Levi: Arctic Ice Floating Adventure

Floating in icy Lapland water sounds like a stunt, but this three-hour Arctic ice floating trip is really a slow, quiet way to experience winter. A special waterproof suit keeps you on the surface and warm, so you can relax instead of swim. You receive instructions before entering, and no swimming skills are needed.

I like the peaceful setting and the simple finish: hot coffee or tea warmed over an open fire while you take in the snowy forest. I also like the thoughtful guiding. Mattais and the on-site guide help you get comfortable, and photos may be taken during the activity. The main drawback is the transfer: the floating site is about 45 minutes from Levi each way, so the actual time in the water is only part of the three-hour outing.

Key points to know before you book

• The suit keeps you afloat and dry: You do not need swimming skills, and the waterproof design protects you from the cold water.
• The ride takes about 45 minutes each way: The activity begins at the Safartica office in central Levi, not at the floating site.
• The setting is quiet and natural: Expect snowy Arctic forest, clean air, and a calm stretch of time with little noise.
• Hot drinks are prepared over an open fire: Coffee or tea is included. Food is not, though marshmallows and cookies have sometimes been offered.
• Children must be at least 120 centimeters tall: The activity requires at least two adults to operate.
• Bring thin gloves or hand warmers: Thick ski gloves may not fit inside the dry suit, and hands can cool quickly.

What the Arctic floating experience is really like

The unusual part is not simply getting into cold water. It is the strange comfort of floating on your back in winter clothing while snow and forest surround you. The suit does the work, leaving you free to look upward, breathe slowly, and let the cold season feel quiet rather than harsh.

This is not a fast-moving snowmobile ride or a packed activity with one challenge after another. The appeal is the pause. You spend time in the water with your body supported, then warm up beside a fire with a hot drink.

That makes the outing a good counterpoint to busier Lapland plans. If your schedule includes husky rides, reindeer visits, or snow activities, this experience gives you a gentler three-hour block. You are still outside in serious winter conditions, but the mood is restful.

Meeting at Safartica in central Levi

You meet at the Safartica Levi office 10 minutes before the scheduled start. The office is in the city center, so selecting Safartica Levi as your meeting point makes sense if you are staying in Levi itself.

Pickup can be arranged within a 10-kilometer radius, but you need to contact Safartica at least 48 hours in advance. That detail matters. Do not assume a last-minute hotel pickup will be added automatically.

From Levi, the ride to the floating venue takes about 45 minutes in each direction. The transfer is included in the three-hour duration, so plan on roughly an hour and a half of transport time, with the rest divided between changing, instruction, floating, and the fire-side break.

The ride is the least exciting part for anyone hoping for nonstop activity. Still, it takes you away from the resort area and toward the quieter winter setting that gives the experience its character.

Getting into the water in a thermal suit

Before you step into the water, the guide explains what to do. This instruction is important, especially if the idea of floating in an icy setting makes you nervous. The supplied winter clothing and Arctic water suit are included, and the suit keeps you on the surface.

You do not need to swim. You also should not think of this as a normal swim in cold water. The suit is designed to keep you warm and dry, allowing you to float rather than paddle around.

The waterproof protection is one of the strongest parts of the experience. You still need to dress sensibly beneath the supplied gear, but the suit removes the main fear most people have: getting soaked in freezing conditions. You can expect the guides to help you at the water’s edge and provide assistance as you settle into the correct position.

A small but useful clothing tip comes from the practical side of the experience: thin gloves work better than thick ski gloves because bulky gloves may not fit into the dry suit. Hand warmers are also worth bringing if your fingers usually feel cold first. This is the kind of minor preparation that makes the difference between relaxing and fussing with your hands.

Floating among snowy Arctic forests

Once you are in the water, the pace changes. You are not racing anywhere, and there is no skill test to pass. The guide’s job is to help you feel secure while you float and to make sure you understand how the suit behaves.

The setting matters. Instead of looking at Lapland from a vehicle or a marked activity track, you experience the winter forest from water level. Snowy trees, cold air, and open silence become the main event.

This is a sensory experience more than a sightseeing tour. You notice your breathing, the support of the suit, and the contrast between the cold season around you and the warmth held inside your clothing. The activity encourages you to slow down, which can be a welcome change after several energetic days.

The length of the floating portion can vary with conditions and the group, and the supplied details do not give an exact time in the water. That is worth keeping in mind if you are comparing the activity with a longer excursion. You are paying for transport, equipment, guiding, and the full outdoor setup, not several continuous hours of floating.

Guides who make the nervous moments easier

The human side of this outing is important. Guide Mattais has received particular praise for making the experience comfortable and for helping with wider planning in Levi. The guide at the floating site also provides hands-on instruction and support once you reach the water.

That matters most if you are unsure about the activity. It is easy to imagine the first step into the water being intimidating, especially for a child. An eight-year-old participant was nervous at first but gained confidence with help from the guides and ended up enjoying the float.

The team may also take photos during the experience. This is a useful touch because your hands are occupied and you may not want to handle a phone near the water. Do not treat a photo session as a guaranteed formal service, but you can expect the guides to help capture the occasion when possible.

The guide team also appears willing to offer advice about other Safartica activities and help you think through your time in Levi. That is useful at the start or end of a trip, though the core value here remains the floating itself.

Coffee, tea, and the open-fire finish

After the water, you warm up with coffee or tea prepared over an open fire. This is more than a free beverage. The fire gives the outing a natural ending and lets you stay outside a little longer without rushing straight back to town.

The included drinks are simple, but they fit the setting. Hot coffee or tea tastes better when you have just come in from cold water and are sitting near a fire in the Arctic forest.

Food is not included. Some outings have also included marshmallows and cookies, but you should not book this expecting a meal. If you need substantial food, plan around the activity rather than relying on the refreshment stop.

I like this part because it turns the trip into more than a technical water activity. You get the unusual float, then a familiar Finnish-style outdoor pause with heat, smoke, and a warm cup in your hands.

Is $147 a fair price?

At $147 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price makes the most sense if you value a distinctive experience rather than trying to pack the maximum number of attractions into one day.

You are paying for the special suit, winter clothing, English-speaking guide, transport to and from the floating venue, instruction, and hot drinks. The equipment is not something most people can easily arrange on their own, and the guide support is especially valuable for first-timers.

The value is weaker if you are mainly looking for a long water session. Around half of the three-hour period can be taken up by the ride from Levi and back. You should choose this for the unusual setting, the calm atmosphere, and the chance to float safely in winter, not for a high number of activity minutes.

It also works best as one carefully chosen experience in a Levi itinerary. If you already have many expensive excursions booked, compare the cost with your priorities. Someone who loves quiet outdoor moments may find it memorable. Someone who prefers speed, wildlife, or constant action may prefer another Lapland activity.

Who should book this activity?

This outing suits adults and families with children at least 120 centimeters tall. The calm pace makes it accessible to people who are not strong swimmers, and the suit means you do not need swimming experience.

It is a particularly good choice if you:

• Want an unusual Arctic activity without getting wet
• Prefer quiet nature to a loud or competitive excursion
• Feel nervous around cold water but would like to try something new
• Want a slower break between active days in Lapland
• Enjoy photographs in unusual settings
• Appreciate careful instruction and a relaxed guide

The minimum height rule is firm: anyone under 120 centimeters cannot take part. At least two adults are also required for the activity to operate, so a single adult should confirm that the booking conditions work for their date.

The experience may be less suitable if you dislike changing into bulky outdoor gear, do not enjoy sitting quietly, or want a full day of activity. The transport time is also a real consideration for anyone with a tight schedule.

How to prepare for a comfortable float

Wear clothing that works under winter equipment, but do not overcomplicate your outfit. The operator provides winter clothing and the special water suit. Your main job is to arrive prepared for cold conditions and allow enough time to meet the group before departure.

Bring thin gloves. Thick ski gloves may not fit inside the suit, and cold hands can become the one annoying part of an otherwise peaceful activity. Hand warmers are a sensible extra, especially if you often struggle with cold fingers.

Remember that the activity is not a meal stop. Have food before or after as needed, since hot coffee and tea are included but food is not guaranteed as part of the package.

You should also allow more time than the title alone suggests. Three hours sounds short, but the 45-minute transfer each way means this is a half-day-style commitment once you include meeting time and preparation. Keep that in mind when pairing it with another excursion.

Cancellation, pickup, and other practical details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying at the time of booking, which can help while you are arranging a changeable Lapland schedule.

The tour is conducted in English. Meet at the Safartica office 10 minutes before departure, or arrange pickup within 10 kilometers by contacting the operator at least 48 hours ahead.

The activity is not suitable for anyone under 120 centimeters. The minimum requirement of two adults means you should check availability carefully if your group is small.

Should you book the Levi Arctic Ice Floating Adventure?

Book it if you want calm, novelty, and a strong sense of place. Floating safely in a thermal suit while winter forest surrounds you is unlike the usual Lapland sightseeing routine. The fire-heated drink, careful instruction, and chance of guide-taken photos add useful comfort.

Skip it if you want a long, active excursion or if the 45-minute ride each way feels too much for a short time in the water. At $147, the experience needs to match your style.

For families with children over 120 centimeters, non-swimmers, and anyone who wants a quiet Arctic memory, I would put this high on the list. Bring thin gloves, leave room in your schedule, and expect the best part to be the stillness.

FAQ

Where does the activity begin?

Meet at the Safartica Levi office in the city center 10 minutes before the activity starts.

How long is the activity?

The total duration is three hours. Travel from Levi to the floating venue takes about 45 minutes each way.

Is pickup from my accommodation available?

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must contact Safartica at least 48 hours in advance. If you are staying in central Levi, select the Safartica Levi office as your meeting point.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. The special suit keeps you on the surface, and the guide gives instructions before you enter the water.

What is the minimum height?

The minimum height is 120 centimeters. Anyone under that height cannot take part.

What is included in the price?

Winter clothing, the ice floating activity with an English-speaking guide, and hot drinks are included. Food is not included.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.