Ice floating is exactly what it sounds like — floating in the icy sea, surrounded by drifting chunks of ice, without getting cold or sinking. It is one of the Arctic's most surreal and joyful experiences, and you can try it on our Icebreaker Cruise & Ice Floating trip from Ruka and Kuusamo.
How does ice floating work?
You wear a thermal survival suit — a thick, buoyant, fully sealed drysuit designed to keep you warm and floating on the surface. Once you are zipped in, you step or slide into the water and simply lie back. The suit does the work: it traps air and insulation so you bob on the surface like a cork, dry and warm, while ice drifts gently around you.
What does it feel like?
Most people are amazed by how calm and weightless it feels. Cradled by the suit, staring up at the pale Arctic sky with only the sound of ice tinkling around you, it is more meditative than shocking — the opposite of an ice-cold plunge. It is a highlight guests talk about for years.
Is it cold?
No — that is the magic of the survival suit. Because it is sealed and insulated, you stay warm and dry even in freezing water. You will feel the fresh Arctic air on your face, but your body stays comfortable throughout the float.
Where can you do it?
Ice floating happens on the frozen Gulf of Bothnia as part of a real icebreaker cruise. On our trip you sail aboard a powerful icebreaker, watch it crush through the sea ice, then float in the channel it opens — a genuine, bucket-list Arctic experience.
Included on the day: round-trip transfer from Ruka or Kuusamo, the icebreaker cruise, the survival suit for ice floating, and an icebreaker diploma to take home. €650 per person, minimum 2.
Curious to try it? See the Icebreaker Cruise & Ice Floating tour or browse all Lapland experiences.