Rovaniemi: Arctic Ice Floating Experience

Rovaniemi: Arctic Ice Floating Experience — A Unique Arctic Adventure

If you’re heading to Finnish Lapland and looking for a one-of-a-kind activity, the Arctic Ice Floating Experience offered by Safartica is definitely worth considering. This 3-hour adventure combines the thrill of floating in freezing waters, protected by a top-notch rescue suit, with the peaceful beauty of the Arctic landscape. It’s a mixture of daring and serenity, designed to push your boundaries while keeping you safe and comfortable.

What I particularly love about this experience is how it transforms what might seem intimidating—cold water in the Arctic—into a surprisingly relaxing and almost meditative activity. The high-quality rescue suits are a game-changer, making the water feel almost warm and allowing you to focus on the sensation of floating rather than shivering. Plus, the guides like Hugo and Laila earn high praise for their professionalism and friendliness, helping create a welcoming atmosphere that eases any apprehension.

The main drawback? This activity isn’t for everyone. You need to be at least 120 centimeters tall, and the activity requires a good level of comfort with water, even if swimming skills aren’t necessary. If you’re sensitive to cold or have mobility issues, it’s worth considering carefully. But for most adventurous travelers, the sense of achievement and the stunning views make it worthwhile.

Key points / Takeaways

• Safety and Comfort: You’ll be fully protected with a high-quality rescue suit designed to keep you dry and warm, even in zero-degree water.
• Guided Experience: Guides like Hugo and Laila are praised for their kindness and professionalism, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.
• Unique Perspective: Floating in a hole between ice blocks offers an authentic Arctic moment that’s both exhilarating and peaceful.
• Inclusion and Convenience: The package includes transportation, winter clothing, hot drinks, and a thorough briefing—making it accessible for first-timers.
• Flexible Booking: With options for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can plan confidently.
• Authentic Review Feedback: Visitors describe the experience as “priceless,” “weird and fun,” and “so much fun,” emphasizing its memorable nature.

An In-Depth Look at the Arctic Ice Floating Experience

What Makes This Tour Special

This isn’t your typical sightseeing trip. Instead, it’s a chance to float on Arctic ice—literally—creating a sense of weightlessness and calmness amid the stark beauty of Lapland’s landscape. The activity lasts around three hours, including transportation from Rovaniemi’s meeting point at Safartica, and a full briefing on safety protocols.

The starting point at Koskikatu 9 is easy to find, central in Rovaniemi, making logistics straightforward. Guides like Hugo and Laila don’t just instruct; they create a relaxed environment, helping even the most nervous participants get comfortable with the ice and water.

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

Your adventure begins with transportation from Rovaniemi to the Arctic wilderness, a scenic drive that gets you into the true Lapland environment. Once there, the guides will give a detailed safety briefing, emphasizing that no swimming skills are needed—your rescue suit ensures you stay afloat effortlessly.

After changing into your winter clothing and a high-quality rescue suit, you’ll be led to a specially prepared ice hole. This is the highlight: lying back into the freezing water, feeling an incredible sense of lightness as your body floats between floating ice blocks. Several reviews highlight how surprising it is to not feel the cold as much as anticipated, thanks to the neoprene suit that keeps you dry and insulated.

You’ll spend roughly 20-30 minutes in the water, during which you can relax or take photos. The guides are there to assist and ensure safety at all times. Afterward, warm drinks and a chance to reflect on the experience help round out the adventure.

What to Expect Under the Surface

The sensation of floating between ice is unlike anything else. It’s often described as both weird and fun—an activity that pushes comfort zones but delivers a profound feeling of accomplishment. Several reviews mention that once you get over initial fears of the cold, the experience turns into something surprisingly peaceful. One traveler noted, “You actually don’t feel any cold through the neoprene,” which is a testament to how well the suits work.

The Guides and Their Role

The guides are a standout feature. They don’t just lead the tour—they foster confidence and ensure safety with their professionalism. Travelers have praised Hugo and Laila specifically for their kindness and approachability, which can make all the difference for first-timers. Their instructions are clear, and they create a friendly environment that encourages even the most hesitant to give it a try.

Practical Details and Tips

The activity lasts approximately three hours, including transportation and gear. It’s suitable for ages 3 feet 9 inches and taller (120 cm), and no swimming skills are necessary. You’ll wear your own clothing underneath the suit—so layering appropriately is important. The suits are designed to keep you dry even in freezing water, and I’d advise removing socks if they feel constrictive, as one review suggested, to prevent leaks at the feet.

Hot drinks are included, providing a welcome warming after your float. The activity is flexible—if you need to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand, you’ll receive a full refund, giving peace of mind when planning.

Who Should Do This?

This tour suits travelers craving something genuinely different—those who want to say they floated on Arctic ice—and who are comfortable with cold environments. It’s especially appealing to adventure seekers, photography lovers, and those interested in authentic Arctic experiences. If you’re traveling with family, children over 120 cm tall can participate, but it’s probably best for those without mobility restrictions.

Price and Value

While not inexpensive, the value comes in the unique experience—the chance to float on ice in one of the world’s most pristine environments, guided by professionals, with all gear provided. Considering it includes transportation, safety gear, a guide, and hot drinks, most travelers find it offers good value for an unforgettable Arctic memory.

Final thoughts

The Arctic Ice Floating Experience in Rovaniemi offers a rare combination of adventure, tranquility, and a touch of daring. With excellent guides and all safety concerns addressed, it’s a safe way to challenge yourself and enjoy Lapland’s stunning scenery from a fresh perspective. It’s ideal for those who love trying new things, don’t mind the cold, and want a story to tell for years.

This activity is especially perfect for curious travelers who want to experience something truly authentic and memorable. The positive reviews highlight how guides like Hugo and Laila go above and beyond, making it a friendly, well-organized outing. If you’re after a mix of excitement and serenity, this floating adventure won’t disappoint.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, children over 120 centimeters tall can participate. Always ensure they’re comfortable with cold water and understand safety instructions.

Do I need swimming skills?
No, swimming skills are not required. The rescue suit keeps you afloat effortlessly.

What should I wear underneath the suit?
Wear your own warm clothing underneath, layered appropriately for Arctic conditions.

Will I feel cold in the water?
Thanks to the high-quality neoprene rescue suit, most participants don’t feel significant cold during the float. Some reviews mention the suit leaking at the feet, so removing socks might help.

How long is the entire activity?
Approximately three hours, including transportation, briefing, the float itself, and warm drinks afterward.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s the best time of day to do this?
Check availability for specific starting times; generally, daytime offers the best lighting and scenery.

Is it suitable for first-time Arctic visitors?
Absolutely. Guides provide comprehensive safety instructions, and the suits are designed for beginners.

How many people are in each group?
While not specified, guided tours like this tend to have small groups for safety and personal attention.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is Safartica, Koskikatu 9 in Rovaniemi. The activity ends back at the same location.

In the end, the Arctic Ice Floating Experience is a fantastic way to add an adventurous tale to your trip, with enough safety and comfort to let you focus on the surreal beauty of floating among ice in the Arctic. Perfect for thrill-seekers and serenity lovers alike, it’s a memorable highlight of any Lapland visit.