Steaming milky-blue geothermal water surrounded by black volcanic rocks at the Blue Lagoon in November
- - Blue Lagoon Iceland Review: Is It Worth It? Our Premium Experience

Blue Lagoon Iceland Review: Is It Worth It? Our Premium Experience

10th November | Sarah Kenny
Last updated November 10, 2026

If you're planning a trip to Iceland, there's a good chance the Blue Lagoon is already on your list of things to do. With its famous milky-blue water, clouds of steam and surrounding black volcanic rock, it's one of the country's most recognisable attractions. However, with admission often costing over £100 per person, you might be wondering whether the Blue Lagoon is actually worth the money.

We visited the Blue Lagoon in November 2026 during a two-day trip to Iceland, choosing the Premium package and spending most of the day enjoying the geothermal waters, face masks, sauna and swim-up bars.

We also decided to visit on our way back to Keflavík Airport rather than making a separate journey from Reykjavík. We didn't have a hire car, so finding the most practical and cost-effective way to fit everything into our trip was important.

Having already visited Sky Lagoon on a previous trip to Iceland, I was particularly interested in seeing how the two experiences compared.

So was the Blue Lagoon worth it? For us, definitely. We had a lovely day and I'd happily visit again, but there are a few things I'd recommend knowing before you book, particularly when it comes to choosing a package, allowing enough time and arranging your transport.

Here's our full Blue Lagoon Iceland review, including what the Premium package includes, how the changing rooms work, the different face masks, food and drink prices, and whether it's worth paying extra for the upgrade.

Sunshine over the steaming milky-blue water at Iceland's Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
We were lucky enough to have a beautiful clear day for our November visit.

This guide contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, Build a Break may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions and experiences are our own.

Book Your Blue Lagoon Experience

Comfort and Premium admission packages are available through GetYourGuide, with prices varying depending on your chosen date and entry time.

Check Blue Lagoon Tickets and Availability

Save 5% with code BUILDABREAK5 when booking eligible activities through the GetYourGuide app.

The ticket listing we checked offered free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a reserve-now-pay-later option, with payment due shortly before the visit. Check the terms of your selected ticket before booking.

How to Get to the Blue Lagoon Without a Car

One of the first decisions we had to make was whether to visit the Blue Lagoon when we arrived in Iceland or on our way home.

The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, approximately 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and around 45 minutes from Reykjavík by car. This makes it a popular option for the first or last day of an Iceland trip.

As we weren't hiring a car, we needed to work around the coach transfer schedules.

Why We Visited on Our Way Back to the Airport

We originally considered visiting the Blue Lagoon immediately after landing in Iceland. However, our arrival was around 9am and the next suitable coach departure was at 12.30pm.

That would have meant hanging around the airport for several hours when we knew we'd be excited to get going and make the most of our short trip.

Instead, we decided to head straight into Reykjavík on our arrival day and save the Blue Lagoon for the following day, travelling there from the city before continuing directly to Keflavík Airport for our evening flight home.

This worked out really well and meant we could enjoy the experience without having to travel all the way back into Reykjavík afterwards.

Our Coach Transfer to the Blue Lagoon

We used Destination Blue Lagoon, which operates coach transfers between Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon and Keflavík Airport.

Our pickup was from Bus Stop 6, Safnahúsið, in central Reykjavík at approximately 9.30am.

This was particularly convenient because we were staying at CityHub Reykjavík, and the pickup point was only around a four-minute walk from our accommodation.

After boarding the smaller pickup vehicle, we were transferred to a larger coach which had already collected passengers from the main bus station. From there, we continued towards the Blue Lagoon.

The journey was comfortable, with coach-style seating and plenty of room for luggage. We arrived at approximately 10.45am, giving us time to make our way inside ready for our 11am admission.

Bus Stop 6 Safnahúsið in central Reykjavík used for our Blue Lagoon transfer
Our convenient pickup point at Bus Stop 6 in Reykjavík.
Destination Blue Lagoon coach providing transport between Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon and Keflavík Airport
Our Destination Blue Lagoon coach transfer.

How Much Does the Blue Lagoon Bus Cost?

Our transfers cost approximately £27 per person for each leg of the journey, so around £54 per person altogether.

We booked the journeys separately rather than purchasing a standard return transfer because we were travelling in different directions.

Our route was Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon, followed by Blue Lagoon to Keflavík Airport.

We booked the coach tickets through GetYourGuide and simply showed the QR codes from our bookings to be scanned when boarding.

Public transport and airport transfers can be quite expensive in Iceland, but the coach was still a much more affordable option than arranging private taxis for both journeys.

I'd particularly recommend this option if you're visiting Iceland for a short break without a hire car.

Book Blue Lagoon Coach Transfers

You can book transfers between Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon and Keflavík Airport through GetYourGuide.

Check Blue Lagoon Bus Transfers and Prices

We booked our journeys as two separate legs, which worked perfectly for visiting the Blue Lagoon before flying home.

Blue Lagoon Comfort vs Premium: Which Package Should You Book?

There are several Blue Lagoon admission packages, but the two most popular options for day visitors are Comfort and Premium.

We chose the Premium package because we wanted to make the visit a proper spa day rather than simply spending a couple of hours in the lagoon.

When we checked tickets, Comfort admission was available for approximately £114 per person, while Premium was around £132.76 per person. These are example prices rather than fixed rates, as the amount you pay depends on your visit date, booking platform and entry time.

Given the relatively small difference between those particular prices, I thought the additional Premium inclusions were worth considering.

What's Included? Comfort Premium
Lagoon admission Yes Yes
Towel Yes Yes
Private locker Yes Yes
Silica Mud Mask Yes Yes
Included drink Non-alcoholic Drink of choice
Bathrobe No Yes
Extra face masks No Two
Skincare gift No 10ml Silica Mask

Package inclusions are based on the Blue Lagoon's published information for 2026. Prices and package details can change, so check the current booking information.

Was the Premium Package Worth the Upgrade?

For us, yes. I particularly enjoyed trying the additional face masks, and having a bathrobe was useful when stepping out of the lagoon.

The Premium package also includes one drink of your choice from the swim-up bar, whereas Comfort includes a non-alcoholic drink from the included selection.

You also receive a small 10ml Silica Mud Mask to take home, which is a lovely little extra.

However, if you're on a tighter budget and simply want to experience the famous blue water, the Comfort package still includes the lagoon itself, a towel, locker, silica mask and a drink.

Personally, I'd compare the prices for your chosen date before deciding. If the difference is fairly small, I'd choose Premium again.

Small Blue Lagoon Silica Mud Mask skincare product included to take home with Premium admission
The little Silica Mud Mask included with our Premium package.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon: Reception, Lockers and Changing Rooms

When we arrived, we made our way to the main reception area and checked in for our 11am session.

The reception staff explained where everything was and issued us with electronic wristbands.

These wristbands are important because they act as your locker key, identify your package and allow you to purchase additional drinks and refreshments without carrying money into the lagoon.

Any additional purchases are charged to your wristband and settled when you leave.

After passing through reception, we came to the area where the Premium bathrobes were being handed out. We collected our robes and were directed towards the changing rooms.

Blue Lagoon Iceland entrance sign surrounded by geothermal water and volcanic rock
Arriving at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

What Are the Changing Rooms Like?

I was really impressed with the changing facilities.

Everything was modern, clean and spacious, with plenty of areas to get changed and a large number of lockers.

There were also private changing cubicles, which are useful if you're someone who prefers a little more privacy.

One thing worth knowing is that phones and cameras are not permitted in or around the changing rooms. This is understandably to protect everyone's privacy.

We had no issues finding somewhere to change or getting organised before entering the lagoon.

Are the Blue Lagoon Lockers Big Enough for Backpacks?

Yes! This was something I was particularly pleased about because we were visiting on our way to the airport and had our belongings with us.

I managed to fit my backpack, an additional carrier bag containing other items, my shoes and a large jacket into my locker without any problems.

You simply use your wristband to lock and unlock the locker.

Another really useful feature is that if you forget your locker number, there are machines where you can scan your wristband and find out which locker you've been allocated.

It's such a simple idea, but very useful when you've been relaxing in the lagoon for hours and can't remember where you left everything!

Do You Have to Shower Naked at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, all visitors must shower without swimwear before entering the Blue Lagoon.

This is normal practice in Iceland and other Nordic countries, where showering thoroughly before entering a shared bathing area is an important part of hygiene.

However, if you're feeling apprehensive about this, I really wouldn't worry.

Unlike some Nordic swimming pools and spas where showers are communal, the Blue Lagoon has private shower cubicles with doors.

You can therefore shower properly in private before putting your swimming costume on and heading into the lagoon.

Complimentary shower gel, shampoo and conditioner are provided, so you don't need to bring full-sized toiletries with you.

Protecting Your Hair at the Blue Lagoon

One tip I'd definitely recommend following is to tie your hair up before entering the water and apply plenty of conditioner, leaving it in your hair.

The Blue Lagoon's water contains a high concentration of silica, which can leave hair feeling extremely stiff, tangled and difficult to manage.

It doesn't permanently ruin your hair, but I certainly wouldn't want to deal with dry, tangled hair immediately before a flight.

I kept my hair tied up and avoided putting it under the water.

The Blue Lagoon provides conditioner in the changing rooms, so you can apply it before entering without having to bring your own.

Our Experience in the Blue Lagoon

Once we'd changed and showered, we were ready to head into the famous geothermal water.

There's an entrance area with steps and handrails leading into the lagoon, making it easy to get into the water gradually.

Wooden entrance platform with handrails leading down into the Blue Lagoon geothermal water
One of the entrance areas leading into the lagoon.

The first thing that struck me was how big the Blue Lagoon actually is.

I'd seen countless photographs and videos over the years, but I hadn't appreciated quite how much space there would be to explore.

There are different areas, little corners where you can relax, sections of deeper and shallower water, and facilities spread around the lagoon.

Even when there were plenty of other visitors, it didn't feel as overcrowded as I'd expected because everyone was spread out across such a large area.

Is the Blue Lagoon Really That Blue?

Yes, it really is!

We were fortunate enough to have a lovely clear day during our November visit, and the colour of the water was exactly as I'd hoped.

It was a beautiful milky blue, surrounded by dark volcanic rocks, with steam rising from the warm water.

Sometimes famous attractions can look much more impressive in promotional photographs than they do in real life, but I genuinely didn't feel disappointed by the Blue Lagoon.

In fact, I thought the colours were even more impressive when the sunlight caught the water.

Steaming milky-blue geothermal water at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland during November
The beautiful colour of the water during our November visit.
Exterior of the Blue Lagoon sauna surrounded by volcanic lava rocks
There are also sauna and steam facilities to enjoy.

How Warm Is the Blue Lagoon?

The lagoon is generally maintained at approximately 37–40°C, making it wonderfully warm even when the air temperature outside is cold.

We visited in November and never felt cold while relaxing in the water.

Interestingly, the temperature isn't exactly the same everywhere. As you move around, you'll notice some warmer areas, particularly where fresh geothermal water enters the lagoon.

I enjoyed finding these slightly hotter areas, especially when there was a breeze across the water.

The warmth makes it very tempting to stay in for hours, although it's important to take regular breaks and drink plenty of water.

How Does the Blue Lagoon Work?

One of the most interesting things I learnt during our visit was how the Blue Lagoon was created and how the water is kept clean.

Despite its natural appearance, the Blue Lagoon isn't a naturally occurring hot spring in the traditional sense.

Its water comes from deep beneath the volcanic landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula, where seawater and freshwater combine and become superheated underground.

At depth, the geothermal water can reach temperatures of around 240°C. It is brought to the surface and used at the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant, which harnesses the heat for energy production.

After much of that heat has been extracted, the mineral-rich water is used in the Blue Lagoon, where it is at a comfortable bathing temperature of approximately 38°C.

One of the fascinating things about the lagoon is that the water continually renews itself, with the full volume replaced naturally approximately every 40 hours.

The combination of silica, salt, minerals and the geothermal environment helps create conditions where many unwanted microorganisms struggle to thrive. The water is also regularly monitored and tested, meaning the lagoon doesn't need traditional chlorine disinfection.

The famous milky-blue colour comes from silica particles suspended in the water reflecting light.

It was fascinating learning how something that looks so natural has developed from Iceland's geothermal energy system.

Don't Miss the Blue Lagoon History Talk

At around 2pm, we listened to an informational talk given by one of the Blue Lagoon staff members, Tarik.

He stood beside the lagoon and explained the history of the Blue Lagoon, how the geothermal water works and some of the interesting facts about the attraction.

I found this really interesting, particularly learning about the temperatures underground and how the water is continually refreshed.

It's easy to spend your entire visit relaxing in the water without really understanding where it comes from, so I'd recommend listening to one of these talks if you get the opportunity.

Ask the staff about the storytelling times when you arrive, as the schedule may vary.

Blue Lagoon staff member Tarik presenting an informational talk about the lagoon's history and geothermal water
Tarik explaining the history and science behind the Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Face Masks: What Do You Get With Premium?

One of the features I was most looking forward to trying was the face mask bar.

Rather than having to leave the water for a treatment, you swim up to the mask station, where staff provide the different skincare masks included with your package.

All visitors receive access to the famous white Silica Mud Mask, while the Premium package includes two additional masks of your choice.

We tried three different masks during our visit: the Lava Scrub Mask, Silica Mud Mask and Algae Mask.

1. Lava Scrub Mask

We started with the Lava Scrub Mask, which is a very dark grey, almost black mask containing fine volcanic lava particles.

It's designed to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and leaving it feeling smoother.

However, I'm not going to lie, I found this one an absolute nightmare to wash off!

It was much more stubborn than I'd expected, and I spent ages at the rinsing station trying to remove every last bit.

There are mirrors and fresh running water stations around the lagoon specifically for washing off the different masks, which is really useful.

I'd recommend taking your time and being careful around your hairline when applying the Lava Scrub Mask.

Dark grey volcanic Lava Scrub Mask included as an extra treatment with Blue Lagoon Premium admission
The Lava Scrub Mask was definitely the hardest one to wash off!

2. Silica Mud Mask

Next, we tried the famous white Silica Mud Mask, which is included with every Blue Lagoon admission package.

This is the mask you often see people wearing in photographs from the lagoon.

It's designed to cleanse and purify the skin, using the natural silica found in the geothermal water.

During our visit, the silica mask was available for guests to return to at the mask station, so you weren't limited to one application in the same way as the additional Premium masks.

It's one of the iconic parts of visiting the Blue Lagoon and something I'd recommend trying even if you book the basic Comfort package.

3. Algae Mask

Our third mask was the green Algae Mask, which was probably my favourite of the three.

It had a lovely smooth texture and felt wonderful on my skin.

The Algae Mask is designed to nourish and hydrate the skin, and I found it a much more relaxing experience than trying to remove the Lava Scrub Mask!

I also liked that the Premium package gave us the opportunity to experience different types of skincare treatment rather than just the standard silica mask.

Washing Off the Masks

The Blue Lagoon has dedicated fresh-water rinsing stations around the lagoon, complete with mirrors, so you can remove the masks without having to get out and return to the changing rooms.

This makes the whole experience really convenient, especially if you want to try the masks at different points during your visit.

Blue Lagoon in-water mask rinsing station with mirrors and fresh running water for removing face masks
The mirrors and fresh-water stations make it easy to remove the masks while staying in the lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Swim-Up Bars, Drinks Prices and Free Water

Another lovely feature of the Blue Lagoon is being able to enjoy a drink without leaving the warm water.

There are swim-up bar facilities within the lagoon where you can order alcoholic drinks, juices, soft drinks and other refreshments.

With the Premium package, your first drink of choice is included in the admission price.

We chose the Blue Lagoon cocktail, which had a lovely refreshing, lime-style flavour.

It was such a nice experience sipping a drink while relaxing in the warm water, particularly with the beautiful scenery around us.

Swim-up drinks bar at the Blue Lagoon where visitors can order drinks without leaving the geothermal water
One of the swim-up bar areas at the Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon alcoholic cocktail enjoyed while relaxing in the geothermal spa water
Our included Blue Lagoon cocktail from the swim-up bar.

How Much Are Drinks at the Blue Lagoon?

As you'd probably expect from one of Iceland's most famous attractions, additional drinks aren't particularly cheap.

During our November 2026 visit, the prices were approximately:

Drink Price
Alcoholic drinks 1,890–2,190 ISK
Juices 1,490 ISK
Soft drinks 650–790 ISK

There were also non-alcoholic beers and a non-alcoholic version of the Blue Lagoon cocktail available.

We enjoyed a sparkling wine later in the day, which was an additional purchase.

The bar doesn't require you to carry cash or a bank card into the water. Any extra purchases are simply charged to your wristband and settled when you leave.

It's worth knowing that the Blue Lagoon has a maximum limit of three alcoholic drinks per person while using the lagoon.

Blue Lagoon swim-up bar sign advertising a blue seltzer cocktail priced at 2,190 Icelandic króna
The Blue Lagoon cocktail advertised at the swim-up bar.
Blue Lagoon drinks menu showing prices for alcoholic drinks, juices and soft drinks in Icelandic króna
The drinks menu and prices during our November 2026 visit.
Glass of sparkling wine held above the Blue Lagoon water on a sunny day in Iceland
Enjoying a sparkling wine later in the afternoon.

Free Drinking Water at the Blue Lagoon

One money-saving tip that I think is particularly useful is that you don't need to purchase drinks to stay hydrated.

There are fresh drinking-water stations around the Blue Lagoon where you can help yourself to water throughout your visit.

We enjoyed the drink included with our Premium package and purchased another drink later, but you could easily spend several hours in the lagoon without buying anything additional from the bar.

With the water being so warm, staying hydrated is especially important, and I'd recommend using the drinking-water stations regularly rather than waiting until you're thirsty.

Money-saving tip: Make use of the free drinking-water stations around the lagoon. You can still enjoy the drink included with your package without needing to keep spending money at the swim-up bar.

What Other Facilities Are at the Blue Lagoon?

Although the lagoon itself is the main attraction, there's more to do than simply sit in the geothermal water.

There are sauna and steam facilities, areas to relax, in-water face mask stations, swim-up drinks facilities and different sections of the lagoon to explore.

I particularly liked that the facilities were spread around rather than everything being concentrated in one small area.

This made it easy to spend several hours moving between different parts of the experience without feeling like we'd run out of things to do.

Saunas and Steam Facilities

The Blue Lagoon has sauna and steam facilities included with standard admission.

They're a nice addition to the experience, particularly if you're planning to spend several hours at the spa rather than making a quick visit.

We enjoyed exploring the lagoon and seeing the different facilities dotted around the site.

It's worth allowing enough time to use these areas as well as the mask bar and swim-up drinks facilities.

Blue Lagoon Café and Restaurant

There are food options at the Blue Lagoon, including a café and restaurant.

However, we found the prices relatively expensive and decided we didn't particularly want to pay for a full meal during our visit.

We had a breakfast-to-go bag from our hotel and had also bought some food from a bakery, which we ate afterwards.

One thing worth being aware of is that the Blue Lagoon's current policy doesn't allow guests to bring their own food into the facilities, so it's best to plan meals before or after your visit or use the food outlets on site.

For us, spending our money on the Premium spa experience itself was more appealing than paying extra for a meal.

Blue Lagoon café area where visitors can purchase refreshments and food during their spa visit
There are café and restaurant options available at the Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Skincare Shop

There's also a Blue Lagoon shop selling the brand's skincare products and other items.

Many of the products are inspired by the silica, algae and minerals found in the lagoon.

If you enjoy the face masks during your visit, it's worth having a look around the shop before leaving.

However, we were happy with the small Silica Mud Mask included with our Premium package and didn't need to purchase any additional skincare products.

Blue Lagoon skincare shop displaying beauty products inspired by Icelandic geothermal water
The Blue Lagoon shop sells a range of skincare products and souvenirs.

How Long Should You Spend at the Blue Lagoon?

This is one of the things I'd think carefully about before making your booking.

Unlike some spa experiences where you have a fixed two or three-hour session, the Blue Lagoon allows you to stay for as long as you like during its opening hours after your booked entry time.

We decided to make the most of this and treat our visit as a proper spa day rather than rushing through it.

Our admission was booked for 11am, and we stayed until approximately 2.45pm, giving us almost four hours to enjoy the facilities before getting ready for our airport transfer.

We spent time in the lagoon during the morning, took a break at around 1pm and then returned to the water for another hour and a half or so.

This gave us plenty of opportunity to try the masks, enjoy a drink, listen to the informational talk and explore the different areas.

We'd previously visited Sky Lagoon and spent approximately three hours there. In hindsight, I would have preferred four or five hours at Sky Lagoon because I felt we'd have enjoyed it more if we could have relaxed and taken our time getting showered and changed afterwards.

Having that extra flexibility at the Blue Lagoon made a real difference to the experience.

When Is the Blue Lagoon Quietest?

One thing we noticed during our visit was that the lagoon became much quieter during the afternoon.

When we first arrived around 11am, there were plenty of other visitors, although the size of the lagoon meant that it still didn't feel particularly crowded.

However, after our break, when we returned to the water during the early afternoon, the lagoon had noticeably quietened down.

There were fewer people around, and it felt even more relaxing.

Based on our experience, I'd definitely consider an early afternoon admission if you want to avoid some of the morning crowds.

Of course, this will vary depending on the time of year and how busy the Blue Lagoon is on your chosen day, but it was something we noticed during our November visit.

Can You Visit the Blue Lagoon Before Flying Home?

Yes, and I actually think it's one of the best ways to include the Blue Lagoon in a short Iceland trip.

As the Blue Lagoon is much closer to Keflavík Airport than central Reykjavík, it makes sense to combine the experience with your arrival or departure day if your flight times allow.

For us, visiting on the way home worked particularly well.

We checked out of our accommodation, travelled from Reykjavík to the Blue Lagoon, enjoyed several hours in the water and then took a pre-booked coach straight to the airport.

We didn't have to spend time or money returning to the city, and it meant we could make the most of our last day in Iceland.

Is There Luggage Storage at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The Blue Lagoon has a separate luggage storage facility near the main car park, which is particularly useful for anyone visiting directly before or after a flight.

According to the Blue Lagoon's published luggage information, larger bags can be stored for an additional fee, currently listed at 1,000 ISK per bag.

Smaller backpacks and bags may fit in the lockers included with your admission.

As we were travelling light, I was able to fit my backpack, carrier bag, shoes and jacket into my changing-room locker, so we didn't need the separate luggage storage facility.

This is one of the reasons I think the Blue Lagoon works so well for people travelling with just cabin luggage or an underseat bag.

Getting Ready for Our Flight

We got out of the lagoon at approximately 2.45pm because we wanted plenty of time to shower, wash and dry our hair, and get ourselves ready for the flight home.

After several hours in the warm water, I certainly didn't want to be rushing around trying to get dressed and pack everything away.

Our Destination Blue Lagoon coach to Keflavík Airport was booked for approximately 4pm, and we boarded from outside the attraction.

As with our earlier transfer, we simply showed our booking QR code to the driver.

The whole arrangement worked really well, although I'd always recommend checking the latest coach schedule and allowing plenty of time before your flight, particularly during winter when weather conditions can affect travel.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon Before Your Flight?

We found booking separate coach journeys very convenient, particularly when travelling from Reykjavík to the lagoon and then onwards to Keflavík Airport.

Book Blue Lagoon Airport and Reykjavík Transfers

Remember to check that your chosen departure time leaves enough time for airport check-in and security.

Is the Blue Lagoon Worth Visiting in November?

Yes! We visited on 9 November 2026, and the experience was every bit as enjoyable as I'd hoped.

Although Iceland can be cold, wet and windy during November, the lagoon itself stays wonderfully warm throughout the year.

We were particularly lucky with the weather on the day we visited, enjoying clear skies and lovely sunshine.

This really brought out the milky-blue colour of the water and made the whole setting look beautiful.

Even though we'd experienced some very wet weather in Reykjavík the previous day, we couldn't have asked for better conditions for our Blue Lagoon visit.

I'd happily visit during the winter months again, although I'd recommend checking the weather forecast and keeping an eye on any travel or operational updates, particularly during periods of severe weather or volcanic activity in the Reykjanes area.

Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon: Which Is Better?

Having now visited both the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, I can understand why people struggle to choose between the two.

They're both premium spa experiences, but they offer something quite different.

Blue Lagoon has the iconic milky-blue geothermal water, expansive surroundings, in-water face masks and the wonderful feeling of relaxing amongst black volcanic rocks.

Sky Lagoon, on the other hand, has a more dramatic oceanside setting, infinity-edge views and its signature spa ritual.

I enjoyed both experiences, and I wouldn't necessarily recommend choosing one purely because someone else says it's better.

If you're a spa lover and you're spending several days in Iceland, I'd seriously consider visiting more than one lagoon.

Each has something unique to offer, and I don't think visiting one makes the other unnecessary.

For a detailed comparison of the prices, facilities, locations and overall experiences, read our Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon guide.

You can also check Sky Lagoon tickets through GetYourGuide, with our BUILDABREAK5 discount available on eligible app bookings.

Are There Cheaper Alternatives to the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Although the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most iconic attractions, it certainly isn't the cheapest place to enjoy geothermal bathing.

Iceland has a wide range of thermal pools, local swimming pools and geothermal bathing experiences, some of which are considerably cheaper than the major tourist lagoons.

One alternative worth considering is the Secret Lagoon, which offers a more traditional geothermal bathing experience and generally costs less than the Blue Lagoon.

There are also some natural hot springs around Iceland that can be visited for little or no admission cost, although accessibility, facilities and safety vary considerably.

However, I think it's important to recognise that these experiences aren't necessarily direct substitutes for the Blue Lagoon.

Part of what you're paying for at the Blue Lagoon is the unique setting, modern facilities, face masks, swim-up bars and the overall spa experience.

If you're visiting Iceland on a budget, it's worth comparing your options before booking.

Compare Iceland's Geothermal Lagoons

Blue Lagoon Tickets

Sky Lagoon Tickets

Secret Lagoon Tickets

Save 5% on eligible GetYourGuide app bookings with code BUILDABREAK5.

What Should You Bring to the Blue Lagoon?

You don't need to bring a huge amount with you because towels, lockers and shower products are already included with admission.

However, there are a few things I'd recommend packing based on our experience.

Your swimming costume is the most important thing, along with clean underwear and clothes to change into afterwards.

I'd also bring a hair tie, particularly if you have longer hair, so you can keep it out of the silica-rich water.

A waterproof phone case is useful if you want to take photographs while in the lagoon, although remember that photography is not allowed in the changing rooms.

I'd also recommend bringing a separate bag for your wet swimming costume, especially if you're travelling straight to the airport afterwards.

If you're visiting before a flight, make sure you allow enough time to wash and dry your hair properly and get everything packed away before leaving.

We had plenty of time because we'd planned our day around the 4pm coach, but I wouldn't recommend booking a transfer that leaves you rushing through the changing rooms.

Is the Blue Lagoon Worth It? Our Honest Verdict

For us, the Blue Lagoon was definitely worth visiting, and I'd happily go again.

It's not a cheap experience, particularly once you factor in transport and any additional drinks or food, but I felt the quality of the facilities and the overall experience justified the cost.

The lagoon was much bigger than I'd expected, the water was beautifully warm and the famous milky-blue colour looked just as lovely in person as it does in photographs.

I was also impressed by how modern and spacious the changing rooms were, particularly the private showers and large lockers, which made visiting before our flight much easier.

The Premium package added something extra to the experience, especially the different face masks, included drink, bathrobe and small skincare gift.

I also enjoyed learning about the history of the lagoon during the informational talk, and it was interesting to discover how the geothermal water works and how it's kept clean.

One of my biggest recommendations would be not to rush the experience. If you're spending this amount of money on admission, I'd allow at least four hours, and longer if you want a really relaxed spa day.

We noticed the lagoon became quieter in the afternoon, so that's also something I'd consider when choosing an admission time.

Finally, if you're visiting Iceland without a car, I'd definitely recommend considering the Blue Lagoon on your way to or from Keflavík Airport. Our Destination Blue Lagoon transfers made the whole experience straightforward, and it was a lovely way to finish our trip.

Although there are cheaper geothermal pools in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is an iconic experience, and I'm really pleased we included it in our itinerary.

If you enjoy spa experiences, I wouldn't necessarily limit yourself to just one Icelandic lagoon either. Having visited both Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, I think they're different enough to make both worthwhile if you have the time and budget.

Planning Your Own Blue Lagoon Visit?

Compare Comfort and Premium ticket prices for your travel dates and book your preferred entry time in advance.

Check Blue Lagoon Tickets on GetYourGuide

Use BUILDABREAK5 for 5% off eligible bookings through the GetYourGuide app.

You can also book Blue Lagoon coach transfers if you're travelling without a hire car.


Blue Lagoon Iceland FAQs

How long can you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

After entering at your booked admission time, you can generally stay for as long as you like during the opening hours. We spent almost four hours there and would recommend allowing at least three to four hours if you want to enjoy the facilities without rushing.

Is the Blue Lagoon suitable for people who don't like communal changing rooms?

The changing rooms are shared, but private changing cubicles and individual shower cubicles with doors are available. You must shower without swimwear before entering the lagoon, but you can do this privately.

Does the Blue Lagoon provide towels?

Yes. Towels are included with Comfort and Premium admission. Premium also includes the use of a bathrobe.

Do you need to bring shampoo and conditioner?

No. Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided in the changing rooms. I'd particularly recommend using the conditioner before entering the water to help protect your hair from the effects of silica.

Can you take photographs at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, photographs are allowed in the lagoon itself, provided you respect other visitors' privacy. However, phones and cameras are not permitted in or around the changing rooms.

Is the Blue Lagoon safe for children?

Children aged two and over can visit the main Blue Lagoon, with younger children subject to the attraction's supervision and safety requirements. Children under two are not permitted. Always check the latest age rules and requirements before booking.

Can you visit the Blue Lagoon with luggage?

Yes. There is a separate luggage storage facility near the car park for larger bags, while smaller backpacks and belongings may fit in the changing-room lockers. We were able to fit our travel bags and jackets into our locker without any issues.

Does the Blue Lagoon have free drinking water?

Yes. There are drinking-water stations around the lagoon and in the changing facilities, so you can stay hydrated without having to purchase additional drinks from the swim-up bar.

Is the Blue Lagoon worth the Premium upgrade?

I thought so. The extra masks, bathrobe, drink of choice and take-home skincare gift made the experience feel more special. However, Comfort still includes the main lagoon, sauna and steam facilities, towel, silica mask and a non-alcoholic drink, so it's a good option if you're trying to keep costs down.

Should you visit Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?

We've also visited Sky Lagoon on a separate trip to Iceland, when we flew over from the UK for my daughter's 16th birthday. It was a completely different experience, with a beautiful ocean-view infinity pool, private changing facilities and an incredible seven-step spa ritual. You can read all about our experience in our Sky Lagoon Iceland Review.

Both are worth considering. Blue Lagoon is famous for its unique milky-blue geothermal water and has a convenient location for visiting before or after a flight. Sky Lagoon offers a different experience with its oceanside infinity pool and spa ritual. Read our Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon comparison to help you decide.


More Iceland Travel Guides

Planning a short break in Iceland? You might also enjoy our Iceland Extreme Day Trip itinerary, which shows how we experienced Iceland in just one day.

If you're trying to keep costs down, have a look at our budget-friendly things to do in Iceland guide for more inspiration.

We also have a dedicated Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon comparison to help you choose which geothermal spa is right for your trip.

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