Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour from Reykjavik

This full-day tour from Reykjavik offers a thoughtfully curated combination of Iceland’s most iconic sights, alongside a relaxing visit to a geothermal lagoon. With round-trip transportation included, it’s designed for travelers wanting to see the highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips or managing logistics. Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on over 1,300 reviews, it’s a favorite for many visitors eager to experience Iceland’s natural wonders.

What really stands out is the seamless blend of sightseeing and relaxation—visiting UNESCO-listed sites, awe-inspiring waterfalls, geysers, volcanic craters, and then unwinding in warm mineral waters. One small note: the Secret Lagoon is a highlight for many, but it’s worth mentioning that it’s temporarily replaced by Laugarvatn Fontana Spa during maintenance. This tour suits those who want a balanced mix of culture, geology, and leisure—all in one day.

A key highlight for many travelers is the knowledgeable guiding team, who often go beyond simple facts to share engaging stories and local insights. The views and experiences are undeniably stunning, but busy periods might mean some stops are more crowded than expected. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Iceland or a seasoned explorer, this tour offers excellent value for its comprehensive coverage.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Combines Iceland’s top sights with a geothermal bathing experience, making it ideal for a full day of adventure.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Sunny, Daniel, and others are often praised for their knowledge and friendly approach.
• Beautiful Scenery: From waterfalls to volcanic craters, the views are consistently impressive and photo-worthy.
• Value for Money: With entrance fees, transportation, and guided commentary included, it offers a lot for the price.
• Relaxation and Refreshment: The Secret Lagoon (or Laugarvatn Fontana Spa) provides a soothing break in warm mineral waters.
• Group Size: Limited to 49 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Kerid Crater: A Walk into an Otherworldly Volcano

Your adventure begins with a visit to Kerid Crater, a striking volcanic caldera about 55 meters deep. The vivid red volcanic rocks contrast sharply with the azure waters in the crater’s lake, creating one of Iceland’s most photographed landscapes. Visitors often comment on how surreal it feels, almost like walking into a different planet. The short 20-minute stop is enough to snap some memorable photos and appreciate the scale of this volcanic feature.

Tip: Bring your camera early in the day for the best lighting; the vibrant colors pop up beautifully with morning light.

Secret Lagoon (or Laugarvatn Fontana Spa): A True Icelandic Thermal Experience

Next, you’ll head to one of Iceland’s most beloved thermal spots, the Secret Lagoon—or Laugarvatn Fontana Spa if the lagoon is under maintenance from May 12-22. This natural hot spring, fed by underground springs, bubbles away at a steady 100-104°F (38-40°C) all year round. Reviewers consistently mention how relaxing and magical this experience is, with one describing it as “a fairy-tale like setting.”

Visitors often comment on how the waters help soothe tired muscles after a day of sightseeing, making it a real highlight. While the pools are smaller than some other spas, the natural surroundings and steamy clouds add to the authentic Icelandic feel.

Note: Towel rental is not included, so you might want to bring your own or rent one on-site.

The Golden Circle: Iconic Iceland in a Nutshell

The core of this tour is the classic Golden Circle, a route that showcases Iceland’s geological marvels. The stops include:

• Gullfoss Waterfall: Known as the “Golden Waterfall,” this two-tiered cascade plunges into a rugged canyon, creating a thunderous display of nature’s power. Reviewers repeatedly mention how breathtaking the vista is—some compare it to “something out of a fantasy story.” The two steps of 11 and 21 meters make for dramatic photos, especially with the mist swirling around.

• Geysir Geothermal Area: Home to the erupting Strokkur Geyser, which shoots water up to 30 meters high every 7-10 minutes. Visitors love the energy of this spot, and many are fascinated by the active geothermal activity. Food vendors nearby also make it convenient to grab snacks, as some reviews suggest the fish and chips are worth a try.

• Thingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s both historically and geologically significant. It’s the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament, founded in 930 AD, and offers dramatic views of the tectonic plates pulling apart—North American and Eurasian plates visibly diverging. Reviewers often highlight this as a must-see, citing its “powerful sense of history and earth-shaking geology.”

Pro Tip: Some guests note that the drive between stops is comfortable and well-timed, allowing plenty of time to explore each site without feeling rushed.

Additional Stops and Insights

The tour lasts roughly 10 hours, with enough time at each stop to explore, take photos, and absorb the scenery. Guides like Sunny or Daniel are praised for sharing engaging insights into Icelandic culture, history, and geology—adding depth to the experience.

Reviewers also mention that the group size is manageable, fostering a friendly atmosphere rather than a rushed bus tour. This makes it easier to ask questions or get personalized recommendations.

Transportation and Practicalities

The tour departs from Þórunnartún 1 in Reykjavik at 8:00 am, with pickup offered from your hotel or cruise port. The journey is comfortable thanks to a modern coach, which makes the long day feel relaxed rather than cramped. With a maximum group size of 49 travelers, it’s large enough to be social but small enough to feel personal.

The entire day is about 10 hours, including travel time, with most of the sites having entrance fees included—except for the optional food or towel rentals. It’s worth noting that the Secret Lagoon is temporarily replaced by Laugarvatn Fontana Spa during certain dates, which is a great alternative offering similar thermal benefits.

Cost and Value

At $119 per person, this tour offers good value considering it covers transportation, guided commentary, and entrance fees to key sites. Some reviews highlight the quality of the guides and the well-organized itinerary as adding excellent value for the price.

What’s Not Included

Food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy at stops like Geysir. Towel rental is also an extra, which could be worth considering if you want to maximize comfort.

Authentic Experiences Based on Reviews

Guide Sunny, a guest favorite, is praised for her engaging storytelling and cultural insights. One reviewer noted she “gave us a really good insight into Icelandic culture and history,” which elevates this from just a sightseeing trip to a genuine cultural experience.

Many visitors also appreciated the “well-balanced” itinerary, with enough time at each location to truly absorb and enjoy. The stops are described as “breathtaking,” with the waterfalls, geyser, and national park being consistently highlighted as the main attractions.

The thermal lagoon, in particular, is often called the highlight for its relaxing atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. Reviewers love how the warm waters help unwind after a busy day of sightseeing, making it an ideal way to cap off the tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want an all-in-one day trip that hits Iceland’s highlights and includes some downtime in nature’s thermal baths. It’s especially well-suited for those with limited time in Reykjavik but who still want a rundown of the country’s natural wonders.

If you’re someone who values expert-guided insights and appreciates a mix of adventure and relaxation, this tour ticks both boxes. Families with children over 2 years old, couples, or solo travelers looking for an engaging day out will find it hits the right notes.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed way to see some of Iceland’s most iconic sights without the stress of planning multiple excursions. With experienced guides, beautiful scenery, and a soothing geothermal soak, it balances adventure and relaxation perfectly—making it a standout choice for many visitors.

While some might find a few stops busy or crowded, the overall experience remains highly praised for its organization, scenery, and authentic insights. It’s ideal for those who want to explore Iceland’s geology, history, and natural beauty all in one day—plus a chance to unwind in warm waters after a day on the move.

If you’re after a practical, enjoyable, and memorable Icelandic adventure, this tour is tough to beat.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from your Reykjavik hotel or cruise port, making it easy to start your day without extra logistics.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts about 10 hours, including travel time and stops, providing a full day of sightseeing.

Are entrance fees included?
Most entrance fees are included in the price, covering Kerid Crater, Geysir, Gullfoss, and the geothermal lagoon. Towel rental and food are extra.

What is the Secret Lagoon replaced with during maintenance?
From May 12-22, the Secret Lagoon is closed for upgrades, and Laugarvatn Fontana Spa is used instead.

Is the group size small or large?
The tour accommodates up to 49 travelers, balancing a friendly atmosphere with enough space for everyone.

Can children participate?
Yes, children over 2 years old can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

This full-day Iceland adventure offers an excellent way to experience the country’s highlights while enjoying local thermal waters—an authentic, well-organized trip that many travelers cherish.