Blue Lagoon in Iceland

The last day of our trip is sadly here and we’re all in agreement that Iceland is amazing. The landscapes have been unreal, the people have been super friendly, the food has been amazing, and the country feels especially safe. This is a country for those that love waterfalls, good food, wellness, great views, and don’t mind the cold. It’s a place that I already know that I want to return to. We saw so much on this trip, but there is so much more to discover. I want to come back for the long hikes and see more of this unique landscape.

Today we are leaving Star Pride. I wake up early to set out our bags before 6am. I plan to go back asleep, but thoughts fill my head and I cannot go back to sleep. My son stays asleep until I wake him at 8am. We get ready for the day and head to the Verandah for one last breakfast. We disembark a few minutes before 9am and it’s the easiest process ever. There is no customs or immigration because we’ve been in the same country for the whole cruise. I did not schedule a transfer because I wasn’t sure how long disembarkation would take or when we would be able to leave the ship. We are taking a taxi.

There is a taxi line just outside the ship and there are a couple taxis when we arrive. They take the two couples in front of us and then we wait for the next one. It takes a few minutes and the next one comes. It is too small for the four of us and all our luggage so we wait some more. It took about 15-20 minutes for a taxi to come that was large enough for us. Our taxi driver tells us that there are three ships in today and that the number of passengers needing rides is significantly higher than more days. Expert level Tetris was needed for us and our stuff to fit in the taxi. We drive through Reyjkavik and then on to the Blue Lagoon. We have a 10am ticket, but I think we are going to be a little late. I wasn’t expecting to wait so long for the taxi.

The Blue Lagoon is on top of volcanic land. You can seem steam rising from various parts of the landscape. Our driver also points out the “old road” that was swallowed by lava on one of the more recent eruptions. We arrive at the Blue Lagoon and there is a little shed with a sign that says luggage. We drag our bags across tiny stones to the little shed. We bring our luggage inside and then we are given a number for each bag. The lady tells us which bags are small enough to fit inside the locker. My backpack is small enough for the locker. We go inside and line-up in the express lane. It’s express because we already bought our ticket and did the online check-in. We are each given a wristband that is loaded with two drinks and three face masks. The color of the band also signals the next employee to give us bath robes. There are three package levels for the lagoon and we booked the middle package which includes the robes, drinks, and face masks. Once we enter the gates, we split. I head to the women’s locker room while the guys head to the men’s locker room. The locker room is huge and there are several areas with lockers. I find one with a number that I can easily remember and place my things inside. I then use my wristband to lock it.

Icelandic bathing culture is a little different than at home. I think they are less private and more accepting of nudity than back home. The locker door gave instructions on what to do before entering the lagoon and it specified that showering without a swimsuit was required. It sounds pretty straightforward, but the showers aren’t exactly private. There are doors, but they are frosted glass and you can be seen through them. Also, if you bring your robe, the hook is on the outside of the shower door. Luckily, it wasn’t that crowded when I showered and I chose a shower tucked in the corner. I did follow the Icelandic rules, but I was in the minority. Most people showered in their swimsuits. I’m showered and now in my swimsuit and wrapped in my robe. I’ve removed all jewelry and covered my hair with conditioner. It’s Blue Lagoon time!

There are signs everywhere and I follow them to the Blue Lagoon. I wonder how I’m going to find the guys because the lagoon is massive. I took a long time to get ready and assume that they are already out here. My assumption was incorrect. As I look for them, they descend the steps from the men’s locker room. We find hooks outside for our robes and place our shoes below them. We go back inside to take the easy way into the lagoon. There is a ramp inside that you walk down into the water. Then, there is a door that opens and you continue walking into the lagoon. I was really surprised by how big the lagoon is. I’ve seen pictures of it, but any picture you’ve seen is only a small snapshot of part of the lagoon. The water is super hot and we move further and further into the lagoon. We go to the bar to redeem drinks. They have beer, cider, a frozen blue drink, and juice. Brian and my older son opt for the cider and I go for one of the juices. It isn’t just apple juice or orange juice, it’s a cold press medley of healthy sounding fruits and vegetables. The juice was very good and tasted like it was made with whole fruits and vegetables! I told Brian that I was surprised that he ordered the cider because that isn’t his typical drink of choice. One sip in and he says this is a you drink. I end up drinking both the juice and Brian’s cider.

Next, we go to the area where you get your face mask. There are four options on the board. I select the Volcanic one. The worker scoops a generous size of the black goop and places it in my hand. The liquid part of the mask is thick and silky and feels very luxurious and inside contains what I think is pumice. The pumice provides a gritty texture that’s great for exfoliating. I use the mask on my face and gently rub it into my pores. Most of the masks say to keep it on for about 10 minutes, but I didn’t read the signs throughly. I kept it on for about 10-minutes, but the actual recommended time was much shorter. I wash it off with the lagoon water and then I’m back for mask number two. The worker has switched and this one says I must have the silica mask as my second one. This is the white colored mask and probably the one you’ve seen in association with the Blue Lagoon. This mask is much lighter and glides on the face nicely. It turns my face white and I leave it on for about 10-minutes. I’m back for my last mask and we have the option of either a mineral mask or an algae mask. I choose the mineral mask which is another white mask. This one is my favorite and makes my skin feel amazing! All the masks were a really nice quality.

When I leave the lagoon, my steps feel extra heavy. It felt like gravity was defied in the lagoon and the transition back to gravity was noticeable. My ankle feels amazing, my face is radiating, and I wonder why we don’t have lagoons back home. I could definitely get used to this culture of soaking in hot water with face mask and wellness drinks. It felt like the ultimate spa day. I just wish we were here longer!

We spent three hours at the Blue Lagoon and it really flew by! I would recommend planning for four hours instead. I go back to the locker room and it’s packed now. It’s somewhat difficult to get ready because there are so many people. I wait to get into my locker and wait to find a toilet that is open. I shower and change into my airplane outfit and dry my hair with the hair dryers there. I don’t have time to fully dry my hair, but it’s decently dry. The wrist bands are scanned once more to leave and then we place them in the box so that they are re-used.

We walk to the exit which takes you through the gift shop. If we had more time, I probably would have bought the mineral mask, but there isn’t time for shopping. We go back to the little luggage building and collect our belongings. I have a ride scheduled for us to the airport. I don’t see our driver, but make a call and he pulls up to us. Our time in Iceland has come to an end and we’re off to the airport to make our way home. It’s been an amazing trip and I can’t wait to come back!