A trip to the lagoon isn't complete without crossing the road to see the jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and diamond beach. Here, icebergs that have floated out to sea are washed back onto the black volcanic sand by the tide.
Getting from jokulsarlon glacier lagoon to diamond beach is incredibly easy. They are located directly across Route 1 (the Ring Road) from each other. You can reach the beach via a 2-minute walk or by driving across the bridge to the smaller parking lots on either side of the river outlet.
While often mentioned together, jökulsárlón glacier lagoon vs diamond beach offer different experiences. The lagoon is where the icebergs originate and float calmly. Diamond Beach is where they meet the Atlantic Ocean and are broken down into the "diamonds" found on the sand.
When planning your visit, you should allow for at least 3-4 hours for both attractions. This gives you enough time for a boat tour at the lagoon (1 hour) and a leisurely walk along the shoreline of Diamond Beach (1 hour), with buffer time for photography.
Pro Tip: Visit the lagoon first for the boat tour, then head to the beach as the sun begins to set for the best lighting conditions.