Highlights
- Early Bird Ice Cave Tour – arrive at the ice cave before others
- Vatnajokull Glacier
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Jeep ride on the glacier
- Crystal Ice Cave
- Tour with a photographer
Included
- Certified Glacier Guide and Professional Photographer
- Glacier Equipment: Helmet, Crampons, and Harness (as required)
- Small Group: Max 10 persons
- 5 Shot Photo Package: Included per person (child packages include 3 photos)
- Portrait and Landscape: Ice Cave Portrait and Ice Cave Landscape shots
- Early Bird Ice Cave Photos: Professionally edited and sent within 14 days via downloadable gallery
Tour Description - The Early Bird Ice CAve Tour
Experience the stunning Crystal Ice Cave (also known as Sapphire) before the crowds arrive on our Early Bird Ice Cave Tour. Start your day early as your guide leads you onto Vatnajökull Glacier, allowing you to explore the ice cave in peace, with few or no other visitors. This exclusive access ensures a more intimate and serene experience with the ice, perfect for capturing the beauty of the cave undisturbed.
Your expert guide and photographer will help you get those picture-perfect shots inside the cave without any distractions. As you explore, you’ll also learn fascinating insights into the history of Vatnajökull Glacier and its role in Icelandic nature.
After the tour, your photos will be professionally edited by our IPJ editor and sent to you within approximately 14 days—providing a beautiful and lasting memory of your Icelandic adventure!
Itinerary - The Early Bird Ice Cave Tour
Meeting your Guide
Your adventure begins at the Glacier Lagoon parking lot in Vatnajökull National Park. The official address is í Hornafirði, Jökulsárlón, Glacier Lagoon, 781 Höfn. Alternatively, you can type “Ice Pic Journeys” into Google Maps to find us. Since this location is a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik, we recommend staying at accommodation nearby the meeting point.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour so you can use the restrooms. Your guide will be waiting across from the restroom area in the bus parking lot. Look for the ‘Ice Pic Journeys’ logo on our 4×4 vehicle. Departure will be at 8 AM sharp, as we aim to reach the ice cave before larger groups arrive.
4×4 Drive to Vatnajökull Glacier
Once on board our 4×4 vehicle, we will head towards the glacier. About 10 minutes in, we’ll turn onto an F-Road for a bumpy ride across a stunning glacial plain. The drive will take roughly 20-30 minutes. Along the way, your guide will share the history and geology of this remarkable area, adding a layer of insight to the scenic journey.
Hike to the Ice Cave
Upon reaching the glacier parking lot, your guide will equip you with glacier gear: crampons, an ice axe, a harness, and a helmet with a headlamp. If you rented hiking boots, they will be provided as well. Once everyone is ready, we’ll set off on a 30-minute hike toward the edge of the glacier. The hike is moderate, mostly over flat, rocky terrain, and we’ll pace ourselves to suit the group.
Arriving at the Crystal Ice Cave
At the glacier’s edge, you’ll be greeted by the jaw-dropping sight of the Crystal Ice Cave, also known as the Sapphire Ice Cave. The cave’s appearance changes every year due to natural melting and reformation during the summer, making each visit unique.
Before entering, your guide will assist with crampons if required. Safety instructions will be given, and it’s important to follow them and ask any questions before heading inside the cave.
Exploring the Ice Cave
As you step into the cave, you’ll be awed by the deep blue ice walls. If conditions are right, you may even see the morning sun illuminating the cave for a magical effect.
Your guide, who is also a professional photographer, will capture photos of you in the best spots while you explore the cave’s chambers. They’ll make sure you get breathtaking shots to remember this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We will spend around one hour inside the cave, exploring its various chambers. As your guide explains the glacier’s history and the cave’s formation, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this natural wonder.
Return to the Glacier Lagoon
What to bring
- Water bottle (recommended)
- Waterproof jackets and pants
- Proper seasonal clothing: Warm layers for freezing or wet conditions
- Warm hat and gloves
- Hiking boots: Water resistant is preferred.
- Suitable shoes
- Gloves & Headwear
- Camera (optional)
Contact us for more information about this tour
Photos that you can expect from the tour:
Meeting Point
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Good to know
While arriving early increases our chances of fewer people in the ice cave, it doesn’t guarantee we’ll be alone. Most tour companies start operating around 9 am, so going earlier helps us avoid larger crowds.
Ice caves are constantly changing due to natural forces. The caves you visit may look different from photos on our website or social media, as new caves form and old ones melt each year. This ensures every experience is unique and special.
The Early Bird Ice Cave tour includes approximately 1-1.5 hours of hiking. The trail is mostly flat but rocky, making it accessible for individuals with an average level of fitness.
- Photo packages may sometimes take more or less than 14 days to edit. This is our average turnaround time, but it can vary.
Our IPJ Editor will select and edit the best shots from the day for your photo package. If additional photos are available beyond your package, they may be offered at 1,000 ISK per photo, though this is not guaranteed.
If you have specific photo requests from your tour, please let us know via email before the editing process begins.
Children on Tours: Parents must bring car seats/booster seats for our 4×4 vehicles and arrive early to install them. Parents are also responsible for ensuring their children remain calm, controlled, and follow the guide’s directions at all times.
