Incredible Iceland: Waterfalls, Glaciers, and Diving Between Two Continents

Iceland had been on my travel bucket list for years, but I never imagined an Instagram story would be the reason I finally booked the trip.

Like many people, I had been following Byron Conroy's incredible photography on Instagram. His images of Iceland looked almost unreal. Towering waterfalls, glaciers glowing shades of blue, and crystal-clear water that seemed too perfect to exist. One day I shared one of his photos to my Instagram story and mentioned that Iceland was at the top of my dream destinations.

Not long afterward, Byron reached out. What started as a conversation about photography quickly turned into chatting about scuba diving in Iceland, the incredible Silfra Fissure, and the small group expeditions he was leading with Arctic Adventures.

The more we talked, the more I realized this was exactly how I wanted to experience Iceland. Rather than trying to rent a car, navigate unfamiliar roads, and figure everything out myself, I could explore the country alongside local guides who knew it inside and out. Arctic Adventures handled all of the logistics, allowing me to simply enjoy the adventure.

A small group of us decided to travel together in early September 2023, a time that turned out to be absolutely perfect. The summer crowds had begun to thin, temperatures were still comfortable for hiking, waterfalls were flowing, and the nights were finally becoming dark enough to give us a chance at seeing the Northern Lights. We ended up experiencing all of it.

Looking back, I thought I was booking a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Iceland. Instead, I found an incredible country, made lifelong friends, and began a friendship with Byron that would eventually lead to many more adventures together, both above and below the surface.

Planning & Packing

Before leaving for Iceland, I spent far too much time researching what to pack. Every website seemed to recommend something different, but after experiencing Iceland's famously unpredictable weather, one piece of advice stood above everything else:

Bring layers. Make them waterproof.

Sunshine, sideways rain, and strong winds can all happen within the same hour.

The biggest thing I would change? I wish I had packed my waterproof ski jacket instead of my cute puffer. It looked great in photos around Reykjavík, but a true waterproof shell would have been much more practical at waterfalls, on glacier hikes, and during some very windy days.

Here's what made the trip:

• Waterproof jacket (bring a proper shell if you have one)
• Waterproof rain pants (the MVP of the trip)
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Warm gloves
• Beanie
• Plenty of base layers
• Small daypack
• Reusable water bottle
• Leave-in conditioner
• Chapstick
• Hand lotion
• Sunscreen
• My scuba mask and dive computer (I rented the rest of my drysuit gear but always prefer my own mask and computer.)

If you're wondering what to pack for your own trip, Arctic Adventures has one of the best month-by-month packing guides I found while planning.

Book your Flybus ticket in advance!

The Hotel

We stayed at Grandi by Center Hotels in Reykjavík, and I would absolutely stay there again. The location was fantastic, just a short walk from the harbor, great restaurants, shopping, the Reykjavík waterfront, and the Aurora Reykjavík (Northern Lights Center). It was also far enough from the busiest tourist streets that it felt a little quieter at the end of the day.

One thing that's worth planning for before you arrive is your first morning in Iceland. Most nonstop flights from the U.S. East Coast land at Keflavík around 6:00 a.m., while most hotels don't allow check-in until the afternoon. Unless you've booked your room for the night before, expect to spend several hours exploring before you can get into your room.

Rather than fighting the jet lag, embrace it. Drop your luggage at the hotel, grab a coffee, and start wandering Reykjavík. We spent the morning exploring the waterfront, browsing local shops, and getting our first taste of Iceland before eventually checking into the hotel. Looking back, it was one of my favorite days because it forced us to slow down and simply soak in the city.

Breakfast at Grandi was excellent, with a nice mix of traditional breakfast favorites and Icelandic specialties. If you've never tried skyr, definitely give it a chance. Although it's often compared to yogurt, it's thicker, higher in protein, and became one of my favorite Icelandic foods during the trip.

One of my favorite parts of staying in this neighborhood was simply walking around. The streets are filled with charming cafés, locally owned shops, colorful buildings, and plenty of places to browse for souvenirs. I couldn't resist the hand-knit Icelandic wool sweaters, and I still smile every time I see the little felt Icelandic elves that seemed to be in every gift shop.

Grandi by Center Hotels

A cute and colorful street just outside the hotel

Arctic Adventures

Every excursion during my trip was booked through Arctic Adventures, and looking back, I wouldn't have done it any other way.

From the very beginning, planning the trip was incredibly easy. Byron and Mattia were responsive, patient, and genuinely invested in making sure everything came together. Whether I had questions about the itinerary, packing, or which adventures were worth adding, they were always happy to help.

One thing that really impressed me was how well the team adapted when Iceland's famously unpredictable weather had other plans. Our first day didn't exactly cooperate, but rather than simply canceling activities, they adjusted the schedule and made sure we still had an incredible experience. That's one of the biggest advantages of traveling with a local company. They know the country, they know the conditions, and they know how to pivot when Mother Nature throws a curveball.

Everything throughout the week felt seamless. Transportation was organized, guides were knowledgeable, pickup times were clear, and I never had to worry about the logistics. That allowed me to spend my time enjoying Iceland instead of figuring out where I needed to be next.

For this trip, I booked:

Golden Circle Tour
Glacier Hike
South Coast Day Tour
Silfra Two Tank Scuba Dive
Northern Lights Tour

Every one of these experiences was memorable for a different reason, and I'll share the highlights of each throughout the rest of this guide. If you're visiting Iceland for the first time and want someone else to handle the planning while you simply enjoy the adventure, I can't recommend Arctic Adventures enough.

Arctic Adventures

Non-diving Activities

Sky Lagoon

If you only have time for one geothermal spa in Iceland, make it Sky Lagoon. It ended up being one of my favorite experiences of the entire trip.

I highly recommend upgrading to the Sky Pass, which includes the signature seven-step ritual. From the cold plunge and steam room to the beautifully designed sauna overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, every part of the experience felt relaxing and uniquely Icelandic. The sauna alone is worth the upgrade. Sitting there with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the coastline is something I'll never forget.

The facilities were spotless, the changing rooms were spacious, and the swim-up bar was the perfect place to grab a glass of champagne while soaking in the warm water. Watching the sun begin to set from the lagoon's stunning infinity edge was easily one of the highlights of my time in Reykjavík. I honestly could have spent the entire day there.

Sky Lagoon is only about a 10 to 15-minute taxi ride from downtown Reykjavík, making it an easy addition to almost any itinerary.

My biggest tip: book your tickets well in advance. Time slots regularly sell out, especially during the busy travel season.

Sky Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most iconic attractions, and I'm glad I experienced it at least once. That said, if I had to choose between the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, Sky Lagoon wins every time.

The Blue Lagoon is much larger and noticeably more crowded, giving it a busier, more touristy feel. The milky blue water is beautiful, the complimentary silica face masks are a fun touch, and the swim-up bar is a nice addition. It's easy to see why it's on so many people's Iceland itineraries.

My biggest surprise was what the mineral-rich water did to my hair.

I had heard people warn about it, but I honestly underestimated just how drying it would be. Even after coating my hair with conditioner beforehand and rinsing afterward, my hair felt incredibly dry, and it took weeks to get it back to normal.

If you have long hair, learn from my mistake. Saturate it with fresh water before getting in, work a generous amount of conditioner through it, and keep it tied up if you can. Your future self will thank you.

Would I recommend visiting? Absolutely, especially if it's your first trip to Iceland. Would I personally go back? Probably not. For me, Sky Lagoon offered a more relaxing atmosphere, better views, and an overall experience I enjoyed much more.

Blue Lagoon

Geysir Geothermal Area

Visiting the Geysir Geothermal Area was one of those classic Iceland experiences you simply can't skip. Watching the steaming landscape bubble away beneath your feet is fascinating, and every few minutes Strokkur erupts, sending a towering column of water high into the air. Even knowing it's coming, it's still exciting every single time.

The visitor center is also worth spending some time in. I found one of my favorite gift shops of the trip there, filled with beautiful Icelandic wool sweaters, cozy cardigans, locally made souvenirs, and my personal weakness—adorable felt Icelandic elves inspired by Icelandic folklore. If you're looking for authentic gifts to bring home, this is a great place to browse.

Iceland's Waterfalls

If you ask me what I miss most about Iceland, the answer is easy: the waterfalls.

I've traveled to more than 60 countries, and nowhere else have I seen waterfalls quite like Iceland's. They're everywhere. Around almost every bend in the road you'll spot another cascade tumbling off ancient cliffs, each one somehow more impressive than the last.

Between the Golden Circle and South Coast tours, we visited several incredible waterfalls, and every single one was worth the stop. Some are thunderous and powerful, while others seem to spill gently over moss-covered cliffs. Each has its own personality.

My favorite was Seljalandsfoss. There's something magical about being able to walk behind the waterfall and look out through the curtain of water across the Icelandic countryside. Just be prepared—you will get wet, so having waterproof clothing is absolutely worth it.

If you're planning your itinerary and wondering whether another waterfall stop is worth your time, the answer is always yes. Trust me, you won't get tired of them.

The Icelandic Horses

I'll be honest I'm usually not much of a horse person. I've always believed that large animals deserve their space, and I'm perfectly happy admiring them from a distance.

The Icelandic horses completely changed that.

They were some of the friendliest, most curious animals I've ever met. Many of them happily wandered over to say hello, looking for a scratch behind the ears or simply curious about the visitors. I could have spent hours standing by the fence just watching them interact with each other.

Beyond their personalities, Icelandic horses are incredibly unique. They're one of the purest horse breeds in the world and are famous for their distinctive tölt, a smooth, four-beat gait that allows riders to travel comfortably over long distances while the horse seems to glide effortlessly across the ground. Seeing it in person is fascinating and unlike anything I'd seen before.

Even if horseback riding isn't on your itinerary, don't pass up the opportunity to stop and meet a few of these incredible animals. They ended up being one of the unexpected highlights of my trip.

Glacier Hike at Sólheimajökull

Hiking on Sólheimajökull Glacier was one of those experiences that made me stop and think, "How is this real?"

After getting fitted with crampons and a helmet, we set out across the glacier with our guide leading the way. Walking on ancient ice surrounded by deep blue crevasses, towering ridges, and ever-changing textures was unlike anything I'd experienced before. Every few minutes we would stop to learn about how glaciers form, how they're constantly moving, and how dramatically they've changed over the years.

Our guide was fantastic, balancing fascinating information with plenty of laughs along the way. They made everyone feel comfortable on the ice while pointing out features we never would have noticed on our own.

No matter how many photos or videos I share, they simply don't capture the scale of standing on a glacier. It's one of those places you truly have to experience for yourself.

If you're debating whether to add a glacier hike to your Iceland itinerary, my vote is an enthusiastic yes. It was easily one of the highlights of the trip and an adventure I'll never forget.

a glacier in Iceland — SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL GLACIER

Chasing the Northern Lights

We got lucky.

We saw the Northern Lights.

Seeing the aurora dance across the Icelandic sky had been on my bucket list for years, and somehow it was even more incredible than I had imagined.

One thing many people don't realize is that there are no guarantees when it comes to the Northern Lights. You need the right combination of solar activity, clear skies, and a little bit of luck. Our guide spent the entire evening tracking cloud cover and aurora forecasts, driving us to several different locations in search of the best conditions. Watching how much effort went into finding the perfect viewing spot made me appreciate the experience even more.

His persistence paid off.

Around 1:00 a.m., the sky came alive with ribbons of green light dancing overhead. Everyone stood there in complete awe, bundled up against the cold and soaking in a moment I'll never forget.

If you're hoping to see the Northern Lights, my biggest piece of advice is to dress warmer than you think you'll need to. Standing outside late at night waiting for the aurora can get surprisingly cold, even in early September. Wear plenty of layers, warm boots, gloves, and a hat—you'll be much happier while you wait.

The Northern Lights are never guaranteed, but if you're lucky enough to catch them, it's one of the most magical experiences Iceland has to offer.

Scuba Diving the Silfra Fissure

If I'm being honest, Silfra Fissure was the entire reason I wanted to visit Iceland.

As a scuba instructor, this dive had been on my bucket list for years. Where else can you dive in some of the clearest water on Earth while literally swimming between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates?

The visibility is almost impossible to describe. The glacial water is naturally filtered through volcanic rock for decades before reaching Silfra, creating water so incredibly clear that it often feels like you're flying instead of diving. Looking down through the fissure, you can see every crack, rock, and every brilliant shade of blue beneath you.

The water stays around 2 to 4°C (35 to 39°F) year round, but with a properly fitted drysuit I was surprisingly comfortable. Arctic Adventures has this experience down to a science. Everything was exceptionally well organized, from getting fitted for our equipment to the dive briefing and the dives themselves. Their drysuits, hoods, gloves, and regulators were all in excellent condition. Between dives, we warmed up in a heated van with a cup of hot chocolate, which was exactly what everyone needed after spending time in glacier fed water.

Mattia was my dive guide, and he was absolutely fantastic. Calm, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about Silfra, he made the entire experience feel effortless. Nick and Gunn were also part of the team that day, and they were just wonderful. Everyone genuinely seemed excited to share one of Iceland's most incredible dive sites with us.

One of the nicest surprises was that Byron came out to photograph our group. Having someone whose photography first inspired me to visit Iceland capture such a memorable dive was incredibly special. Those photos are some of my favorite from any trip I've taken, and I'm so grateful he took the time to document the experience for all of us.

If you're a certified drysuit diver, or you're willing to complete your drysuit certification before your trip, I cannot recommend Silfra enough. Diving between two continents in some of the clearest water on Earth is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Me diving between the North American and European Continental Plates in Silfra

Helpful Iceland Travel Tips

After spending a week exploring Iceland, here are my biggest takeaways:

Dress in layers and make them waterproof. Iceland's weather changes constantly. You might experience sunshine, rain, wind, and chilly temperatures all in the same day. Waterproof boots and rain pants ended up being some of the best items I packed.

Book popular activities well in advance. Experiences like Sky Lagoon, Silfra scuba diving, glacier hikes, and Northern Lights tours can sell out, especially during the summer and early fall. Planning ahead gives you the best selection of dates and times.

Embrace the unexpected. Icelandic weather has a mind of its own. Sometimes you'll need to adjust your plans, but that's all part of the adventure. Some of our favorite memories came from days that didn't go exactly as planned.

Treat yourself to Iceland's bakeries. One of my favorite discoveries was Deig Workshop in Reykjavík. Their donuts and pastries are absolutely worth the stop. If you have a sweet tooth like I do, don't skip it.

Expect to walk. Reykjavík is an incredibly walkable city, and many of the best shops, restaurants, and attractions are easiest to explore on foot. Bring comfortable shoes and enjoy wandering.

Bring a reusable water bottle. Icelandic tap water is some of the cleanest and best tasting water in the world. Save a little money and refill your bottle throughout the day.

Budget for higher prices. Iceland is one of the more expensive countries I've visited. Restaurants, transportation, and attractions can add up quickly, so it's worth planning your budget ahead of time.

Slow down and enjoy the journey. Iceland isn't a place to rush through. Pull over at the viewpoints, stop at the waterfalls, pet the friendly Icelandic horses, and soak in every moment. Some of the best memories happen between the places you planned to visit.

Final Thoughts

Iceland lived up to the hype!

From hiking across a glacier and diving between two continents to soaking in geothermal lagoons and watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky, every day brought something I had never experienced before. Some of my favorite moments weren't even the big attractions. They were the quiet walks through Reykjavík, stopping to admire waterfalls that seemed to appear around every corner, and meeting the friendliest horses I've ever encountered.

Choosing to travel with Arctic Adventures made the experience even better. Their team handled the logistics, adapted when the weather changed, and allowed me to simply enjoy everything Iceland had to offer. Looking back, what started as an Instagram story about one photographer's incredible images turned into an unforgettable adventure and the beginning of a friendship that has since led to many more expeditions around the world.

If Iceland has been sitting on your bucket list, consider this your sign to go. Pack your waterproof layers, keep your camera handy, embrace whatever weather comes your way, and prepare to fall in love with one of the most breathtaking countries on Earth.

I know I'll be back.