What kind of tours do you offer?
I offer two different kinds of experience
1. Private Tours: The vehicle is just for you and your group (1 to 6 persons). Prices are per booking, not per person.
2. Small Group Tours: The tour is from 2 to a maximum of 6 passengers. Prices are per person.
How do I book a tour?
There are a couple of different ways to book a tour with me.
- The easier way is to book right here on my website. There is a booking option on each tour page. You have to select your day and the number of travelers and fill out the form with your contact details and information about your pick-up location. You choose the payment method and finalize your booking.
- If, for any reason, the trip you would like to book is not bookable online, then you can send an email to mike@arcticmike.com or call me directly at this number +354 894-27-31
- You can also send me an e-mail with an inquiry to mike@arcticmike.com. I need your name, the tour date, how many people will join the tour, where you are staying for the pick-up, and your phone number.
Each completed reservation will be confirmed by e-mail from the „Arctic Mike” online booking system.
How do I pay for a tour?
- You can pay through my booking website. This is the easiest, safest, and fastest way to reserve and pay for your experience.
- You can pay by Wire Transfer within two working days after your booking. You will have my bank details when you validate your order with this payment method. Your tour will be confirmed when I will receive the transfer. Sending a bank transfer confirmation will speed up nine processes.
- You can pay once we meet and start your trip by cash preferred local currency ISK, but I also accept EUROS, USD, and GBP)
What is included in the package?
Guiding Services
Private Transportation
Wifi access
Crampons
Rain gear – pants and coats
Tolls
Parking fees
National park admission pass
Secret Lagoon admission tickets
I do my best to make my trips as comfortable as possible. That’s why I provide complimentary hot chocolate to keep as WARM 🙂 Additionally, I offer crystal clear Icelandic Glacial water in my car at no extra charge.
Can we add some additional activities to our tour?
Absolutely! Iceland is full of thrilling adventures to choose from. Depending on the tour you select, we can add on some exciting options for an additional fee, such as:
- Gacier snowmobile tour
- Glacier hike
- Glacier caves exploration
- Lava Caves
- Zodiac boat on the Glacier Lagoon
- ATV tour
- Northern Lights hunting
- Horseback ride
- While watching
However, only a private tour will allow us the flexibility to adjust our itinerary to include these extra activities.
What are your pick-up locations?
I provide free pick-up and drop in the capital area. Before our tour, I will pick you up from your hotel, guesthouse, cruise ship, or place of your choice. Please ensure you fill in the necessary information during your online checkout.
What should I wear on your tours?
The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable. I will say that it’s like a box of chocolates- you never know what you will get 🙂 While packing for the summer, try to prepare for spring type of summer. Remembers to take hiking boots, rain jackets, rain pants (if necessary, I provide rain gear for my guests), and some warm layers underneath. For the winter season, a warm jacket, good shoes, a cap or a hat, and waterproof gloves are essential accessories to enjoy wintery weather.
You might be lucky with the lovely weather, but you should also consider the windy and rainy options. Layering your outfit is the best way to adjust to sudden changes in weather. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and towels! Visiting geothermal pools is the most Icelandic thing you can do in Iceland…
Should I bring a packed lunch, or is lunch provided?
On each of my tours, we will take a lunch break. The cost of lunch is not included in the price, and it depends on your personal needs.
What is the weather like in winter?
Please keep in mind that Icelandic weather is unpredictable. The weather changes very fast, and with it, conditions change. By the years of quitting, I’m experienced in dealing with changing conditions, and my number one priority is to make decisions with traveler’s safety in mind. I reserve the right to change your itinerary or cancel your trip due to adverse weather or road conditions. In case of cancellation due to bad weather, it is possible to choose another date or to get a refund.
How is the short daylight in winter impact the itinerary of the tours?
Thats true. The day is very short at this time of the year. For example, in the case of the South Coast tour, we need to cover a road of 124km/77 miles in around 1,5 h of driving to get to the first location. We will arrive there around sunrise. Use all the daylight windows to visit all locations, and later come back after sunset.
Similar schedule in case of different tours. Of course, at this time of the year, we need to be more strict with our itinerary and time spent at each location to use every second of daylight. But it has never been a problem.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
I’m trying to keep my cancelation policy as simple as possible:
1. If a customer cancels their reservation, they may be entitled to a partial refund depending on the time of cancellation.
2. If you need to cancel your tour, please provide written notice to “Arctic Mike” as soon as possible at mike@arcticmike.com
3. Your cancelation must be confirmed by “Arctic Mike” via e-mail.
If you did receive cancelation confirmation, contact +354 8942731.
4. Cancellations made more than seven days before the tour date will receive an 80% refund of the tour price, minus a non-refundable 20% fee which reflects our cost of booking and preparing your tour.
5. Cancellations made less than seven days before the tour date, or failure to show up for the tour will not receive a refund.
6. In the situation that Arctic Mike is forced to cancel the tour due to unfavorable weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, you can reschedule for another available date or receive a full refund of the amount paid for the tour.
7. “Arctic Mike” reserves the right to cancel or modify any tour due to safety concerns or other unforeseen circumstances.
Can I change my booking?
I’m trying to be as flexible as possible if it comes to the requests of my guests. So, if the new requested date is available, you can always change your booking.
To change your booking, contact mike@arcticmike.com
What is the number of participants for a tour?
In private tours, I host from 1 up to 6 travelers. In this case, number of people depend on you. Perfect for single travelers who require more privacy, couples, and families with children.
If it comes to hosting small group tours, I accommodate up to six travelers. This type of tour provides a fantastic opportunity for solo travelers to enjoy a memorable and exceptional experience while socializing with people from around the world.
Are pets allowed on your tours?
I love animals! Unfortunately, for a number of reasons I can’t host your pet on my tours.
We are family with children, can they come with us?
Of course! For families, I will always recommend the private type of tours. My tours are open to everybody.
However, I will always take into consideration the age of the child. Winters in Iceland might be challenging.
If your child needs a child seat you just have to let me know that at least 48 hours before the departure of the tour. Kids up to 150cm/4’11’’ tall needs to use a buffer seat.
What is the best time to see the northern lights?
The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon that can be seen in the high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. In Iceland, the optimal time to see the northern lights is winter, when the nights are long and dark. This typical season is from late September to early April. However, it’s important to note that viewing the northern lights is highly dependent on various factors such as solar activity, cloud cover, and light pollution, so it’s recommended to check the aurora forecast and seek expert advice before planning a trip specifically to see the auroras.
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to do and experience while you’re there. Each season is different, and each has something else to offer.
If you want to enjoy milder weather, go hiking and see Iceland’s stunning landscapes, visit between late May and early September. During this time, you can enjoy long days with lots of daylight and warmer temperatures, making it great for outdoor activities, exploring nature and the highlands, and even taking a dip in the hot springs.
If you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights, your best bet is to visit from late September to early April. The nights are longer and darker during these months, providing better conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. In the winter, you can also see Iceland in a snow robe, covered with millions of icicles and sunsets sparkling in snowflakes.
It’s important to note that the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable and change rapidly, so be sure to pack appropriately and check the weather forecast regularly.
What is the best time to see the whales in Iceland?
The best time to see whales in Iceland is during summer, particularly from May to September. This is when the waters around Iceland are teeming with different species of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales. During this time, the weather is generally milder, the sea is calmer, and the long days provide ample opportunities for whale-watching tours. It’s important to note that the sighting of whales is dependent on various factors, such as weather conditions and migration patterns, so it’s recommended to book tours with experienced operators who can help increase your chances of seeing these incredible creatures in the wild.
What is the language spoken on the tour?
My tours are primarily hosted in English, but I am capable of speaking Polish if required.
Are your tours wheelchair accessible?
My car does not have special modifications for wheelchairs. However, after years in the tourism industry, I hosted many people in the wheelchair.
Due to the big size of the equipment and additional time to get in and get out of the car, for my guest in the wheelchair, I always recommend private type of tours.
