Canyoning under Vatnajökull: Jump, slide and abseil waterfalls

Jump, slide and abseil your way down a canyon beneath an ice cap

Half-day canyoning activity near Höfn in southeast Iceland where you jump and slide into pools, abseil between rock faces and down waterfalls, and move through a river canyon using safe techniques. The operator is the only one running this experience in Iceland. Two adventure guides lead the group. All wetsuits, helmets, harnesses and boots are provided. Children from age 12 are welcome. Moderate physical fitness is required.

The experience

You'll spend five hours moving down a river canyon close to Höfn using a mix of techniques: jumping and sliding into clear pools, abseiling between sheer rock faces and down waterfalls. The canyon sits beneath Vatnajökull Ice Cap, and the setup works whether the day is sunny or wet and windy: in fact, embracing the elements by moving through falling water is part of what makes this different from a standard hike or climbing experience. Two adventure guides lead the group and manage the safety systems as you progress downstream.

Everything you need is included: a hooded 5mm wetsuit, helmet, harness, neoprene boots, socks and gloves. Coffee or tea is provided. You'll email your shoe size ahead of time so the boots fit. The only things to arrange separately are transportation to the meeting point and lunch afterward.

What’s included

• Hooded 5mm wetsuit, helmet, harness, neoprene boots, socks and gloves.
• two adventure guides leading the group.
• coffee and tea.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (17 to 75 years) · Child (12 to 16 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ice Guardians Iceland

Is this one for you?The five-hour activity involves continuous movement through water (jumping, sliding and abseiling), so it suits travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable being wet and active for the full duration. If you prefer a gentler pace or want to stay dry, a guided walk or easier hike would be a better fit.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 16 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does abseiling down a waterfall actually involve?

Abseiling means descending on a rope using a harness and safety equipment. In this canyon, you'll abseil down sections of rock face and directly down waterfalls, with your guides managing the rope and your descent. It's a controlled technique, not a free fall.

Do I need climbing or canyoning experience to book this?

No prior experience is needed. The guides teach the techniques as you go, and the activity is designed for people with moderate fitness. You should be comfortable in water and moving through a canyon environment, but the guides handle the technical setup and safety.

What's the water temperature like, and will I be cold?

The canyon sits in southeast Iceland, where water stays cold year-round. The 5mm hooded wetsuit, boots, gloves and socks are designed to keep you warm while you're moving and in the water. The activity itself keeps you active and moving, which generates heat.

How far is the canyon from Höfn, and how do I get there?

The canyon is close to Höfn in southeast Iceland. Transportation to the meeting point is not included, so you'll need to arrange your own transport or book a separate transfer service.