Wind: The Deciding Factor
While rain and cold are expected in Iceland, wind is what determines if your boat tour can depart. High winds (typically above 8-10 m/s) can create unsafe swells in the lagoon, leading to cancellations. Zodiac and Kayaking tours are more sensitive to wind than the heavy Amphibian boats.
| Wind | Amphibian boat | Zodiac | Kayak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 8 m/s | Runs | Runs | Runs |
| 8–10 m/s | Usually runs | Marginal | Often cancelled |
| 10–15 m/s | Marginal | Usually cancelled | Cancelled |
| Over 15 m/s | Cancelled | Cancelled | Cancelled |
The heavy amphibian boat tolerates more wind than anything else on the lagoon, which is why it is the safer booking if your itinerary has no spare day. If a trip is cancelled for weather the operator refunds or rebooks it — you are not left out of pocket, but you may be left without a slot, because the next clear day fills quickly in summer. Compare the amphibian and Zodiac boat tours to see which one suits the forecast you are looking at.