2-Day Ice Cave & South Coast Trip to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 2-day guided tour of Iceland’s South Coast, featuring some of the country’s most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks. From the majestic waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss to the volcanic black sands of Reynisfjara Beach, this tour takes you on a journey along the famous Ring Road, culminating in the crown jewel of Iceland: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
A highlight of this adventure is the rare opportunity to explore a dazzling blue ice cave beneath Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. These naturally formed wonders are unique each year, with mesmerizing shapes and vivid blue hues that make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ice cave availability is extremely limited, so don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary phenomenon.
If the skies are clear, your evening may include a magical bonus: watching the Northern Lights dance across the Icelandic skies, adding even more enchantment to your journey.
The tour includes a comfortable overnight stay at the best available accommodation, ensuring you’re well-rested for each day’s adventures. With convenient pick-up from Reykjavík and expert guides leading the way, you’ll enjoy a seamless and unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
This winter, make your Iceland adventure truly special with this 2-day South Coast tour, complete with the iconic crystal ice cave. Check availability now by selecting your travel date.
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - The South Coast
After the lights of the city have faded behind you, you’ll zoom through the countryside, heading toward the famous volcano under a glacier, Eyjafjallajökull, which made headlines around the world when it last erupted in 2010. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is found at the foot of this glacier, and it cascades a vast 60-metres down from the interior. Next to Seljalandsfoss is another beautiful but less known waterfall, Glufrabui, which you will also visit up close.
Next, you’ll see Skógafoss waterfall, 18 stories high, plunging down from cliffs which used to mark the coastline of Iceland during the last Ice Age.
Continuing down the coast, you’ll see the awesome power of the Atlantic Ocean as it pummels the black sands at Reynisfjara Beach. Black basalt carves strange column shapes in the cliffs and forms sea stacks not far from the shore.
After stopping for some refreshments, you’ll continue through imposing sand plains and lava fields. The highlight of this day will be Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a deep lake filled with huge chunks of glacial ice slowly drifting out to sea.
For your evening accommodation, you will stay at a cosy hotel in the South or SouthEast of Iceland, arriving around dinner time. During the night, you can have a look around for the Northern Lights if the Aurora forecast and cloud cover is right.
Day 2 - Ice Caving
The excitement of ice cave exploration will dominate today's journey, and good hiking shoes are essential, as it will take a few minutes to hike to the cave. Your boots should cover your ankles to prevent your feet from getting wet if there is a little meltwater.
When spending time in an ice cave, it is important to proceed with caution and follow your guide's advice. Glaciers are truly spectacular, but it is not possible to visit without a specialized guide and the necessary equipment.
After gearing up with your helmet and crampons, you’ll embark on an exciting journey up the glacier in a powerful super jeep specially equipped for icy terrain.
This season, two main ice caves in the Vatnajokull glacier are open for exploration: the Western Ice Cave and the Eastern Ice Cave. On this amazing day, you'll visit the best available Ice Cave, carefully chosen based on weather and visibility conditions to ensure the ultimate experience.
You'll have at least 30 minutes to explore this beautiful location, if not more. Ensure your winter hat is not so bulky that it won't fit under your caving helmet. Safety first! Your guide will share with you his expertise and knowledge about the ice caves, allowing you to truly appreciate this amazing natural phenomenon.
During the drive back to Reykjavik, you will travel again through the beautiful stretch of coastline on Iceland's south shore. Your guide will point out anything that you missed the day before, and if atmospheric conditions are right, you may have another opportunity to look for the Northern Lights.
You'll arrive in Reykjavik in the evening, and it is recommended that you do not plan to fly from Keflavik International Airport on the same night if there are delays or bad weather. Go for a stroll and take in what the city has to offer.
What to bring
Good to know
Customers travelling on their own will receive a single room. Reservations for 2 people will be allocated a double room. For bookings of 3 or more, triple rooms will automatically be allocated. For example, a group of 8 will receive 2 triple rooms and 1 double. If these arrangements do not meet your requirements, please contact the provider.
Please note that you might need to repack to a smaller suitcase or backpack before your journey as only hand luggage is allowed on this tour. Storage for larger pieces is available in Reykjavik.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and therefore cannot be guaranteed, but this itinerary is designed to maximise your chances to see them if weather allows. Please be advised that there is no specific Northern Lights hunt on this tour, but your guide will notify you if the conditions are favourable and advise you on how to best spot them.
It can happen, in the case of extreme weather, that an activity is cancelled. If your chosen activity is cancelled, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you.
Please note that only pick up and drop-off from designated pick up locations in the greater capital area is available, not from Keflavík International Airport. Therefore, we do not recommend attempting to start this tour on your arrival day in Iceland. Arrival time back to Reykjavík at the end of your tour can vary depending on weather and traffic. It is highly recommended that you do not book your flight home the same night as bad weather or delays could affect your journey. Please be sure to arrange accommodation for this evening and an airport transfer the next day to take you to Keflavík International Airport for your departure.
For your convenience, it is recommended that you pack lightly for this tour, in a small bag or backpack. If you have large luggage with you, please check with your accommodation if they offer luggage storage for your time on this tour. If that is not a possibility, you can store your luggage at our office for a small fee.
Note that Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the wintertime. We recommend you bring shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers. The covers can be purchased in most supermarkets and gas stations around the country.
Accommodation
Due to increased demand for travel services in Iceland and low availability, travel companies in Iceland can not guarantee specific accommodations. However, we can always provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking. Below you can see our preferred partners for accommodation, Gerði Guesthouse, and Hotel Smyrlabjörg. In the case of these hotels not being an option, an alternative of the same standard will be arranged.
Located near Höfn, Gerdi cottages make a perfect home base for day trips and sightseeing in Southeast Iceland. Visible from your Gerdi cottage and from all of Höfn is the spectacular Icelandic glacier Vatnajökull.
Hotel Smyrlabjorg is a 68 room hotel located almost halfway between the magical Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the first sites of the Eastfjords, making it a perfect stop for those on a Ring Road adventure.
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