Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Small-Group Day Tour from Reykjavik
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Reykjavik, Iceland
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Check off many of Iceland's most dramatic sights in a single day—without the logistical hassles—on this full-day, small-group tour from Reykjavik. Journey through the rugged countryside aboard a powerful Super Jeep; explore the Katla Ice Cave; hike the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier; and admire the mighty Skógafoss waterfall and other South Coast natural wonders. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.
- This multi-stop tour features top South Coast sights in one day
- Explore with your guide and learn of Iceland’s rich geology
- Crampons are provided to make your glacier hike simpler
- Hotel pickup and hassle-free round-trip travel from Reykjavik make logistics easy
- Enjoy a small-group experience
What's Included
- Guided visit to a remarkable blue ice cave
- Sightseeing stops at two iconic South Coast waterfalls: Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss
- Roundtrip transportation from Reykjavík and select pick-up points
- Specially modified Super Jeep transport from Vik to the glacier
- Professional glacier guide
- Glacier safety gear (glacier crampons, helmet, headlamp if required)
- Wifi on board the minibus from Reykjavík
- Food & drinks (available to purchase from a service station en route)
- Warm clothing, hiking boots, and waterproof outerwear
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Please note that the pickup process can take up to 30 minutes - thank you in advance for your patience. We only serve the pick-up locations specified in our pick-up list. Please select the closest pick-up point to your accommodation.
Itinerary
Reykjavik (Pass By)
1
Skogafoss
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Vik
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Myrdalsjokull Glacier
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
4
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Reykjavik (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travellers can participate
- What to bring: Warm clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, food & drinks (available to purchase en route), sturdy hiking boots, head-wear and gloves
- Minimum required age to participate: 6 years old
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travellers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveller Photos
Featured review
Danielle_H
Great excursion and highly recommend! Our bus driver was great; very knowledgable, fun and had a great playlist. The drive to Vik from Reykjavik is a bit long, but you stop about half way to break it up and use the washrooms or get food. The glacier hike/ice cave was amazing! On the itinerary, it says you’re there for 3 hours, however it’s about a 50 minute drive from the initial meeting point to the ice cave so it’s may feel a tad short. The views and experience are worth it!
Reviews
4.5
based on 312 reviews
Sort by: Most recent
M_p, July 2026
I was booked twice and charged twice.
Can I get a refund for one?
Caves were awesome. Get lunch in Vic before going to the caves.
Dannielle_O, July 2026
We did excursions in every port, and this was by far our favorite. From the super jeep, to the changes
in landscape, to the ice cave itself. Just breathtaking
MrM_H, July 2026
Our guide from Artic Adventures was very personable and gave a commentary during the journey, however, due to road noise in the vehicle it wasn't always easy to hear what she was saying on the microphone.
We enjoyed the visit to Skogafoss Waterfall, I didn't do the climb to the top, but my husband did and said it wasn't worth the climb. The view from ground level works well although it's a popular stop and there were many people, but if you are clever you can photograph the falls with the people in the distance without being too much of a distraction or remove in post processing later.
In Vik we could use the restrooms and purchase any food/drinks ahead of our trip to Katla Ice Cave.
At Vik we changed vehicles. Here we were a group of 14 people squeezed into a really old vehicle which wasn't at all comfortable for the 40 minute bumpy journey to the Cave each way. The driver spent the whole time chatting to the female guest in the front seat, where he could perhaps have been talking to the whole group about the area or at least sharing his discussion with us all, however, we were basically ignored for the whole 40 minute journey. On arrival his attention did turn to the group and from this point on he was very good.
Unfortunately, when we arrived it was raining, but we put on our helmets and crampons and started the ascent up the volcanic ash and ice. It made for some great photos - all the black lava ash and ice. The hike wasn't overly difficult a little steep in places (especially for those of us that live in a flat terrain!).
Finally we arrived at the Ice cave, there was already a group ahead of us so we waited outside with the guide talking to us about the area.
Then we went into the 'blue' ice tunnel (not a cave - open both ends - don't be decieved by the photos)! It is 'Wow' but it is a tunnel and you are in a queue of 14 people, with a further 14 waiting to come in behind, so time is fairly limited. The guide offered to take photos of each of us whilst we were in the tunnel and did an excellent job of the photographs. Very happy with ours. Then you exit the beautiful blue tunnel and continue into another tunnel which has water flowing through it and you exit into an open area, where you can try with a pick axe to break the ice. Another discussion by the guide takes place here and then you go back through the blue ice tunnel and head back down. There is little time to take photos in the tunnels as you have people behind you.
My husband loved the Katla Ice Cave part of the trip, thought it was brilliant. I feel more reserved about it. I thought the volcanic ash and glacier area was very photogenic, the ice cave I felt disappointed with. It felt like it was a very small part of the trip and yet the Katla Ice Cave as they call it is supposed to be the main element. I did like the blue part of the tunnel and that was a wow - but not enough time between groups, feels like they are just churning in the people without a thought for 'customer experience'.
Back at the vehicle, off with the crampons and helmet and then back in the vehicle for another 40 minutes return journey to Vik.
In Vik we swapped back to the Arctic Adventures vehicle and had time to visit restrooms and grab drinks or food before heading to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (which we had actually visited on another tour the day before so we walked along the walkway to the other smaller waterfalls.).
We then headed back to Reykjavik. Total tour time 11 hours. It was a long day to see very little really. Was it worth the money we paid for it - I don't think so, it was by far the most expensive trip we did. Would I recommend it ... I think what I'd say is read this commentary and decide for yourself ... if you want a photo of you in a blue ice tunnel - then yes do it - if you want to have some photos of some black volcanic ash/ice landscape then maybe ... if you want a value for money experience then probably not!
Narendran_M, June 2026
The Ketla ice caves definitely lived up to the hype.Hiking up the glacier will be one of my most memorable moments..
Both the bus tour guide and the guide showing us around the caves were amazing and very knowledgable at what they do!
Kyle_D, June 2026
Great experience, Kalta Cave was the highlight. The Kalta Cave was better than expected. Recommend this tour.
Stefanie_S, June 2026
Such an amazing experience! Our tour guide was the best and we recommend this tour to everyone we know going to Iceland.
Cathy_S, May 2026
Our guide, driver, Alex was wonderful. We enjoyed this tour very much and would highly recommend. Wear proper hiking boots.
Brenda_C, May 2026
MUST DO TOUR. Once in a lifetime experience. Beautiful scenery. Iceland 🇮🇸 is a special Country...do this tour
Jenny_K, Apr 2026
The group was about 28 people and we got picked up 20 minutes late. The bus driver and the guides of the super jeeps were great and very polite but there were too many people on the bus because the company instead of putting 2 smaller buses put 1 to save money! The tour was nice and the ice cave interesting but 28 people on the bus resembled more of a public bus tour than a small group tour
Leah_Z, Apr 2026
Spent 5-6 hours driving and didn’t see anything. Driver said weather was bad so we skipped a waterfall. The cave was small. Not much to it. The surrounding area was beautiful. But 10 hours of the day was spent driving.
Maureen_M, Mar 2026
We went in March; up on the glacier it's about a 1/4-1/3 mile hike to get to the ice caves but on snowy/hilly/icy surfaces so you have to e able to navigate that. The ice caves were amazing and awe-inspiring. I wish our driver had given us more information along the tour itself getting there but that's driver dependent. I would ensure you have waterproof/windproof pants and warm gear as you are outdoors for over an hour.
Andrew_D, Mar 2026
A great experience with a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. Highly recommended. Also quite relaxed in terms of the climb up the glacier.
michelle_l, Mar 2026
Great experience exploring the Katla ice cave. Friendly driver provided safe transportation and well managed transport time. I highly recommended!
Danielle_H, Feb 2026
Great excursion and highly recommend! Our bus driver was great; very knowledgable, fun and had a great playlist. The drive to Vik from Reykjavik is a bit long, but you stop about half way to break it up and use the washrooms or get food. The glacier hike/ice cave was amazing! On the itinerary, it says you’re there for 3 hours, however it’s about a 50 minute drive from the initial meeting point to the ice cave so it’s may feel a tad short. The views and experience are worth it!
Lee_T, Feb 2026
We had a great day exploring the Ice Caves and south of Iceland, we would highly recommend this it’s well worth doing.
JenniferPaige_C, Feb 2026
My husband and I had an epic adventure today! Seeing the country of Iceland on our way to the Katla cave experience was so wonderful! The stops on the way were nice and it was great to stretch our legs. But, once when we got to the Group who would be taking us on this cave tour, we grew with excitement! The Katla cave experience something we had never done before, and It was a perfect day! Once we got back to the tour group, we enjoyed listening to the stories of our driver. What made this even more fun is that he looks like a Viking! We had great great appreciation for his adventurous spirit, and attentiveness to driving safely and making good driving conditions. He handled traveling under stressful driving conditions like a professional, and I was very, very thankful for that. Super fabulous day!
Clare_R, Feb 2026
Picked up on time, driver was friendly and gave us some facts on the scenic journey down to the south coast and Vic. Couple of stops for toilets and to get lunch, (you may want to take a packed lunch with you as it is a long trip.) We were met by a guide and transferred to a jeep for going onto the glacier. Fun and very bumpy jeep ride onto the glacier, our guide made a stop so we could enjoy the incredible scenery, where the snow was perfect and untouched. We then made our way to the ice cave which was truly epic, plenty of time to go through, and we took many spectacular photos.
I loved that this was a small group tour, the weather was stunning and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute! Book it, you won’t regret it, we also did snowmobiling on another day and both trips were epic 🤩
Ariana_S, Feb 2026
The waterfalls and ice cave were amazing however the transportation was stressful. The bus picked us up at 9:40 while we were waiting since 8:30am. They should make it known that the bus could take that long. I called the support and it was an automated message saying if it doesn’t come in 30 minutes then call back.
The other issue was that the bus door didn’t shut all the way so there was a loud breeze the entire day that made it difficult to hear the tour guide.
Finally, the jeep to the glacier had us packed in so tight. I felt like I was sitting on a strangers lap.
The food stop was extremely rushed as well and the tour guide accidentally left two people behind and we had to go back.
Views were incredible but I think the execution could have been a lot smoother.
Carol_S, Feb 2026
Amazing trip!! Our guide, Helgi T., was great- making us feel comfortable, safe and explaining the geology and maintenance of the caves. It was a bonus to hear his stories and watch him call and feed the ravens. This was an experience we will never forget and highly recommend it!
Donna_H, Feb 2026
Well worth it! Experience of a lifetime. It was a long day but was able see a lot and the guides were excellent.
Kelli_B, Jan 2026
Tour felt rushed. 10 min stops to quickly grab something for lunch and go to the toilet.
The bus driver didn't really interact with the customers. Always a good tour when the bus driver gets everyone talking.
Joseph_S, Jan 2026
The bus had no WiFi, the front door at times opened a little when hitting a bump or strong wind. And the driver skated too close to American politics which made the ride uncomfortable. But the drive was safe overall, and the driver was friendly. The activities were fun.
Suzanne_P, Jan 2026
What a trip! Exciting and totally worth the cost! A very long drive from Reykjavík to Vik and then a wild, bumpy, ride on a special type of truck to get to the glacier. Ice crampons had to be worn in order to hike up to the Kayla ice caves. But it was all worth it! An icy adventure that I will never forget! We also visited 2 waterfalls but we got there when it was already getting dark. Still quite incredible to see in their frozen form. The drivers were wonderful and quick to answer your questions, whether about restaurants, or just helpful tips to ensure that you were enjoying the trip. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking to have an amazing adventure in Iceland.
Jennifer_S, Jan 2026
This was a wonderful experience! The ride from Reykjavík was easy and comfortable. When we arrived at the monster style jeeps our guide was full of knowledge and stories and we drove across the most magnificent icy tundra. We put on our safety shoes and off we went into the cave. Awesome!! Afterwards we came back to the Jeep and drove back out to our tour van. We ate lunch and then headed back towards Reykjavík but stopped at beautiful waterfalls on the way back. It was perfect day. Wear snow pants and layers of tops so you can take your coat off in the car.
Tiffany_R, Dec 2025
This excursion exceeded all my expectations. The tour guides are so passionate about what they do and it shows. 10/10
Siu_C, Dec 2025
We took the Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Day Tour from Reykjavik with Arctic Adventures, and the experience was outstanding—largely thanks to our amazing guide and driver, Nils.
The day started with a smooth and well-organized pickup from the BSI Bus Terminal, which immediately set the tone for a stress-free trip. From the moment we boarded the bus, Nils made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. He shared lots of interesting information about Iceland, its landscapes, and the South Coast during the drive, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations.
What truly set Nils apart was his personality. His funny jokes kept the whole group laughing, and his music playlist was perfectly chosen, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere throughout the long drive. He was incredibly professional and drove very safely, which made everyone feel at ease in changing road and weather conditions.
Nils was also extremely caring and attentive to all participants. He regularly checked in to make sure everyone was doing well, clearly explained schedules and stops, and was always patient and helpful. He took time to assist with photos and ensured no one felt rushed or left out at any point.
You could really tell that Nils genuinely cares about his guests and takes pride in delivering a great experience. The tour was very well-paced, well-organized, and enjoyable from start to finish.
This was one of the highlights of our Iceland trip. Highly recommend Arctic Adventures—and if you get Nils as your guide, you’re in excellent hands!
Jane_P, Dec 2025
This is utterly fantastic at the ice cave. You want to be in Helgi’s group as he is a true Viking! If you are doing this trip in winter, just be aware that it will be dark when you visit the waterfalls (because of the short hours of the day). I loved it thoroughly and it is the most breathtaking landscape on the glacier. This trip is ok if you are of average fitness. The climb up the glacier isn’t that bad. I didn’t need poles and Helgi stopped often for the group to catch up.
Haja_J, Dec 2025
This was super fun! Our guide was super helpful and had great energy. The hike was easy, the ice cave was beautiful (make sure to look up), and the car ride over was an Accenture in itself. Amazing views Definitely would recommend!
Andrew_S, Dec 2025
It was a spectacular day once we got on the bus and headed to the first waterfall.
The weather was perfect and the sites were bucket list topping. Each one fulfilling life long adventures. Not only were the ice caves beautiful and the climb heart pounding, the ride to and from the site was an adventure of its own. To top it off at the final waterfall the sky filled with the northern lights making the waterfalls picturesque with the reds and greens haunting the sky.
Hilary_J, Nov 2025
Great from start to finish. Ronan picked us up from bus stop number 9. 3 mins walk from our hotel. He was fun and had lots of great stories to tell. He was knowledgeable about the areas we travelled to. We then changed vehicles to a large super jeep driven by our glacier guide Adam. He was very professional reassuring and informative. The ice cave was great and his knowledge of the surrounding area made the trip very worthwhile.
From USD 291.52
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Small-Group Day Tour from Reykjavik
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