Iceland has transformed from a niche adventure destination to a mainstream bucket-list essential. The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, remain the primary draw with over 12 million monthly Google searches worldwide. But Iceland offers far more: geysers erupting on schedule, glaciers you can walk on, volcanic landscapes resembling another planet, and the famous Blue Lagoon. For travel agents, Iceland represents high-value bookings because clients expect and accept premium pricing for truly extraordinary experiences.
The Northern Lights: Your Primary Selling Tool
The aurora borealis is the single most powerful selling point in travel. No photograph does it justice, which is exactly why clients need to see it in person. Understanding the Northern Lights is essential for managing client expectations and delivering satisfaction.
When to See the Northern Lights
- Best months: September to March, with October-February offering the darkest skies
- Peak probability: Late September to mid-March. December-January have the longest darkness but also the most cloud cover
- Best balance: October and February-March offer good darkness, reasonable weather, and bonus daylight for other activities
- Solar cycle bonus: 2026 is near the peak of Solar Cycle 25, meaning stronger and more frequent aurora activity than usual
Managing Client Expectations
This is critical. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed. Honest communication prevents disappointment:
- Recommend minimum 3 nights in Iceland to maximize chances (statistical probability rises to approximately 80% over 3 nights)
- Book dedicated Northern Lights tours with expert guides who chase clear skies
- Most tour operators offer free rebooking if lights are not visible
- Ensure clients understand that camera captures and eye perception differ. Real aurora can be subtle green waves or spectacular multicolored curtains depending on activity strength
The Golden Circle: Iceland's Essential Day Trip
The Golden Circle is a 300km loop from Reykjavik covering Iceland's three most famous natural attractions. Include this in every Iceland package as it provides the best introduction to Icelandic geology.
- Thingvellir National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly separate. Walk between continents. Also the site of the world's oldest parliament (930 AD)
- Geysir Geothermal Area - Strokkur geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water 20-30 meters high. Free to visit and endlessly entertaining
- Gullfoss Waterfall - "Golden Falls" cascading in two stages into a 32-meter deep canyon. One of Europe's most powerful waterfalls. Spectacular in any season
Enhancement options: Add Silfra snorkeling (crystal clear water between tectonic plates, visibility 100+ meters), Fridheimar tomato greenhouse lunch, or Secret Lagoon hot spring soak.
Blue Lagoon: The Iconic Geothermal Spa
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most visited attraction and the image most people associate with the country. The milky-blue geothermal waters surrounded by black lava fields create an otherworldly spa experience.
- Comfort Package: Entry + silica mud mask + drink. From SGD 80/person
- Premium Package: Entry + robe + slippers + restaurant reservation + sparkling wine. From SGD 120/person
- Retreat Spa: Luxury experience with private changing room, lava restaurant, and exclusive lagoon area. From SGD 350/person
- Location advantage: Between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik, making it perfect for arrival or departure day
Critical: Blue Lagoon MUST be pre-booked. Walk-ins are not accepted. Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season.
South Coast Adventures
Iceland's South Coast is a day trip from Reykjavik packed with dramatic landscapes that feel extraterrestrial.
- Seljalandsfoss - Walk behind this 60m waterfall for a unique perspective. Iconic photography spot
- Skogafoss - Massive 25m wide waterfall with frequent rainbows. Climb the stairs beside it for aerial views
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach - Dramatic basalt column formations, crashing Atlantic waves, and jet-black sand. Featured in Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and countless films
- Vik village - Charming southernmost village with famous church on the hill
- Solheimajokull Glacier Walk - Guided glacier hiking on an outlet glacier. No experience needed, equipment provided. A truly unique activity
Ice Caves & Glacier Lagoon (Winter Special)
Available November through March, the crystal blue ice caves inside Vatnajokull glacier are one of nature's most spectacular creations.
- Crystal Ice Cave tour - Enter naturally formed caves of electric blue ice inside Europe's largest glacier. Guided tours only, weather dependent
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Floating icebergs calving from the glacier, some centuries old. Boat tours among the icebergs available
- Diamond Beach - Icebergs wash ashore on black sand, glittering like diamonds. Free to visit, incredibly photogenic
Whale Watching from Reykjavik & Husavik
- Reykjavik: Year-round departures, 3 hours, see minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises. Success rate 95%+
- Husavik (North): Europe's whale watching capital with higher probability of humpback sightings. Best June-September
- Price: SGD 80-120/person for standard tour, SGD 200+ for RIB speedboat tours
Sample Iceland Itineraries
5-Night Northern Lights & Highlights
Day 1: Arrive Keflavik, Blue Lagoon (afternoon), transfer to Reykjavik
Day 2: Golden Circle full day (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss + Secret Lagoon)
Day 3: South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara Black Beach)
Day 4: Whale watching morning, Reykjavik city exploration afternoon, Northern Lights tour evening
Day 5: Glacier walk at Solheimajokull or snorkeling at Silfra. Northern Lights backup evening
Day 6: Departure
7-Night Winter Iceland (Premium)
Day 1: Arrive, Blue Lagoon
Day 2: Golden Circle + Silfra snorkeling
Day 3: South Coast waterfalls and black beach
Day 4: Drive to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach
Day 5: Crystal Ice Cave tour morning, return toward Reykjavik
Day 6: Whale watching, city museums, Northern Lights tour
Day 7: Snaefellsnes Peninsula day trip (Kirkjufell mountain - another iconic photo spot)
Day 8: Departure
Practical Information for Agents
- Visa: Iceland is Schengen. Same visa as rest of Europe. Indians need Schengen visa
- Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK). Cards accepted literally everywhere including hot dog stands
- Budget reality: Iceland is expensive. Set expectations early. A restaurant meal costs SGD 30-50, beer SGD 12-15. Package with meals included where possible
- Driving: Self-drive is popular but winter driving requires experience. Recommend guided tours November-March
- Daylight: December has only 4-5 hours of daylight (great for Northern Lights). June has 24 hours of daylight (midnight sun)
- Flights: Icelandair and PLAY airlines connect Keflavik to major European and North American cities. Many use Iceland as a Europe-America stopover
Book Iceland Through DMC Quote
Our B2B platform connects you with Iceland ground handlers offering wholesale rates on hotels, guided tours, Blue Lagoon packages, and Northern Lights excursions. Create Iceland packages that sell the dream.
Register as a travel agent and access our European destination portfolio including Iceland.
