From the shore, the icebergs at Jökulsárlón look like a postcard. From a kayak at water level, they look like buildings, and they creak.

Jökulsárlón, on the south-east coast below the Vatnajökull ice cap, is one of Iceland's best-known natural sights. Iceguide takes you onto the lagoon itself for a fully guided 90-minute paddle among floating icebergs, with views up to the glacier and the vast dome of ice above it. Seals and birds share the water with you.

Glacier lagoon kayaking: what you'll do

Iceguide uses sit-on-top kayaks, which are very stable and suitable for people who have never kayaked before. You get a dry suit and the rest of the gear, and then it is out onto the lagoon with your guide. The tour is rated easy. It is also a quiet way to see the lagoon: no engines, just paddles.

It suits first-time paddlers who want more than the view from the car park, travellers who prefer a quiet, low-impact way to explore, and anyone who has already walked the shore and wants to get closer to the ice.

What's included

• Kayak and paddle
• Two-piece dry suit
• Life vest
• Shoes

What to bring

The dry suit keeps the water out, but it does not keep you warm on its own. Iceguide asks you to bring:

• Warm clothing to wear under the dry suit
• Good socks
• Gloves
• A hat
• Sunglasses on sunny days

Pro tip: Pick wool or synthetic base layers rather than cotton to wear under the dry suit, and pack a spare pair of socks for the drive afterwards. Sunlight off the ice is brighter than you expect, so do not skip the sunglasses.