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This kayak trip on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon will take you paddling on the iceberg filled ice lagoon. You will be totally spellbound by the drama and sheer beauty of this ice wonderland as you glide across the surface of the calm waters. Threading your way between unbelievably shaped, and often huge icebergs, you will discover places which cannot be seen any other way. This is a meet on location tour.
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Please consider these criteria carefully before booking the tour:
This kayaking tour is equally suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers. Very stable SIT-ON-TOP boats are used, these are very suitable for first time kayakers. You qualified kayak guide has first-rate knowledge of this glacial wonderland and will share with you some fascinating facts about its nature, history and wildlife. It does, though, have to be said that the stupendous glacial lagoon vistas will paint a far more mesmeric picture than words ever could!
Imagine paddling across the calm, deep waters of the lagoon, weaving in between the crazily shaped icebergs which fill the lake. Glaciated peaks sit high on the horizon, and the icecap of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, looms like a giant ice dome above you. Seals are sometimes seen playing between these amazing natural ice sculptures, as seabirds soar overhead. The whiteness of ice dominates the color palette around Jökulsárlón, however, you will see surprisingly bright blue tones too, caused by ice compression. Some icebergs display gray shadows slicing through them, these ash layers are the rather beautiful ‘scars’ left by volcanic eruptions.
Jökulsárlón has been the settling for a few famous Hollywood movies, witnessing the sensational vistas for yourself from the peace of the water, you may feel as though you are within a surreal film set. In a way you will be. Viewing Jökulsárlón from any angle is truly out of this world - seeing it from a kayak on the mirror-like surface of the ice lagoon is incredibly stupendous. No visitor to Iceland should miss out on this unique opportunity - you have to take this tour.
Meet on the location: Please meet your licensed kayaking guide at Jökulsárlón car park, just look out for the box van which is clearly marked “IceGuide”. Jökulsárlon is 370 km (230 mi) from Reykjavík or around 4.75 hours of driving time in good conditions.
GPS: 64.048096, - 16.178778.
Please note: Young people (14-16 years old) must share a double kayak with an adult.
It is very unlikely but possible that your clothes may get wet, so a change of clothes is good to have.
We recommend that participants wear warm outdoor clothing, for example, a fleece or wool sweater and pants. You should also bring a change of clothing and swimwear.
No prior kayaking experience is required for the tours as our professional guides will teach the technique on location.
Our kayaking tours are all listed at a level easy or moderate so most people should be able to do the tour. Just keep in mind that the activity is an outdoor nature activity so some physical strength is needed.
All our kayaking tours are operated by experienced and certified professional 4 star BCU sea kayak guides.
We use top of the line plastic sea kayaks.
Our kayaks are very stable and easy to use.
Yes, they can tip over, although they are very stable and it happens rarely. If they tip over the guide has the necessary equipment and ability to quickly tip them over again.
If the kayaks tip over participants don’t have to worry too much, all participants get life jackets and neoprene suits so they will stay warm even if they fall in.
Taking a waterproof camera is a great idea when going on a kayak tour. However, it is not recommended to take too much on this day tour as there is really no need for it.
Although you don’t need to “swim” while sea kayaking, we recommend that you can. People that can’t swim tend to panic when they are in the water. You have to be comfortable with floating in water.
