I visited Iceland's Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon to find the one that's actually worth your time and money

Talia LakritzJan 14, 2024, 10:59 IST

The author at the Blue Lagoon (left) and Sky Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I visited three famous lagoons in Iceland: the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon.
I felt the Blue Lagoon was the most luxurious and had the best amenities.

As a hub of geothermal activity, Iceland features dozens of lagoons, hot springs, and pools where tourists can swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters year-round.

During a trip to Iceland over the summer, I visited three popular lagoons in different parts of the country to compare their amenities and overall experiences: the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon.

For the purposes of my analysis, I chose the least-expensive admission price at all three sites.

While I enjoyed my visits to Sky Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon, I didn't expect to love the expensive, touristy Blue Lagoon as much as I did. Take a look at how the three hot spots compare.

My first stop in Iceland was the Blue Lagoon.

Outside the Blue Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I bought a ticket for 13,228 ISK, or about $93, the cheapest option at the time of booking.

The entrance to the Blue Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I received a waterproof wristband that served as a digital key.

A Blue Lagoon wristband.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The facilities were pristine.

The locker room at the Blue Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Swimming out into the iconic blue water was surreal.

People swimming in the Blue Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The face-mask station inside the lagoon had a long line.

Crowds at the Blue Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I applied the silica face mask and let the minerals work their magic.

At the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I also took advantage of the drink included in my admission.

This smoothie was include in my admission for the Blue Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

One disadvantage of the complimentary drinks was that some people left their cups behind.

Cups and trash at the Blue Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Inside the main building, the cafe sold an array of sandwiches and snacks.

Food in the cafe at the Blue Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Overall, I felt the steep price tag was worth it.

Seating at the Blue Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

On another day of my trip, I ventured to Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur.

Outside Sky Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The cheapest admission cost me 7,990 ISK, or about $56.33, and included a locker and a towel.

Entering Sky Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Similar to the Blue Lagoon, I received a digital wristband.

A wristband for Sky Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

At around 50,000 square feet, Sky Lagoon was noticeably smaller than the Blue Lagoon.

People swim at Sky Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I found that the smaller size made it a little bit harder to escape the crowds.

The bar at Sky Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

With an infinity pool edge overlooking the ocean, the lagoon seemed endless.

The edge of the infinity pool at Sky Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Like at the Blue Lagoon, I noticed some discarded cups.

Trash at Sky Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

There was a cafe with plenty of options.

The cafe at Sky Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

While I appreciated Sky Lagoon's ocean views and lower price, I preferred the Blue Lagoon's larger pool and extra perks.

At Sky Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Finally, I visited the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir on the Golden Circle.

The entrance to the Secret Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The rural location is around 62 miles from Reykjavík.

Natural hot springs at the Secret Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

My ticket cost 3,300 ISK, or about $23.18, and only included a locker.

Shelves outside the locker room at the Secret Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The Secret Lagoon was the smallest one I visited.

The Secret Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

It came with a surprising perk.

Pool noodles at the Secret Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

A small cafe sold a few drinks and packaged sandwiches.

Refreshments at the Secret Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The seating area was decorated with string lights.

Seating at the Secret Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I saw a few other people, but the Secret Lagoon lived up to its name.

At the Secret Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Overall, the Blue Lagoon was my favorite.

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The Sky Lagoon could be worth it if you have extra time in Reykjavík or spring for the seven-step ritual.

The Sky Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I'd recommend the Secret Lagoon for those driving the Golden Circle and seeking a more rustic, less touristy lagoon experience.

Swimming in the Secret Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

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