Diamond Beach is an expansive black sand beach located on Iceland’s Diamond Circle, a scenic driving route around the country’s north-east. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland due to its unique landscape, created by blocks of ice from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier floating ashore and slowly eroding away. The startlingly beautiful sight of the crystal blue blocks sparkling against the jet-black sands gives off the impression of diamonds. Diamond Beach one of Iceland's must-see natural wonders.
Diamond Beach is located on the south-east side of Jökulsárlón, a stunning glacial lagoon. To get to Diamond Beach from Reykjavik, you can take a bus or rent a car and drive the Diamond Circle route which takes approximately 4 hours. Google Maps works well in Iceland, so we recommend using this link to help you navigate your way to the beach. Or you can enter the coordinates below into your GPS.
Diamond Beach, Iceland | 64.045371, -16.177252
Diamond Beach is a great spot to see the northern lights due to its remote location and lack of light pollution. The best time to see them is during winter, when they are visible from late August until early April, but your best chance for viewing the norther lights is December-February.
Visitors to Diamond Beach can take long walks along its beautiful shoreline, explore the glacial lagoon, photograph the stunning landscape, or watch for wildlife like seals, arctic terns and sea birds. Visitors should also keep an eye out for whales in the waters around Diamond Beach as many species have been spotted there over the years. Finally, Diamond Beach is an ideal spot for camping and stargazing due to its remoteness and clear skies. While you can't camp directly on the beach, you can stargaze on the beach then drive to and camp at Skaftafell Campground, about 45 minutes away.
Diamond Beach is a popular destination in the summer months as it offers plenty of sunshine and a cooler climate. Visitors should be aware that while Diamond Beach never gets too cold, temperatures can drop to below freezing at night - so make sure you come prepared with warm clothing!
Diamond Beach is still a great destination during the winter months, despite the short daylight hours and potential for extra cold weather. Visitors should remember to dress in warm layers and bring an extra pair of shoes - Diamond Beach’s black sand can be very slippery!
No, Diamond Beach does not require visitors to book a tour. You can easily visit Diamond Beach independently by renting a car or taking a bus from Reykjavik and driving the Diamond Circle route. If you prefer to join an organized tour, many tour providers offer day trips and multi-day tours to Diamond Beach that include other attractions along the Diamond Circle route.
Whatever your preference, visiting Diamond Beach in Iceland is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
