Blue Lagoon Half-Day Tour: An Expert’s Review

Okay, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is probably on pretty much everyone’s bucket list, right? So, that electric blue water, the stark lava fields nearby—it’s the kind of place that seems straight out of a movie. Very recently, I actually booked myself a half-day tour, and I want to tell you all about how it went down, that is if it lived up to the hype, and whether it’s something that should be on your list when you’re making plans to travel to Iceland.

Booking and Prep: Setting the Stage

Before you get ahead of yourself, getting tickets is almost like trying to score tickets to a popular concert, so booking way in advance is usually a pretty good idea. Very, very, quickly things get sold out, specifically if you’re thinking of visiting in the busier summer months. I went with the “Comfort Package,” which is pretty standard and comes with admission, a towel, a drink at the lagoon bar, plus a silica mud mask; arguably, that is just about what you need for a fairly pleasant visit. Other packages that are available get you a bathrobe, slippers, or even access to an exclusive lounge; but personally, I’d say the Comfort Package has got all of your bases covered.

Oh, a little travel tip? Okay, the Blue Lagoon’s website makes it pretty simple, that is if you’re booking by yourself, but tour operators sometimes have deals, and packages too it’s almost bundling the lagoon visit with airport transfers or tours of the surrounding area. So it’s very, very good to weigh those options too it’s almost since they can often save you a bit of money and hassle.

Arrival and the First Dip: Sensory Overload in the Best Way

As soon as you arrive, the scenery alone, right, is fairly impressive. Steaming vents dot a landscape of dark lava rock, and this just sort of builds up this anticipation that’s unlike anything you’ve felt. The walk from the parking lot to the entrance is fairly well-organized, so you can follow the signs, and it’s actually easy to get your bearings. Okay, after check-in, it’s time to hit the changing rooms. So a bit of advice, make absolutely sure you’ve got your swimsuit on and your valuables safely stowed in the lockers; so in a way, after you rinse off (and it’s a must!), you’re actually ready for the warm embrace of the lagoon. I mean, just floating out into that warm, milky-blue water for the first time? I can’t tell you—it’s incredibly magical.

Very shortly after wading in, you will start noticing that the temperature varies a bit in different areas. Arguably, there are warmer and cooler spots depending on how close you get to the geothermal source. Find a place that really feels good, you know, and just let all the tension sort of drain away. And it’s very true, the silica mud is, of course, part of the experience. Slathering that white mud on your face isn’t only really fun, that, is if it leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft afterward.

Beyond the Blue: Exploring the Lagoon’s Amenities

The Blue Lagoon is very much more than just a big pool, even though. There’s the in-water bar where you can get a drink (included with my Comfort Package, very thoughtfully), without even stepping out of the water, so in some respects, making for a pretty great novelty. But the sauna and steam rooms are nice places to explore, and they offer various temperatures; so this gives you the freedom to really pick something that matches you best. They’re all designed to help you really detox and relax.

And a big tip? Pay attention to how much sunlight you’re actually getting. Alright, even on cloudy days, the reflection from the water can be rather strong, very strongly so in fact. Also, make sure you hydrate a lot by drinking plenty of water; it really will help you with that.

Crowds, Costs, and Considerations: What to Keep in Mind

Here’s what you should know, okay? So, the Blue Lagoon can get fairly busy, especially during peak times. Now I found that visiting mid-morning on a weekday meant things were still comfortable, but far from empty. Arguably, the crowds started to get quite a bit bigger as the afternoon went on. Now the lagoon’s size actually helps diffuse things a bit, even though there will often be spots where you will experience quite a bit of congestion.

In addition, the cost is something to think about as well. The Blue Lagoon is not exactly a budget activity, actually. The basic entrance fee might be fine, that, is if you’re going for one of the higher-tier packages, or if you decide to buy extras like massages or fancy meals at their restaurants, so then the costs can quickly add up. So be very aware of that if you are counting your pennies.

Was It Worth It? My Honest Thoughts

Very much, so did the Blue Lagoon live up to all the buzz? Alright, in many ways, I think that it did, literally. That distinct landscape coupled with the soothing geothermal waters makes this, that is, if you aren’t like me, something everyone needs to see once. It is, obviously, quite touristy, and yeah, it’s expensive too it’s almost, but very often, still a wonderful experience. If you are considering a trip, carefully think over the tips I talked about, carefully select what time to visit and the type of package to go with, that way you’re set up for a pleasant and memorable time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I spend at the Blue Lagoon?

Alright, a half-day (around 3-4 hours) is generally great, or more or less giving you enough time to really relax in the water, use the silica mud mask, and enjoy a drink or two.

Can I visit the Blue Lagoon directly from the airport?

Okay, that, is if your flight times work, you can. The lagoon is right in between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik, so lots of folks visit as soon as they arrive or right before they head to the airport.

Do I need to bring a towel?

If you don’t have a comfort package, the answer would be “yes, definitely.” It’s included in standard packages, or arguably, you could rent one; so just think about what makes the most sense for your situation.

Is the Blue Lagoon kid-friendly?

While children are welcome, right, there are a couple things to keep in mind. Kids have to be older than 2, and there are also specific ratios of adults to kids to think about. Very thoughtfully, kids need to wear floaties, even if they can swim already.

What should I wear to the Blue Lagoon?

A swimsuit’s what you need, clearly. You’re gonna need to store the flip-flops or sandals, and any other things in a locker anyway, before entering, naturally. And it would almost go without saying, remember to remove any jewelery, or the geothermal water can discolor it.