A comprehensive info to help you make the right decision. Can there be a wrong choice though?

I think not. However, this question seems to be one of FAQs on many Iceland travel forums. In the beginning, I wondered why people were asking this question. However, after thinking about it, I understood now why this question is asked very frequently. There are many types of travelers and depending on your travel style, at times a choice needs to be decided.

Reason #1 – Budget Traveler

Let’s face it… if you’re traveling to Iceland, you’re not a true budget traveler. Everything in Iceland is quite pricy compared to other destinations. It is small, tiny country with most things have to be imported from elsewhere; therefore, everything is just a bit more money. However, Iceland is still an amazing country to visit even for those who are traveling with budget. This is when decisions need to be made whether to rent a car or not, whether to cook food vs. going out, and of course… whether to go to Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. These two Lagoons are not cheap to get in. Two people can easily spend at the very least $250 US just to get in and get drinks. It adds up quickly. Do you really want to spend close to $500 just to swim around in a big hot tub basically?

Reason #2 – See above… Not a big hot tub person

Okay… it is a lot better than a big hot tub; however, both of them are basically pools with water warmed up by geothermal activity. The experience can be similar. Therefore, if you’re the type of traveler who just wants to experience geothermal bath, there’s definitely no need to visit both.

The difference between the two Lagoons

Let me go with Blue Lagoon first. Blue Lagoon almost doesn’t need an introduction. It’s an iconic place that has been associated with Iceland for as long as I can remember. When I first went to Iceland, there was no Sky Lagoon. It was easy for me as there was no need to decide. However, I also didn’t think that I could ever pass up going to Blue Lagoon when visiting Iceland. It was a bucket list thing for me despite the price. It was expensive even back then 6 – 7 years ago. We liked the experience so much that we visited other baths in Laugarvatn called Fontana Geothermal Bath as well as the one in Akureyri. Both were smaller but they were great as well and a lot cheaper.

It is recommended that you book online and pick a time and date to go. If not, there is no guarantee you can enter the facility. To book, click here Book Direct at Blue Lagoon Iceland: Exclusive Benefits & Best Price | Blue Lagoon Iceland

The cheapest option to go is around $70/$80 (please check website for exact price) and it usually comprises of the entry fee, use of 1 towel, 1 silica face mask, and 1 drink at the pool bar. They have higher levels of access types that come with more amenities.

Blue Lagoon is older compared to Sky Lagoon naturally; however, the facility is well maintained. It has individual stalls for shower as well for general access. This is a plus because it is a custom in Iceland to shower fully nude before entering any bath. For shy people like me, this was perfect. I wasn’t into getting nude at the other bath places and though I tried to comply to the local customs and rules, I dreaded doing this. There is also hotel and restaurant in Blue Lagoon. The Lava restaurant is very nice and again, pricy. We did have lunch there when we visited the first time, and it was delicious! If you didn’t want to shell out another hondo for lunch, they do have a la carte counter selling snacks and sandwiches. To go to the restaurant, you have to wear normal clothing. To stay in swimsuits, the snack bar/cafe would be better suited for that attire. Reservation is needed for the restaurant.

Blue Lagoon is close to the airport, and this is a perfect place to go to right after arriving especially if you arrive early in the morning and cannot check in to the hotel. I recommend booking your time slot about 2 hours after arrival and you can relax and unwind here until you can check in to your hotel. They also offer luggage storage as many people actually do this method as soon as they land in Iceland. Also, not to worry about plane delay and missing your booked time slot. They’re usually quite flexible and will not give you a hard time if you come late due to flight delay. However, if it was a significant delay, I would recommend calling them.

Blue Lagoon is also close to the Reykjanes Peninsula and one of the active volcanoes over there. Make sure to check prior to going about volcano activity as at times depending on the severity, Blue Lagoon may be closed.

Blue Lagoon has a more natural feeling when you’re in the pool and looking around at the surroundings. However, it is man made. The water is Tiffany blue color due to concentration of silica in the water. This is supposedly hard on your jewelry and hair. It is recommended that you put conditioner on your hair (and keep it on your hair) before you go in the pool.

Sky Lagoon is relatively new, and it is also man-made pool heated with geothermal. Everything about Sky is quite similar to Blue Lagoon that it is catered to tourists. Therefore, for the most part, the amenities are quite similar as far as shower and various extra services. I also recommend to book a time online as they do sell out quickly. Prices starting from $50 USD + for Pure Lite to Sky. Pure Lite seems to be only available in summertime and provides a quick access. The most popular access is Sky that includes the seven-step ritual and private changing room. Check here for exact prices and/or to book Sky Lagoon Iceland | Book Your Geothermal Escape

We did the access with transfer and seven-step ritual. The ritual is pretty cool and was worth doing. It’s just a quick thing of different spa type treatments including cold plunge, sauna, cold mist, salt scrub, etc. The transfer was not worth to me but if you have no other means of transport, this can work. Sky Lagoon is more in the urban area and easier to go around with city buses or taxi. The transfer involves getting picked up at your hotel (in Reykjavik and vicinity), and they take you to this big bus terminal and you take another bus to Sky Lagoon. However, this is limiting your flexibility as you have to pay attention to when the last bus will come or the bus that will work with your schedule. There are also services that provide transfer from airport to Sky Lagoon so you basically can hang out here too until you can check into your hotel if you prefer.

Sky Lagoon’s design is pretty cool with a long infinity style facing the ocean and coastline. We were there in wintertime, and it was storming. It was really awesome to see the storm and it was so cold outside and we were in bathing suits outside in a heated bath. It was an experience I wouldn’t forget. They also have bars in the pool, so you don’t have to go far to get a Gull (beer) or a cocktail.

Sky Lagoon also has cafe and snack counter if you need to get some food. However, I didn’t see a full-service restaurant like the one that Blue Lagoon has.

Conclusion

I did not regret going to both of these Lagoons. To me, each offers a different experience despite a lot of similarities. I will recommend going to both if you have the time and the means. If not, picking one of the other will not be a bad choice either way. It really is depending on your personal preference and at times, it may come down to time and date and location that will work with you.

I think Blue Lagoon has an edge as it’s such a bucket list spot when it comes to Iceland. To me, it is strange to go all the way there and not go to Blue Lagoon. However, this is me. Many also prefer to go to local baths/pool to stay away from touristy spots such as these two lagoons.

Yes, they’re quite touristy; however, I really enjoyed the experience in both of the lagoons. It’s very relaxing and we had such a good time. Though I have been to Blue Lagoon twice and Sky Lagoon once, I’ll definitely go again when I go back to Iceland.

Things to remember to bring

You don’t really have to bring a lot of things as everything is basically provided (towel, toiletries, etc). Keep everything valuable in your locker and just enjoy yourself. Both places give you a sensor you can wear as bracelet that you can charge stuff to and you pay when leave.

One thing to bring is waterproof case for your phone if you want to take pictures. However, if you forgot, they do sell it there. Other than that, there is really nothing else to bring.

Hope this info helps you in making a decision between the two Lagoons. Let me know in the comment section which one did you pick.