tour availability and booking requirements with operators.
Combine your lagoon visit with nearby Skaftafell for glacier hiking or explore Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon on the way. The town of Vík and Reynisfjara black sand beach lie to the west.
Dress in layers with waterproof outer garments. Glacier-fed water keeps temperatures low even in summer. Bring gloves and a warm hat regardless of season. Weather conditions can change within minutes near Vatnajökull.
Allow time for your boat tour plus time to walk along the shore and visit Diamond Beach. Plan a full day if combining with other south coast stops.
Boat tours on Jökulsárlón put you among icebergs about 30 metres high in Iceland's deepest lake within Vatnajökull National Park. Amphibian vehicles offer easy access and stable viewing. Zodiacs provide closer contact with ice and water. Kayaks deliver full immersion at the cost of physical effort.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon?
Jökulsárlón was reported as Iceland's deepest lake in 2009 at over 284 metres. The lake covers about 25 square kilometres at the head of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.
Can you see seals on Jökulsárlón boat tours?
Seals gather in large numbers at the mouth of Jökulsárlón during winter to catch fish. They use the ice blocks as resting platforms between feeding.
When did boat tours start at Jökulsárlón?
Commercial boat tours began in 1985 after the premiere of the James Bond film A View to a Kill. An amphibious vehicle joined in 1988, and approximately 900,000 passengers have taken tours since then.
How big are the icebergs at Jökulsárlón?
Ice blocks that calve from the edge of Vatnajökull are about 30 metres high. The glacier recedes roughly 200 metres every year, continuously creating new icebergs.
Where is Jökulsárlón located in Iceland?
Jökulsárlón is 75 kilometres west of Höfn town and 60 kilometres east of Skaftafell. The lake can be seen from Route 1 in the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park.
