Crystal Ice Cave Tour

Trip difficulty: 2/5, easy.

Tour Highlights:

Guided visit to the ice formations of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of the mighty Vatnajökull
Group size limited to 14 guests per guide
Super Jeep ride from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to the ice cave
Short walk to the cave with all glacier safety gear included

Experience an ice expedition on Vatnajökull Glacier, conveniently starting from the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Each autumn, meltwater and winter forces carve new ice canyons and caverns into the glacier. These change every season – their size, shape and colour can vary from deep blue to lighter white tones depending on the weather and snow cover, making each visit unique. Our expert team constantly evaluates conditions to choose the best site for the day.

From Jökulsárlón, board a specially modified Super Jeep for a scenic, off-road ride (~30 minutes) to the glacier’s edge. From there, take a short walk of around 15 minutes each way over uneven ground. Your certified glacier guide provides a safety briefing and all necessary glacier gear (helmet, headlamp, crampons) and leads you safely along the glacier.

You’ll have time to look around, take photos and learn how the ice canyons and caverns form and change from year to year. Because this is a natural wonder and a popular area, you should expect to share the cave with other small groups – this is not a private experience – but your guide will do their best to give you space for photos and to enjoy the atmosphere.

Disclaimer: All day trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Arctic Adventures does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to there own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.

Certified, English-speaking guide

Super Jeep ride from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to the glacier

All necessary safety gear (helmet, glacier crampons, headlamp)

Guided visit to the glacier ice of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of the mighty Vatnajökull

Group size limited to 14 guests per guide

Please Note

The minimum age to participate is 6 years old
Sturdy, close-toed footwear is required
The tour is rated as easy, but guests must be comfortable walking for ~15 minutes on uneven terrain each way
Glaciers are always changing. Each year new unique ice canyons and caves are formed in different locations. We visit one ice feature per tour, and the site visited may vary depending on conditions. Some ice features are larger or more striking than others, but each is unique and chosen for your safety and the best possible experience on the day.
The tour is weather and condition dependant. Guest safety is our highest priority, and tours can be altered or cancelled if conditions are deemed unsafe by National Park Authorities. Late cancellations or itinerary adjustments may be unavoidable – please accept our gratitude in advance for your patience & cooperation.
Ice caves are seasonally accessible, and only when conditions are safe. In the event of unfavourable conditions, we will notify you by email if the tour is cancelled.
Jökulsárlón is a busy area. We recommend allowing plenty of time to find parking, and check in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour.

A 100% charge applies if canceled within 1 days of the start time.
Free cancellation up to 365 days before the start time.

Meet us at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Your adventure begins at the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift out to sea. Take time to enjoy the view or visit nearby Diamond Beach before departure. The meeting point is on the east side of the main Jökulsárlón parking lot, where you’ll see Super Jeeps and tour vans. Look for a bright orange truck with the Arctic Adventures logo in the window, and out meeting point sign in front. Your guide will meet you here and lead you to the Super Jeep (marked either Glacier Mice or Arctic Adventures). Tours leave promptly, so please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Jökulsárlón is a busy area with several parking lots on both sides of the road; allow extra time to park and walk to the meeting point. There are no washrooms at the glacier, so please use the facilities at Jökulsárlón before we depart. There are restrooms and a water refill station at the meeting point.
Vatnajökull Glacier
From the lagoon, climb aboard our specially modified Super Jeep for a scenic ~30 minute drive towards an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Once we leave the main road, the track becomes off-road and bumpy, adding to the sense of adventure while offering beautiful views of mountains and the surrounding landscape. This tour takes you beyond the regular roads, right to the edge of the glacier where ice canyons await. Your skilled driver-guide will expertly navigate the track so you can buckle up and enjoy the adventure! After the Super Jeep ride, you will be fitted with a helmet and crampons, hear a safety briefing, then be ready to explore.
Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull
We arrive at Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. Here your guide gives a safety briefing and provides all necessary glacier gear before we walk on the glacier. The walk is usually 15 minutes each way over uneven, icy ground, but you'll be equipped with crampons to help. The walk is suitable for most people with a normal level of fitness and sturdy hiking shoes. Next, step into an ice canyon with hidden caves, and see how powerful forces of meltwater and frost shape the glacier from the inside. The colours can range from deep, electric blue to more white or grey tones depending on the light, snowfall and the ice formations that nature has created this season.

Warm, waterproof outwear, gloves

Sturdy hiking boots (no sneakers, heels)

Camera