Spa Etiquette
Your visit to Blue Lagoon is all about wonderful relaxation. However, if you haven’t had a spa experience before, you may have some questions about how things work. If your first visit is around the corner, it can be very useful to read our Spa Etiquette. It’s sort of like our guide of best practices, good-to-know tips and information. The following should tell you everything you need to know, so you can just focus on enjoying yourself.
ENTRANCE
Blue Lagoon is open year-round, so whether you come in summer or winter, you can always plan a visit.
Opening hours are 09:00 – 21:00 in summer (1 June – 31 Aug), and 10:00 – 20:00 during the rest of the year (1 Sep – 31 May). You can remain in the bathing lagoon for up to 45 minutes after closing time.
Your entrance is valid for the whole day of your visit, so you can leave and come back if you wish.
Avoiding peak times
Peak times at Blue Lagoon are unpredictable. However, Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less busy than other days, and afternoons to closing time are often the quietest hours.
Even at busy times, the size, features and design of the lagoon mean that you should always be able to find a quiet spot. However, if you’d like to guarantee the ultimate in privacy and luxury, you could try booking our Exclusive Lounge.
DRESS CODE
Bathing suits are worn in and around all areas of the bathing lagoon, including the sauna. You can bring your own, or rent them from reception. You can also rent towels and bathrobes. All are available in a range of sizes, from S to XL.
We are also happy to accommodate religious dress requirements, such as burkhinis and veilkinis.
CHANGING ROOMS AND SHOWERS
We have separate changing rooms for men and women. The facilities are clean and modern, with showers and electronic storage lockers.
Lockers
You’ll be given an entrance bracelet, which will allow you to store and lock your clothes in individual electronic lockers. Just follow the instructions as clearly displayed in the changing rooms.
Please note that if you lose your entrance bracelet, a fee of ISK 5.000 will be applied.
Showers
After storing your clothes in a locker, you should move through to the shower area. You’ll take your bathing suit, towel and/or bathrobe with you. These can be stored while you shower.
There are individual shower cubicles with doors for privacy.
Washing guidelines
We kindly request that guests wash all parts of the body thoroughly, without a bathing suit. We do so in order to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the lagoon.
You’ll find complimentary shower gel and conditioner available throughout the shower area. Please do not shave in the showers.
When you’ve finished showering, you can put on your bathing suit and make your way from the changing rooms to the bathing lagoon.
WEATHER
Whatever the weather, it is never too cold to bathe in Blue Lagoon’s warm geothermal waters, or to enjoy an in-water treatment. The lagoon temperature is always kept at 37–39°C/98–102°F. If it is sunny, be aware of sunburn and consider using sun-cream. Bear in mind that the skin can be more sensitive after bathing or treatments.
Icelandic weather is very changeable, whatever the season. For up-to-date information about weather and forecasts, click here.
SWIMMING
The lagoon is designed for relaxed bathing. So, while you can swim gently around the lagoon, its warm, cloudy water is not suitable for vigorous exercise. Diving is not allowed anywhere.
You don’t need to be able to swim to bathe in the lagoon. The deepest part of the lagoon is around 1.60m/5.2ft, but most areas are far more shallow. Please note that the lagoon floor, although smooth, is naturally uneven.
There are also lifeguards, for anyone who might get into difficulty.
Swimming accessories
You won’t need any waterproof footwear, as the lagoon floor is smooth, and all the surrounding areas are covered by walkways. However, if you wish to use flip-flops you can either bring your own or buy them at the Blue Lagoon shop.
Inflatable rings or toys are not allowed in the lagoon. However, inflatable armbands for children are provided free of charge, by the entrance to the bathing lagoon.
CHILDREN
Children of all ages are welcome at Blue Lagoon. Entrance is free of charge for all under-14s, when accompanied by a guardian. Children of 8 or younger must wear inflatable armbands. These are provided free of charge by the entrance to the bathing lagoon.
For safety, and out of respect for other guests, please keep an eye on your children at all times.
Treatments for children
We offer special massage treatments for children aged 6–11. For older children, you can book from our wonderful range of Blue Lagoon treatments.
SAFETY
Life-guards are on duty at all times around the lagoon. There is also a lifeguard in a tower, with an overview of the area, and there are security cameras.
We have well-established procedures to deal with accidents and other events. All our staff are trained in first-aid and undergo monthly safety training.
ALCOHOL
For safety reasons, we have a limit of three alcoholic drinks per person for those who are bathing. You can buy drinks on your entrance bracelet, and pay when you leave. To ensure that you don’t get dehydrated while bathing, we recommend that you also drink water.
Anyone under the influence may be denied access to the lagoon, for security reasons.
VALUABLES
You can store any valuables with the rest of your things in your electronic locker in the changing rooms. Please ensure your locker is properly locked before you walk away. Blue Lagoon is not responsible for any lost valuables.
We recommend that you remove any jewellery (rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.) before bathing. Both in order to prevent loss and also because Blue Lagoon’s active ingredients; silica, algae, minerals and geothermal seawater, can accumulate in the jewellery and be difficult to remove.
We recommend that you leave your shoes in your locker.
You can bring your camera into the lagoon with you (see Photography section below), but we cannot be held responsible for any loss or water damage. Please note that photography is not allowed in or around the changing rooms.
Lost and found
We store lost and found items for 6 weeks. If you’ve lost something, then please contact us. We can ship found items to you, but we don’t cover the shipping cost.
PHOTOGRAPHY
You are welcome to bring a camera and take photos during your time in the lagoon. However, we do not allow any photography in or around the locker rooms. We are not responsible for any loss or water damage to cameras.
If you have a professional photography enquiry then contact us.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Everyone is welcome at Blue Lagoon, and each year we receive guests with a variety of different needs or health concerns.
In general, we recommend that all guests keep hydrated and remember to eat. This is especially important if you have diabetes.
If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition, then check with your doctor and be sure to limit your time in very hot water or the sauna.
Medical conditions and Blue Lagoon treatments
If you’re booking a treatment, then let the receptionist know if you have any medical conditions that may relevant. This includes if you are pregnant, have allergies or high blood pressure, or if you have any physical ailments or disabilities. We can then make sure your treatment is right for you.
When you receive your treatment, your therapist will adapt the therapy to your needs. To do this they will ask you about the temperature, music, use of products and the massage pressure. If there is anything specific you would like them to pay attention to, just let them know.
Pregnancy at Blue Lagoon
If you’re pregnant, there is nothing to stop you enjoying Blue Lagoon – provided you have a normal pregnancy and you take care to keep hydrated while bathing. In fact many pregnant women find floating in the warm geothermal waters the perfect way to relax. We even offer a special pregnancy massage.
You can book a treatment whenever you like during your pregnancy, although we specially recommend it after the first trimester. Our qualified masseurs are trained to treat pregnant women and you are welcome to request a male or female masseur.
Psoriasis at Blue Lagoon
People with psoriasis were among the first to notice the incredible beneficial effects of bathing in geothermal seawater. At Blue Lagoon we have a long history of developing treatments and products to help psoriasis sufferers.
If you have psoriasis, then bathing at Blue Lagoon, combined with applying our silica mud to your skin, can be wonderfully beneficial. You can also buy specially developed Blue Lagoon skincare products to take home with you from our Blue Lagoon shop.
We also have the Blue Lagoon Clinic and hotel, where you can receive proven natural treatments that have amazing results.
Epilepsy
If you have epilepsy, we advise you to have a friend, who is aware of your condition, with you during your visit. We also provide a reflective wristband for those with epilepsy, which will alert our lifeguards to your condition. The wristbands are available, free of charge, at reception.
ACCESSIBILITY
Everyone who visits Blue Lagoon has different needs. Each year, we welcome around 100 guests with special needs or disabilities.
Parking
We offer disabled parking in our parking lot, which is a five minute walk from the main building. You can also drive through the service entrance, where there is also disabled parking, and enter the main building directly via the LAVA Restaurant entrance.
Facilities
The main building is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and electric door openers. Guests with disabilities are offered free entry for their assistants. If you need a wheelchair once you are inside the building, just ask at reception. To read more about accessibility, click here.
Changing rooms
There are separate changing rooms for men and women on the ground floor. These are wheelchair accessible, including the bathrooms and the showers. A special changing room is also available for guests with physical disabilities, offering more privacy and big enough to be shared with an assistant. Shower chairs are available upon request.
Please take care, as the floors in the changing rooms and around the lagoon may become slippery.
Lagoon access
There is a pool access lift by the indoor lagoon entrance area, with a 200kg/440lbs carrying capacity. A non-metallic wheelchair is also available that can be taken into the lagoon.
The deepest part of the lagoon is around 1.60m/5.2ft, but most areas are far more shallow. Please note that the bottom of the lagoon, although smooth, is naturally uneven.
Treatments and disabilities
Guests with disabilities have full access to our range of treatments. These include both indoor treatments, and our wonderful in-water treatments, where you can experience deeply relaxing therapies while floating in the warm, geothermal waters.
If you have any other questions or concerns regarding accessibility at Blue Lagoon, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
TREATMENT GUIDELINES
We offer a range of wonderful treatments and massage therapies.
Timing and prices
Massages are mostly available from 11:00–19:00 daily, although sometimes later. For your own enjoyment, and to avoid delays, we recommend that you check-in at reception 30 minutes before your appointment.
Please note that entrance to Blue Lagoon is not included in treatment prices and that notice for cancellations is 24 hours.
The lagoon’s warm geothermal waters mean that you can enjoy an outdoor in-water treatment. These treatments are offered all year long, but can be cancelled without notice due to weather and/or conditions. Have in mind that weather conditions in Iceland can vary greatly at any given day of the year, hence affecting the experience of the in-water treatment. The massage takes place outdoor and although the body is covered with blankets, there is no shelter from rain and/or strong winds.
Booking your treatment
Our treatments are extremely popular, so we recommend you book in advance to guarantee an appointment.
Let us know if you have a preference for a male or female therapist and we’ll do our best to fulfill your request. However, bear in mind that during peak hours, and for less-requested treatments, it may not be possible.
Preparing for your treatment
On the day of your appointment, try to stay out of the sun and avoid alcohol. Once you’ve checked in with reception, take the time to relax fully before your treatment.
If you are having a facial treatment, let the beautician know if you are wearing contact lenses. For men, we recommend that you shave before facial treatments to get the best results.
During your treatment
We’ll adapt our treatment to suit your taste and your therapist will ask you about your preference with regard to music, light level etc.
If you want to your therapist to use a different pressure during your massage, just let them know. They will also be happy answer any questions or specific requests you have.
After your treatment
To get the best out of your treatment, take some time to relax afterwards. Also don’t plan any stressful activities or vigorous exercise for after your treatment. That way you can carry the wonderful, relaxed feeling for as long as possible.
HAIR AND SILICA
One of the unique features of the geothermal water at Blue Lagoon is the high levels of silica. Silica is not harmful to hair. However, if you get your hair wet, it can become difficult to manage.
To avoid this, either:
- Keep your hair out of the water or use a swim cap (these are available to buy at reception)
- Apply the complimentary conditioner provided in the shower area to your hair, and leave it in while you bathe
Once you have finished bathing, wash your hair thoroughly with silica purifying shampoo and use a lot of conditioner. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get all the silica out.
SMOKING
Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the Blue Lagoon building, including the restaurant and café. However, we do offer an outdoor area for the use of smokers. Just ask a member of staff to show you where it is.
REFRESHMENTS
We offer a range of delicious refreshment options, from light meals and drinks, to gourmet dining. However, we don’t provide facilities for you to eat and drink refreshments that you have brought with you.
Please note that all chairs and tables are provided for customers of Lagoon bar or Blue Café. Exceptions are made for baby feeding or special needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Respecting the environment is a key part of the Blue Lagoon spa experience. You can do this during your visit in a number of ways.
Please only use as many towels as you need, to prevent unnecessary washing. Remember that the silica mud provided in the bathing lagoon is a natural resource, so please only use what you need.
When you are in the area surrounding Blue Lagoon, please use the bins provided and don’t walk on the moss, as it is easily damaged.
Read more about our environmental policy.
CONTACT US
If you have questions about any other area or issue, please feel free to contact us.