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If you’re looking up glacier tours in Iceland, you’re probably looking for something that will be the highlight of your trip. Luckily, there are plenty of options available, but ice floating and Zodiac boat tours in Iceland seem to be among the most popular options.
Both of these experiences take you into the heart of the glacier lagoon at Fjallsálón, but are quite different in nature. One is faster and provides a real adventure, while the other is slower, peaceful, and incredibly scenic.
So, which one is right for you?
If you’re deciding between ice floating and Zodiac boat tours in Iceland, here is how to choose the best experience for you.
A Zodiac boat tour in Iceland is one of the best ways to experience the glaciers. This experience allows you to get on a boat with a small group and see the glaciers up close.
When you’re in the water, you can actually see how epic the glaciers are. The shapes, textures, and blue tones are right there in front of you, offering a sight like no other. Because Zodiac boats are small and agile, your guide can navigate the lagoon in a way that feels personal and exciting, while always keeping a safe distance from the ice and glacier.
With that said, Zodiac boat tours in Iceland are perfect if you want something convenient, active, and incredibly thrilling.
Ice floating in Iceland is exactly what it sounds like – you actually get to float in the water among the icebergs!
The question we usually get with this tour is “Won’t I freeze in the water?”
No, ice floating is perfectly safe since we provide you with a specialised suit that keeps you buoyant and protected at all times. And once you’re in the water, the feeling is unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Instead of rushing through the water as you would with a boat, you are one with the water, letting the landscape and silence completely surround you.
Undoubtedly, this is a far better glacier tour in Iceland if you’re drawn to unique and unforgettable experiences.
The main difference between ice floating and Zodiac boat tours in Iceland is the pace.
Zodiac tours are by far more active and cover more ground. You get to see the lagoon from different angles, and the ride is nothing short of thrilling. With that, the tour is suitable for most travelers, but it’s more appealing for those who want a more energetic experience.
In contrast, ice floating in Iceland is calmer and more static. Rather than offering multiple perspectives on the lagoon, this tour invites you to immerse yourself in the environment fully. In short, it is quiet and practically meditative.
So, when you’re deciding between the two, ask yourself what kind of experience you want. Do you want to cover the lagoon as much as possible or do you want to feel like you’re one with the glaciers?
Since Zodiac boat tours in Iceland are organized in small groups, they’re the far better choice for families, especially if you’re traveling with children. Our tours are suitable for kids from age five, meaning it’s easier to include them in the experience.
On the other hand, ice floating comes with a set of requirements, including age limits and height and weight limits. Because you are entering cold water in a flotation suit, it requires more comfort with the conditions and more physical independence.
If you are planning glacier tours in Iceland as a family, the Zodiac boat tour will likely be the easier and more accessible choice. If you are traveling with older teens or adults who want something unusual, ice floating can be a special option.
Naturally, both of these glacier tours in Iceland are not something you do regularly, so nerves can skyrocket through the roof. But there’s nothing to worry about! Zodiac tours and ice floating are supervised by professional guides who ensure your safety at all times.
That said, if you’re getting cold feet (no pun intended!), choose the experience that feels right for you. If the idea of entering the water makes you too uncomfortable, a Zodiac boat tour may be a better option. You still get close to the icebergs and glacier landscape without needing to leave the boat.
Absolutely – if you have the time. When you do both of these tours, you get a well-rounded experience of Fjallsarlon. So, if this is your first time visiting Iceland and you have plenty of time in your itinerary, combining experiences can turn a short stop into one of the highlights of your trip.
By now, you probably understand that there’s no right or wrong choice. It all comes down to your preferences! Choose the experience that speaks most to you – either way, you’re bound to have a spectacular time.
When you’ve made up your mind, contact us to book an adventure as you’ve never had before.
At Fjallsárlón, we are all about adventure, wild landscapes, and getting up close to Iceland’s raw nature. Our home turf is Southeast Iceland, and we have plenty of activities to offer, but we also believe everyone with extra time should explore Iceland to the fullest. So, for those with a week to spare, North Iceland… Continue reading Spend a Week in North Iceland Without Rushing
FjallsárlónAt Fjallsárlón, we know a thing or two about epic Icelandic adventures. While our home base is the breathtaking Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon in the southeast, we are also passionate about exploring every wild corner of this incredible country, including the untamed wonders of Northern Iceland.
FjallsárlónAs explorers and locals at Fjallsárlón, we spend our days surrounded by icebergs, glaciers, and the endless drama of Southeast Iceland’s wild landscapes. And, if there is one thing we see over and over, it is travelers zipping through the region on a rushed South Coast itinerary – snapping photos at Jökulsárlón and then dashing back to Reykjavík.
Fjallsárlón
