From Reykjavik: Reykjanes Geopark Tour and Sky Lagoon Visit

A hike across recent lava, followed by a long soak in warm seawater-facing pools, makes this an unusual way to see Reykjanes. You get both the peninsula’s raw volcanic ground and a proper spa stop in one 11-hour day from Reykjavik.

I like the contrast between walking on newly formed lava and seeing Seltún’s bubbling mud pools, and the fact that Sky Lagoon’s seven-step ritual is included rather than sold as an extra. The main drawback is the long, active day: the hike can be steep and windy, and transport stops or changes may make the schedule feel less direct than you expect.

• Three recent eruptions: See the area affected by eruptions at Geldingadalur in 2021, Meradalir in 2022 and Litli-Hrútur in 2023.
• Seltún first: Boiling mud pools and vivid geothermal colors offer a close look at Reykjanes’s restless geology.
• A walk between plates: At the Bridge Between Continents, you can stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• A real hike, not a roadside stop: The route to the lava field involves walking, with steep ground and strong wind possible.
• Spa time included: Your Sky Lagoon ticket includes the seven-step ritual and a towel.
• Plan for the whole day: The tour lasts 11 hours, costs $233 per person, and does not include food or drinks.

A day built around fire and water

This tour pairs two very different sides of Iceland. In the morning, you head into Reykjanes to see the marks of recent volcanic activity. Later, you trade hiking shoes for a towel and warm water at Sky Lagoon, where the ocean views and seven-step ritual offer a slower finish.

That combination is the tour’s main appeal. You do not need to arrange separate transport to the peninsula and lagoon, and you get a guide for the volcanic stops. But the two halves are not a single continuous activity: the excursion includes a return to Reykjavik, and the lagoon visit comes at the end of a full day.

The tour departs from BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. It runs for about 11 hours, so treat it as a substantial day trip rather than a quick outing with a spa add-on. The English-speaking guide and bus Wi-Fi are included; meals and drinks are not.

Seltún’s bubbling ground comes first

The day begins with a drive from Reykjavik to Seltún Geothermal Area. Here, boiling mud pools and patches of strong color show the heat at work beneath the surface. It is a useful first stop: before you reach the lava, you get a clear sense that Reykjanes is still geologically active.

Seltún gives you a different kind of volcanic spectacle from the later hike. You are looking at hot, wet ground and geothermal activity, rather than a broad field of cooled lava. Take time to notice the colors and the mud pools, but follow your guide’s directions around the area. The ground is not ordinary hiking terrain.

This stop also breaks up the drive before the more demanding part of the day. If you are hoping to spend most of your time walking, remember that the tour includes several locations and a long road itinerary, not just the lava-field hike.

Hiking across lava from recent eruptions

From Seltún, you travel to the start of a hiking route selected as the most convenient way to view the new lava field. The volcanic area is associated with eruptions at Geldingadalur in 2021, Meradalir in August 2022 and Litli-Hrútur in July 2023. These dates make the terrain feel unusually immediate: you are seeing ground shaped by events that happened in the last few years.

The hike is the physical centerpiece of the excursion. One person who took the trip described it as steeper and windier than expected, and recommended sturdy footwear, a warm coat, a windbreaker, gloves and a hat that stays put. That is sensible advice for anyone booking. The supplied essentials include hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and thermal layers; shorts are not allowed.

Do not treat this as a casual stroll from the bus to a viewpoint. The route requires walking over volcanic ground, and conditions can make it more strenuous. The tour is not suitable for children under 12 or people with mobility impairments. If you are unsure about your fitness for a steep, exposed hike, ask the operator about current route conditions before booking.

A guide matters here because the land is new and the route can be adjusted to reach the lava by the most convenient path. You are not simply ticking off a distant view from the road. The point is to get close enough to see the volcanic terrain on foot, while following a route chosen for the conditions.

The Bridge Between Continents

After the hike, the tour visits the Bridge Between Continents, where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is a simple, tangible way to connect the region’s dramatic geology with the much larger movement of Earth’s crust.

The stop is less physically demanding than the lava hike, but it adds a distinct experience to the day. Rather than only looking at volcanic features, you get a chance to stand in the rift between two major plates. If you have limited time in Reykjanes, this makes a memorable short stop, though it is not a substitute for the longer hike.

The tour’s variety is part of its value: geothermal pools, recent lava and the tectonic boundary each show a different side of the peninsula. The trade-off is that you spend time moving between stops, so the day can feel busy rather than slow and exploratory.

Sky Lagoon is the reward at the end

After the outdoor portion, the tour returns to Reykjavik for the visit to Sky Lagoon. The lagoon’s warm geothermal water, ocean views and infinity pool provide a clear change of pace after a day in wind and volcanic terrain. The entrance ticket, towel and seven-step spa ritual are included.

The ritual is a major reason to choose this combination rather than treating Sky Lagoon as an afterthought. It gives the final stop more structure than simply getting into the pool, and the warm water can feel especially welcome after the hike. One practical note: the tour description promises the ritual and towel, but no extra treatment or food is included.

The lagoon is likely to be the part you want to linger over. One person who took the trip wished they could stay longer, and another singled out the seven-step ritual. The schedule does not promise an extended spa stay, however, so consider the visit a satisfying end to a full-day tour rather than a half-day at the lagoon.

There is a transport wrinkle to keep in mind. The tour begins and ends at BSI, and one outing involved returning to the terminal and changing buses for the lagoon. A stop to drop off other passengers at the Blue Lagoon was also reported, without a visit there. These kinds of logistics can add waiting or travel time, so do not assume every minute between the hike and Sky Lagoon is spent sightseeing.

The pace, the guide and the day’s practical details

The day’s organization can shape your impression as much as the scenery. Some outings have been described as well organized, with warm praise for guides including Eric and for pickup service from Ingi. Those names are not a promise of who will lead your trip, but they suggest that the guide can make a real difference on a day involving several stops and a hike.

At the same time, a full itinerary can be vulnerable to pauses and transfers. One outing included a lunch stop near Grindavik, a passenger drop-off at the Blue Lagoon, and a bus change at BSI before Sky Lagoon. The tour does not include food or drinks, so bring money for meals and refreshments, and be ready for the exact timing to vary. If a tightly timed day is important to you, ask what the current route and transfer plan looks like before you book.

The meeting point is BSI Bus Terminal, home to Reykjavik Excursions, in central Reykjavik. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Free Wi-Fi is available on the bus, a small convenience on a long day, though you will want your attention on the guide and terrain during the stops.

Is $233 fair value?

At $233 per person, you are paying for a guided day out to several Reykjanes sights, bus transport, the Sky Lagoon entrance, the seven-step ritual and a towel. The price makes the most sense if you want both the volcanic excursion and lagoon visit, and prefer to have the transport arranged rather than plan them separately.

It is less compelling if you mainly want a long, unhurried spa visit. Sky Lagoon is the part you can most easily separate from the hike, and the volcanic section is the reason this tour takes 11 hours. Likewise, if you want to spend a full day walking or need a highly predictable schedule, the combination of driving, stops and transfers may not suit you.

You also need to budget for food and drinks. There is no hotel pickup, and the tour starts at BSI, so include the trip to the terminal in your own plans. The ability to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund and reserve now with payment later offers flexibility, but it does not change the physical demands of the hike.

Who should book this Reykjanes day trip?

I would book this if you want to see several sides of Reykjanes in one day and like the idea of finishing a volcanic hike in warm water. It is especially well suited to active adults who can handle a potentially steep, windy walk and value having the lagoon ritual included.

I would choose a different plan if you have mobility limitations, are bringing a child under 12, dislike long group itineraries or want to devote most of your day to Sky Lagoon. Pack warm layers, solid hiking shoes, gloves and a secure hat, and plan for your own food. If that sounds manageable, this is a memorable way to put recent volcanic activity and Icelandic geothermal bathing into the same day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 11 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What language does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English.

Is the Sky Lagoon entrance included?

Yes. The tour includes entrance to Sky Lagoon.

Is the seven-step ritual included?

Yes. The seven-step spa ritual is included with your ticket.

What should I bring for the hike?

Bring hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and thermal clothing. A warm coat, windbreaker, gloves and a secure hat are also sensible choices.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children under 12 or people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for children under 12 or people with mobility impairments.