Kayak, Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing Tour

Skaftafell, Vatnajökull
Iceland

The ultimate Vatnajökull glacier tour

Glacier and Volcano Expeditions are proud to offer you the unique opportunity to kayak across a glacial lagoon amongst the icebergs, hike on a majestic glacier, and challenge yourself with ice climbing all combined into the same tour on the same day.

Kayak the Glacial Lagoon

As the tour begins, you will be equipped with the necessary kayaking and safety equipment before you receive an instructional safety briefing from our expert guides. You'll then be led down to the lake where you board your kayak and embark on an adventure across the glacier lagoon. Paddling across the volcanic sediment coloured waters, you will have a unique perspective of the icebergs that are all unique and constantly changing.

Hike on a Majestic Glacier

After your glacier lagoon kayaking experience, we will lead you to the glacier where you will strap crampons on to your boots and embark upon a hike onto the immense Vatnajökull Glacier. Led by our knowledgeable guides, you'll traverse volcanic ice landscape and witness its intriguing beauty up close. As you explore the glacier's features our guides will share stories and knowledge, enlightening you about the glacial formations, geological history, and the effects of an ever changing climate on these unique landscapes.

Challenge Yourself with Ice Climbing

Your adventure culminates as you experience the challenge of ice climbing. Under the guidance of our expert climbers, no previous experience is required to challenge yourself on the glacier's ice walls. With specialized equipment and personalized instruction, you will learn the techniques to ascend the crevasse wall confidently. The exhilaration of successfully ascending from the depths of the glacier, surrounded by the awe-inspiring panorama of the glacier, will leave you with a sense of accomplishment and memories to last a lifetime. Our ice climbing trips are flexible and we will tailor the trip to suit your individual style. We can make the climbing nice and easy or we can make the climbing steep and challenging - it’s up to you!

Escape the crowds

The kayak, glacier hike, and ice climbing tour is only offered as a private tour which enables us to cater to your specific pace and style of adventure. You will be led onto a glacier that is rarely guided by other tour operators which will provide you with a proper wilderness feeling. This is a physical tour that is suitable for those who are accustomed to hiking or exercise.

Safety and Professionalism

At Glacier and Volcano Expeditions, safety is our highest priority at all times. We will ensure that all risks are mitigated as well as providing you with an exhilarating experience. Please check out our incredible experience web page to learn about how we provide the highest possible standard of experience.

Making a reservation

For availablity and reservations please contact us .

General tour details

  • Price - Contact us for pricing information

  • Duration - 5 hours

  • Start time - 9:00am

  • Meet on location at - Viewpoint of Fjallsjökull

  • Link to meeting location: https://goo.gl/maps/nKMw4azAt8Nsdjvw7

  • Maximum guide to client ratio - Custom

  • Ability level - Easy for fit people, challenging for unfit people. This is a physical tour designed for those who hike or exercise frequently.

  • Boat weight limit - 100Kg/ 220lb.

  • Minimum age - 10

  • Languages - English or Icelandic

  • Gear provided - Boat, paddle, PFD, drysuits, backpack, crampons, harness

  • Single person and double kayaks are available

  • For family reservations please contact us before booking

  • Drysuits available: S,M, L, XL and XXL please check the size chart in the gallery ensure that you fit into a drysuit. You can fit a drysuit that is a little too big, but you cannot fit a drysuit that is a little too small for your body!

  • What you need to bring - Hiking boots, waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, warm clothing, warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, camera, lunch, water bottle.

  • We do not rent boots, rain jackets, rain pants.

  • Additional information on glacier kayaking can be found on The Best Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Guide To Iceland page

  • Please read the information on The Best Glacier Tour Guide To Iceland page to be sure you know what to bring with you and what to expect from the glacier aspect of the tour.

  • By purchasing a ticket to join a group or private tour with Glacier and Volcano Expeditions you hereby accept our terms and conditions

  • You can read about who we are by visiting this web page here.

  • For more tour options please visit Glacier and Volcano Expeditions


    Please read the following
    information

    Drysuit sizing

    Glacier and Volcano Expeditions require all participants to wear a provided drysuit whilst kayaking on the glacier lake and we have a limited size range available. We can accommodate for people with a height range between 140cm (4’6 ft) and 198cm tall (6’6 ft).

    The weight limit on the single boats is 100Kg/ 220lb.

    The XL and XXL drysuits are only designed for tall people so please reconsider making a reservation if you or anyone in your group has a very big waist diameter.

    Drysuit sizes available: S, M, L, XL and XXL - please check the size chart in the gallery to ensure that you fit into a drysuit. You can fit a drysuit that is a little too big, but you cannot fit a drysuit that is a little too small for your body!

    We also have children’s drysuit sizes available, however we kindly ask families to please contact us prior to making a reservation as we have age limits on the public tour departures.

    Participant health and medical conditions

    You are required to inform Glacier and Volcano Expeditions of any health or pre-existing medical conditions prior to making a reservation.

    The health and pre-existing medical conditions that you need to notify Glacier and Volcano Expeditions of includes any medical issues, injury, surgery, impairments, disabilities, psychological conditions, overweight, pregnancy, prosthetic implants, diseases or anything that may hinder your ability to complete the tour or endanger others.

    Please contact us prior to making a reservation in order to ensure that it is safe and comfortable for you to participate in the tour.

    Glacier and Volcano Expeditions reserve the right to refuse participation to guests who who have not informed us of the above information prior to making a reservation since this may put the client’s well-being and safety at risk. Should we refuse a guest to participate based on the above circumstances our cancellation policy that is outlined in our terms and conditions will apply.

The meeting location and beginning of the tour

Please arrive early for your tour at Our meeting location which is at the “View point of Fjallsjökull”.

The link to the meeting location is: https://goo.gl/maps/LVCa2GUPfAv1FLpm9

There is no sign that will lead you to our meeting location.

To get there you will need to navigate via google maps and drive down a gravel road off the side of the ring road route 1. Look for the white Ford Transit van with the chimney. Please note that this road is rocky and has potholes. Regular cars are usually fine to drive on this road.

If you need help to find the meeting location please contact us.

There are no opportunities to use the bathroom at any point during this tour as it is a wilderness experience. Please use the bathroom before the tour begins. (You will be able to pee in the wilderness during the tour as long as you do not leave paper on the ground.)

Please read the information on The Best Glacier Tour Guide To Iceland page to be sure that you know what to bring with you and what to expect from the tour.