If you’ve ever searched for winter activities in Iceland, chances are you’ve seen stunning photos of blue ice caves—incredible natural ice formations that look almost unreal.. Over the past few years, ice cave photography has exploded in popularity, but with so many jaw-dropping images online, it can be tricky to know what to expect, especially when visiting later in the season.

Let’s break it down. Most ice caves in Iceland form naturally during winter when glacial rivers carve tunnels, caverns, and crevices beneath the ice. No two caves are alike. They constantly change with the weather, and you might find anything from crystal-clear blue walls to streaks of volcanic ash or trapped air bubbles frozen in time. These caves are wonders of nature—but they’re also living, shifting structures.

In this post, we’re offering a closer look at what it’s like to visit an ice cave in April. Conditions can be quite different from mid-winter, so we’re sharing up-to-date insights into the cave we’re currently guiding our guests to—what it looks like, how it’s changing, and what you can realistically expect during this time of year.

So, what about visiting an ice cave in April?

While most natural ice caves are typically open from October through March, early April often still offers access to some beautiful formations—if conditions allow. At this time of year, the glacier is transitioning into spring, and that means daily changes. Warmer temperatures can affect the size and stability of the caves, which is why our team monitors them every single day. The cave we usually explore in April ranges between 30 and 100 meters in size, consistent with most caves found in this region. It’s still a magical experience—just with a little more variation from day to day.

Safety is our top priority. We never compromise when it comes to your well-being. All tours are guided by experienced glacier professionals who constantly evaluate the caves and conditions to ensure that you get the best—and safest—experience possible.

If you’re planning to visit around Easter in 2025, be aware that this is a popular time for travelers. Increased traffic in the area means accommodations and tour slots fill up faster than usual, and roads and parking lots can get busier too. It’s also important to know that our meeting point at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon—one of the most iconic and visited locations in Iceland—can become especially crowded during the Easter holidays. Be sure to allow extra travel time and arrive early, especially if you’re planning a morning tour.

Whether you’re captivated by deep blue ice or fascinated by the raw power of Iceland’s glaciers, visiting an ice cave in April is still a breathtaking adventure. Just remember: nature doesn’t follow a script—but with the right guides, you’ll get to see the very best of what it has to offer.

As you may know, ice caves form in a constantly changing glacial environment, shaped by the movement of ice and shifts in temperature throughout the season. With the recent arrival of warmer weather—something that naturally happens later in winter—the structure of the cave has changed. This is a normal part of how glaciers behave.

For safety reasons, a section of the cave is now temporarily closed off, and we are currently guiding visitors through a stable section that reflects the typical size range for caves in this area. Ice caves here generally vary between 30 to 100 meters in length, and the one we’re exploring right now fits well within that range.

We want to be fully transparent while also assuring you that the section of the cave currently open to us remains impressive. The deep blue tones, the layered textures, and the natural patterns in the ice continue to draw interest and appreciation from both guests and guides. It’s a remarkable opportunity to experience how active and alive a glacier really is—even in early spring.

You’ve probably come across names like the Crystal Ice Cave, Treasure Island Ice Cave, or more recently, the Sapphire Ice Cave while researching tours in this part of Iceland. These caves have become quite well-known thanks to stunning photos shared online—and yes, they really are beautiful! However, it’s important to keep in mind that glaciers are constantly changing, and so are the caves that form within them. The cave you see in a photo from last year might not exist in the same way this season, or at all. That’s the nature of ice caves—they’re temporary, and no two are ever exactly alike.

Before the season kicks off in October, we make sure our guests experience the most spectacular ice cave available at the time of their visit. Our local guides begin scouting in early autumn. They explore vast areas of the glacier, climbing down into openings and inspecting every promising spot. Thanks to their hard work and experience, we’re able to offer some of the best ice cave tours on the southern side of Vatnajökull Glacier, tailored to the actual conditions each season. While we can’t guarantee that the pictures you’ve seen will be an exact match, we can promise a breathtaking and safe adventure into the ever-changing world of glacial ice. 

Throughout the season, the appearance of the cave changes, and by the end of the season, we often see very different shapes and colors. In many cases, parts of the cave may change completely—or even become inaccessible, as is the case right now