Glacier Kayaking in Iceland
Kayaking on a glacier lagoon in Iceland is as close as you can get to feeling like an arctic explorer—minus the frostbite and questionable survival odds. Imagine gliding across a mirror-like lagoon, around icebergs that have broken off from ancient glaciers. It’s peaceful, it’s surreal, and it’s a front-row seat to one of nature’s most dramatic landscapes.
Why Choose Glacier Kayaking?
Iceland is one of the few places on Earth where you can paddle among floating icebergs, navigating through ever-changing glacial lagoons, and get up close to ancient, blue-tinted ice formations—all while surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Unparalleled Scenery – Paddle through a glacial wonderland, where ice formations shimmer in shades of blue and white, and seals occasionally pop up to say hello.
- Close-Up Encounters – Unlike a boat tour, kayaking gets you right up close to the ice, offering an intimate and personal experience.
- Silent and Serene – The only sounds you’ll hear are the dip of your paddle and the occasional creak of shifting ice. It’s the ultimate escape from the noise of everyday life.
- Eco-Friendly Adventure – No motors, no crowds, just you and the pristine Arctic environment.
Top Glacier Kayaking Tours
Experience the thrill of kayaking on the pristine waters of Vatnajökull National Park, where breathtaking glacier views and eco-friendly adventure await. Glide across Jökulsárlón Lagoon in our ultra-stable, beginner-friendly SIT-ON-TOP kayaks designed for both safety and fun. Secure your spot now and unlock a unique journey that blends sustainable travel with unforgettable natural beauty.
Ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime glacier kayaking adventure?
Book your tour now and create memories that will last forever!
Experience the ultimate adventure as you glide across the waters of Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon, surrounded by awe-inspiring icebergs, towering glaciers, and dramatic mountain panoramas. This is your chance to explore one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders in an eco-friendly wa.
We use tandem SIT kayaks for optimum safety, handling, and stability. If you’re traveling solo or if your group size is odd, single kayaks are available. When you book, simply select the number of passengers, and our experienced guide will assign the ideal kayak configuration on the day of the tour.
Ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime glacier kayaking adventure?
Book your tour now and create memories that will last forever!
Where Can You Go Glacier Kayaking in Iceland?
The most popular spots for glacier kayaking are Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon, both located on the southeastern coast of Iceland. Jökulsárlón is the famous one, with massive floating icebergs, while Heinabergslón is a lesser-known gem where you’ll likely have more of the lagoon to yourself.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
This popular tourist destination is a unique site, known for its floating icebergs. Kayaking on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is the best way to escape the crowds and experience Iceland’s most stunning icebergs up close. The water is calm, the kayaks are stable, and no experience is needed—just a sense of adventure and a good camera. Unlike boat tours, kayaking lets you move quietly through the lagoon, making it a more immersive and peaceful experience.
Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon
Kayaking on Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon offers a quieter, more secluded alternative to the famous Jökulsárlón, with the added bonus of paddling right up to the glacier itself. Unlike larger lagoons, Heinaberg is free from boat traffic, making it a peaceful, crowd-free experience where you can navigate between icebergs at your own pace.
The landscape feels untouched, with stunning blue ice formations, towering mountains, and the occasional seal keeping you company. The stable kayaks make it accessible for beginners, and since you’re paddling in a smaller lagoon, you get an up-close view of the glacier and its ever-changing ice formations—something you won’t find elsewhere.
All Kayaking Tours
Kayaking in Iceland offers a unique way to experience the country’s glaciers up close, with two main options: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Heinaberg Lagoon. Jökulsárlón is the most famous, with massive floating icebergs and frequent seal sightings, making it ideal if you want to paddle through an ever-changing icy landscape. Heinaberg Lagoon, on the other hand, offers a quieter, more remote experience where you can get even closer to the glacier itself, without the crowds or boat traffic. Both locations use stable kayaks, require no prior experience, and can be combined with other activities like glacier hikes, allowing you to explore the ice both from the water and on foot for a full-day adventure.
Top Kayaking Tours in Iceland
Experience the thrill of kayaking on the pristine waters of Vatnajökull National Park, where breathtaking glacier views and eco-friendly adventure await. Glide across Jökulsárlón Lagoon in our ultra-stable, beginner-friendly SIT-ON-TOP kayaks designed for both safety and fun. Secure your spot now and unlock a unique journey that blends sustainable travel with unforgettable natural beauty.
Ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime glacier kayaking adventure?
Book your tour now and create memories that will last forever!
Experience the ultimate adventure as you glide across the waters of Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon, surrounded by awe-inspiring icebergs, towering glaciers, and dramatic mountain panoramas. This is your chance to explore one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders in an eco-friendly wa.
We use tandem SIT kayaks for optimum safety, handling, and stability. If you’re traveling solo or if your group size is odd, single kayaks are available. When you book, simply select the number of passengers, and our experienced guide will assign the ideal kayak configuration on the day of the tour.
Ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime glacier kayaking adventure?
Book your tour now and create memories that will last forever!
Embark on a full-day combo tour that takes you deep into the wild beauty of Southeast Iceland with two unforgettable glacier experiences. You can either start your day paddling through the surreal iceberg-dotted waters of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on a guided kayaking adventure. Then, lace up your hiking boots and set out for an exhilarating glacier hike in the heart of Skaftafell Nature Reserve, where you'll explore the frozen landscape of an outlet glacier from Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap.
This adventure is split into two separate tours, each led by certified glacier and kayaking guides, with all safety gear and instructions provided. Travel between the two locations is self-drive, giving you time to enjoy the scenery along Iceland’s stunning South Coast.
You’ll select which adventure to begin with.
If you start with kayaking, meet our guides at Troll.is Glacier Lagoon in Jökulsárlón 20 minutes before departure at 10:00 am and make sure to reach Troll.is - Skatafell 20 minutes before departure time set at 2:00 pm
If you start with the glacier hike, head to Troll.is Skaftafell 20 minutes before departure time set at 09:00 AM and make sure to reach Troll.is Glacier Lagoon 20 minutes before depature time set at 1:30 PM
(Exact locations are easily found by searching “Troll.is Glacier Lagoon” or “Troll.is Skaftafell” on Google Maps.)
Experience two epic adventures in one day. Book now and experience two of Iceland’s most breathtaking activities in one epic journey!
Discover the stunning contrasts of Iceland’s icy wilderness with this unforgettable full-day combo tour in Vatnajökull National Park. Your day begins with a peaceful yet exhilarating kayaking tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you'll paddle through a magical world of floating icebergs under towering glacier cliffs. After a short break, you'll shift gears for an adventurous glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull, where deep crevasses, blue ice formations, and surreal terrain await.
This combo is ideal for active nature lovers looking to maximize their day by combining two of Iceland’s most iconic experiences into one seamless, guided adventure—on water and on ice. Both tours are led by certified glacier and kayaking guides and include all necessary safety equipment. Participants should be in good physical condition and ready for an immersive experience in one of the most remote and beautiful regions of the country
This combo tour includes two separate departures
09:30 AM begins with Kayak before going on a Glacier hike
10:00 AM begins with Glacier hike before going on a Kayak tour
Both depart from Troll.is Glacier Lagoon, Jökulsárlón, 781 Iceland. Please plan accordingly and arrive at least 20 minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in.
Double the thrill, double the memory—book your glacier adventure combo today!
Two thrilling glacier adventures, one unforgettable day. This 6-hour combo tour takes you deep into the wild, icy heart of Iceland’s southeastern coast. Paddle through the serene, iceberg-filled waters of Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon, far from the crowds, and then explore the ever-changing landscapes of Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, an outlet of Europe’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull. Led by certified guides and packed with breathtaking scenery, this full-day combo tour lets you experience Iceland’s glaciers from both water and ice.
❄️ Two tours, one booking. One epic day.
Book now and experience two of Iceland’s most breathtaking activities in one epic journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got more questions? We've got answers.
- Unparalleled Scenery – Paddle through a glacial wonderland, where ice formations shimmer in shades of blue and white, and seals occasionally pop up to say hello.
- Close-Up Encounters – Unlike a boat tour, kayaking gets you right up close to the ice, offering an intimate and personal experience.
- Silent and Serene – The only sounds you’ll hear are the dip of your paddle and the occasional creak of shifting ice. It’s the ultimate escape from the noise of everyday life.
- Eco-Friendly Adventure – No motors, no crowds, just you and the pristine Arctic environment.
The most popular spots for glacier kayaking are Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Heinabergslón Lagoon, both located on the southeastern coast of Iceland. Jökulsárlón is the famous one, with massive floating icebergs, while Heinabergslón is a lesser-known gem where you’ll likely have more of the lagoon to yourself.
Nope! Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or have never set foot in a kayak before, guides will provide all the necessary training and gear. You’ll be suited up in drysuits to stay warm and dry, and stable kayaks make the experience accessible for all skill levels.
Glacier kayaking tours typically run from May to September when the lagoons are free of ice cover. The midnight sun of summer adds an extra layer of magic, with golden light reflecting off the ice late into the evening.
See more Glacier Tours
Get to know us
Multi-day trips
Join us for a 3 days excursion to see the famous Golden Circle and the South Coast. Experience the beauty of our glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, hike on Europe's largest glacier and powerful waterfalls.
In this multiday tour package we combine some of our best tour options. You’ll get the chance to see the beautiful Western Iceland. There, you’ll explore the hidden gem of the West, the peninsula of Snæfellsnes also known as “Iceland in a nutshell”. Snaefellsnes is characterized by magnificent and picturesque sites: glacial-carved mountains, endless black beaches, moss topped lava fields, volcanic craters, coastal cliffs topped off by the volcanic glacier Snæfellsjökull and the Center of the Earth.
You’ll get the chance to see the famous geothermal erupting Geysir, the powerful waterfall Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park in the Golden Circle.
You’ll then be taken to the famous South Coast. Along the shore, you’ll get to see the two waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and the famous Black Sand Beach. You’ll also visit the stunning Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón in Vatnajökull National Park, where you’ll also get the chance to explore Europe’s largest glacier. And you have the opportunity to visit boat tour in Jokulsarlon.
Come along on a fantastic summer adventure with this 8 Day Tour around the Ring Road and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. See for yourself the country's most beautiful spots including Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Dettifoss Waterfall as they are bathed in everlasting summer light.
During this unforgettable 2-day tour, we will take you to the hidden gems of the most visited place in Iceland – the South Coast. Get ready to climb on one of Europe’s largest glaciers, catch a boat to gigantic icebergs, and explore the most beautiful places in the South of Iceland. Along the shore, you’ll also get the chance to stop by some majestic waterfalls, the beautiful Black Sand Beach, and learn everything you need to know about Iceland.