Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour of Vatnajökull Glacier From Jökulsárlón

Exploring the stunning natural wonders of Vatnajökull Glacier is an exhilarating experience for nature enthusiasts. The Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón offers a chance to discover the breathtaking blue ice formations, accessible only during the winter months. With a thrilling ride, a guided hike, and top-notch safety gear, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the glacier’s captivating history and geology. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, the Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour promises an adventure that will leave you in awe of Iceland’s natural wonders.

Key Points

• The Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour explores the stunning blue ice caves of the Vatnajökull Glacier, departing from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
• The tour includes a 30-minute super Jeep ride and a 20-minute hike to the glacier, where travelers can explore the ice caves with provided equipment.
• The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the composition and history of the ice formations during the experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and has age and medical restrictions, requiring proper attire and equipment for the outdoor activities.
• The tour has an overall positive rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 272 reviews, with some travelers noting the high price relative to the experience.

Tour Overview

The Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the breathtaking ice caves of Vatnajökull Glacier.

This highly rated tour departs from Jökulsárlón, with a maximum of 14 travelers. Priced from $175 per person, the tour includes round-trip transport, a 30-minute super Jeep ride, and a 20-minute hike to the glacier.

Travelers are provided with crampons and helmets to safely explore the ice caves, with the option for guided or independent exploration.

The tour earns a Badge of Excellence and is 92% recommended by previous travelers.

Itinerary and Experience

After being picked up from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, travelers embark on a 30-minute super Jeep ride to the Vatnajökull National Park.

Upon arrival, they’ll hike for 20 minutes to the glacier, equipped with crampons and helmets.

Once on the glacier, explorers can choose to join a guided tour or venture out independently to discover the stunning blue ice caves.

Throughout the experience, they’ll learn about the composition and history of the ice formations.

After the exploration, the tour returns to the original meeting point at Jökulsárlón.

What’s Included

As part of the Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour, the tour provider includes several key elements.

Travelers receive a driver/guide who leads the experience. The tour also provides essential equipment like helmets and crampons for hiking on the glacier.

The super Jeep ride and all taxes, fees, and handling charges are covered. While the tour doesn’t include food and drinks, it does recommend appropriate clothing and footwear for the glacier hike.

With these essentials provided, travelers can focus on fully seeing the natural wonder of the blue ice caves within Vatnajökull National Park.

Recommendations and Restrictions

While the tour provides essential equipment, there are several important recommendations and restrictions to consider.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions. The minimum age is 7 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Proper attire is crucial, including waterproof and/or warm clothing, warm socks, and suitable hiking shoes or boots.

Pickup starts 10 minutes before departure, and the tour ends back at the meeting point, with no hotel pick-up or drop-off included.

Traveler Feedback

The Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from travelers, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 272 reviews.

Travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and memorable experiences. However, some felt the price was high relative to the experience.

A few complaints mention overcrowding in the caves and issues with service. Notable tour guides mentioned include Matthew, Anna, Jessie, Holt, Alex, Jamie, and Javier.

Getting to the Meeting Point

To get to the meeting point for the Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour, travelers need to make their way to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This stunning glacial lake is located in southeast Iceland, roughly 370 kilometers from Reykjavík. The tour company provides round-trip transportation from this central meeting point, so no additional travel is required. Arriving early is recommended, as the pickup time is 10 minutes before departure. The journey to the ice caves within Vatnajökull National Park takes approximately 30 minutes by super Jeep.

What to Expect on the Tour

Travelers embarking on the Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour can expect an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Vatnajökull National Park.

The tour begins with a thrilling 30-minute super Jeep ride to the glacier, followed by a 20-minute hike while wearing provided equipment like crampons and helmets.

Once at the glacier, explorers have the option to join a guided tour or venture independently through the stunning blue ice caves. Along the way, they’ll learn about the composition and history of these natural wonders.

The tour concludes with the return trip to the meeting point.

The key experiences include:

1. 30-minute super Jeep ride to Vatnajökull National Park
2. 20-minute hike to the glacier with provided equipment
3. Guided or independent exploration of the blue ice caves
4. Learning about the glacier’s composition and history

Exploring the Ice Caves

As explorers step inside the mesmerizing blue ice caves, they’re immediately struck by the ethereal beauty of the glacial formations.

The guided tour leads them through these natural wonders, where walls of solid ice glimmer in captivating shades of blue and white. Guides share insights into the caves’ composition and history, pointing out fascinating features like intricate crevasses and crystalline structures.

Visitors can choose to explore independently or follow the guide, marveling at the scale and grandeur of the ice. The caves offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience, immersing guests in the icy heart of the glacier.

Since You Asked

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Ice Caves?

The best time to visit the Vatnajökull ice caves is typically between November and March when the caves are fully formed and accessible. Visiting during the winter months offers the most dramatic and stable cave conditions.

Can We Bring Our Own Equipment Instead of Using the Provided Gear?

Travelers can bring their own equipment instead of using the provided gear, but it’s recommended to use the helmets and crampons provided for safety and to ensure proper fit. The tour company’s gear is specifically designed for the ice cave exploration.

How Strenuous Is the Hike to the Glacier and Ice Caves?

The hike to the glacier and ice caves is moderately strenuous, covering around 20 minutes over uneven terrain. Travelers should have a reasonable level of fitness and wear proper hiking shoes to navigate the glacier safely.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for the Tour?

The tour company doesn’t offer any discounts or package deals for this activity. However, they do provide transportation and specialized equipment, which helps offset the higher price compared to some other glacier and ice cave tours in the area.

Can We Take Photos and Videos Inside the Ice Caves?

Yes, visitors are generally permitted to take photos and videos inside the ice caves. However, flash photography is not allowed as it can damage the delicate ice formations. Guests are advised to bring a camera with them to capture the stunning natural beauty.

The Sum Up

The Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour of Vatnajökull Glacier offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the mesmerizing blue ice formations. With a high recommendation rate and exceptional feedback, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable adventure. The thrilling super Jeep ride, guided hike, and in-depth exploration of the ice caves provide an unparalleled experience amidst the stunning scenery of the Vatnajökull Glacier.