Sky Lagoon Review: Is It Really Worth It? My Honest Opinion
Sky Lagoon exceeded every expectation I had, and I came in with high ones. If you’re building out your Iceland itinerary and wondering whether to add it in — do it. Book it now! Here’s everything you need to know so you can make the most of every relaxing minute.
Sky Lagoon Pass Options: Which One Should You Book?
Sky Lagoon offers a few different ticket options, so let me break them down quickly so you’re not staring at the booking page, confused.
- Sér pass — the premium experience. Includes the 7-step Skjól ritual, a private changing suite, and towels.
- Saman pass — the standard option. Includes the 7-step Skjól ritual, public changing facilities, and towels.
- Sky Lagoon for Two — a couples package that includes (2) Sér passes plus (2) drinks at the lagoon bar.
Note: Towels are included in all packages.
We booked the Sér pass because we specifically wanted private changing quarters. Having that private space to shower, change, and decompress at our own pace was very much appreciated.
We came to the Sky Lagoon to be pampered, and the Sér pass delivered exactly that.
Grab your Sky Lagoon pass here and treat yourself →
If you’re on a tighter budget, the Saman pass is still a solid choice, but if you can swing the upgrade? Do it.
Next time, I’d go even bigger with the Sky Lagoon for Two package, which offers one drink per guest (house wine, draft beer, or nonalcoholic drinks).
What It’s Like When You Arrive
From the moment we walked in, everything felt seamless. Immaculate facilities, friendly staff who walked us through the whole process, and attentive staff in the private changing area.
You get two black wristbands: one for access to the 7-step ritual, and a second that opens your locker and works as a contactless payment throughout the lagoon. At checkout, you settle your tab before leaving.
Stepping into the pool felt like a warm hug.
The infinity lagoon featured basalt columns that reminded me of the South Coast of Iceland, and the water blends right into the ocean.
Photos honestly don’t do it justice.
Even with a good crowd, it never felt packed. There was always a quiet corner to find, a spot to float, a ledge to lean against, and just… relax.
The 7-Step Skjól Ritual
Iceland is known for its bath culture, which makes Sky Lagoon distinctly Icelandic rather than just a nice pool. Head to the turf house on the left-hand side to begin.
The cold plunge is easy to miss (right near the entrance). This is the only step you can repeat, so embrace the cold temperatures and shock to your system.
Next, head to one of the two saunas with ocean views. One of the saunas is device-free, so you can fully disconnect.
Right after sweating in the sauna, head to the refreshingly cold mist. In the next area, you’ll find the Mýkt body scrub, then go to the steam room. For step six, rinse off in the shower and down a small cup of Saft Elixir to hydrate.
Sitting in that sauna, watching waves crash against the rocks while a sand timer counts down, was one of the most relaxing moments of our trip. A couple of seals popped their heads up out of the ocean for a few seconds. Felt like a perfectly-timed hello and acknowledgment.
Also, my husband had been dealing with a lingering ankle injury that mysteriously disappeared by the end of the day. Make of that what you will. 😄
I’m just saying, something about this place is magical.
Book the Skjól ritual and find out for yourself!
How to Get to Sky Lagoon
If you’re renting a car, the Lagoon is only 20 minutes from downtown, and parking is free.
No rental car? No problem.
We booked the add-on transportation package when we purchased our tickets, and it was 100% worth the extra cost. The shuttle picked us up at Hotel Muli, made a quick stop at BSÍ Bus Terminal, and dropped us right at Sky Lagoon — about 20 minutes total. The return trip had multiple departure windows, so you can stay as long as you want.
Book your Sky Lagoon ticket with shuttle transfer now.
Not having to think about directions, parking, or timing made the whole day feel effortless from start to finish.
No rental car? No stress. The shuttle picks you up, drops you off, and brings you back. All you have to do is show up and live your best life. Book Sky Lagoon with round-trip transportation here.
Read Next: Do You Need To Rent a Car in Iceland?
What to Pack
Here’s what to bring with you:
- Swimsuit
- Cover-up
- Hat or earmuffs (if you’re visiting in fall or winter)
- Sunglasses (heads up: they’ll fog in the steam)
- Flip flops
- Swimming cap
- Hairbrush or comb + hair ties
- Waterproof phone case
- Lotion
Already on-site:
- Towels
- Body wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Lotion
Food, Drinks & Atmosphere
After the ritual, drift back into the geothermal lagoon. There’s a swim-up bar, the water stays warm and soothing, and the whole vibe is calm, romantic, and unhurried. We spent most of our time at the infinity edge watching the horizon.
Experience Sky Lagoon – Check availability and book your Sky Lagoon tickets here →
Photography Tips (Learn From Me)
The lagoon is gorgeous, and yes, you’ll want photos. But holding a waterproof case above the water gets tiring way faster than you’d think.
My Advice: Take photos halfway through your visit, then put the phone down and enjoy the experience.
Is Sky Lagoon Right For You?
Solo travelers, friend groups, couples, and honeymooners — the atmosphere is romantic and designed for long conversations and slowing down together.
You’ll meet other visitors, so don’t feel shy about saying hello and sparking a conversation.
Families are welcome, but the vibe skews more spa than water park. Best suited for older kids who can appreciate a quieter experience.
My Top Tips Before You Go
Book online early. Slots sell out, especially on summer and fall weekends. As soon as your Iceland dates are locked in, grab your tickets.
Double-check what’s included in your pass before you commit. If you prefer a private changing, shuttle service, and even drinks, select the right passes and add-ons accordingly.
Give yourself more time than you think. We arrived at 11:30 a.m. and left at 3:30 p.m., and even after four hours, I wished we’d stayed longer. Linger – do not rush the experience.
Make it your main activity for the day. Don’t stack it with a big tour or a long hike. You’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
Deciding between Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon? Let’s break it down.
Which is Better: Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon?
This is one of the most common questions I get about Iceland, so let’s address it.
Sky Lagoon is rooted in traditional Icelandic bathing culture. The ocean views are extraordinary, the design is thoughtful, and the 7-step Skjól ritual is designed to slow you down in the best possible way. The minimum age is 12, so no children under 12 are allowed, making it ideal for adults seeking a calmer, more meaningful spa experience. Lastly, the water isn’t harsh on your hair (which matters a lot for curly hair).
Blue Lagoon has picturesque milky-blue water. It’s famous for its silica mud bath and infamous for drying out your hair, so avoid fully submersing your body. It’s a lot bigger, a lot busier, and a lot more tourist-forward. Blue Lagoon is often bundled with airport transfers, which makes it convenient if you’re arriving or leaving Iceland.
Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Sky Lagoon | Blue Lagoon | |
| Vibe | Intimate, calm, spa-like | Iconic, tourist-forward |
| Location | 20 minutes from Reykjavík | 45 minutes from Reykjavík, near airport |
| Minimum Age | 12 years old | 2 years old |
| Signature Experience | 7-Step Skjól Ritual | Silica mud bath + algae mask |
| Getting There | Shuttle add-on available | Airport transfer packages available |
| Crowds | Manageable | Can get very crowded |
| Price Range | $$ | $$$ |
| Best For | Couples, relaxation seekers | Airport stopovers, families, bucket list travelers |
My Hot Take: If you want a peaceful, luxurious spa experience close to Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon wins.
If you need a stopover between the airport and the city, or checking off Iceland’s most famous attraction is on your wish list, the Blue Lagoon makes sense.
Final Thoughts: Is Sky Lagoon Worth It?
Is Sky Lagoon worth the money? Here’s my take.
Yes. Without hesitation, I would go back again!
Sky Lagoon is touristy, but it’s not a tourist trap.
The infinity lagoon, the ocean-view sauna, the seamless experience from check-in to checkout — it all added up to one of our favorite things to do in Iceland. And I’ve been to Iceland four times.
Even with other visitors around, it never felt chaotic, rowdy, or crowded.
Everything was so smooth that we barely had to think, and that’s exactly what you want from a spa day.
Book the ritual and include round-trip transportation. Block off the rest of your day. Thank me later. ☺️
Ready to book? → Reserve your Sky Lagoon tickets for an unforgettable experience.
Still planning your trip? Check out my 5-Day Iceland itinerary and South Coast itinerary for more fun things to do in Iceland.
Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
