From Vik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

If you’re dreaming of icy blue caves, vast glaciers, and rugged volcanic landscapes, the Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour might just be the adventure for you. While we haven’t taken this trip ourselves, browsing through countless reviews and detailed descriptions makes it clear that it offers a rare glimpse into Iceland’s icy depths, combined with the thrill of off-road exploration.

What really stands out is how many travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and the spectacular scenery — two elements that often make or break a tour of this nature. Plus, the inclusion of a natural ice cave inside the Kötlujökull Glacier means you get a chance to see one of Iceland’s most photogenic features up close.

On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is the short walk on the glacier — while manageable for most, it might be a bit underwhelming if you’re expecting a long hike. Still, this tour generally suits those eager to see iconic Icelandic sights without overly strenuous effort, and who appreciate a good mix of adventure and education.

Overall, if you’re after a well-organized, engaging, and photo-worthy day out with expert guides, this experience seems to deliver on most fronts. Let’s break down what makes it tick, who it’s best for, and what to expect along the way.

Key Points

• Stunning Ice Caves: Explore the interior of the Katla ice cave, known for its vibrant blue and black hues.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to make the experience engaging.
• Off-Road Adventure: Travel in a Super Jeep across rugged volcanic landscapes, making the journey as exciting as the sights.
• Accessible Experience: The walk to the ice cave is described as easy and manageable, suitable for most travelers.
• Spectacular Views: Expect breathtaking scenery of the Mýrdalsjökull Ice Cap and surrounding glaciers.
• Value for Money: At $189, the tour offers a comprehensive experience with transportation, safety gear, and guides included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour

The Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour is designed to be a full-day adventure that combines the raw power of Iceland’s glaciers with the rugged thrill of off-road travel. Starting from Vik or Reykjavik, you’ll hop into a sturdy Super Jeep, which is perfect for navigating Iceland’s rough rural roads.

The journey is part sightseeing, part exploration, and part education. You’ll get to admire some of the most iconic sights of Iceland’s South Coast, including views of the Mýrdalsjökull Ice Cap, one of the country’s largest glaciers. The tour is aimed at travelers who want to see the ice caves in their natural environment, learn about the volcanic and glacial forces shaping the land, and enjoy an active, scenic day.

The Super Jeep Experience

One of the highlights is definitely the off-road ride in the Super Jeep. These modified vehicles are specially built for Iceland’s tough terrain and add a sense of adventure from the moment you leave the pavement. According to reviews, the ride itself is a lot of fun — some describe it as bumpy but exhilarating, giving you a true taste of Iceland’s rugged wilderness.

The guides are often singled out for their enthusiasm and knowledge. Several reviewers mention guides like Alex, Siggy, and Helge as being particularly engaging, full of interesting facts, and patient with questions. This is important because you’re not just looking at a glacier — you’re learning about it, and the guides help bring that to life.

Reaching the Ice Cave

The trip involves a walk across Mýrdalsjökull Glacier to reach the ice cave. Provided with crampons, you’ll cross a vast glacial surface that, while short, offers incredible views and a sense of scale that’s hard to match. Multiple reviews mention how accessible the hike is — “easy,” “manageable,” and “not strenuous” — making it suitable for most people with a reasonable level of mobility.

Once at the cave, you’ll be able to explore its blue interior, which is renowned for its striking colors and formations. Guides often explain how the caves form and what makes each one special, adding an educational layer to the visual feast.

Inside the Ice Cave

The interior of the ice cave is described as spectacular, with a mixture of blue and black hues that give it a surreal, otherworldly feel. Several reviewers mention the magnificence of the cave and how it felt like stepping onto another planet.

While some note that the caves can be smaller than expected, the overall reaction is overwhelmingly positive. The cave’s beauty, combined with the experience of seeing it inside a real glacier, makes it a memorable highlight of many travelers’ trips.

More Great Tours Nearby

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour lasts between 3 and 11 hours, depending on the starting point and specific itinerary, so it’s flexible enough to fit into a broader Iceland itinerary. The cost is $189 per person, which seems reasonable considering the included transportation, safety gear, and expert guidance.

The meeting point is straightforward — a parking lot behind the Icewear Magasin building in Vik, with clear instructions. Pickup from select hotels is available, but not from city center hotels or Airbnbs, a detail worth noting if you’re staying in Reykjavik or elsewhere.

For safety, the tour provides crampons and helmets, which are essential for glacier exploration. Travelers should wear warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, gloves, and plan for potential weather changes. Given Iceland’s unpredictable weather, packing rain gear is recommended.

What Do Travelers Say?

Reviews consistently praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, often describing them as engaging and fun. Many mention the breathtaking scenery — from the glaciers to the volcanic landscapes — as well as the small group size, which enhances the experience.

People also highlight the variety of highlights, including the ice cave, glaciers, waterfalls, and the off-road ride. A common theme is how this tour is seen as a highlight of Iceland trips, with many saying they’d do it again.

Some reviews note that the ice cave is smaller than expected, but this doesn’t detract from the overall awe-inspiring experience. Others appreciate the educational component, with guides explaining the science behind the glaciers and volcanic activity, making the trip both beautiful and informative.

Duration and Group Size

With a small group limit of 14, the tour maintains an intimate, friendly atmosphere. The flexible duration allows you to choose a start time that suits your schedule, with the overall experience carefully balanced between adventure, sightseeing, and education.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventurers who enjoy scenic drives and want to see Iceland’s glaciers and ice caves up close. It’s suited for travelers who don’t mind bumpy rides and short walks, and who appreciate guides with deep knowledge and engaging personalities.

While not explicitly designed for children under 6, the manageable hike and the focus on glacier exploration make it suitable for most older children and teenagers. It’s also a great choice for photographers eager to capture Iceland’s icy beauty.

Final Thoughts

The Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, education, and breathtaking scenery. Its moderate price point, combined with the inclusion of safety gear, expert guides, and a drive through Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, makes it a compelling option for those wanting a full day of exploration.

You’ll love the views of the ice cap, the thrill of the off-road ride, and the chance to step inside a genuine glacier cave — experiences that are genuinely unforgettable. The guides’ enthusiasm makes a difference, turning what could be just another sightseeing trip into a memorable adventure.

If you’re seeking a well-organized, accessible, and photo-worthy ice cave experience in Iceland, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Generally, it’s not suitable for children under 6 due to the nature of glacier walking and the off-road ride. For older children and teenagers, it’s a fun and educational experience.

How long does the tour last?
The duration varies from 3 to 11 hours, depending on the starting point and specific itinerary. Check the availability for exact times.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers a Super Jeep ride, an expert glacier guide, safety equipment (crampons, helmet), and a visit inside a natural ice cave.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
It’s recommended to wear warm outdoor clothing, waterproof gear, hiking shoes, gloves, and rain protection. The tour provides crampons and helmets.

Is it a group tour?
Yes, limited to 14 participants, which allows for a more personalized experience.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A specially modified Super Jeep built for Iceland’s rugged terrain, adding an extra layer of adventure.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How difficult is the glacier hike?
The walk is described as easy and manageable, suitable for most travelers with reasonable mobility.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase something locally before or after the tour.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at a parking lot behind the Icewear Magasin in Vik and ends back there as well.

If you’re after an adventure that combines icy wonderlands with Iceland’s rugged landscapes, this tour delivers in spades. With stunning scenery, friendly guides, and the chance to step into a glacier, it’s a trip you’ll remember long after you leave.

You can check availability for your dates here: