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Blue Ice Cave Tour, Jökulsárlón

Molly
Molly W.
Nov 22, 2023
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that my family and I will never forget! First of all, the fact that the tour takes you inside a glacier... Read more
Katie
Katie F.
Mar 31, 2023
Our tour guide Tate was amazing and made this a terrific experience we won't soon forget!
R
Rupali T.
Nov 27, 2022
The cave was beautiful and we got some very beautiful pictures. The hike was simple but it was pouring the whole time with wind gusts up... Read more
John
John F.
Oct 17, 2022
Wow. This was my favorite activity of our trip. From the bumpy van ride to the parking area to the hike through the glacial moraine valley... Read more
B
Ben P.
May 24, 2022
Gorgeous place! Photos don’t do it justice. Just don’t go if you get carsick. The monster truck ride is wild! The whole trip was a little... Read more
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Overview

Walking through the electric-blue ice cave of the Vatnajökull glacier is an experience you won't soon forget! The tour begins after meeting your expert and friendly guides at the parking lot of Jökulsárlón, about 2.5 hours east of Vik along the Ring Road. Your guide will take you by Jeep up the glacier and share information about the cave and this exciting excursion.

Upon arrival at the cave, you'll enjoy a short walk through the glacial landscape and learn more about the world-famous Vatnajökull glacier and the surrounding areas. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, your guide will point out some of the filming locations of the popular series, plus those of other productions that took place in the area.

Then, it's time to explore the cave! Ice caves, in general, are stunning natural phenomena and true bucket-list items when traveling in Iceland during wintertime. Standing inside an ancient glacier is a surreal experience, especially when it holds a natural blue hue in various shades and formations.

There are several caves in the vicinity, and because the structure and positions can vary greatly, your guide will lead you through those with the safest and best conditions. If the circumstances are ideal, you might be able to visit other formations, such as ice tunnels and crevasses.

Discover more wintertime excursions in Iceland.

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Traveler reviews

9 total ratings, 8 with reviews
4.8 out of 5
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.8
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.9
Transport
4.2
M
Molly W.
Portland, ME | Reviewed on Nov 22, 2023
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that my family and I will never forget! First of all, the fact that the tour takes you inside a glacier is phenomenal. Our guide, Damian, was a delight. He had a good sense of humor, which he balanced with helpful notes about being cautious and safe inside the cave, and he was committed to making sure that everyone in our group had a good experience. He sensed that our mom might need a little extra help getting into and around inside the cave, and he... Read more

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that my family and I will never forget! First of all, the fact that the tour takes you inside a glacier is phenomenal. Our guide, Damian, was a delight. He had a good sense of humor, which he balanced with helpful notes about being cautious and safe inside the cave, and he was committed to making sure that everyone in our group had a good experience. He sensed that our mom might need a little extra help getting into and around inside the cave, and he calmly and politely provided assistance. He was patient with our questions and with taking photos, he shared many insights about the glaciers, the caves, and healthy respect for nature, and we could not have had a better tour.

Tips for future travelers

Definitely bring waterproof outer layers! It rained on the day we visited, which we were told is very common. There is not much shelter at the main parking area, so we sat inside the superjeep while we waited to depart. Then we walked for several minutes in the open air to get to the cave and again to return to the vehicle. Even our "waterproof" layers were soaked by the end! And we didn't anticipate the tiny particles of volcanic ash that coated all of our wet gear. All of that did not dampen our mood or our experience, though!

Quality of Experience
Inside the cave is so beautiful and magical!! Unlike anything I have ever seen.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Damian was a true gem, and we feel lucky to have had him as our guide!
Transport
We were definitely safe the entire ride to and from the glacier, though the terrain is very bumpy in the superjeep, and it's a fairly long ride.
Katie
Katie F.
Westminster, MD | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2023
Our tour guide Tate was amazing and made this a terrific experience we won't soon forget! Read more

Our tour guide Tate was amazing and made this a terrific experience we won't soon forget!

Quality of Experience
Small group, unique experience, adventurous, but safe!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tate was an expert, funny, and very personable
Transport
R
Rupali T.
Morrisville, NC | Reviewed on Nov 27, 2022
The cave was beautiful and we got some very beautiful pictures. The hike was simple but it was pouring the whole time with wind gusts up to 17mps - although we did get wet completely, put outer layer kept us warm and did not freeze us. Read more

The cave was beautiful and we got some very beautiful pictures. The hike was simple but it was pouring the whole time with wind gusts up to 17mps - although we did get wet completely, put outer layer kept us warm and did not freeze us.

Tips for future travelers

If traveling from USA, make sure your outer layers and gloves are - winter, wind and water proof. Our pants were winter and wind proof but only water resistance - that meant ( which we figured later) the water soaked us in but the pant did not show as if it was wet. The gloves were a sham and did not keep warm or water proof. Our footwear was the best investment - they were hiking water proof winter boots. Also the jackets came through on all the boxes. So bottom line this hike is simple but do not take lightly when they say to focus on layers and outer wear

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
John
John F.
Columbus, IN | Reviewed on Oct 17, 2022
Wow. This was my favorite activity of our trip. From the bumpy van ride to the parking area to the hike through the glacial moraine valley to get to the cave, just getting there was an adventure. The cave itself is beautiful and dramatic. Large enough to have many areas to see and photograph. I consider this a unique experience. There aren't many places where you can explore underneath a glacier. Read more

Wow.

This was my favorite activity of our trip. From the bumpy van ride to the parking area to the hike through the glacial moraine valley to get to the cave, just getting there was an adventure. The cave itself is beautiful and dramatic. Large enough to have many areas to see and photograph. I consider this a unique experience. There aren't many places where you can explore underneath a glacier.

Tips for future travelers

Multiple tour operators run trips to this cave, and so you will not be alone. While the cave is beautiful and has many photo opportunities, you won't likely have any without other people in them, so set your expectations accordingly. The road to the parking area is very bumpy and twisty. It is not in the least bit dangerous, but if you are prone to motion sickness you might take precautions. It takes twenty minutes or more to get to the parking area, and the same back to the road. The walk from the parking area to the glacier takes around 20 minutes. There is no paved path, but the path that is there is easy to navigate and doesn't require any special strength or ability to cover. You will need to be able to walk on your own and step over and on some rocks along the way. Anyone in average health will do just fine.

Quality of Experience
Magnificent scenery to and from the cave, and the absolutely beautiful cave itself. The whole trip was an adventure.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide, Andrea, was excellent. She was engaging, and knew the area well, providing history, science, and climatological information all along the way, as well as being a great driver and entertainer.
Transport
The ride to the parking area was an adventure in and of itself. Some will disagree because it is very bumpy and twisty, but it's clear that you are going somewhere off the beaten path!
B
Ben P.
| Reviewed on May 24, 2022
Gorgeous place! Photos don’t do it justice. Just don’t go if you get carsick. The monster truck ride is wild! The whole trip was a little over 3 hours Read more

Gorgeous place! Photos don’t do it justice. Just don’t go if you get carsick. The monster truck ride is wild! The whole trip was a little over 3 hours

Tips for future travelers

Bring waterproof pants to Iceland

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The car was a bit older than all the others at the lot but it did not detract from the experience
B
Ben P.
| Reviewed on May 24, 2022
Gorgeous place! Photos don’t do it justice. Just don’t go if you get carsick. The monster truck ride is wild! The whole trip was a little over 3 hours Read more

Gorgeous place! Photos don’t do it justice. Just don’t go if you get carsick. The monster truck ride is wild! The whole trip was a little over 3 hours

Tips for future travelers

Bring waterproof pants to Iceland

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The car was a bit older than all the others at the lot
M
Mary M.
Broad Ripple, IN | Reviewed on Mar 26, 2022
We loved seeing the ice cave. Our only frustration was with other tourists on the tour who delayed the hike and caused us to spend less time than expected at the location. Read more

We loved seeing the ice cave. Our only frustration was with other tourists on the tour who delayed the hike and caused us to spend less time than expected at the location.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shannon
Shannon C.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Mar 02, 2022
This was a fun and informative trip. My kids were less than pleased with the distance we had to walk to get to the ice cave but our guide made it all worthwhile once we got there. He engaged the kids personally in some of the things he was showing all of us and made sure they were having fun. The cave itself was beautiful to see but sad to think about how the glacier keeps getting smaller each year. We were all glad we got a chance to see it. Read more

This was a fun and informative trip. My kids were less than pleased with the distance we had to walk to get to the ice cave but our guide made it all worthwhile once we got there. He engaged the kids personally in some of the things he was showing all of us and made sure they were having fun. The cave itself was beautiful to see but sad to think about how the glacier keeps getting smaller each year. We were all glad we got a chance to see it.

Tips for future travelers

While not a difficult hike, the walk was a bit long for smaller kids. My girls kept touching the ice and snow to the point I wish I had brought an extra pair of dry gloves for them to switch to half way through.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Neat to ride in the giant 4x4 but VERY bumpy. Almost like being in a boat so if you typically get motion sick you may want to plan accordingly.

Itineraries with Blue Ice Cave Tour

Seljalandsfoss
Map of Iceland: Golden Circle, South Coast, & Westman Islands - 6 Days
Iceland: Golden Circle, South Coast, & Westman Islands - 6 Days

Explore the Golden Circle on this well-balanced, self-drive itinerary featuring both popular stops and hidden gems. First, drive to Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall, followed by a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon. Next, head to the South Coast to stunning waterfalls—Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss—and visits to Reynisfjara Beach, Vík, and the otherworldly Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Then, explore the glacial areas of Skaftafell, Svartifoss, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, followed by a day to discover the lesser-known Westman Islands. Return to Reykjavík for some sightseeing and tour the Reykjanes Peninsula—plus a stop for a final soak in the Blue Lagoon—before your departure flight home.

Discover striking landscapes like Fjaðrárgljúfur
Map of Golden Circle, South Coast & Reykjavík - 5 Days
Golden Circle, South Coast & Reykjavík - 5 Days

Explore some of the most popular highlights of Iceland on this five-day, self-drive trip. Visit Geysir, the meeting of the tectonic plates, and Gullfoss in the Golden Circle. Then, drive the South Coast to explore the waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and cliffs all around. Next, discover a few glaciers, including Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón. On the way back to Reykjavík, stop at a hot springs river and an ancient pool, along with another waterfall and a crater. Take in the highlights of the Reykjanes Peninsula on your way out, along with a comforting soak in the Blue Lagoon.

The Northern Lights above snowy Kirkjufellsfoss
Map of Winter Adventures in West & South Iceland - 9 Days
Winter Adventures in West & South Iceland - 9 Days

Explore the wintry side of Iceland on this nine-day, snow-filled adventure. Take in the spectacular frozen waterfalls en route to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Explore several glaciers—go snowmobiling around Langjökull, ice walking in Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and hiking in Sólheimajökull. Stay in the countryside, where there’s minimal light pollution, and enjoy great views of the Northern Lights, while setting aside some time for illuminated, warming soaks in hot springs and lagoons along the way.

Ice Cave and Northern Lights
Map of Iceland's South Coast Guided Tour - 5 Days
Iceland's South Coast Guided Tour - 5 Days

This 5-day tour of Iceland's South Coast hits the top natural sights. Visit Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfall, see the Reynisfjara black sand beach, and drop by the small village of Vik for coffee and local history. Stop and see the Jokulsarlon lagoon and Skaftafell National Park's many glaciers. Enjoy viewing the Northern Lights in comfort.