The Blue Lagoon: Yea or Nay?

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is not only one of the country’s most popular attractions but also one of it’s most polarizing. Tourists seem to either love it or hate it. Personally, I had an amazing time and definitely recommend spending some time here. Therefore, my vote is a resounding “yea!”

Having an incredible experience does take a little planning and managing of expectations, though. I’m going to share everything you need to know to have a stress-free and faaaaabulous experience, dahlings.

Our Experience at the Blue Lagoon

It was Easter morning. We awoke in our Reykjavik hotel to brisk temperatures, cloudy skies, and the threat of freezing rain and snow. Although the weather wasn’t ideal, we were pumped about lounging in the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon and in all honesty didn’t care what the weather was doing. We had an early admission time (9:00 AM) so after a quick hotel breakfast, we jumped in our rental car, swimsuits in hand, and made the trek to the lava fields of Grindavik.

The 45 minute drive from downtown Reyjkavik was easy, especially with Iceland’s unique landscape rolling out ahead of us. Before we knew it, we spotted the plumes of steam surrounding the Blue Lagoon and found that glorious blue water we’d been seeing all over Instagram. This time, though, it was just outside our window!

We strode across that parking lot like the zombie apocalypse was happening, our excitement fueling our feet faster and faster. I didn’t even notice the brisk air as we motored towards check-in, our anticipation keeping us warm and focused on what lay just ahead…pure relaxation.

As we approached the check-in counter, my excitement was practically bubbling out of me. Reservation number in hand, we presented our information to the staff member, eager to begin our experience. Tap, tap, tap. It seemed that there was a lot of typing happening on the other side of the check-in counter. Noticing the puzzled look on the face of the Blue Lagoon staff member, I joked with my husband, “wouldn’t it just be our luck that they can’t find our reservation?”

I think you can guess where this is going…

“I am so sorry but this is not a valid reservation number. You don’t appear to be in our system.”

What???

Yep. It’s true. They could not locate our reservation, even with the voucher we had received from our travel agency. Through some shallow breaths and silent pleads to “please find that reservation,” the employee tried to call our travel agency but to no avail. It was, after all, Easter morning and approximately 5:00 AM back in the states. Panic. Disappointment. Annoyance at our travel agent. I felt all of these emotions in those minutes standing at the counter.

But this story ends well. Eventually, after speaking with a few different managers, the staff allowed us to enter, informing us that we would need to call the travel agency upon our exit and obtain the correct reservation number. Relief! We were going to make it in after all! We quickly moved along to the locker rooms before they changed their mind!

After figuring out the lockers (which admittedly took a minute), having a quick shower, and changing into our swimsuits we found ourselves in the steamy waters of the Blue Lagoon where all of our stress quickly melted away. We floated, meandered, enjoyed our included drinks, and slathered our faces with silica mud. There wasn’t a moment we forgot how lucky we were to be there nor one second that we regretted the decision to experience the Blue Lagoon.

And that freezing rain the forecasters promised? Oh it happened, alright. We were pelted in the face over and over again. Even then, I never once felt anything but extreme awe and amazement to be in this incredible location. In fact, floating in a steaming spa while the snow and freezing rain fell (okay, assaulted) us was actually a very cool experience. You’d think we’d be freezing but it was incredibly comfortable!

We spent about four hours in total at the Blue Lagoon and explored every inch of it during that time. We experienced the waterfall (like a free massage from that falling water!), the steam room, the sauna, and each little corner we could find. The crowds were actually quite tame and never once did we feel as though there were too many people around us. In fact, on several occasions, I felt amazed at how few people there actually were in the water!

As I hope is obvious, we most certainly fall into the category of travelers who recommend the Blue Lagoon and consider this attraction a “Must Do.”

The biggest tip I can give you? Reserve your entrance time yourself and double check the reservation before leaving home. 🙂

General Blue Lagoon Information

Below you will find all the information you need to help you make the absolute most of your time at the Blue Lagoon.

Book Your Blue Lagoon Tickets in Advance

This is probably the most essential tip I can give you. Due to its popularity (particularly during Iceland’s peak travel season), admission times sell out quickly. In fact, once you know the dates you’ll be in Iceland, go ahead and book your Blue Lagoon package. You’ll need to choose both the day you want to visit and the time you want to be admitted. Reservations are made on the Blue Lagoon’s website.

Blue Lagoon Ticket Pricing and Packages

There are two main packages from which to choose. There is a third option if you want the ultimate in luxury and privacy but most people will be choosing from one of the two general admission options described below. Prices will vary based on time of year and time of day. During Iceland’s peak travel season (summer), prices will be considerably higher. We booked the Comfort Package and would do so again if we were to return (fingers crossed!).

The Comfort Package is the most basic ticket and ranges from $55-$100 USD, depending on the month and time of day. It includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask (which everyone has access to within the lagoon), a towel, and one drink.

The Premium Package is slightly more expensive (approximately $80-$125 USD) and includes everything from the Comfort Package plus a few extras. These extras include: a second mask of your choice; slippers; use of a bathrobe; a table reservation at the in-house restaurant, Lava; and sparkling wine if you dine at Lava.

Having a hard time deciding which package is right for you? Here’s my take: You can make a reservation at Lava independently so if that is the only reason you’re considering the Premium Package, it is not worth it. The use of slippers and a robe, in my opinion, is not really necessary as the walk from the changing room to the pool area is maybe 100 steps. But, if you like the idea of staying wrapped up until the very last minute, maybe it’s worth it for you.

The Retreat Spa is the third ticket package and is reserved for those who want the ultimate in luxury and privacy at the Blue Lagoon. You can learn more about this package on their website but the key thing to know is that you’re going to be paying a lot more for this option. The cost is over $600 USD. This package includes all of the Comfort Package amenities plus access to the “Retreat Lagoon,” your own private changing room, skin care amenities, access to the Lava restaurant, and some additional treatments. Look, if you can afford this package, it certainly provides you the privacy most of us will never experience. Also, if you’re someone who is considering this option seriously, “Hi! I’m Cat and I make a great travel companion!”

Children at the Blue Lagoon

The minimum age for entrance to the Blue Lagoon is two years old. Additionally, children between the ages of 2-8 are required to wear floaties (provided by the Blue Lagoon). For every two children, one adult must be present for supervision. And while children are welcomed, it is important to note that running, diving, and rough-housing are not permitted. It is truly meant to be a spa experience for guests.

At its deepest, the water is 4.7 ft/1.4 m and at its shallowest, the water is 2.5 ft/0.8 m.

Water temperatures range between 98-104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Airport Layovers

One of the great things about The Blue Lagoon is that it is a short trip from the Keflavik airport (about 20 minutes). This means that if you have a long layover in Iceland, you can relax at the Blue Lagoon rather than sit in the airport terminal for hours on end. Transportation (busses) can be booked either directly through the Blue Lagoon’s website or by searching for independent tour operators online. Booking directly through the Blue Lagoon will run you about $45 USD per adult (that price includes the return transfer back to Keflavik‌ airport). Children 2-13 ride at no cost.

Any luggage you bring with you can be stored on site. Larger luggage will be held in a separate building (you’ll walk past it on your way to the entrance). Small carry-ons can be stored within the lockers in the changing room.

Blue Lagoon Check-In Procedures

If you got through my epic tale of our experience at the Blue Lagoon, you’ll remember that we spent some time at the check-in counter as the staff searched for our reservation. Hopefully, you won’t have to spend that amount of time (because I’m sure you’re smarter than me and will verify your reservation in advance!) but you will have to check-in and be greeted by the Blue Lagoon staff. They will confirm your reservation and give you further instructions and your towel (and robe/slippers if you purchased the Premium Package). This is also where you will receive your electronic wristband and an explanation on how to use it while on property.

A few other helpful notes: (1) You do not need to print your tickets. You can use your e-ticket instead. (2) It is important to arrive on-time for your entrance. The Blue Lagoon gives you a one hour “grace period” after your scheduled entrance time. If you arrive after the grace period, they do not guarantee entry.

The Blue Lagoon’s Electronic Wristbands

If you think about it, having to tote your money and keys around is one of the worst things about going to the pool. The Blue Lagoon has solved this inconvenience by providing each guest with an electronic wristband. This band is tied to your personal Blue Lagoon “account” and allows you to secure your locker (no need for combination locks) and make purchases on property. Your “free” drink will be linked to your wristband as will any additional drink or food purchases you make. You’ll settle up your final bill at check-out with a quick scan of your band. Think of it as your credit card and locker key all in one. Talk about convenient!

Rentable Items

We all have been there and know that sinking feeling you get when you realize you’ve left something behind. Not to worry! Anything you would absolutely need to enjoy a day at the Blue Lagoon can be rented on site. For example, swimsuits are the most important item you’ll need and can be rented for a small fee. I have no idea what these suits look like (I’m envisioning a basic one piece for women and trunks for men) but should you need them in a pinch, they are available for rent.

Traveling with children? You’ll need to pick up a pair of “floaties” for each child between the ages of 2-8. There is no charge for the floaties.

If you opted for the Comfort Package but then later decide that you want a robe and/or slippers, these can also be rented from the check-in area for an additional fee.

The Blue Lagoon Locker Rooms

The locker rooms are divided up in a traditional manner: a men’s room and a women’s room. However, if you require special accommodations, all you need to do is contact the Blue Lagoon directly; they can help find the best solution for your needs.

When you walk into the locker room, you’ll see shoe racks that you can use to place any muddy boots or shoes. I did not use the racks but instead just placed my shoes in my locker. I’ve read that shoes can tend to “walk off” on those racks so I preferred to place my shoes in my secure locker. But if you’ve been out hiking and have really dirty shoes, you probably don’t want those sitting with your clothes in the locker.

Lockers

Ah, the lockers…perhaps the most anxiety provoking part of the Blue Lagoon experience, second only to our fear of getting naked in front of others in the locker room. But never fear, I’m here to help you feel more comfortable with this (small) part of your Blue Lagoon experience.

When you enter the locker room, the front area houses the showers and toilets; the lockers are located behind this area. There are a lot of lockers and you can choose any one you want. Just remember which section you’re in and which locker is yours (they all look the same). When you locate the locker you want, read the operating directions on securing the locker with your wristband. Honestly though, just expect that the locker will not work on the first try. This could be due to user error or due to a problem with the locker. Don’t get frustrated; it may take trying three or four lockers before you find one that works. Any staff member can help you if you can’t figure it out. It’s not hard to use the lockers but when you throw in technology, there will always be glitches here and there.

What to Leave and What to Take

Leave in your locker: This is pretty easy. Leave practically everything you brought with you in your locker. This includes any jewelry you may be wearing. The high mineral content in the water will not be kind to even the most expensive jewelry so leave it behind (or at the hotel or in your checked luggage).

Take into the Blue Lagoon: You’ll need: (1) your towel/robe, (2) sandals/flip-flops/slippers, and (3) your swimsuit. If you plan to take photos, remember to also take (4) your phone (with a waterproof cover) or GoPro. Finally, be sure to take a (5) hair tie or clip that will keep your hair out of the water. (If you want to be able to do anything with your hair for the rest of your trip, do not expose your tresses to the Blue Lagoon’s water. The high silica content is not kind to our hair. We’re talking dryness and unmanageable hair for days as a result of dipping your head in the water.)

Wait to put your swimsuit on until after you’ve showered (see below). I got undressed, wrapped my towel around my body, slipped on my flip-flops, and carried my suit to the shower.

If you want to wear water shoes or sandals into the water, that is permissible but I did not see any need for this. You can also wear t-shirts and shorts into the water if you’d prefer to not wear a swimsuit.

Showering Before Entering The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon asks all of its guests to shower prior to entering the water. And by shower, I mean soap and water shower, not just a quick rinse. This means no swimsuits in the shower. You’re expected to clean your whole body and you can’t really do that effectively wearing clothing of any kind. See below if you’re starting to panic about naked showering in a public place.

Body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are all available in the shower so don’t worry about toting yours around. I suggest getting your hair soaking wet and then loading it up with conditioner. Leave that conditioner in your hair and then wrap your hair up on your head with either a tie/clip or a swim cap. This will keep your strands conditioned and protected from the silica. Leave your hair wrapped up until you’re ready to leave for the day and then rinse out the conditioner in your post-lagoon shower.

Nudity at The Blue Lagoon

I did some reading about the Blue Lagoon before visiting (just like you’re doing now) and one theme kept emerging: changing and showering at the Blue Lagoon seems to invoke flashbacks to high school gym class, making people instantly anxious. Yes, you will be changing in a locker room along with other people. You gotta strip out of your clothes and head for the showers with only a towel and swimsuit in tow.

Does the idea of this make you want to cancel your trip? Don’t do it! For those who are completely uncomfortable with the idea of stripping down in front of others, there are some curtained stalls available. Also there are doors on the showers. You can wrap your towel around you as you walk from your locker, hang the towel next to the shower, and then shut the door. Finish your shower, towel off, throw on your swimsuit (all behind your shower door), and start enjoying your time at the Blue Lagoon. It’s that simple!

Look, I get it. Northern Americans tend to be much more conservative about nakedness than other cultures around the world. (I certainly wasn’t raised to strut my stuff in the buff!) But here’s the thing to remember: we are not in high school gym class anymore! No one cares that you may have enjoyed one too many donuts in your lifetime (guilty!) and may be carrying a little extra weight on your body. Embrace the fact that you’re at this incredible location and don’t give this naked thing another thought. If it helps, channel your inner Beyonce and find the confidence you may not normally have.

There is no nudity permitted in the actual lagoon.

Entering the Blue Lagoon

Upon leaving the locker rooms, you’ll arrive in a large vestibule. Here, you can store your towel/robe and sandals/slippers. Your stuff will be lined up with all of the other guests’ stuff so don’t leave anything of value there on the racks. I wore a cheap pair of rubber flip flops; if someone had walked off with them, no biggie.

From here, you have two options: (1) Head out the main door and walk outside along the lagoon “deck” to get into the water, much like a traditional swimming pool. (2) If you’re visiting on a more frigid day, you can enter the water from an interior wading pool and then exit to the outdoor pool, never having to leave the water from inside to outside. This is what we did and it made transitioning to the cold air much more tolerable. It was a bit crowded at this entrance point but part of that was due to people bracing themselves before heading out in the cold.

In the Water

You’ve made it! You’re in the famed waters of the Blue Lagoon! Take a second to reflect on how lucky you are to be there and meander your way to each corner of the lagoon, floating and enjoying every second. There are spots that will be more crowded than others (these tend to be towards the center of the lagoon) but if you head to the corners, you will feel as though the place is all yours. We were shocked at how few people there were in these areas.

The Blue Lagoon Bar

As you are looking at the lagoon from the pool’s main entrance, the bar will be towards the back right. You’ll locate it pretty easily as there tends to be a crowd of people always nearby. Your entrance package includes a drink–don’t let that go to waste. You can get a variety of drinks here, alcoholic and nonalcoholic. I opted for the cider on tap (it’s called Somerby’s Apple Cider and I have been searching for it on tap since this visit!) while Chris chose the strawberry smoothie. I vote for the cider; it was amazingly delicious and look how much you get!

Silica Mud Mask

Everyone gets a silica mud mask as part of their entrance package. We had a tough time finding the mask stations, though. We continuously saw others with the mask slathered on their bodies but struggled to find where they were getting it. I had read that there are buckets of the stuff located in several locations but I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the case when we visited (because we searched for those buckets and never did find them!). There is a walk-up “bar”, however where a staff member dollops the mask out into visitors’ hands. So we did ultimately get our mask game happening. If you can’t find the buckets, just head to the “mask bar,” close to the waterfall/sauna area.

More Than Just Floating

You could spend all of your time floating around the lagoon and still have an incredible time. However, there are plenty of other things to see and do. Check out the waterfall for an amazing back massage and the steam and sauna rooms to detoxify and warm every inch of your body. All of these are included in the entrance fee so I recommend experiencing them all.

In-Water Massages

For an extra fee, you can have a personal massage while floating in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. We did not do this but it really seems like quite the experience. If you’re feeling the “Treat Yoself!” vibe, reserve a massage and really know what it means to relax.

Guided Tour

I’m so bummed I didn’t see this option on the Blue Lagoon’s website before we visited. I love to learn about the places I’m visiting and would have really enjoyed this, I think. The tour is 30-60 minutes and does cost extra (approximately $17 USD). I’d love to hear your thoughts if you took this tour!

Out of Water Activities

If you’ve had enough of lounging in the water (or your skin is starting to resemble a California raisin), you can move indoors and relax on lounge chairs while still enjoying a view of the water. You are able to order snacks and beverages from here as well. Note: you cannot bring your own food or drinks into The Blue Lagoon.

If you’re looking for more than just a snack, grab lunch or dinner at Lava, The Blue Lagoon’s on-site restaurant. While Lava is not what you may consider causally priced, the atmosphere is casual (i.e. wear your robe right into the restaurant). Check out the menu here.

Ending Your Blue Lagoon Visit

We stayed at the Blue Lagoon for about four hours. I’m not sure most people would normally stay this long, but we didn’t have a full itinerary on the day we visited so we just took our time and really relaxed. When you are ready to leave, you’ll exit the lagoon and then pick up your towel, sandals, robe. etc. where you left them upon entering the pool.

You’ll head back to the locker room where you’ll want to wash yourself and your swimsuit. Be sure you’ve rinsed your hair out and get it good and conditioned, especially if you allowed your hair to get wet in the lagoon. That silica can do a number on your hair (dryness, brittleness) so you need to take extra good care of it if you’ve exposed it to the water.

Find your locker, get dressed, and throw that wet suit into one of the plastic baggies provided. Ladies, if you’d like to blow dry your hair or apply your makeup, there is a vanity area with blow driers available. (I personally popped a hat on my head and called it a day.)

You’ll exit the locker room and be directed to the check-out area where they will scan and remove your wristband. If you’ve made purchases via your wristband, this is where you will settle up your bill.

One Last Stop

As you are exiting, be sure to take the path to the right and walk along the edge of the lagoon. No one is swimming in this area and with the brightly colored lava rock surrounding you, this makes an excellent spot for pictures. There were only a handful of people strolling around this area, making it easy for us to get photos of that milky blue water. If you relied on your GoPro or other waterproof camera while in the water, this is a great opportunity to take photos with your “good camera.”

A Few Blue Lagoon FYIs

The Blue Lagoon’s milky blue waters draw people from all over the world. (And you better believe that everyone is clamoring to get a photo that captures that incredible water color.) Here’s the thing though; that stunning blue water? It’s really not even blue! It is actually white. It only looks blue because of the sun reflecting off the high levels of silica in the water. So, if you happen to visit the Blue Lagoon on a cloudy day (like we did), the water will definitely be more muted and not as brilliant as what you’re used to seeing online. Don’t let that deter you, though! Even in cloudy conditions, it is still beautiful! And chances are, the weather will change a few times throughout your stay.

Getting the perfect photo can be challenging at The Blue Lagoon. As you’ll see from some of my photos above, there is a lot of steam coming off the water, particularly on colder days. Trying to shoot and focus through that steam can be difficult. I recommend spending less time trying to capture the perfect shot and more time living and experiencing this incredible place in the moment.

The Blue Lagoon is not naturally occurring. Instead, it is a man-made lagoon that utilizes water from volcanic aquifers 2000 meters within the ground. Here, fresh water and sea water merge to form the rich minerals found in the Blue Lagoon’s water.

Conclusion

There is a lot to know in order to maximize your trip to the Blue Lagoon. My hope is that this post has provided you with the information you need to plan for your trip of a lifetime.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about the Blue Lagoon. Did you find it to be as amazing as we did? Or do you fall into the “skip it” category of tourists and if so, why?

Happy and safe travels, my friends!