Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: Which is Better

Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: The Basics

Sky Lagoon Basics

• Popularity. The Sky Lagoon receives roughly 350 visitors a day. The lagoon’s maximum capacity is 500 people.
• Size. The Sky Lagoon comes in at nearly 50,000 square feet (over an acre). Although this lagoon is massive, it’s still significantly smaller than the Blue Lagoon. Even so, because of the smaller number of daily visitors, it’s still easy to find a secluded spot.
• Depth. At its deepest point, the lagoon is 4.9 feet deep.
• Temperature. The Lagoon is approximately 100 – 104 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the current weather conditions.
• Minerals. The geothermal waters in Iceland are naturally rich in minerals, so any natural spring or lagoon here will contain detoxifying properties, and Sky Lagoon is no exception. Soaking in these mineral-rich waters has been proven to have health benefits for the skin, body, and soul.
• Cost. The lowest cost for admission is ISK 6 990 (around $49 USD) per adult.
• Age Limit. Youth under the age of 12 are not permitted at Sky Lagoon. Youths 12–14 must be accompanied by a guardian (18 years or older).

Blue Lagoon Basics

• Popularity. The Blue Lagoon receives roughly 3,500 visitors a day. The lagoon’s maximum capacity is 4,000 people.
• Size. The Blue Lagoon is nearly 94,000 square feet (over 2 acres). This is one of the largest lagoons in the world, so even with thousands of visitors a day, it’s still possible to find a quiet spot in the water.
• Depth. The deepest part of the Blue Lagoon is about 4.7 feet.
• Temperature. The water in the Blue Lagoon is naturally heated by underwater volcanic aquifers. The temperature stays at a comfortable 102 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
• Minerals. The Blue Lagoon’s geothermal water provides the same great health as Sky Lagoon, but with the added benefit of silica and algae.
• Cost. The lowest cost for admission is ISK 8 990 (around $63 USD) per adult.
• Age Limit. The minimum age for using the Blue Lagoon is 2 years old. Children aged 8 and younger must wear floaties. 

Quick Comparision: The Basics

The Blue Lagoon is much larger than the Sky Lagoon, but it also has a lot more daily visitors. Even so, both lagoons will give you a good chance of finding a private area to relax. While temperatures and water depth are nearly the same, the Blue Lagoon does have the Sky Lagoon beat with more minerals, algae, and silica in its waters.

The Blue Lagoon also allows children above the age of 2 in, while the Sky Lagoon only allows those above the age of 12. The Blue Lagoon is more expensive than the Sky Lagoon for basic admission; however, most of the Sky Lagoon’s visitors purchase the pass that includes The Ritual, which is the same cost as the Blue Lagoon’s basic admission.

Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: Location

Sky Lagoon Location

The Sky Lagoon is located at the edge of a peninsula in southwestern Iceland, in a town called Kópavogur. It’s a 45-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) or a 15-minute drive from the capital city of Reykjavik. Although it’s further from the airport than the Blue Lagoon, it’s actually more accessible because of its proximity to Reykjavik, where many tourists choose to base their stay.

To get to the Sky Lagoon, you can rent a car, take a bus, call a taxi, or hire a private or group transfer. Most tours that include the Sky Lagoon leave right from Reykjavik, and some will even pick you up from your hotel. Because this lagoon is so close to Reykjavik, it’s a great place to spend the morning if you arrive in Iceland too early to check into your hotel.

Blue Lagoon Location

The Blue Lagoon is also located in southwestern Iceland but in a town called Grindavik. It’s a 20-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) or a 30-minute drive from the capital city of Reykjavik. Before Sky Lagoon was built, the Blue Lagoon was the most accessible lagoon to tourists in Iceland.

To get to the Blue Lagoon, you can rent a car, catch a bus, hire private transportation, or join a tour group. Just like Sky Lagoon, most tours that include the Blue Lagoon leave from downtown Reykjavik. Most tourists choose to visit the Blue Lagoon when they first arrive in Iceland, or the day before they leave, because of its proximity to the airport.

Quick Comparision: Location

Both lagoons are conveniently located near the Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and the capital city of Reykjavik. Blue Lagoon is closer to the airport and further from Reykjavik, while Sky Lagoon is closer to Reykjavik, and further from the airport. Fortunately, both are easy to access by car, bus, taxi, or tour.

Sky lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: Tours

If you’re staying in or around Reykjavik and you don’t want to rent a car or hire a private transfer, you can join a group tour to get to both the Sky Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. The tours offered for both lagoons are very similar, so you’ll still need to decide which lagoon you’d prefer to visit before choosing a tour.

Many tours also include stops at some of the nearby attractions along the famous Golden Circle, which is a 190-mile scenic route that starts and ends near Reykjavik. You can search for these tours on your own using Get Your Guide or check out the tours we recommend below.

Sky Lagoon Tours

If you want to explore the Golden Circle on your way to the Sky Lagoon, you can book the Day Trip to Golden Circle & Sky Lagoon tour, which includes Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot spring, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Kerid Crater. The tour ends with basic admission to the Sky Lagoon, including access to The Ritual, and transportation back to Reykjavik.

If you’re not interested in exploring the Golden Circle on the same day as your visit to the Sky Lagoon, you can book the Sky Lagoon Admission with Transfers tour which includes your choice of Sky Pass or Pure Pass admission to the lagoon plus round-trip transportation from downtown Reykjavik.

If you’re looking for a really unique experience while in Iceland, you can also book the Golden Circle, Friðheimar, & Sky Lagoon Day Trip tour that includes a trip to the Friðheimar farm, in addition to the stops along the Golden Circle. Friðheimar farm is a greenhouse, horse farm, and restaurant that offers horse show demonstrations, cucumber and tomato tastings, and reservations for lunch at a table in their greenhouse.

Blue Lagoon Tours

Just like with the Sky Lagoon, if you want to explore the Golden Circle on the same day as your visit to the lagoon, you can book the Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon tour, which includes Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot spring, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Kerid Crater. The tour ends with basic admission to the Blue Lagoon and transportation back to Reykjavik.

If you’re not interested in exploring the Golden Circle on the same day as your visit to the Blue Lagoon, you can book the Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers tour, which includes your choice of basic or premium admission to the lagoon plus round-trip transportation from downtown Reykjavik.

If you’re visiting during the aurora season, you can also book a tour that combines the Northern Lights with the Blue Lagoon. This Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights with Admission Ticket tour is a good option, but it’s important to note that you’ll need to transfer back to Reykjavik to catch your ride out of town to see the Northern Lights. So it’s really like taking two separate tours, but you will save a bit by booking them together.

Quick Comparision: Tours

Once the Sky Lagoon opened in the spring of 2021, the local tour companies quickly jumped on board and curated a variety of tours similar to those offered for the Blue Lagoon. All tours that include one of the two lagoons are similar and worth doing.

Each lagoon does offer one type of tour that the other doesn’t though. The Blue Lagoon offers a tour that includes the Northern Lights, but the Sky Lagoon doesn’t. And the Sky Lagoon has a tour that includes a trip to the iconic Friðheimar farm, which the Blue Lagoon does not offer.

Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: Pricing

Sky Lagoon Pricing

All visitors must have advanced reservations to visit the Sky Lagoon. The lagoon does have a maximum capacity and often sells out months in advance. There are four different reservation options available, plus a multi-pass option. Sky Lagoon does not offer overnight accommodation. You can reserve your time at the Sky Lagoon by clicking here.

• Pure Light Pass: Sky Lagoon’s Pure Light Pass is a standard spa reservation that includes admission to the lagoon, public changing facilities, and a towel. The Ritual, which is a big part of the Sky Lagoon experience, is not included with the Light Pass. We don’t recommend skipping The Ritual unless you’re really short on time. Pricing varies based on reservation time but starts at ISK 5 990 (around $42 USD) for adults (15+), and ISK 2 995 (around $21 USD) for youth aged 12 – 14. Children under 12 are not permitted.
  
• Pure Pass: Sky Lagoon’s Pure Pass is the most popular pass, and includes admission to the lagoon, public changing facilities, and a towel, plus access to the full Ritual. The Ritual is an amazing experience that combines the healing powers of warm water, cold water, warm steam, dry heat, and fresh air, to promote well-being and relaxation. Pricing varies based on reservation time but starts at ISK 8 990 (around $63 USD) for adults (15+), and ISK 5 995 (around $42 USD) for youth aged 12 – 14. Children under 12 are not permitted.

• Sky Pass: Sky Lagoon’s Sky Pass includes everything that the Pure Pass comes with, plus access to private changing facilities. This is a great option if you are worried about showering naked in front of others, or if you simply want a more private experience. The Sky Pass even has its own private entrance to the lagoon, making those who choose this option feel extra special. Pricing varies based on reservation time but starts at ISK 13 990 (around $98 USD) for adults (15+), and ISK 6 860 (around $48 USD) for youth aged 12 – 14. Children under 12 are not permitted.
  
• Date Night Pass: Sky Lagoon’s Date Night Pass (also called Sky Lagoon for Two) can only be purchased in groups of two. You can choose between the Pure Pass and the Sky Pass, and your choice will also include one drink per person and a gourmet snack platter to share after your soak. This option starts at ISK 28 490 (around $200 USD) if you choose the Pure Passes or ISK 35 990 (around $250 USD) if you choose the Sky Passes. Youth below the age of 15 cannot purchase this option.

If you’re staying in Iceland for an extended period of time, you can purchase a Pure Multi-Pass, which is good for six visits to the lagoon, all at half price.

Blue Lagoon Pricing

Advanced reservations are also required at the Blue Lagoon. Just like Sky Lagoon, they can sell out weeks or months in advance. There are three different single-day reservation options and two overnight options available. You can reserve your time at the Blue Lagoon by clicking here.

• The Blue Lagoon Comfort Reservation: Blue Lagoon’s Comfort reservation is a standard spa reservation that includes entrance to the lagoon, a silica mud mask, the use of a towel, and a drink of choice. Pricing varies based on reservation time but starts at ISK 8 990 (around $63 USD) for adults (14+). Children ages 2 – 13 are free.
  
• The Blue Lagoon Premium Reservation: Blue Lagoon’s Premium reservation includes everything that the Comfort reservation includes plus two additional face masks, use of a bathrobe and slippers, and a glass of sparkling wine if you dine at the onsite restaurant, Lava. Pricing varies based on reservation time but starts at ISK 11 490 (around $80 USD) for adults (13+). Children ages 2 – 13 are free.
  
• The Spa Retreat Reservation: Blue Lagoon’s Spa Retreat reservation is the ultimate experience. It includes everything that the Premium reservation includes plus 5 hours of access to the Retreat spa, entrance to the more exclusive Retreat Lagoon, and a private changing room and shower. This experience is quite a splurge, starting at ISK 69 000 (around $480 USD).

You can also add on in-water massages starting at ISK 15 900 (around $110 USD ) and float therapy sessions starting at ISK 24 900 (around $175 USD).

The Blue Lagoon also has two hotels on site. If you choose to stay at the Silica Hotel or the Retreat Hotel, it will include admission into the lagoon along with a slew of other perks.

• Silica Hotel: Blue Lagoon’s Silica Hotel includes Premium access to the lagoon plus access to the secluded Silica lagoon plus an overnight stay. Pricing varies based on the type of room selected but starts at ISK 89 000 (around $625 USD). This hotel is set off to the side of the property and does require a 10-minute walk to get to the Blue Lagoon entrance.
  
• The Retreat Hotel: Blue Lagoon’s Retreat Hotel is the ultimate luxury experience. You’ll have unlimited access to the Retreat Spa and the private Retreat Lagoon, and an overnight stay. You’ll also get to enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast, the option to take a yoga class each morning, and the rights to any unused Blue Lagoon skincare and haircare products in your room. Pricing varies based on the type of room selected but starts at ISK 189 000 (around $1,330 USD). This hotel sits right against the lagoon and does not require an additional walk to get to the Blue Lagoon entrance.

Quick Comparision: Pricing

If you’re looking to choose a lagoon based purely on the absolute lowest price, the Sky Lagoon is the winner. The Blue Lagoon’s basic admission is around $20 USD higher per person than the Sky Lagoon. It’s worth noting though that the low admission cost to the Sky Lagoon does not include The Ritual, which should not be skipped. If you purchase the pass that does include The Ritual at the Sky Lagoon, the price is actually the same as the Blue Lagoon’s basic admission.

The biggest price difference between the two lagoons involves the private changing facilities. Sky Lagoon’s Sky Pass will get you access to private showers and changing facilities for as low as $98 USD per person, whereas the Blue Lagoon only offers private showers and changing facilities to those who purchase their Spa Retreat service, which is nearly $500 per person! If showering naked in front of others is absolutely off the table for you, you’re better off choosing the Sky Lagoon’s Sky Pass.

Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: The Ritual

Sky Lagoon Ritual

The Sky Lagoon’s Ritual is a huge draw to this lagoon and should not be skipped. It involves seven steps that are meant to leave you feeling rejuvenated, transformed, and connected to the elements.

Step 1. LAGOON — Slow Down. The first step is to soak in the warm water of the lagoon itself and let your mind and body relax. This is great because you can take it all in and get all your pictures out of the way before really diving into The Ritual. You’ll enter the lagoon from indoors and wade your way through the cave-like canyon walls, as the sky and ocean slowly appear before you. Soak as long as you want, and when you’re completely relaxed and ready to begin the next step of The Ritual, head to the small cold plunge pool near the bar.

Step 2. COLD PLUNGE — Cool Down. The second step of The Ritual is to plunge into a pool of ice-cold water for 10 – 30 seconds. Icelanders have been using cold therapy for centuries. Cold plunges stimulate your immune system, decrease blood flow in the body, and tighten the skin. Cold plunges are also known to boost happiness and invigorate the senses, creating a natural high. The cold pool is located right outside the doors of the sauna, so once you’re done, you’ll head inside for the next step.

Step 3. SAUNA — Relax With a View. The third step is the warm up again by spending 5 – 10 minutes in a sauna. This is meant to open up your pores, which allows toxins to be released. The sauna has an enormous window that provides an epic and unobstructed view of the ocean. The room is also designed to compliment the sounds of the ocean through acoustic echoing. Once you’ve let the heat warm your skin, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 4. COLD MIST — Refresh Your Senses. The fourth step is to cool down again with a walk through a cold fog mist. You’re meant to take big deep breaths as you walk through the mist, cooling your body from both inside and out. The cold mist rejuvenates your skin and stimulates your senses, providing another natural high. Once you’re done here, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 5. BODY SCRUB — Renew Yourself. The fifth step is to exfoliate and cleanse your skin with a special sea salt body scrub exclusive to Sky Lagoon. You’ll make your way to a table where a staff member will be scooping this special scrub from a large wooden bucket into small bowls. Grab a bowl, step to the side, and start massaging the scrub into your skin. Once you’re covered in it from head to toe, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 6. STEAM — Clear Your Senses. Step six is a steam bath to open up your pores again and let the benefits of the body scrub really soak in. You’ll enter the steam room and look for an open space to sit. It doesn’t take long in this room before you’re enjoying all the benefits of the therapeutic body scrub. This room is extremely hot, and we only lasted a few seconds ourselves! Once you’ve had enough and you’re dripping with sweat, it’s time for the last step.

Step 7. SHOWER & LAGOON — Rinse & Reconnect. The seventh and final step is to rinse off with a warm shower. You’ll leave your bathing suit on for this one as you step beneath the warm running water and rinse the salt scrub from your skin. After all the body scrub has been rinsed away, you’ll step back into the warm geothermal lagoon, and let the unique journey you just took really sink in.

The Sky Lagoon’s Ritual can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your own pace. You can spend as much time in the lagoon as you want, both before and after The Ritual. So take your time, soak it all in, and be proud to be a part of such a strong Icelandic tradition.

Blue Lagoon Ritual

The Blue Lagoon’s Ritual is only three steps, but it’s still an amazing experience. The Blue Lagoon’s Ritual focuses mostly on the skin, using a combination of silica, algae, and minerals in each of their steps. The biggest downside to this Ritual is the cost. Only those who pay for the expensive Retreat Spa experience are able to do this Ritual.

Step 1 MINERALS — Exfoliate & Energize. The area where The Ritual is held is cave-like and partitioned into three connected chambers. When you’re ready to begin, you’ll head to the main counter, where you’ll be directed to rinse off under a massive rainwater shower head. Next, you’ll approach the mineral station where you’ll scoop out your own exfoliation scrub into a rubber bowl, and begin to exfoliate your skin. The unique minerals used have energizing effects that stimulate your circulation. Once you’re done, you’ll rinse off once again under the massive shower head, before heading to the second station.

Step 2. SILICA — Cleanse & Strengthen. The second step of the Blue Lagoon’s Ritual uses silica, which is what creates the iconic white walls of the lagoon. Silica is a natural cleanser with acne-fighting properties. Once you approach the silica station, you’ll ladle the white substance into another rubber bowl and make your way to a row of built-in benches against the wall. Here, you’ll slather the silica all over your body and wait for it to dry on your skin. Once the mud is firm and begins to crack, it’s time to rinse off again before making your way to the final station.

Step 3. ALGAE — Renew & Nourish. The last step of The Ritual uses a dynamic form of algae that is unique to this lagoon. It renews, nourishes, and moisturizes the skin, leaving you glowing and refreshed. The algae is a thick, gooey, and pungent paste. It’s recommended to cover every inch of your skin, beginning with your toes, and working your way all the way up to your head. The algae will instantly dry on your skin, so once you’re covered, you can begin to rinse off.

When you’re done with the final step and completely rinsed off, you’ll head back to the main counter to grab a fresh towel and algae oil for your face. From here, you can relax some more in the private lagoon or head to the main lagoon with the other visitors.

Quick Comparision: The Ritual

Both Rituals are a great experience, but in our opinion, the Sky Lagoon’s Ritual is superior. It’s a fraction of the cost of the Blue Lagoon’s Ritual and it focuses on both the skin, body, and mind, whereas the Blue Lagoon mainly focuses on the skin. The Sky Lagoon’s Ritual also left us feeling more accomplished and connected to Icelandic tradition.

Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: Facilities

Sky Lagoon: Facilities

The Sky Lagoon offers both public and private showers and changing facilities, a snack bar, and a cafe. Unlike the Blue Lagoon, they do not offer any massages or spa experiences, other than The Ritual. The Ritual experience does include a body scrub, sauna, and steam room, and there is an in-water bar available in the lagoon.

The Sky Lagoon’s snack experience at the Smakk Bar is meant to be a unique culinary journey through Iceland. Their menu has a variety of charcuterie-style plates that offer different tasting experiences. Their most well-known platter, the Sky Platter (the same platter that is included with the Date Night Pass) is a sampling of things that represent Iceland. The platter included bilberry jam, reindeer sausage, wild game paté, blue cheese, fresh bread, and a special ‘happy marriage bliss’ rhubarb pie.

Blue Lagoon: Facilities

The Blue Lagoon offers both public and private showers and changing facilities, two on-site hotel options, two fine-dining restaurants, and a cafe stocked with quick snacks and drinks. They’re also home to a subterranean spa with a private lagoon that offers in-water massages and a three-step skincare Ritual. Visitors will also find a silica mask station, sauna, steam room, and in-water bar in the main lagoon area. The Blue Lagoon even has a shop for its exclusive silica-based skincare products.

The Blue Lagoon’s newest dining experience, Moss, was recommended by the 2022 Michelin Guide. Moss offers 5 and 7-course seasonal set menus that use fresh and local ingredients. Menus are expertly paired with wines from all over the world. Reservations are required.

Quick Comparision: Facilities

Both lagoons are surrounded by state-of-the-art facilities, so the only thing to compare is the number of options available. The Blue Lagoon has two on-site restaurants and a cafe, whereas the Sky Lagoon only has a snack bar and a cafe. The Blue Lagoon also has two hotels connected right to the lagoon, while the Sky Lagoon does not offer any overnight accommodations. And lastly, the Blue Lagoon has a full-service spa and a skincare shop, but the Sky Lagoon does not offer either.

Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: Which is Better

So Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon — which is better? That’s such a tough question! It really depends on what you’re looking to get out of the experience.

We found both lagoons to be very relaxing experiences, but the Sky Lagoon was just a bit more tranquil. Hanging over the infinity ledge and looking out over the ocean was indescribable. On the other hand, it was more challenging to find a secluded place to soak at the Sky Lagoon because of its smaller size.

Both lagoons were also stunning to look at, but we thought our pictures of the Blue Lagoon were slightly more beautiful. It’s hard to compete with the milky blue hue of the water that creates a dream-like scene that is so iconic. The Sky Lagoon did provide incredible photo opportunities, but when we compared them side by side, the Blue Lagoon took the lead.

Both lagoons also offer private showers and changing facilities, but the Sky Lagoon makes this option much more affordable. Getting a private changing area at the Blue Lagoon will cost you nearly 10x the cost of a private changing facility at the Sky Lagoon.

A Ritual is also offered at both lagoons. The Blue Lagoon’s Ritual focuses mostly on the skin itself, while the Sky Lagoon’s Ritual focuses on both the mind and body. The Sky Lagoon’s Ritual is also very affordable when compared to The Blue Lagoon since it’s included in almost all of its passes.

Both lagoons are so amazing that we strongly recommend visiting both if you can. But if you absolutely must choose — we think the Sky Lagoon is best for relaxation and rejuvenation, while the Blue Lagoon is best for a bucket list experience. If you’re visiting Iceland for the first time, and the Blue Lagoon is the main inspiration behind your trip, we think you’ll regret choosing the Sky Lagoon instead.

So if this is your first time visiting Iceland, and you’re facing the dreaded Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon dilemma, go have your Blue Lagoon bucket list experience, and know that the Sky Lagoon will be here waiting for you when you come back.

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