Guide Training And Qualifications

Every adventure begins with trust, and trust begins with the guide leading the way. That’s why every Arctic Adventures guide—whether behind the wheel, on the ice, or beneath the surface—undergoes rigorous, internationally recognized training to keep you safe, comfortable, and confident in every environment. 

Before each summer season, we ensure all of our guides are up to date with certified Emergency First Response (EFR) training, based on global safety standards set by ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation). EFR certification is valid for two years, so guides renew their certification every other year. Many complete this renewal through our annual in-house course, while others update their skills with local rescue teams, the Red Cross, or similar organizations.

Our spring courses include: 

• Primary Care (CPR): Covers life-threatening emergencies including CPR, choking, bleeding, shock, and AED use. 

• Secondary Care (First Aid): Teaches how to treat injuries and illnesses like fractures, burns, allergic reactions, and more. 

Additionally, many of our guides—especially those working on glaciers, remote trails, and highland expeditions—are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR). This internationally respected certification prepares guides to respond to medical emergencies in backcountry environments where outside help may be hours away. 

WFR training is hands-on and scenario-based. It goes beyond basic first aid to cover patient assessment, trauma care, environmental emergencies (like hypothermia or altitude sickness), splinting, evacuation techniques, and improvised medical response using limited gear. 

Our guides train to stay calm, make smart decisions under pressure, and keep guests safe and stable until help arrives—or until the group can safely evacuate. This kind of preparation is essential for the wild landscapes we explore. 

Driver-Guides (Sightseeing & Multi-Day Tours)

• Licensed commercial drivers
• Trained in EFR protocols
• Deep knowledge of Icelandic nature, history, and culture

Glacier Guides

• Certified in glacier safety and crevasse rescue
• Regularly assessed for technique and risk management
• Comprehensive in-house training based on the Hard Ice Guide certification from the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association
• Wilderness First Responder certification
• Hard Ice 1 (Jökla 1) – basic glacier guiding skills, required for summer tours
• Hard Ice 2 (Jökla 2) – advanced glacier travel and crevasse rescue, required for winter tours
• Hard Ice 3 (Jökla 3) – expert-level guiding and complex rescue techniques, required for senior guides

Snorkeling & Diving Guides

• Certified PADI Divemasters or PADI Instructors
• Experienced in both cold-water diving and tectonic plate snorkeling

Hiking & Trekking Guides

• EFR-certified (Emergency First Response) for single-day hiking tours
• WFR-certified (Wilderness First Responder) for multi-day trekking tours
• Experienced in navigation, route planning, and safety in Iceland’s varied terrain

Caving Guides

• Trained in first aid and cave navigation
• Begin as assistant guides and must pass assessments to lead trips

Safety is the foundation of every tour we operate. In remote and sometimes unpredictable environments like Iceland’s glaciers, highlands, or lava caves, it’s critical that guides are prepared to respond to a wide range of situations. That’s why we invest in internationally recognized certifications and hands-on training that goes beyond the basics. 

Our guides are trained to assess risk, manage changing conditions, and make informed decisions in the field. Many hold advanced certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Hard Ice Guide credentials, with experience leading in challenging terrain. When you travel with Arctic Adventures, you’re exploring Iceland with a team that takes safety seriously, every step of the way.