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 - Custom
Meet on location at - Viewpoint of Fjallsjökull
Link to meeting location: https://goo.gl/maps/nKMw4azAt8Nsdjvw7
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.
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
informationThe 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 reach the meeting location 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 gravel road however it has recently been maintained.
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.)
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.
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.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.
The physical aspect to the tour
This is a physical tour that is suitable for those who are accustomed to hiking or exercise. You will be required to carry your boat (which weighs 5kg), paddle and equipment 300m to and from the lake. Paddling the boat does require having the core strength to sit with your body in a 90 degree position for over an hour.
Our kayaking tour is designed for participants who are in good general health and reasonably fit. For individuals who are active and accustomed to regular exercise, the tour is considered easy and enjoyable.
However, kayaking does require physical effort, balance, and stamina. The experience may be more difficult and uncomfortable for participants who are overweight, have limited mobility, or have pre-existing medical conditions that affect endurance or movement. In such cases, the tour can feel more demanding.
The hiking will consist of approximately 2/3 of the tour duration and you will walk approximately 5 kilometres total. The hike to access the glacier involves walking within a dynamic glacier and moraine environment and therefore the route that we take changes frequently due to environmental developments. The hike may involve walking over terrain that is not a formed path. This terrain is often challenging as it involves steep loose gravel, loose rocks and boulders. The route that we take may be wet and muddy and your shoes may become wet and muddy as a result.
Ice climbing is physically demanding and requires a high level of fitness in order to be able to safely and comfortably enjoy the activity. If you have any medical issues such as recent injuries or surgeries, history of dislocations, or any other conditions please contact us to discuss the feasibility of the tour.
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.
Associated risk
All outdoor activities involve an element of inherent risk and the tours offered by Glacier and Volcano Expeditions are no exception. Each tour is led by professional guides experienced in recognising, assessing, and managing known and foreseeable risks in wilderness environments. While every effort is made to mitigate and manage these risks, participants should understand that inherent risks—both known and unknown—cannot be entirely eliminated.
By joining a tour, all participants, including children under the supervision of their parents or guardians, acknowledge and accept these risks and agree to the terms and conditions.