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. 

Each year before the summer season begins, all of our guides complete certified Emergency First Response (EFR) training based on global safety standards set by ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation). That means their training is backed by organizations like the American Heart Association, European Resuscitation Council, and others around the world. 

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 

• Many hold the Hard Ice Guide certification from the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association 

• Lead guides are Wilderness First Responders with years of glacier experience 

Snorkeling & Diving Guides 

• Certified PADI Divemasters or PADI Instructors 

• Experienced in both cold-water diving and tectonic plate snorkeling 

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.