Arctic Adventures

Arctic Adventures is one of Iceland's largest adventure tour operators, with its base at Klettagarður 11 in Reykjavik. Its roots go back to 1983, when an Icelandic couple started a river rafting business. That company later merged with Arctic Rafting in 2005 to form Arctic Adventures, and since then the business has grown to include glacier guiding, diving, trekking and a range of attractions, among them the Lava Tunnel, Kerið crater, Into the Glacier on Langjökull and the Whales of Iceland exhibition.

The range of trips from Reykjavik is wide. Glacier hikes take place on Sólheimajökull on the south coast and at Skaftafell, ice cave tours run in winter, and the Langjökull ice tunnel can be visited all year. Snorkelling and diving in the Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park, where you float in very clear glacial water between two continental plates, is one of the company's signature experiences. There are also Golden Circle tours, some including Kerið crater, snowmobiling on Langjökull, whale watching, Ring Road and south coast trips, multi-day treks and private tours.

Groups are typically between six and 19 people, smaller than on the big coach tours, and all guides complete extensive training and first aid courses. The company holds a gold-level Vakinn environmental certificate and offsets its operations through partnerships with Icelandic carbon projects. Its customer care line is open every day from 07:00 to 22:00.

These tours suit active travellers who want more than a view from a coach window. Many activities have minimum age, fitness or health requirements, and Silfra snorkelling and glacier hiking need you to follow the guide's safety briefing closely, so read the requirements for each tour before booking. Warm layers, waterproofs and sturdy footwear are essential, and each tour page lists what is provided and what you need to bring.

Because the company operates so many different activities, it is worth comparing tours carefully: some are easy sightseeing days suitable for most people, while others are physically demanding and require a good level of fitness. Read the cancellation terms too, as weather-related changes are common in Iceland, especially between October and April.

Book in advance, especially for small-group trips in summer and ice caves in winter, and allow some flexibility, as Icelandic weather can force changes. Check the pick-up details on each tour when booking. The company's base at Klettagarður is in the commercial harbour district east of the city centre.