Terms and Conditions
The terms “participant,” “participants,” “guest,” “guests,” “client,” “clients,” “you,” and “your” refer to all individuals engaging with Glacier and Volcano Expeditions, whether or not they have paid for a reservation.
By purchasing a ticket, joining a tour, or accepting guiding services from Glacier and Volcano Expeditions, you agree to the following terms, conditions, and policies.
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1. Assumed Risk, Unforeseen Events, and Liability
The Icelandic wilderness, including Vatnajökull National Park, is a dynamic and unpredictable environment. Natural hazards include, but are not limited to:
Weather extremes, glacier structural stability, mountain integrity and stability, snow conditions including avalanche hazard, river conditions and flooding, cold water eposure, iceberg collapse or rollover, glacier calving, erosion, volcanic eruption, earthquakes, glacial outburst floods, strong wind, rock fall, ice fall, whiteout, exposure to heights, slippery and uneven ground surfaces, cold exposure, and sun exposure.
Additional hazards also include, but are not limited to:
Equipment failure, actions of other tour participants, actions of other unassociated tour groups or members of the public who are not part of the tour.
By participating in our tours, you fully accept these risks and understand that your guide and/ or Glacier and Volcano Expeditions is not liable for any loss, injury, or death resulting from such occurrences.
All participants must act responsibly and follow all safety instructions provided by Glacier and Volcano Expeditions or its partners. Our tours inherently carry risk, and we do not assume liability for accidents, injuries, losses, or deaths caused by natural events, human error, or third parties. Glacier and Volcano Expeditions and/ or your guide is not liable for any loss, injury, or death resulting from their judgment or decision making, negligence or actions.
Glacier and Volcano Expeditions may collaborate with third-party operators, guides, drivers, and contractors. We are not responsible for any incidents, injuries, or losses caused by these third parties.
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2. Adapting to Natural Conditions
Natural conditions within Vatnajökull National Park are constantly changing. Glacier and Volcano Expeditions reserves the right to select the most suitable tour location on the day, based on safety, weather, and optimal glacier conditions. Due to Iceland’s extreme and changeable weather, tours may be adapted, modified or canceled for safety reasons.
If conditions become unsafe before or during a tour, your guide has the right to:
Cancel or postpone the activity
Turn the group around
Relocate to a safer alternative site
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3. Meeting on Location
All tours are meet-on-location. We do not provide transportation.
You are responsible for:
Arriving at the correct meeting point at the time stated in your reservation confirmation
Driving on roads (including gravel or rough roads) that may cause vehicle damage. We are not liable for any such damage.
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4. Clothing Requirements
Appropriate footwear and clothing are mandatory for all tours.
You must bring:
Hiking shoes/boots
Warm, weather-appropriate clothing
Waterproof jacket and pants
Gloves
Small backpack
Snacks/lunch
Camera
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
We do not rent boots or rainwear.
Participation may be denied without a refund if you arrive inadequately dressed or equipped.
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5. Health and Pre-existing Medical Conditions
You must inform Glacier and Volcano Expeditions before your tour of any relevant health or medical conditions, including but not limited to:
Alcohol or drug use (including impairing prescriptions)
Low fitness level
Obesity
Disabilities (physical or mental)
Pregnancy
Recent surgeries
Serious illnesses or injuries
Any condition that could hinder participation or pose a risk to others
We reserve the right to deny participation if you are deemed unfit for the tour. In such cases, our standard cancellation policy applies.
If a participant’s condition deteriorates during the tour, the guide may stop the activity and return to a safe location.
We strongly encourage you to consult us prior to booking if you have any relevant medical or health concerns.
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6. Participant Conduct
While on tour, all participants must follow the instructions, safety briefings, and boundaries established by the guide. The guide’s decisions are final and based on group safety and well-being.
Glacier and Volcano Expeditions reserves the right to deny or discontinue participation for individuals who:
Are physically unfit to continue
Exhibit unsafe or abusive behavior
Pose a risk to themselves, staff or other participants
Refuse to follow instructions
No refunds or rescheduling will be granted in such cases.
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7. Medical Emergencies
If a medical emergency occurs—whether involving someone in your group, another Glacier and Volcano tour, or a member of the public—your guide may be required to administer first aid, coordinate rescue efforts, or pause the tour.
During such events, you must follow all guide instructions without exception.
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8. Cancellation Policy
To cancel a tour, email us at info@glacierandvolcano.com.
If you booked through a third party, contact them directly.
Refund Policy
Public group tours:
Cancellations >72 hours before departure = 90% refund
Cancellations <72 hours = No refund
Private/custom tours:
Cancellations >72 hours before departure = 80% refund
Cancellations <72 hours = No refund
No refunds for:
No-shows
Cancellations after the tour date
Partial cancellations within a group booking
Glacier and Volcano Expeditions may cancel your tour due to policy violations or unsafe behavior. In such cases, no refunds or rescheduling will be provided.
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9. Arrival Policy
It is your responsibility to arrive on time at the designated meeting point.
Failure to do so is treated as a no-show, and you will not be entitled to a refund, reimbursement, or rescheduling.
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10. Governing Law
Glacier and Volcano Expeditions (Jökla og Eldfjallaferðir) is an Icelandic company.
These terms are governed exclusively by Icelandic law, and any disputes shall be settled by the District Court of Reykjavík.
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11. Privacy Policy
We only collect and store personal information necessary for:
Fulfilling your reservation
Notifying you of relevant offers and services (unless you opt out)
To opt out, email: info@glacierandvolcano.com
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12. Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance in your home country. This should cover cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events related to your tour.