The Ultimate Guide To Experience GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths

Iceland is well known for its geothermal activity, hot springs, and hot pools scattered throughout the country. The land of fire and ice has over 45 natural hot springs and more than 200 swimming pools, so you will have plenty of options to choose from during your Ring Road adventure. One can’t-miss experience during your Iceland travels is a soak at GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths. Just thinking about the dreamy evening we spent watching the sunset over snow-capped mountains while enjoying the warm waters and a glass of prosecco still brings a smile to my face. Don’t just take my word for it. GeoSea was featured on Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places List in 2019. This GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths post includes everything you need to know to experience one of Iceland’s standout thermal baths.

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When To Go

GeoSea is open year-round, so you can visit at any time. During our 12-day Ring Road and Westfjords trip, we got to experience GeoSea in the summer during golden hour. Iceland’s weather is never incredibly warm, but it was a lovely evening. While we caught a late August sunset, an evening at GeoSea in June or July to admire the midnight sun would be quite memorable. Looking to check out the dancing lights in the sky? The fall and winter months would be a great time to take a soak at GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths. Witnessing the northern lights while looking out at the coastline would definitely be unforgettable. Talk about a bucket list experience! Long story short, there really is no wrong time to go. But if you’re traveling outside the midnight sun and northern lights seasons, I highly recommend booking your reservation during sunset.

How To Get There

GeoSea is located at the edge of Húsavík, off of Skjálfandi Bay, next to a bright yellow lighthouse on the coast. If you stay in Húsavík, it’s a quick 5-minute drive to the GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths parking lot. Alternatively, GeoSea is a 1-hour drive from Akureyri and Lake Mývatn. It’s a brief but worthy detour off of the Ring Road.

Traveling to Iceland? Check out my 8-Day South & West Itinerary and 12-Day Ring Road & Westfjords Itinerary posts to plan your ultimate fire and ice adventure.

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths History

The people of Húsavík are no strangers to using geothermal water in their daily lives. The water that feeds into GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths comes from two drill holes that the townspeople had previously used for bathing and washing. Once they discovered that the water was too mineral rich to heat their homes, they decided to use it for relaxation. The Húsavík residents chose to funnel the water into an old cheese barrel so they could soak in the hot seawater – the first version of the GeoSea we know today. Aside from the calming experience, the townspeople also enjoyed the health benefits of the water, including notable improvements to their skin.

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Know Before You Go

• Like with anything in Iceland, booking a reservation ahead of time is always a smart move to guarantee you won’t miss out.
• The ticket cost to enter GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths gets you access to their facilities, including their spa-like locker room where you can safely store your belongings. Before entering, you will remove your shoes and place them on a rack outside the locker rooms.
• Similar to the other geothermal baths in Iceland, guests are required to shower before entering the baths.
• The ticket cost doesn’t include a towel, so you can either bring your own or rent one for a small fee. You can also rent a bathing suit if needed.
• No need to worry about having a credit card with you in the baths – your wristband is all you need.

If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths Experience

Arrival

When you arrive at GeoSea, you are greeted by the friendly staff at the front desk for check-in and a brief overview of the facilities. Each guest will receive a wristband granting you access to GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths. The wristband also serves as your payment method and your key for a locker of your choosing. You remove your shoes and leave them on a rack outside before entering the spa-like locker rooms. When you enter the locker rooms, select a locker to store your non-essential items and use your wristband to lock it.

Once your items are secured, head to the showers and wash up with soap and water before putting on your bathing suit. All guests must shower without a bathing suit with soap before entering the water. Showering before entering the pool is a common practice for all the hot springs in Iceland. After you’re nice and clean and your swimsuit is on, you’re ready to enter the sea baths.

Sea Bath Experience

You will feel instantly relaxed as you dip your toes in the mineral-­rich seawater. There are two infinity pools that differ slightly in temperatures, but both are comfortably warm at 100.4°- 102.2°F (38° – 39°C). There is also a smaller upper pool that is closest to the bar. GeoSea is more intimate in size compared to Blue Lagoon, though you’ll find you still have plenty of space to spread out and relax without bumping into others.

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There is a constant flow of mineral water as a result of two drill holes, one near the cheese barrel and the other near the harbor. The water is safe to enjoy without chemical treatments because of the constant flow of new water flowing from the holes, through the pools, and eventually pouring over the infinity pool and back into the sea. Sit back and let the healing waters work their magic.

Dining & Drinks

In addition to the beautiful infinity pools, GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths has an onsite restaurant for those looking to grab a bite during their relaxing spa experience. Pull up a seat at their light and modern dining space while looking out over the sea baths. Fancy a beverage? The swim-up bar is conveniently located off of one of the baths. Your wallet can stay safely stowed in the locker room; just wave your wristband over the reader to add a drink to your tab.

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Departure

Once you’ve finished your soak, you will shower again without your swimsuit. Be sure to towel off in the shower area to keep the remainder of the locker room as dry as possible. GeoSea has lovely complementary shampoo, conditioner, and body wash near the showers, and blow dryers are available for use in the locker rooms. On your way out of the locker room, you will check out by returning your wristband and paying for your food, drinks, and towel and/or swimsuit rental. I guarantee you’ll leave feeling lighter and happier after your experience at GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths.

Final Thoughts

Our evening at GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths was one of our favorite experiences during our 12-day Iceland trip. There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset over snow-capped mountains while relaxing in the warm, mineral-rich water and enjoying an ice-cold beverage with your favorite person. Thinking about it now makes me want to book a flight and do it all over again. GeoSea should be at the top of your list for geothermal hot spring experiences if you’re traveling to Iceland. I hope this guide helps you plan your visit to the GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths, the perfect spot to slow things down and unwind during your journey.