Katla Ice Cave (Under The Volcano) Tour | IS-AA-KICVIK / AA-KICRVK

Great superjeep experience! U can actually se the power of this kind of car! Great guide! He answered all questions… the great thing was the fact that we were a small group so he took good care of us.
We saw the caves and we even went up the glacier to visit a small cave

I spent a lot of time researching tours in Iceland, and settled on Arctic Adventures for the price and experience. They offered excellent value and we would travel with them again. I wish I had driven to Vik and met the tour there. The bus wasn't comfortable and we drove four hours round trip. At the same time, I didn't have to deal with black ice, so that was a plus!

The super Jeep trip was thrilling and the views were spectacular. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the geological history of the area and made the trip particularly fun. On the Arctic Adventure webpage, it states that the caves shift over time, and no particular experience is guaranteed. I understand this, but we weren't able to walk fully into a cave in the way the photos represented. We peered in.

Even so, this was a wonderful experience.

This was a long day, but such an excellent tour. The ice cave was a bit small as it was new, however none the less spectacular. We went in the ice cave in small groups of 2-4 and were given as much time as we needed. The highlight of the tour for my children (12 and 15) was the walk on the glacier to get to the cave. The surroundings were so beautiful and well worth the long bus ride. Our super jeep driver and guide was entertaining and informative and we felt very safe with him. The two waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss we stopped at during the bus ride were also great, but could not compare to the surroundings at the glacier. Before going I had a few questions about the tour and all my questions were answered swiftly by the company.

My husband and I took the Katla Volcano Ice Cave Tour from Vik and we were very disappointed with the experience. It wasn't informative and was a poorly-run tour, overall, and most definitely not worth the cost.

The tour started with a "Super Jeep" ride, which is really a van on huge wheels into which they shoved 14 of us during the pandemic. Most wore masks but some did not, and no one was told to wear them. The van was uncomfortable with so many people and I ended up with bruises from being squashed in the last row with 3 other people. The van was so loud that we couldn't hear any of the audio from our guide, so we, unfortunately, didn't get to learn anything on our tour. This continued on the hike itself since we were the last to get out of the last row of the van and ended up towards the back of the hiking line with one other couple behind us.

We travel pretty regularly and take tours often but this is the first tour we've ever taken in which nothing was explained to us about the plan for the tour itself. We didn't know how long we'd be hiking, if/when we could stop for photos, or what the plan was for the cave ahead of time. We felt the hike itself was pretty rushed and no time was really left to take in the view and take any pictures. The cave was much smaller than expected (which was fine, it's nature and we don't expect it to accommodate us) but I'm not really sure why we were sent into a tiny cave with two other people instead of just letting each pair go in on their own since we only had a minute or two in there, max. The cave looks much larger in the photos - be aware, it's only a small few feet of ice cave that fits no more than 2-3 people at a time.

The time at the top was somewhat wasted. Someone who was ahead of us in line started using his drone and we didn't because we didn't think there would be time (and our guide had explained nothing to the group). There would have been plenty of time because our guide actually spent about 10+ minutes giving directions to a couple on our tour while we all waited around and tried to stay out of the way of the next group that had arrived with their guide and started to go into the cave. We were literally standing around in the same spot waiting for our guide.

For the amount we paid ($155 USD per person), it was a real disappointment. We learned absolutely nothing because we couldn't hear our guide and he spent more time giving directions to a couple than addressing the rest of the group.

We informed Arctic Adventures who apologized, thanked us for the feedback, and blamed South Coast Adventure, who apparently ran the tour. They didn't offer any partial refund for the bad experience.

Definitely not recommended.

We wanted to thank both of the tour guides for best time in Iceland! Everyone was so friendly and plenty of jokes and laughs to go around! From pick up to drop off it was great to talk with everyone and see the lovely scenic views. When we met in the parking lot, the winds were blowing and the skies were very over cast but by the time we got to the glacier, it’s like some Nordic prayers had been answered! The skies opened up and it was an amazing view, from the mountains to the glacier and then an amazing rainbow at the very end! As we talked about on our walk to the glacier, you CANNOT take a bad picture (unless you cover the camera with your finger 😂). We could not have asked for a better time and experience to celebrate our 1 year wedding anniversary ! Thank you both for such an amazing time and we cannot wait to join you both again in a few years!

I am very glad I booked the tour. It was a unique experience for me and unlike any outdoor activity I had done before. The ride in a super jeep, The drive through the black sand desert leading up to the glacier, walking on sheets of ice up to and into the ice cave, everything was very unique for me.

The guide was funny and willing to answer the questions. He gave good information and instructions about the use of crampons, how to walk on ice etc.

If the photos you see as part of the tour advertisements are your only criteria to go on this tour, then expect to see a different site when you get there. The face of the glacier keeps changing and so do the ice caves.

Was very fortunate to go on the excursion to Katla Ice cave. Our guide was very professional and knowledgable. He took the time to provide us with a history of Iceland, the cave and volcanoc formations, and their relevance in the chain. The ride from Reykjavik was especially fun in the Superjeep, all the way to the cave base camp. Kudos to Arctic Adventures for devising an excellent trip.

This was one of the highlights of my trip to Iceland, Best tour to see beautiful Katla Ice Cave in summer. Words cannot describe the colors of the ice formations on the cave and surrounding rivers and snow and gravel roads to get there. Our driver was a hero. On that day he drove us through rain and slushy ice. You have to walk through the snow to reach the Ice Cave. Literally like a scene from Star Wars. You see the Blue Ice Cave from a far. Magical and Beautiful,

We did the katla ice cave tour from Vik.
It probably was the most wonderful experience we have ever had.
A 40 minute drive in a super-jeep in a lunar environment kickstarted the tour. Then we roamed around on foot at the bottom of thr glacier, walking on ice and volcanic ash. Then we entered the cave. It has wonderful colors. It’s tricky to walk inside so you have to remember yourself to stop and enjoy the moment and don’t just look down at your feet on small wood bridges on a glacial river.
The guide was amazing. Vert funny and loved his sense of humor. Also very explicative about what we saw.
10/10 would recommend, as in the summer this is one of the few ice caves open to tourists. Probably in winter there are more spectacular ones.

Our Under the Volcano Katla Ice Cave Tour with Villi was one of the highlights of our trip! From the exciting Super Jeep ride, with a soundtrack to match, to hiking inside the glacier cave, enjoying an Icelandic song sung by the drivers, the breathtaking scenery and sliding down the side of the glacier it was a day to remember!

I loved this tour! We had really funny guides for the ice cave (I think one was named Gilly and I don’t know the other one’s name but he was excellent - he had a ponytail and a long beard. He was hilarious and made the drive to the cave and glacier so much fun!). This was a wonderful experience and one of the highlights of my trip!

We don't normally do tours of any sort, but we are very happy that we chose this excursion. We got to revisit a few spots we had seen on our last trip to Iceland. But the trip to and through the ice cave was something we would have never attempted on our own. An incredible experience, made even more memorable because of the guides. Kata was our main driver, and she was friendly, informative and entertaining. (and an excellent driver!) We do not remember the name of the guide who brought us through the cave itself, but he was great as well. Walking on ice while equipped with crampons was a new and very positive experience.
It was a long bus ride back, but well worth it. Especially because we did not have to drive in the rain/snow and darkness.

We booked this tour from Vik and it was simply perfect!!!
The guide picked us up punctually and we drove for about 30 min. on the road before beginning the adventure of driving in virgin snow. The view was simply breathtaking.
Once we arrived at the volcano we were given a helmet, crampons and safety instructions. Basically to stay together.
It’s a safe and easy trekking for all ages... even for those not in top shape. 😉
The guide was funny, helpful and had wonderful stories.
It’s a small group tour which was great for us, since we were 7 friends.
We’ve done trekking at glaciers and this tour is by far, a more complete experience.
Simply amazing and would strongly recommend it!!!

Plan for beautiful scenery a long day but well worth it. We get to see some beautiful waterfalls the Blacksand beach acquaint little town. A little off-road adventure and then the adventure begins with the crampons on. Your guide reminds you to be safety minded and he watches you to be sure you’re safe. Information about the glacier is given in the van on the way it to the glacier and all through the glacier they give you information on how the cave with formed. There is only one cave that you walk through to an opening and you’re inside the glacier. Nice photo opportunities. I’m 65 years old and overweight and yet I was able to do the tour safely. Actually this was the highlight of my trip. Iceland is very interesting the people are very nice and I enjoyed Iceland very much the short time I was there. Regina H

My 17 year old son and I did this trip to the ice caves. I’ve been to Iceland three times now and I have to say there was something very special about the ice cave. We even saw a waterfall inside the cave. A truly, very special place.

We had a great time at the glacier and ice caves. It is a long journey from reykjavik and we already did southern iceland tour because we wanted to visit black sand beach. So for us most of the journey waz a bit the same except the ice cave ofcourse! Im the beginning of the tour people were a bit confused because our group would split in 3 but we all travelled with the same bus. The tourguides at the glacier were very friendly and funny. Walking on the glacier was exciting but the glacier is melting so fast! Overall we had an awesome day!

This tour was awesome - I would highly recommend!

First, Arctic Adventures was very helpful when my friend and I couldn't find the meeting place where we were supposed to connect with the guide. They called me directly and were able to transfer me to the guide and I was able to meet up with them! I had been worried we would miss the tour and so appreciated this extra effort!

Once the tour began our guide Villy was great! He shared lots of interesting facts and tidbits about Iceland, Vik and the glacier itself.

The ice cave is beautiful! The weather that day was a bit stormy so it was not as breathtaking as it might have been if it were sunny but the cave is still an amazing sight!

This is one tour no tourist should leave Iceland without attending!
Gives us a sense of the power of Mother Nature, and at the same time how humans are causing so much damage with global warming. Highly recommended!

Our guide was excellent and the other people on the tour were great to be with.

It is really impressive to drive on a glacier to the area of the ice cave. Short hike to the cave and it is just amazing from there. The end had a good twist, that I am sure you will enjoy.

Be prepared for a long day, but it is well worth it. The ice cave was spectacular. Much larger than we expected it to be. Our super jeep driver, Hilgi, was very entertaining. The stops at two waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss were dicey as it was VERY cold and windy and footing was very slippery with ice. But, they are magnificent. I took off one star for the pick up. We stood in the cold for over an hour waiting to be picked up and also got a call asking us to go to another pick up spot after we had been waiting for 45 minutes.

We brought my niece to Iceland for her graduation trip and this was absolutely her highlight! The trip began with a minibus ride out to Vik. Our driver/guide was Yannis, a lovely Greek expat with a big smile and a knack for storytelling. He spent the 2+ hour drive entertaining us with history and folklore about trolls and elves. I learned more about Iceland from Yannis than I did from any of my other tours. As you leave before sunrise, experiencing it across the breathtaking terrain of the south coast is just something you shouldn't miss. We had a literally picture perfect day. I found myself time and again in awe of the beauty around me. Yannis reminded us to take advantage of the bathroom when you have it and we stopped once at a gas station where you can pick up food for lunch and use the facilities. When we arrived at Vik, fortunately we were ahead of schedule. There is a nice large wool outlet store there and some restaurants. If you have time, you can explore them and eat. OR you can also explore the black sand beach and stunning scenery of the town. We managed to do a bit of both.

Next we met up with our cave guide, Magnus or as we eventually called him "Mad Max!" He was simply THE BEST! We climbed up into our massive Mad Max type truck (thus starting to inspire the name) and, after waiting for a couple that didn't show, we were lucky to have a very small group of seven. This gave us a lot more wiggle room in terms of enjoying our time. Max was super friendly, charming, funny and very helpful to everyone on the tour. He answered all our questions and took individual time to make sure each of us were ok and enjoying ourselves. I especially appreciated that he took extra time to look after my sister who was struggling a bit walking in the deeper snow. Inside the caves, he helped with photos and gave tips on getting around and where to go. Our group had great camaraderie and we all worked together to find our way back into the caves, crawling, ducking, and pointing out interesting finds that others might have missed in the dark. We reveled in the moment, recognizing we're in an ice cave on a volcano due to erupt at any moment. Once we finished up inside, we did some hiking outside to find perfect photo spots. One such spot happened to be atop of a small hill... for which Mad Max then created a toboggan for us all to slide down. His positive energy was genuinely infectious. We just truly had such a fun day filled with wonder and laughter and adventure thanks to Yannis and Mad Max.

Started out early morning, at 8:30 (or was it 8am???). We visited in December, so four hours of daylight... that's something else! :-). The tour guide/driver was giving information almost the enter drive. Just enough talking to past the time, but not too much that it was overkill. He was friendly, and asked kindly that we stick to the time given while off the bus at each stop. He asked everyone to buckle up, on what was a normal bus, the was comfortable enough. Nothing broken in my area. I unfortunately can not remember his name :-(. We arrived at Seljalandsfoss at about 11:20 am. By then it was light out, so we were able to get some good pictures, and see the waterfall. We were also able to walk behind the curtain, but had to rush back to the bus, so be warned your have about 20 minutes to get a good picture, walk/climb behind the curtain, and get back on the bus when there with about 100 other people doing the exact same thing. Next stop was dropping off other visitors from our bus to do a hike on a glacier near the cave we were going to explore. We had about 10 minutes to walk up to this opening and get some pretty shots, then it was off to Vik. There we were able to eat, and visit a black sand beach before heading to the cave in a super jeep. At this point, we got a different tour guide, who was just as informative and friendly, again unfortunately I can not remember his name.

The ride to the cave was about another 30-45 minutes, and was isolating (but in a, wow this earth is expansive kind of way). It was just us and another jeep almost the entire time. They took us to two spots, but both were surprisingly smaller than what we anticipated, though BEAUTIFUL.

The guides in both parts of the visit were helpful, friendly, and informative. It was my friends birthday, and while at the cave (I guess they overheard us talking) sang happy birthday to her. It was actually a really good trip, though you spend alot of time on the bus. I'd still recommend it.

It would be unfair to not mention my experience with Arctic Adventures leading up to the trip. Contacting them, and getting answers to questions is something they HAVE to work on. Whenever I go anywhere, I'll contact a company (even airbnb hosts) with questions before booking. With Arctic Adventures, I'd go days without a reply, and even then, not a fully answered response (my friend never received an answer to a question she asked before heading to Iceland). It was frustrating, and I nearly didn't book for this reason. in contrast, the tour guides were helpful, and answered by my questions, just a shame because they nearly lost business over something that could be easily fixed.

we drove ourselves from the main city to Vik and met up with the tour group to board their "super van". The guide was not very personable and had very little to say, at all, but he also appeared to not be feeling well. The experience though, was really amazing! We drove out to the staging area, then put our crampons on our hiking boots (waterproof boots, a MUST!!), hard hats on, and I also had hiking sticks with me (from #REI, which I am very grateful for, in retrospect!). We hiked across streams of melting glacier and to the area where we all climbed into the cave. THIS IS NOT FOR THOSE OUT OF SHAPE OR PRONE TO BEING. A FALL RISK... it was the most strenuous adventure we did of our entire trip!
The Ice Cave is a natural one, and the colors, formations are unlike what we experienced in the man made cave in the glacier in the South area. IT was a magical experience to have! It was not at all necessarily safe, as a giant ice formation collapsed almost on top of my 17 year old daughter, we were ALL IN SHOCK! the ice cave is melting, rapidly, and the opportunity to see this will not be here for long.... I DO recommend.

We chose this short excursion after our longer snowmobiling ice cave tour with Arctic Adventures was cancelled a few days before (which we were VERY disappointed about, and not given much information on the nature of the cancellation). I would say that this excursion is definitely a beautiful and worthwhile trip- I got some of the best photographs of our vacation here! The natural ice cave really is amazing and the landscape is breath-taking!

I do think the tour is over-priced for what you get (1.5 hr round trip drive to the glacier in a Super Jeep, about 20 minutes in the small ice cave, and about 15 minute walk around outside). I was hoping there would be more given that we spent about $160 USD on the trip...and we felt a bit rushed out of the ice cave when the next tour arrived after about 15 minutes, which was unfortunate. If we had more time after our first excursion was cancelled, I think the snowmobile trip would have been a better choice with more bang for the buck. Overall, I would say this excursion was a great addition to our vacation and definitely still worth the time and money if you can not fit in a longer tour. Thanks Arctic Adventures for a fun trip!

I was so lucky to visit Katla Ice Cave in such a beautiful day with sunshine.
In this tour from Reykjavik, we had two guides, one was to drive us between Reykjavik and Vik. And in Vik, we got on a super jeep with a glacier guide to visit the ice cave.

Our guide Siggi was phenomenal. He is such a friendly, considerate, professional and knowledgeable guide. I learned so much about Iceland from him both in nature and culture. We stopped at Skogafoss waterfall on the way to Vik and on our way back we stopped at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It was amazing view with rainbows and the waterfalls.

We also had an awesome experience visiting Katla Ice Cave with a professioanl, funny glacier guide Jónas who was so kind to take us on a short but thrilling excursion up and down on the hills with his super jeep. He knows a lot about the glaciers, which made the visit meaningful.

Katla Ice Cave was simply amazing to see. I've ever see an ice cave before, and this is my first time to see the glacier ice and layers up-close. Completely mind-blowing! Our glacier guide explained to us why the glacier ice has such unique veins and colors. And we even saw a waterfall running in the middle the glacier ice! We did a short hike between different spots on black sand, it was fun!

Katla is an active volcano and the idea of visiting an ice cave under it sounds so cool. I am so happy that I had this experience.

Highly recommended!

We booked the tour by this name -The Ice Cave Under the Volcano - Katla Ice cave tour from Reykjavik with Artcic Adventures (Dragon glass wasn't on the website when we booked).

This is a long day tour as Katla volcano is some distance from Reykjavik but you are made aware of this when booking. Our guide, James stopped a couple of times on the outward trip and once on the return both giving the opportunity to see a gorgeous waterfall - Seljalandjsfoss and Skogafoss. These weren't advertised with the tour so were bonuses and I don't know if every guide will do this.

The superjeep ride from Vik to the glacier was about 50 minutes (each way) and was a real experience. Helki (our guide) was great fun, driving at extreme angles and sliding around on the ice and generally playing up to the audience! After donning the crampons and helmets, you have a short walk to the caves after parking the jeep. We went into three caves, two small and one slightly larger. All of them were beautiful and it was great to see the formations close up. The general scenery was also fantastic. We spent about 50 minutes to 1 hour at the caves and really enjoyed ourselves. We were shattered but happy on our return to Reykjavik.

Awesome experience! It does take a long time to get there from Reykjavik, but there are several stops on the way for everyone to stretch and sightsee. The guides were great, getting us safely to the cave in superjeeps, the scenery incredible. One very important detail that I think it would be good for AA to share- there is A LOT of water in and around the caves. It was something I wasn't expecting, and being the clumsy person I am, ended up falling knee deep into a pool in the cave, soaking my boots, and socks. So if, like me, you have a tendency to be the model for Murphy's Law, bring a change of clothing. I will say it didn't take away at all from the rest of the cave exploring, but the ride home wasn't as fun wet from the knees down. Thanks for an absolutely awesome day, AA! It definitely was an experience like none other!

Went with friends. Wasn’t sure what to expect but we had a great time. We met the guide in Vik (you can start in Reyk, or join up with them in Vik but it’s two different tickets). Spent about an hour in a super Jeep crossing a large debris field formed from years of Katla eruptions. Parked about a 1/4 mile from the caves and walked to two different caves. Absolutely beautiful. The setting is just as beautiful as the caves. I highly recommend the afternoon tour to catch the golden light across the mountains.

If you go in winter wear proper clothes and a decent pair of hiking boots. Nothing strenuous, but a bit of scrambling around both in and out of the caves.