Crystal Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour from Jökulsárlón
4.0 / 5 · 142 traveler reviews
This is currently the best easy-access blue ice experience in Vatnajökull National Park: incredible views & photo opportunities without a difficult hike. The tour begins at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs drift toward the Atlantic Ocean. Climb aboard a Super Jeep for an off‑road adventure to the edge of Vatnajökull. We drive for about 30 minutes to reach the glacier. Once we leave the main road, the ride gets bumpy and offers amazing views of the landscape. When we arrive, we give you all the gear you need: a helmet, headlamp, and crampons for your boots. It is typically a 15-20 minute walk on the glacier to reach the ice canyons & hidden caves. This walk is easy for most people, and no prior experience is required. Depending on the light and the weather, you will see colours ranging from bright blue to pure white, depending on the light, snowfall, and what nature has created this season.
Your experience
Stop 1
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 the Arctic Adventures sign - your guide will meet you there 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 ice cave, so please use the facilities at Jökulsárlón before we depart.
Stop 2
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 winter landscape. This tour takes you beyond the regular roads, right to the edge of the glacier where the ice cave awaits. Your highly 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.
Stop 3
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 to the cave. 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 cave 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 cave that nature has created this season.
What’s included
- Group size limited to 14 guests per guide
- Access the glacier with an exciting and scenic Super Jeep ride
- All necessary safety gear provided (helmet, headlamp, glacier crampons)
- Explore the ice canyons and hidden caves of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of the mighty Vatnajökull
- Expert, experienced glacier guide
Not included
- Transportation to the meeting point (e.g. from Reykjavík)
- Food and drinks
- Parking fees
Meeting and pickup
The tour departs from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Parking Lot. The meeting point is on the East side of the parking lot, where you will see super jeeps & tour vans parked. Please look for a big orange truck with the Arctic Adventures logo in the window, and our meeting point sign in front.
Before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This experience is subject to favourable conditions. Safety always comes first. If we cancel the tour due to poor weather, you will be offered the choice of an alternative date or a full refund.
- Being properly dressed will make your adventure safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. We reccomend wearing layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy hiking boots.
- Ice caves seasonally accessible, and only when conditions are safe.
- Ice caves are a constantly changing natural phenomenon. Their appearance depends on the season, weather, light, and other conditions. Photos may not reflect the exact cave or views on the day of your visit.
- This is a natural wonder and popular area, so you should expect to share the cave with other groups. Guides do their best to coordinate and give you time & space to enjoy the atmosphere and take pictures.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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