Ice Cave Tour in Iceland: Blue Diamond of Vatnajökull

Iceland is renowned for its stunning ice caves, making it one of the most unique destinations in the world. During my trip to the Nordics in April 2024, my friends and I knew that an ice cave tour in Iceland was an absolute must. With winter still lingering, we had several ice cave tour options. However, we chose the Blue Diamond Ice Cave in Vatnajökull National Park. And let me tell you, it was absolutely incredible. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, exploring an ice cave should be high on your itinerary.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about booking a Blue Diamond Ice Cave Tour during your trip to Iceland. This review is based on my personal experience, as I explored the Blue Diamond Ice Cave with five friends. Ready to discover one of Iceland’s most incredible natural wonders? Let’s dive in!

In case you missed it, I’ve also documented my experience of Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tour in Iceland.

Where is the Blue Diamond Ice Cave Located in Iceland?

The Blue Diamond Ice Cave is located within the vast Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland. Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier and covers an extensive area of over 8,000 square kilometers. The ice cave is situated in a remote part of the glacier. Accessibility always involves a guided tour, as navigating the glacier and locating the cave requires expertise and proper equipment.

What time of year is best for Ice Cave Tour in Iceland?

The best time to visit ice caves in Iceland is from October to March, when colder temperatures stabilize the ice, making the caves safe to explore. During this period, you’ll have the highest chance of seeing the caves in their full glory. We were fortunate to visit in the first week of April 2024, as that week was unusually cold, allowing Local Guides of Vatnajökull to open the tours later in the season.

I learned that ice cave tours in Iceland are not available in the summer due to increased risks. The heat, water accumulation, and constant glacier movement make ice caves unstable and prone to collapse. However, ice caves like the Katla Ice Cave are safe to visit in the summer because their structure differs significantly from that of the Blue Diamond Ice Cave, which is more stable in winter.

How to Visit the Blue Diamond Ice Cave in Iceland

To visit the Blue Diamond Ice Cave in Iceland, you must book a guided tour, as the cave is accessible only with expert guides. Tours typically depart from the Jökulsárlón parking lot, where you’ll board a super jeep. This rugged vehicle will transport you to the glacier’s western side, covering a bumpy 30-minute ride. Local Guides from Vatnajökull, who specialize in ice cave exploration, will lead you safely in to the cave.How to Book an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland?

How to Book an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland?

To book an ice cave tour in Iceland, I researched reputable tour operators and selected a tour based on my preferences, such as visiting the Blue Diamond Ice Cave. Knowing how popular these tours are and with the season nearing its end, I booked our tour two months in advance. I checked the availability online, confirmed the details with Local Guides from Vatnajökull, and made a payment to ensure our spot. If you’re curious about the tour I chose, it’s called the Ice Cave Tour. Here are the details:

Price: ISK 23,900 per adult or ISK 15,900 per child (8-16 years old)

Duration: 2.5 hours

How to Get to Jökulsárlón Parking Lot?

To reach the Jökulsárlón parking lot, where most ice cave tours begin, you’ll need to travel along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1). Jökulsárlón is located in southeastern Iceland, about 380 kilometers (236 miles) from Reykjavik, the capital.

By Car: I highly recommend renting a car in Iceland. The drive from Reykjavik takes around 4.5 to 5 hours without stops. The route is scenic, passing through picturesque towns and dramatic landscapes. Ensure you check road conditions, especially in winter, as they can be icy.

By Bus: You can also take a bus from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón with bus operators that run daily routes, particularly in the summer months. This option takes longer than driving, but it is an alternative if you don’t want to drive.

By Tour Shuttle: Many ice cave tours offer pick-up services from Reykjavik or nearby towns. Check with your tour operator if they provide transportation to Jökulsárlón.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and looking for a reliable car rental, I suggest checking out Blue Car Rental. They’re one of the leading local rental companies in Iceland with great reviews. I rented from them shortly before our trip, and the whole process was smooth and straightforward. Plus, if you book your rental car through this link, you can enjoy a 5% discount on your booking!

My Ice Cave Tour in Iceland (Experience During the Tour)

The Bumpy Ride to the Glacier

Our adventure began with a thrilling 30-minute drive that felt more like off-roading than a regular tour. The path to the glacier was rugged, and to say the ride was bumpy would be a massive understatement. Our super jeep rocked back and forth and side to side, swaying like a boat in choppy waters. If you get car sick easily, this tour might not be for you—There was a little girl clutching a vomit bag, but thankfully, she managed to hold it together. It was an exhilarating start that set the tone for the adventure ahead.

The Short Trek to the Glacier’s Entrance

After the bumpy ride, we began our hike along a volcanic path leading to the glacier’s entrance. With multiple layers under my windbreaker, along with a beanie and gloves, I heated up quickly. But every bead of sweat was worth it. The rugged and isolated scenery around us was awe-inspiring—like stepping onto another planet, untouched and wild. It reminded me of the movie Interstellar.

Entering the Ice Cave

As we approached the entrance, I could already see the famous blue hues shimmering through. Then came the most exciting part: entering the ice cave. Climbing down the icy stairs, I was surrounded by walls of stunning blue ice—it was like stepping into another world. I almost teared up, realizing that I was finally standing in a place I had only ever seen on Instagram. It felt like a dream, really.

What’s It Like Under the Glacier and Surrounded by Blue Ice

Once inside, I marveled at being under the glacier and surrounded by ice that had formed over countless years. It was awe-inspiring to think about how long these ancient formations had been here, silently evolving and carving their way through time.

As we explored the cave, we marveled at its intricate formations and the fascinating patterns and textures in the ice. Our guide mentioned that the “cave” we visited might not be there next year, as the entire portion of the glacier could potentially disappear. This is why Local Guides of Vatnajökull scout for the best ice caves each year for their tours. So if you visit next season, the scenes you see in this blog might not be the same.

Almost Unlimited Photos Taken at Different Spots

Our guides expertly identified the best photo spots, helping us capture the cave from various angles. We took nearly unlimited photos, ensuring every stunning detail of our unforgettable experience was preserved. Additionally, our guide was attentive and accommodating, taking photos for solo travelers as well as group shots. He understood our desire to capture every moment and made sure we never felt rushed or pressured.

Ending the Tour

Before I knew it, our guide signaled that it was time to head back. We gathered in a single line and made our way out of the ice cave, retracing our steps through the icy corridors. The experience felt like it had flown by, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how incredible the journey had been. As we emerged back into the open, the beauty of the glacier and the adventure we had just experienced left me with lasting memories. It was a fitting end to an unforgettable exploration.

Final Thoughts about the Ice Cave Tour in Iceland

Reflecting on the ice cave tour in Iceland, I can confidently say it was an incredible experience that I would happily do again. The blue diamond, the thrill of exploring such a unique natural wonder, and the expertise of our guides made it truly unforgettable. If you’re considering a visit, I highly recommend it—it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.

How long is the Ice Cave tour in Iceland?

The ice cave tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours in total. This includes a 30-minute bumpy ride each way to reach the glacier, followed by a 10-minute hike to the cave entrance. Inside the Blue Diamond Ice Cave, you’ll spend around 1 hour exploring its stunning features.

Is it safe to walk on glaciers in Iceland?

Walking on glaciers in Iceland can be risky if you’re not properly prepared. For instance, while we were in the Blue Diamond Ice Cave, the cave was literally melting as we explored it. There were sections with dark, tight spaces where we had to bend and squat, which could be quite unnerving. This highlights the importance of joining a guided tour rather than attempting a DIY adventure. Guides are trained to navigate these hazards safely, ensuring a secure and memorable experience.