FROM 22,900 ISK
This is your chance to visit one of the most stunningly blue ice cave that has formed in one of the many outlet glacier of the biggest glacier ice cap in Iceland. The Sapphire Ice Cave is a natural wonder of the Vatnajökull National Park region in the south east of Iceland. This is an incredible once in a lifetime experience that many people will never get. Let our friends at Local Guide of Vatnajökull can take you there!
Sapphire Ice Cave
On this half day winter trip, you’ll meet up with our friends from Local Guide of Vatnajökull who will get you to one of the more remote parts of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier in their amazing modified super jeeps, to access one of the ice caves in the region. They’ll drive as far over the rugged terrain within Vatnajökull National Park as they can, and from the parking are you’ll hike for around 30-40 minutes to reach the front of the glacier. The walk is over mostly flat terrain, however it is uneven in sections and therefore not for people with reduced fitness or mobility. Once at the front of the glacier you will enter the Sapphire Ice Cave and there you’ll have time to explore the blues and textures of these natural works of art and to take plenty of photos.
You should be prepared with snacks, drinks and clothing to be out in the elements for up to 4 hours. The wind in Iceland on the glaciers can be cold and fierce.
Meeting point
This tour is a meet on location. Meeting and departure point is from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You must arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is located 370km east of Reykjavík, located by the main highway road number 1. When driving the ring road you will see a big lagoon with floating ice bergs, Local Guides black truck is there at the main parking lot next to the cafeteria and food trucks.
Not self driving but want to partake in this tour? Look to join our Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Ice Cave Discovery 2 Day Tour where we visit Sapphire Ice Cave.
Sapphire Ice Cave by Scott Drummond, Hidden Iceland.
Sapphire Ice Cave by Scott Drummond, Hidden Iceland.
The walk to the Sapphire Ice Cave Tour | Hidden Iceland | Photo by Sarah Rodgers
Sapphire Ice Cave Tour. Hidden Iceland
Sapphire Ice Cave Tour. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Helen Maria Björnsdóttir
Sapphire ice cave ‘portal’ by Scott Drummond, Hidden Iceland.
The Sapphire Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajökull National Park, with photo by Sarah Rodgers
Tour Highlights
OPERATES
|
DEPARTURE
|
DURATION
|
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
|
GROUP SIZE
|
MINIMUM AGE
|
PRICE – ISK
|
USD
|
EURO / GBP
|
Included
Transport to the cave from the Local Guide Base in one of their 4×4 Super Jeeps, English speaking guide and all the safety equipment for the glacier cave.
Meeting place
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon car park (see map below) GPS: 64.0478597, -16.1789879. There you will find a Super Jeep Truck labeled Local Guide of Vatnajökull.
Attention
You must bring sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, all weather outdoor clothes (including fleece and waterproof jacket), gloves, wool hat and a small backpack with some drink and snacks. Denim jeans are NOT appropriate. Water proof or water resistant clothing must be worn. To learn more about what a glacier hike entails check out our Glacier Hike Guide.
Speak to Hidden Iceland if you wish to organise a private transfer to the meeting point at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to do this tour or join our Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Ice Cave Discovery 2 Day Tour which departs a few times a week this winter!
Good to know
Please note that other tour groups can sometimes be in the cave at the same time. The ice cave is spectacular and is popular to visit for good reason. The Sapphire ice cave has already proven popular with its large, classic shape and incredible blues giving opportunities for great pictures. Please note that due to its beauty and location the cave is one of the most visited in the area. As a result, the cave can sometimes be busy. Local Guide do their best to work alongside the other companies to ensure that you the best possible experience.
If you wanted an ice cave that is less busy, then Local Guide also offer another ice cave tour that is around 3 hours in duration. This one has minimal walking involved and still visits a beautifully blue cave, although it is smaller than Sapphire, it wont have other tour groups in the cave. That is the Blue Diamond Ice Cave. You can read more about and book that one here.
Your safety is of the utmost importance to Local Guides. Ice Cave tours are weather dependent and sometimes tours have to be cancelled with short notice due to unsafe weather conditions. After periods of adverse weather, the caves can become flooded or unsafe to enter. If this happens we will always do our best to offer an alternative cave if available or a glacier hike if weather conditions allow. If this is not suitable then Local Guides will also always offer a full refund.
This tour is operated by our friends at LOCAL GUIDE OF VATNAJÖKULL.
