Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour from Reykjavik

Explore Iceland’s Iconic Sights in One Day

This full-day tour from Reykjavik offers an efficient way to experience Iceland’s most celebrated attractions. Priced at $119 per person, it covers approximately 10 hours with convenient pickup service included. The tour takes visitors to the Golden Circle route, which includes Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Strokkur geyser, along with a visit to the Kerid volcanic crater.

A key feature is the opportunity to relax in Iceland’s famous Secret Lagoon or, during upgrades, the Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal spa. The tour’s all-inclusive price covers transport and entrance fees, making it a hassle-free way to see some of the country’s best natural sights. With an outstanding rating of 5.0 based on 1,308 reviews, most travelers find this tour highly recommended, especially for those seeking a comprehensive day trip with good value.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience: transportation, guide, and entrance fees are included
• Highlights include: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, Kerid Crater, and Secret Lagoon
• Comfortable coach with pickup from your Reykjavik hotel or cruise port
• Water temperature in the Secret Lagoon stays around 100-104°F (38-40°C) year-round
• Tour duration is approximately 10 hours, with balanced time at each stop
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging manner, with many reviews highlighting excellent driver and guide teams

The Route and Stops of This Iceland Tour

From Reykjavik to Iceland’s Natural Wonders

The tour begins with a morning pickup from Þórunnartún 1, centrally located in Reykjavik, or from the cruise port. Travelers board a comfortable shared coach to begin the scenic journey along the Golden Circle route. This stress-free transportation ensures hassle-free exploration of Iceland’s top sights.

Visiting the Kerid Volcanic Crater

The first stop is the Kerid Crater, a 55-meter-deep volcanic formation. Known for its striking red slopes and a small lake at the bottom, Kerid offers fantastic photo opportunities. Guests have about 20 minutes here, with admission included, to walk around and appreciate the vivid colors of this volcanic basin.

Relaxing at the Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana

Next, the tour visits the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin), widely considered Iceland’s second most famous lagoon. The lagoon is fed by underground hot springs, maintaining a temperature of 38-40°C (100-104°F) throughout the year, ideal for soaking and unwinding.

If the lagoon is closed for upgrades, typically from May 12 to 22, the group visits the Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal spa instead. The 1 hour 30 minutes spent here provides a relaxing break amid Iceland’s geothermal scenery, often praised in reviews for the magical steam rising from the waters.

Discovering the Golden Circle Highlights

Following the spa break, the tour continues along the Golden Circle, a must-see for visitors to Reykjavik. The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, the historic Althing parliament was founded in 930 AD, and the geological divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is clearly visible.

The next stop is the Gullfoss Waterfall, often described as Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. With two tiers of 11 and 21 meters, and over 100 cubic meters of water flowing per second, this powerful cascade provides remarkable views and photo opportunities.

Geysir Geothermal Area and Strokkur Geyser

The Geysir geothermal area features Strokkur, an active geyser that erupts every 7 to 10 minutes, shooting water high into the air. Many reviews highlight the excitement of witnessing Strokkur’s eruptions and the opportunity to purchase food at the site for a quick snack or refreshment.

Exploring Kerid Volcano Crater

The final stop on the Golden Circle is Kerid, a volcanic crater with vivid red walls and a striking lake. Visitors typically spend about 40 minutes here, taking in the stunning landscape and learning about Iceland’s volcanic activity.

Returning to Reykjavik

After a full day of sightseeing, the group boards the coach for the return trip, arriving back at the meeting point in Reykjavik. The tour concludes around 6:00 pm, with most reviews noting the well-paced itinerary and engaging guides.

The Secret Lagoon and Spa Experience

The Soothing Hot Springs

The Secret Lagoon offers a relaxed experience away from larger, more commercial spas. It’s fed by hot springs, keeping the water comfortably warm all year. The steam clouds and natural setting make it a favorite among visitors seeking a peaceful geothermal soak.

Spa Access During Upgrades

During facility upgrades from May 12 to 22, the tour replaces the Secret Lagoon with the Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal spa. This alternative maintains the relaxation element, with similar geothermal waters, although some reviews suggest it is less authentic than the Secret Lagoon.

The Quality of Guides and Transportation

Engaging and Knowledgeable Guides

Many reviews praise the guides for their expertise, friendliness, and storytelling skills. Guides like Sunny and Daniel are highlighted for their insights into Icelandic culture, geography, and history. Guests appreciate guides who keep the group engaged, providing extra stops and personal anecdotes.

Comfortable Coach and Small Group Size

The trip is conducted in a comfortable coach, with a maximum of 49 travelers. Travelers note the smooth driving and timely pickups, which contribute to a stress-free experience.

Practical Information and Tips

Meeting Points and Timing

The tour starts at 8:00 am from Þórunnartún 1 in Reykjavik. It is suitable for most travelers, including children over 2 years old, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The tour offers pickup service, reducing the need for additional transportation planning.

What’s Not Included

The tour does not include food, drinks, or towel rental. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase food at the Geysir site. Entry fees are included in the price, ensuring no hidden costs at the attractions.

Cancellation and Weather Policy

Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the activity, receiving a full refund. The tour depends on good weather, and if canceled due to weather, an alternative date or full refund is offered.

Summary of the Tour’s Strengths and Considerations

This Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon, and Kerid Crater Tour from Reykjavik offers excellent value for the price, with all major sights included. The guided experience is praised for knowledgeable guides and efficient pacing, allowing plenty of time at each stop. The hot spring visit provides a relaxing break in the middle of a busy sightseeing day.

Most reviews highlight beautiful scenery, particularly the Gullfoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater, as the highlights. The Secret Lagoon adds a warm, natural element that many find more authentic than larger spas like the Blue Lagoon.

However, travelers should be aware that during certain dates, the Secret Lagoon may be unavailable, replaced by a similar geothermal spa. The tour duration and drive time mean that those seeking a more leisurely pace or in-depth exploration may prefer longer or private options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $119 per person, covering transportation, guide, and entrance fees.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, including stops at each site and the spa.

What attractions are included?
Highlights include Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur geyser, Kerid Crater, and Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana.

Is the Secret Lagoon included in the price?
Yes, admission is included in the tour. During upgrade periods, Laugarvatn Fontana replaces it.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. Snacks can be purchased at the Geysir site.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 2 years old can participate when accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable footwear, water, and cash or card for food or souvenirs. Towels are not included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour may be canceled if weather conditions are poor, with a full refund or alternative date offered.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is at Þórunnartún 1 in Reykjavik, with pickup service available from hotels and cruise ports.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is provided by BusTravel Iceland.

This tour offers a comprehensive Iceland experience in a single day, combining iconic attractions with relaxing geothermal baths, perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded snapshot of the country.