Diamond Beach Iceland: One of Earth’s Most Dazzling Beaches

Diamond Beach Iceland is a jet black sand beach, littered with hundreds of icebergs ranging in size from throwable to climbable. If you’re lucky there’ll be enough sun to perfectly reflect off their jagged edges, causing the beach to light up like an open air jewelry store.

Despite the Beatles and Rihanna’s claims that Diamonds are in the sky, in Iceland they can be found on the beach. And easily visible to anyone willing to make the trek along the South coast to see them.

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What Is Diamond Beach Iceland?

Diamond Beach Iceland is a striking stretch of black sand shoreline along the south coast. A black sand beach is already a really cool, Icelandic experience. But unsurprisingly by the name of it, this place is even better than just sand. Although spoiler, there are no actual diamonds.

Instead, Diamond Beach gets its name from the glittering ice fragments that wash ashore from the nearby glacier-filled lagoon. These icebergs can be found scattered across the dark volcanic sand like sparkling diamonds.

Chunks of glacial ice vary in size and shape, constantly changing as tides and temperatures shift, making every visit unique. Some are about the size of diamonds, others the size of boulders that you can (with a boost) sit on.

The dramatic contrast between the crystal-clear ice, jet-black sand, and crashing Atlantic waves that foam up the beach, has made Diamond Beach one of Iceland’s most photographed and unforgettable natural attractions.

Where Exactly Is This Magical Beach?

Diamond Beach Iceland is located on the south coast, right next to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Since Diamond Beach Iceland sits around 160 miles (260 km) east of Reykjavík, this isn’t a typical day trip from the country’s capital.

It is technically possible (though ambitious) to visit as a long day trip from Reykjavík, especially during summer months with extended daylight. But in reality you’ll want to stay much closer, especially since there’s so much to see along the way.

My recommendation is to stay in the little town of Vík, which is what I did. From there Diamond Beach is much closer at roughly 120 miles (190 km) east. Although, still a long day trip, it is far more manageable.

Diamond Beach is best experienced as part of a south coast road trip rather than a rushed out-and-back journey from Reykjavík. Trust me, once you’re there you’ll struggle to pull yourself away for the long drive back.

WHERE TO STAY

If you’re visiting Diamond Beach Iceland, the best place to stay is nearby along the south coast rather than commuting from Reykjavík.

Accommodation options around Jökulsárlón and Höfn are limited but ideal for early-morning or late-evening visits. Although the closer to this area you get, the less civilization you will find.

The Skaftafell area might offer a good balance of proximity and choice, but many travelers, like me, choose to stay in Vík.

The quiet little town of Vik is a stones throw from its own beautiful black beach, and lives almost in the shadow of the subglacial volcano Katla. It is equipped with a number of hotels, guesthouses, and really good restaurants (try Black Crust Pizzeria, it was my favorite).

How Much Does Diamond Beach Cost To Visit?

Great news, Diamond Beach is completely free to visit. Like most of Iceland’s natural attractions, you don’t have to pay to visit. North Americans are likely to pay to enter national parks and state parks back home, so it’s really nice that there’s no cost here. This makes Iceland’s outdoor attractions very accessible for visitors.

Since there is no entrance fee to walk along the beach, you’ll easily be able to get those Instagram-worthy views of the ice scattered across the black sand.

The only potential costs to consider are parking fees at nearby Jökulsárlón. And of course the cost of fuel, tours, or accommodation depending on your itinerary.

Diamond Beach Iceland ends up an easy and budget-friendly stop on any south coast road trip. Another great reason to make sure you visit.

What About Parking At Diamond Beach Iceland?

Parking at Diamond Beach Iceland is straightforward, but visitors should be aware that it is no longer free. Parking is shared with the nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is also worth checking out if you’re driving all this way.

There are several clearly marked lots parking located just a short walk from the beach, and they’re easy to find when driving here. Especially since there’s only one main road.

A daily parking fee (around 1,000 ISK per vehicle) applies and covers parking at both Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón for the entire day. Which means you can get there early, stay late, or both. And no need to worry if you’ve booked a tour of the glacier, it’s all just one fee.

Payment can be made via onsite machines or the Parka app. I used the Parka app while in Iceland and it was super easy to use. It does add a small processing fee, but in the grand scheme of things this is negligible since everything else in Iceland costs a lot.

The parking areas are open year-round, but they fill up quickly during peak summer hours, so arriving early or later in the day is recommended. Overnight parking and camping are not permitted. I travelled in October, not exactly high season, but we arrived mid-morning and were still easily able to find a parking spot.

Food & Other Services At Diamond Beach

It might just be a beach in middle of nowhere southeast Iceland, but this has become a bit of a tourist attraction. And where tourists go, services pop up. That’s no different at Diamond Beach Iceland, or at least next to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon across the road.

You’ll find bathrooms, moderately good ones by Iceland natural attractions standards. There are also a few permanent food trucks where you can grab a bite to eat, rain or shine. Picnic tables are by the food trucks, or feel free to eat on the go while you stare out over the glacier lagoon only a couple mins away.

Try Icelandic fast food at Fancy Sheep where you can get an lamb burger or hot soup for the vegetarians. Their fries were delicious, especially with a side of curry lime sauce or chili mayo.

Northern Light Bite does some good fish and chips, but I’d recommend Heimahumar for local langoustine lobster rolls or lobster soup. For vegetarians there’s a really yummy veggie dog – one of the best I’ve had.  

If you want to book an ice cave tour or a zodiac boat tour of the ice lagoon, this is where all the tours leave from.

Experiencing Diamond Beach Iceland

Day trip or overnight stay, the result of visiting Diamond Beach will be the same – you won’t want to leave. The glistening, glittering, shiny shards of ice captivate from first glance, like scattered stars in a midnight sky. Inky black sand making them shine even brighter.

But what can you actually do here at Diamond Beach, and how much time do you actually need? With any luck, your day will be clear and bright for at least a short time. Enough to get out and view the beach, getting the full diamond effect aided by the sun’s rays.

Fortunately for me, despite a long drive through every season of weather imaginable from dense fog to pelting rain, the clouds parted the minute I crossed the last hill rise descending to Diamond Beach. The Norse Gods were clearly on my side.

There’s an underpass connecting the parking lot next to Diamond Beach, and the busy tourist center that is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Where you start may depend on the current weather. I’d recommend heading to Diamond Beach if it’s a little sunny, or save it for later if it’s really overcast. But you won’t be disappointed either direction you walk.

JOKULSARLON GLACIER LAGOON

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a dream in itself. Vast icebergs punctuate the icy blue water, pieces breaking off and whizzing past you with the current to the ocean at alarming speed.

Soon the ice be broken up with the force of the waves, and deposited back on the black beach for future visitors to marvel at. The icebergs in the lagoon take on the vibrant azure hue of the water around them.

Cast an eye into the distance for a view of the impressive glacier. Watch out for wildlife in the water or the sky. Harbor seals basking on the icebergs or arctic terns circling above.

You’ll also find a few zodiacs or amphibious boats doing one of their many tours of the lagoon and beyond. If you have time in your day I’d highly recommend a tour as they offer a completely unique view of the lagoon and glacier.

DIAMOND BEACH

The main reason you came, I’m sure. Or at least the reason your stay ends up longer than it should. Sure, it’s just a beach, and there’s nothing to actually do there. But for once maybe all those social media posts aren’t wrong. Diamond Beach Iceland is a magical place.

The beach itself is a short walk from the parking lot. Maybe it’s a nice day and you can let the black sand get between your toes. For me, it was a cold October so that wasn’t an option. Instead I wrapped up warm and wandered away from the quick photo-taking crowds to really see more of the beach.

From giant boulder-sized icebergs to nuggets of ice that fit in the size of your palm. Diamond Beach is littered with dotted with hundreds of “diamonds”, washed ashore by the violent Atlantic waves.

Deep breaths in, eyes closed, this is the perfect location to let the chilly wind wash over you and listen to the sounds of the ocean. Instantly calming, and very therapeutic, I think this is the real reason people stay so long. Not just the photo opportunities.

TOP ICELAND TRAVEL TIP: Be careful getting too close to the waves. The currents are strong – this is an island in the middle of the unforgiving north Atlantic after all. Sneaker waves, so-called because they happen without warning, have caught many a visitor by surprise. Unlike many beaches, the waves aren’t as predictable, and can knock people over and drag people into the water. Don’t risk it, stay well back from the water.

Is Diamond Beach Iceland Worth Seeing?

While there are many cool sights along the southern Icelandic coast, it’s difficult to argue that any are more impressive than the beautiful Diamond Beach Iceland.

It’s the kind of place that feels like it’s just a pin on a map, a brief stop of many stops on a day trip. Not true. This is the destination that all roads worth taking lead to.

Diamonds are a tourist’s best friend when it comes to the south coast of Iceland. The country has many wonders: waterfalls, volcanoes, and every other natural wonder you can think of. But Diamond Beach is a bright spot even on a dull day.

I expected to be somewhat underwhelmed by Diamond Beach, certain that it was just another social media exaggeration. But I’m happy to say I was wrong. It ended up being one of my favorite places to visit in Iceland.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you visited Diamond Beach Iceland? What are your impressions of this popular spot – worth the lengthy drive, or better to save your time?