Vatnajökull Glacier Ice Cave Tour: 3-4 Hours, Blue Ice

Into the Blue: Vatnajökull's Ice Caves in a Super Jeep

You board a super jeep at Jökulsárlón and drive 40 minutes onto Vatnajökull glacier to explore a natural ice cave. The walk on the glacier ranges from 1 to 4 kilometers depending on conditions that day. Helmet and crampons are provided, and your guide explains the glacier's geology and formation as you go. Plan for 3–4 hours total, and bring waterproof, warm clothing and hiking boots.

Step-by-step itinerary

Blue Ice Cave Tour at Vatnajökull Glacier

• Meet guide at Glacier Lagoon cafeteria
• Board custom-made super jeep
• Drive 40 minutes to Breiðamerkurjökull glacier tongue
• Listen to guide's insights on ice caves and glaciers
• Hike 500-1000m on glacier if needed
• Receive safety briefing and equipment
• Explore natural blue ice cave formations

The experience

You meet your guide at the Jökulsárlón cafeteria and climb into one of Iceland's largest custom-made super jeeps. The drive toward Breiðamerkurjökull takes about 40 minutes, and your guide talks through the whole thing: how the caves form, what makes the glaciers move, the volcanoes underneath. It's not a quiet ride. The landscape opens up as you go, and you start to understand why people come here.

Once you're on the glacier itself, the walk varies. Sometimes the cave is close to the edge and it's maybe a kilometer. Other days you're hiking 1 to 4 kilometers across the ice, depending on where the caves have opened up that season. Before you go in, your guide fits you with a helmet and crampons: the spikes grip the ice so you don't slip. The caves are 100% natural, which means they're always changing. The one you see today won't be the same next month. You might find brilliant blue ice, or emerald green, or sections of black ice where the rock shows through. Every tour is different.

The whole thing is 3 to 4 hours from start to finish, and you need to be comfortable walking and in decent shape. The terrain is uneven and the cold works on you. Kids as young as 7 can go if an adult is with them, but the tour isn't recommended for people with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or anyone with heart or cardiovascular concerns. Wear waterproof layers, warm socks, and proper hiking boots or shoes. The super jeep holds up to 15 people, so you're not in a crowd, but you're not alone either.

There's no hotel pickup. You meet at Jökulsárlón itself, which is about 40 minutes from Skaftafell. If you're coming from Reykjavík, that's 370 kilometers, and the tour operators suggest not driving it the same day you tour. Book direct with Ice Explorers if you're bringing more than five people or need the tour in another language. They offer Spanish, Italian, Icelandic, and Polish.

What’s included

Your tour includes the natural ice cave in Vatnajökull, transport in a custom super jeep with a driver-guide, helmet and crampons, all taxes and fees, and a safety briefing before entering the cave. Your guide shares insights about glacier formation, volcanoes, and local culture during the 40-minute drive to the glacier.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:20, the last at 12:50

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 to 75 years) · Child (7 to 15 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

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 7 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Ice Explorers

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see an actual ice cave without needing mountaineering skills or prior glacier experience. Expect to walk 1–4 kilometers on the glacier itself, which is what lets you reach caves that are constantly changing with the seasons: no two tours are the same.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 15 years). Children under 7 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.

Do I need experience hiking or climbing to do this tour?

No prior experience is needed, but you should be in moderate physical fitness and comfortable walking 1–4 kilometers on uneven glacier terrain with crampons on your feet.

What if the ice cave is unsafe on the day of my tour?

The caves are natural and constantly changing. Your guide assesses conditions that morning and chooses which cave to visit, or may reschedule if conditions are unsafe. This is why each tour is unique.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You meet at the Jökulsárlón cafeteria. Pickup starts 10 minutes before departure. There is no hotel collection service.

What do I need to bring?

Waterproof and warm clothing, warm socks, and hiking boots or shoes. Helmet and crampons are provided by the tour operator.

How far is Jökulsárlón from Reykjavík?

About 370 kilometers. The tour operator does not recommend driving from Reykjavík the same day as your tour.

Can I book this tour in a language other than English?

Yes. Spanish, Italian, Icelandic, and Polish tours are available upon request. Contact Ice Explorers directly through the booking platform to arrange.

What's the maximum group size?

Up to 15 people per super jeep. If you're booking for more than five participants, contact Ice Explorers directly.