From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour

The Secret Lagoon gives this Golden Circle day a welcome change of pace: one minute you’re watching Strokkur send hot water skyward, the next you’re soaking in warm geothermal water. It’s a useful way to see several very different sides of southwest Iceland without arranging your own transport.

I like the mix of major sights and the 1.5-hour lagoon stop, and I like that the entry tickets to the listed sites are included in the $132 price. The main trade-off is the long, full-day schedule: you’ll spend time on the bus, and the weather can make outdoor stops feel brisk, especially while waiting for pickup.

The day in five useful details

• Secret Lagoon time is set aside: You get 1.5 hours to swim and relax. Bring your own towel or rent one for a fee.
• Five major stops fit into one day: Kerið, Geysir, Gullfoss, Þingvellir, and the lagoon each offer a different kind of Icelandic scenery.
• The guide adds context between stops: English-speaking guides have included Sunny, Jessica, Anna, Daniel, and others. Your guide will depend on the departure.
• Site entry is included: The listed inclusions cover the Secret Lagoon, Þingvellir, Gullfoss, and Kerið. Food and drinks are extra.
• Pickup needs a little patience: Pickup begins at 8:00 a.m. and can take up to 30 minutes. Several tour buses may arrive around the same time.

A full Golden Circle day, with a warm-water break

At 10 hours, this is a substantial day out, but it makes sense if you have limited time in Iceland or would rather not drive. You’ll cross a broad sweep of southwest Iceland, stopping at a volcanic crater, an active geothermal area, a powerful waterfall, a national park, and a historic outdoor bathing pool.

That variety is the tour’s central strength. The stops aren’t five versions of the same view: each gives you a different way to understand the region, from shifting tectonic plates to hot springs and glacial water. The Secret Lagoon also breaks up the sightseeing with a chance to sit still for a while.

The order can vary in how the day is presented, so don’t build a tight meal or personal schedule around one particular stop happening at a precise time. What matters is that you should have time at all the main locations, with breaks for food and bathrooms along the way.

Kerið’s volcanic bowl and blue-green lake

Kerið is an ancient volcanic crater with a lake at its center. A path follows the rim, and a route also leads down into the crater, giving you two ways to take in its steep sides and the water below.

If you like to walk, the rim and crater floor offer a more involved stop than a quick roadside photo. But the surface and conditions can affect how comfortable it is to walk, so take care, particularly in winter. The stop is still worthwhile if you prefer simply to admire the crater from above.

Kerið’s colors can be striking, but this is an exposed outdoor site, not a sheltered attraction. Wear warm layers, and keep your camera ready for wind and changing light. Entry to the crater is included in the tour price.

A soak at the Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, and its appeal is less about resort-style polish than the pleasure of bathing in warm geothermal water in a quieter setting. You have 1.5 hours here, enough time to change, swim, and enjoy a slower stretch of the day.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Towels are not included, though one can be rented for a fee. Because the lagoon is a major part of the experience, pack your swimsuit where you can reach it easily rather than burying it at the bottom of your day bag.

The warm water makes a welcome contrast with Iceland’s outdoor air, especially on a cold day. One practical tip from the trip: if you want pictures in the water, bring a waterproof phone pouch. Keep in mind that your time is limited by the group schedule, so allow time to change and be back at the bus promptly.

The Secret Lagoon is scheduled to close for facility upgrades from May 13 to May 22, with a visit to Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal spa instead during that period. Check the exact date when booking, since the planned spa stop matters if the lagoon is the main reason you’re choosing this version of the tour.

Strokkur’s regular eruption at Geysir

At the Geysir geothermal area, Strokkur is the active hot spring to watch. It sends steaming water about 30 meters into the air roughly every eight minutes, so you usually don’t have to wait long for an eruption.

The stop is a natural photo opportunity, but don’t spend the whole visit staring through a screen. The eruption is brief, and it’s more satisfying to watch the ground and steam between bursts than to chase one perfect picture. Stay on marked paths and follow your guide’s directions around the hot springs.

The geothermal area adds a different kind of drama to the day. Here, the heat beneath Iceland’s surface is visible in steam and bubbling water, rather than in a broad view of mountains or a river gorge.

Gullfoss, where the river drops into a gorge

Gullfoss is one of the tour’s biggest visual moments. The glacial Hvítá River plunges into a deep crevice in two stages, with a total drop described as 32 meters. From the viewing areas, you can see the water churn below and, depending on conditions, feel spray in the air.

Allow time to enjoy the waterfall from more than one viewpoint, while keeping in mind that paths and weather can affect how far you’ll want to walk. Waterproof outerwear can be useful, and sturdy footwear is a sensible choice for outdoor stops in Iceland. The waterfall is included in the tour’s site entries.

For many people, Gullfoss is the day’s most impressive stop. Its scale is hard to grasp from a photo, and the sound and force of the river make it feel entirely different from the still water at Kerið or the warm pool at the lagoon.

Þingvellir’s rift and national history

Þingvellir National Park brings geology and history together. The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are gradually moving apart here, by a few centimeters each year, creating visible features in the ground. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 2004.

This is a place to look closely at the terrain, not just take a quick scenic picture. The broad views and rift features help make the tectonic story tangible, while your guide can explain the park’s importance as you travel through it. The stop is outdoors, so your comfort may depend on the day’s wind, rain, or winter conditions.

As with Kerið and Gullfoss, you’ll have a set amount of time rather than the freedom to wander for hours. The tour is a good introduction to Þingvellir, but it won’t suit someone who wants an unhurried, extended walk through the park.

What the bus day feels like

A guided coach tour trades flexibility for ease. You don’t have to navigate unfamiliar roads or plan how to connect these distant stops, and you can rest between them. Several people describe the bus as clean, warm, and comfortable, which matters after standing outside in cold or wet weather.

The guide is part of the value, not just a voice announcing the next stop. Guides on departures have included Sunny, Jessica, Anna, and Daniel; one guide, Petra, was praised for sharing local insight. Names are not a guarantee of who will lead your trip, but the English-speaking guide is there to explain the sights, keep you informed about timing, and help the day run smoothly.

The bus also runs on a shared schedule. You’ll need to listen carefully to return times and be ready to board when asked. A group of around 40 people was described on one departure, so this is not a private outing; the guide’s clear directions and your own punctuality help keep the day on track.

Food, pickup, and the small practical details

Food and drinks are not included in the $132 price. There is a lunch stop, and stops along the route can offer places to buy food and use the bathroom. Soup and paninis were mentioned as options at one lunch stop, and a bakery stop was also described. Still, if you have dietary needs or prefer to control your meal choices, bring something suitable rather than counting on a particular menu.

Pickup is optional and offered from select hotels and official bus stops in central Reykjavík. If you’re meeting the tour at Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorf, on Þórunnartún, arrive ready at 8:00 a.m. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, and several operators may be collecting people in the same area. Check your assigned location with your hotel or the local partner if you’re unsure, and don’t assume every approaching coach is yours.

The tour offers a range of central Reykjavík drop-off points, including stops near Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, City Hall, and the BSÍ Bus Terminal. Confirm the location that suits you when arranging your trip. Wi-Fi is included, though you’ll want to keep your phone charged for photos and use in the water.

Dress for time outside, not just time on the coach. Bring swimwear, a towel, warm layers, and weather-appropriate outerwear. The tour is not suitable for children under 2.

Is $132 a fair price?

At $132 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full day of sightseeing and a geothermal swim without renting a car. The price includes the guide, Wi-Fi, and entry to the listed stops, including the Secret Lagoon, Þingvellir, Gullfoss, and Kerið. Food and drinks are extra, and you may pay to rent a towel.

The value depends on what you want from Iceland. If you’d rather take each stop at your own pace or spend half a day at Þingvellir, a scheduled coach won’t give you that freedom. If your priority is seeing several headline sights in one day, with transport arranged and a lagoon visit included, the price covers a lot of ground.

Who should book this tour?

I’d recommend it if you have one day for the Golden Circle, don’t want to drive, and would enjoy ending or breaking up the sightseeing with a warm-water soak. It’s also a practical choice for solo travelers and families with children over 2 who are comfortable with a long day and group timings.

Think twice if you dislike early starts, shared transport, or moving on before you’ve had your fill of a place. The outdoor stops can be cold and exposed, and the lagoon is a scheduled visit rather than an open-ended spa day. But if you’re looking for an efficient overview of southwest Iceland with a memorable swimming stop, this tour makes a persuasive case.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 10 hours, including travel between Reykjavík and the Golden Circle stops.

What sights are included?

The tour visits Kerið crater, the Secret Lagoon, the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park.

How long do I get at the Secret Lagoon?

You have 1.5 hours for swimming and free time at the lagoon.

Is the Secret Lagoon entry ticket included?

Yes. Entry to the Secret Lagoon is included, except during its planned closure from May 13 to May 22, when the tour visits Laugarvatn Fontana instead.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Bring a towel if you have one. Towels are not included, but you can rent one at the Secret Lagoon for a fee.

Is food included in the tour price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The day has a lunch stop, and food can be purchased along the route.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavík?

The listed meeting point is Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorf, on Þórunnartún. Optional pickup is also offered from select hotels and official bus stops in central Reykjavík.

Is the tour suitable for children under 2?

No. The tour is not suitable for children under 2 years old.