Know Before You Go: Visiting the Blue Lagoon

While hours at the Blue Lagoon vary throughout the year, the spa is generally open from early in the morning until late at night. The most popular time to visit is during the day, from 9am–1pm. Tickets for these times are generally a bit more expensive and tend to sell out first. To enjoy less crowded conditions and lower prices, consider arriving early in the morning or visiting later in the day.

Insider tip: You must get out of the water 30 minutes before closing time.

While tickets to the Blue Lagoon ensure all-day access, many people find that two hours is plenty. That’s enough time to soak in warm water, enjoy a mud mask or two, and sip a drink from the in-water bar. It’s worth budgeting extra time if you’re going to get a spa treatment or dine at one of the on-site restaurants. (Meal options at the Blue Lagoon range from snacks at the casual Blue Café to a Michelin-starred tasting menu at Moss Restaurant.)

Insider tip: While regular spa tickets are good all day, entry to the high-end Retreat Spa is limited to a 5-hour window.

The Blue Lagoon is open year-round, but the experience changes dramatically with the season. During the summer months, you can stay up late under a midnight sun enjoying views of the surrounding lava landscape through the steamy air. Conversely, Iceland’s fall and winter offer dark skies ideal for spotting the northern lights, which sometimes flicker right above the lagoon itself. (If you’re hoping to see the northern lights at the Blue Lagoon, remember that peak viewing season is from September through March.)

Insider tip: Winter weather can be very cold; in freezing conditions, consider bringing a hat to keep your ears warm while you’re in the water.

Tickets to the Blue Lagoon sell out, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Once you’ve decided on a date, there are also a number of ticket types to choose from: Basic “comfort” entrance tickets include the entry fee, a towel, a silica mud mask, and one drink at the in-water bar. Upgrade to “premium” tickets and you’ll get two additional masks and the use of a bathrobe. Tickets to the luxurious Retreat Spa include access to the main lagoon, as well as the smaller and more exclusive Retreat Lagoon where guests enjoy upgraded amenities and treatments.

Insider tip: Weekday tickets typically cost less than weekend tickets.

The water at the Blue Lagoon is packed with silica, a naturally occurring mineral that’s great for your skin. It won’t hurt your hair, but it can leave your mane feeling temporarily dry and matted. To avoid that, some travelers choose to tie up long hair and keep it out of the water. Others intentionally dunk it in the mineral-rich water. Either way, you can simply wash and condition your hair after leaving the water with the products provided in the showers. (If you do notice a drying effect, don’t panic—your hair will return to normal after a few washes.)

Insider tip: Slather your locks with conditioner before getting in the water to protect your hair from the silica.

Bathing suits are required to enter the lagoon and saunas. But don’t worry if you forget to pack one—rental suits are available at reception and range in size from small to extra large. You also can bring a T-shirt and shorts to wear over your bathing suit, if you prefer, and burkinis are permitted. Optional items to pack include flip-flops and either a warm cap for freezing conditions or a brimmed hat to shade your face on sunny days. Sunglasses are a good idea, too, as the water’s reflectivity can create an intense glare. Just leave jewelry at home; the minerals in the water can tarnish metal.

Insider tip: The geothermal seawater won’t hurt bathing suits, but the spa recommends you wash yours with soap and water before leaving.

There are two ways for wheelchair users to enter the Blue Lagoon. Specially designed plastic wheelchairs, available for free at the front desk, can roll down a ramp and directly into the lagoon. There’s also an access lift with straps that can be used to transfer visitors into the water from their own wheelchairs. Keep in mind that while the deepest part of the lagoon is 4.7 feet (1.4 meters), most places are shallower. A map by the lagoon’s entrance displays the water’s depths and temperatures.

Insider tip: Travelers requiring support from a personal assistant can request complimentary entry for their helper.

Water depths at the Blue Lagoon range from 2.6 feet (0.8 meters) to 4.7 feet (1.4 meters), so there is plenty of room for non-swimmers to lounge and relax. The shallowest spots tend to be at the edges of the lagoon, and the water grows deeper towards the middle. To navigate the water safely, check out the detailed map at the lagoon entrance that lists all depths.

Insider tip: Floaties are available upon request.

The Blue Lagoon is located just 20 minutes from Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport, which makes it a great place to visit on your day of arrival or departure. Some tours will even pick you up at the airport, take you to the spa, then deliver you to hotels in Reykjavik (or vice versa).

There’s also a long list of sites within easy driving distance of the Blue Lagoon, and there are tours that offer a convenient way to combine several stops into a single day. To make the most of your visit, consider booking Blue Lagoon tickets as part of a longer day tour featuring activities such as exploring the Golden Circle, hiking an active volcano, and sightseeing in Reykjavik.

Insider tip: Taxis between the airport and the Blue Lagoon can be pricey, making pre-booked tours that include transit a smart option.

• Is the Blue Lagoon man-made? Yes, the lagoon is man-made, using water from the nearby geothermal power plant.
• Why is the Blue Lagoon so blue? The lagoon’s brilliant color comes from naturally occurring silica in the water, which reflects light. Because the precise mineral content fluctuates, the color varies from day to day.
• How far is the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik? The Blue Lagoon is 31 miles (50 kilometers) from downtown Reykjavik.
• How far is the Blue Lagoon from Keflavik International Airport? The Blue Lagoon is 14 miles (23 kilometers) from the airport.