Description
Summary
Description
Discover a hidden glacier lagoon and step onto Europe’s largest ice cap on a small-group kayaking tour in Iceland. Perfect for active travelers, this half-day adventure lets you paddle among icebergs in a quiet lagoon and experience Iceland’s dramatic wilderness up close.
The tour operates from May to September, when conditions are ideal. During this period, warmer, more stable weather and long daylight hours make the experience safer and more enjoyable.
Your 4-hour glacier tour in Iceland begins at the Smyrlabjorg Hotel in Southeast Iceland for a short briefing on weather conditions and what to expect. A professional glacier and kayak guide accompanies you throughout, providing safety tips and helpful guidance to ensure a smooth experience.
From the hotel, hop on a 4x4 vehicle for a scenic 20-minute drive to the trailhead. This journey takes you through rugged landscapes, lava fields, and quiet valleys of Vatnajokull National Park.
Upon arrival, everything you need for the kayaking tour is provided, including a lightweight 4kg packraft, drysuit, personal flotation device, paddle, and water shoes. The compact packrafts are easy to carry, making it possible to hike while carrying your gear.
Hike 1.24 miles (2 kilometers) along a mossy trail to Flaajokull Glacier Lagoon, passing the cascading Bolstadafoss Waterfall. The hike takes about 1.5 hours and includes some uneven and rocky sections with short uphill stretches. Moderate fitness is recommended to fully enjoy this glacier adventure in Iceland.
At the lagoon, inflate your packrafts and receive a brief paddling instruction. For about an hour, paddle between towering icebergs, surrounded by the vast landscape of the Vatnajokull Glacier. You’ll feel the calm and solitude of Iceland’s remote wilderness as you take in its pristine beauty.
The calm waters of the lagoon make paddling relaxing and accessible for all skill levels. Keep an eye out for seals lounging on icebergs and various seabirds soaring overhead.
Land the boats on a skerry and hike 10–15 minutes to a viewpoint in Flaajokull, a creeping outlet glacier from Vatnajokull. Safety permitting, your group will step onto Europe’s largest ice cap and explore its expansive blue-and-white ice, dramatic formations, and deep canyons.
With a small group of up to six travelers, you’ll get personal attention from your guide. Ask questions, receive tailored tips, and experience a safer, more relaxed adventure. Take the tour at your own pace and fully take in the stunning scenery without feeling rushed.
Experience an extraordinary glacier tour in Iceland on this packrafting adventure in Vatnajokull National Park. Check availability now by choosing a date.
