Floating on Arctic ice changes your pace fast. In Levi, you get a waterproof thermal suit and drift over the water surrounded by silent winter forests, with an English-speaking guide keeping everything calm and simple. It is the kind of activity where the whole point is doing less, and letting Lapland do the rest.

I especially like two things: the way the suit keeps you warm and dry enough to enjoy the experience, and the hot coffee or tea served after warming up by an open fire. It turns a potentially scary cold-water moment into something you can actually relax into.

One thing to plan for is the logistics, the transfer time from Levi to the floating venue is about 45 minutes one-way. If you are sensitive to travel time in winter, that is worth factoring into your day.

Key things to know before you go

• Warm waterproof thermal suits so you can focus on floating, not fussing with cold
• Hot coffee or tea by an open fire to take the edge off and keep the experience cozy
• English-speaking guidance with step-by-step instructions before you enter the water
• Calm, quiet drifting that is more relaxing than it sounds
• Min height 120 cm (not suitable below that)

Levi Arctic Ice Floating: the calm, cold thrill

Arctic ice floating in Levi is basically a controlled, guided version of something you would never do on your own: sit or float on cold water in winter, in a way that is safe and surprisingly restful. The core idea is that you get a specially designed suit built for the conditions, and then you let yourself drift while the world stays hushed and white.

What makes this feel different from most winter tours is the pace. You are not racing from one viewpoint to another. You are not chasing adrenaline. You are getting a long, gentle moment in nature, with the silence doing the work. Even the way the guides run things tends to be focused and reassuring, which matters when the temperature and the unfamiliar gear can make you a little nervous at first.

There is also something psychologically powerful about doing something strange and simple at the same time. You get instruction, you get gear, and then you float. No advanced skills. No swimming required. That combination often makes first-timers feel safe enough to actually enjoy it, not just survive it.

Meeting at Safartica Levi, then settling in for a 45-minute transfer

You meet at the Safartica office in Levi, about 10 minutes before your activity time. If you are staying in the city, using the Safartica Levi office as your meeting point is usually the smoothest option.

If you need pickup, it is available within a 10 km radius, but you need to contact Safartica at least 48 hours in advance. One important detail for your planning: the transfer time from Levi to the floating venue is about 45 minutes one-way. That is long enough that you should treat this as a half-day commitment, not a quick add-on.

Once you are on the way, lean into the winter rhythm. Bring a thermos snack if you want something between activities, because food is not included with this experience. The good news is that the total experience lasts 3 hours, so you should still get a proper block of relaxation without losing the rest of your day.

Suit briefing and getting in the water without swimming skills

This is where the tour earns trust. Each participant gets instructions before stepping into the water, and the suit is designed to keep you on the surface, so you do not need swimming skills. That one point changes everything if you are not a confident swimmer.

You also need to know the height requirement: the minimum height for floating is 120 cm, and the activity is not suitable for people under 3 ft 9 in (120 cm). That matters for families, and it is also a reminder that this is a setup built around body fit and suit performance.

I also love the way the guidance is described as attentive and practical. In one highlighted experience, the guide Mattiis was praised for coaching people through it and making the whole thing feel manageable. If you are anxious about cold water or gear, a calm coach can turn that anxiety into focus.

One comfort tip that comes up often in cold-weather gear is glove choice. If you only have thick ski gloves, you might struggle to fit your hands into the suit. I suggest bringing thinner gloves made for layering, or adding hand warmers so your fingers do not get numb fast. Keep that in mind even if winter clothing is provided, because small fit issues can change your comfort level.

Floating time: what the drift feels like, and why it is so relaxing

When you arrive at the venue, the experience is less about doing and more about being. You get into the water in a guided way, and then you drift. That drift is the whole point. Over ice floating, you are not scrambling for position. You are experiencing winter from a slow, floating viewpoint, with pure air and a quiet environment around you.

The biggest benefit you will notice is how quickly your nervous system adapts once you are in and settled. The cold is real, but the suit design and the controlled setup help you avoid the panic spiral. With time, your attention shifts from discomfort to sensation: the stillness, the movement of the water under you, and the way sound seems muted in a snowy forest setting.

Guides matter here. If you are unsure, you want someone who will check in, give clear direction, and make sure you feel confident before anything happens. That is exactly the style praised by guests, including help for a child who was nervous at first. If you are bringing family, do not assume the first moment will be instant joy. Plan for a little courage-building, and let the guide do the calming work.

And yes, you will likely want photos. In at least one experience, the team even organized a small photo moment, which is a smart move. Arctic activities create strong visual memories, and having someone help capture them saves you from juggling a camera with cold hands.

Hot drinks by the open fire: warm-up without rushing

After the floating portion, you warm up with hot drinks. The experience includes hot drinks, and the highlights specifically mention coffee or tea prepared over an open fire. That detail matters because fire-warmed drinks feel different than just getting something from a thermos. It also supports the experience theme: you do something cold, then you come back to warmth in a slow, comfortable way.

This is the moment to exhale. Your body is recalibrating after the cold water, and a hot drink gives you that simple, satisfying reset. If you are the kind of traveler who gets cold easily, this warm-up is not a bonus. It is part of the reason the experience feels doable.

In one described experience, marshmallows and cookies were offered after the activity, which adds a cozy, camp-like feel. That might not be guaranteed for every group, but it fits the overall tone of how this is run: practical, friendly, and relaxed.

Duration and scheduling: how to build your Levi day around it

The activity lasts 3 hours, but your calendar needs to include more time for winter travel. With about 45 minutes transfer one-way, the whole day will feel like a structured block even if the actual floating experience is shorter.

This is why I recommend scheduling other nearby activities around it, not far away. Build your plan like this:

• Before: give yourself time to arrive at Safartica and get comfortable
• During: use the transfer as part of the experience rather than a wasted gap
• After: plan a meal elsewhere, since food is not included

Your tour time depends on availability and starting times, so check your preferred slot early if you are visiting in peak winter weeks.

Price and value: what $147 covers, and what to budget for

At $147 per person for 3 hours, this is not a “cheap thrill” activity, but it also is not just a bare-bones outdoor ride. The value comes from what you get bundled into the price:

• winter clothing
• ice floating with an English-speaking guide
• hot drinks

In cold-weather activities, gear and safety instruction are what you really pay for. A waterproof thermal suit, clear guidance before entering the water, and an English-speaking team that helps you stay comfortable are expensive things to replicate on your own. That is the main reason the price can feel reasonable once you think beyond the headline number.

The only clear omission is food. Since food is not included, you will want to plan a proper meal before or after. If you skip this, you might end up making an expensive, last-minute decision in town while you are tired and cold.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This activity is a great match if you want calm, nature-first winter fun in Levi. It also works well for first-timers because the suit keeps you afloat and there is no swimming requirement. If your idea of a perfect winter day includes quiet forests, pure air, and an experience that slows your brain down, you will probably enjoy it a lot.

Families can also find it worthwhile, as long as the child meets the height requirement of 120 cm. In one highlighted case, a child around age 8 was helped through the experience even with nervous energy at the start. That tells me the guides are comfortable adapting to different comfort levels, not just running the same routine for everyone.

Who might want to reconsider?

• People under 120 cm tall
• Anyone who is very uncomfortable with cold water, even with a suit and instructions
• Travelers who hate long transfers, since the one-way transfer is about 45 minutes

If you fall into one of these groups, you might still love Levi, but you may want a different winter activity with less cold-water time.

Packing list that actually helps: gloves, warmers, and comfort

Even though winter clothing is included, you should still think about your hands. A common comfort issue is glove fit, especially if your gloves are thick. If you have thin winter gloves, bring them. If not, consider a backup option, because getting your hands cold is the fastest way to make the experience feel stressful.

Hand warmers can be a smart addition if you run cold. Small changes matter in winter, and your hands take the brunt first. If you do bring warmers, keep them secure so they do not shift around once you are in the suit.

Also think about what you wear under the included winter clothing. Your goal is warmth you can manage. If you bundle too much and sweat, cold can feel sharper when you stop moving. Dress in layers so you can adjust.

Finally, bring a calm mindset. This is a relaxing activity, but it is still Arctic cold water. You will enjoy it more if you treat it like a guided, step-by-step experience rather than a test of toughness.

Should you book the Levi Arctic Ice Floating Adventure?

Book it if you want a winter experience that is genuinely different, calm, and nature-centered, with the comfort support of a waterproof suit and an English-speaking guide. The combination of warmth you can rely on, a guided entry so you do not need to swim, and hot coffee or tea afterward makes it feel like winter fun that respects your comfort.

Do not book it if the 45-minute one-way transfer will drain you, or if your height is under 120 cm. Also skip it if you are uncomfortable with any cold-water exposure, even with safety gear.

If you are deciding between a dozen Levi tours, this one is a strong choice when you want silence, stillness, and a “slow down” moment in pure Arctic nature.

FAQ

How long is the Levi Arctic Ice Floating Adventure?

The duration is 3 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $147 per person.

Where do we meet for the activity?

The main meeting place is the Safartica office in Levi. Plan to arrive about 10 minutes before the activity starts.

Is pickup included, and how far do you travel?

Pickup is included within a 10 km radius. You need to contact Safartica at least 48 hours in advance if you need pickup.

Is an English-speaking guide provided?

Yes, the tour includes a live guide who speaks English.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. You do not need swimming skills because the specially designed suit helps keep you on the surface. You also get instructions before stepping into the water.

What should I do about staying warm and dry?

You are provided winter clothing and special protective suits designed for staying warm and dry while you float.

What drinks are included?

Hot drinks are included, and coffee or tea is prepared over an open fire.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.

Is there a height requirement?

Yes. The minimum height for floating is 120 cm, and the activity is not suitable for people under 3 ft 9 in (120 cm).