Floating in arctic darkness feels unreal. In Levi, this 3-hour experience lets you drift weightless in open ice water while the sky above has a shot at the northern lights.

I really like how it is built around comfort and safety, especially the arctic rescue suit and clear guidance before you go in. The main drawback is also the simple truth of Lapland, you are never guaranteed the lights, and the water can feel very cold even with the suit.

Key points to know before you go

• Free-floating calm: You float in open arctic water, not a rushed activity.
• Suit-first warmth: You step in with a rescue suit, so no swimming skills are needed.
• Northern lights are a chance, not a promise: The tour is timed to maximize viewing.
• English guide included: You get instructions and hot drinks during the experience.
• Around a 1-hour drive each way: Plan for transfer time from Levi.

Why ice floating in Levi feels different from typical northern lights tours

Most northern lights tours are about standing still in the cold and hoping the sky cooperates. This one changes the vibe. You are in the water, looking up from below the surface, so the night feels close in a way that is hard to replicate on land.

I also like that the experience leans into quiet. The “wow” is not just aurora spotting, it is the calm, the silence, and the pure darkness of a Finnish Arctic night. Even when the sky stays clouded, the whole scene can still feel otherworldly because you are floating and the stars are part of what you see.

One more practical point: the tour is only 3 hours total, so you get this signature Arctic moment without losing half your day. In Lapland, that matters, because you may also want time for other activities in Levi.

The 3-hour flow: meeting, the drive out, suit up, float, warm drinks

Your day starts with an English guide and a set meeting spot. The Safartica Levi office is in the city center, and if you are staying in the city, you should choose Safartica Levi as your meeting point. Aim to arrive about 10 minutes before the activity starts, and check the exact meeting time in the email sent by Safartica.

Then comes the transfer. Expect about a 1-hour drive from Levi to the floating location, one way. That means you should treat this like a full small excursion, even though it is only 3 hours on the clock. It is not just the floating that takes time, the whole schedule includes getting out to the dark, quiet area where viewing is better.

Once you arrive, the team instructs you clearly before you step into the water. You will be guided through how to enter, how to stay floating, and what to expect. After that, you float freely in open arctic water while you look up at the starry sky and watch for the aurora.

When the floating part ends, you warm up with hot drinks. Some tours of this type also use fireside or cabin time to keep things cozy after time in the cold water, and you can feel how much the guide team is trying to make it comfortable rather than just “do it and rush off.”

The arctic rescue suit: how you stay afloat and what cold actually means here

The biggest comfort upgrade is the arctic rescue suit. It is designed for this exact setting, and it is what makes the activity accessible even if you are not a strong swimmer.

The key practical message: you do not need swimming skills. Each person is instructed before stepping into the water, and the suit keeps you on the surface. You can think of it like flotation plus insulation. You are not learning a new sport, you are learning how to be still and comfortable.

Now, about cold. Even with the suit, you should expect the water to feel chilly. One review notes the water felt very fresh, another describes the surreal feeling of the water freezing over around them while they floated. That tells me the suit helps, but it does not make you forget it is the Arctic.

If you run cold easily, I would prepare like a cautious person. Warm clothing for before and after matters, because you will likely be standing around and then transitioning from suit warmth to outside air again. One traveler even suggested using warmers for hands and feet, which is a smart idea if you already know your body hates being cold.

Floating under the stars: the real highlight even when the aurora is cloudy

Here is what makes this experience special beyond the headline northern lights. You are not only viewing the sky, you are interacting with the water and the night at the same time.

Floating freely in open arctic water creates a particular kind of stillness. One traveler called out how amazing it was to lie there, floating in peace and quiet while staring up at the stars. That is exactly the mental shift you want: instead of chasing lights, you slow down and let the moment take over.

You may also see interesting weather textures. A few accounts describe light snowfall or a faint weather sparkle, where snow in the air and the cold surface create a kind of glimmer effect. That does not require the aurora to be visible, it just makes the night more dramatic and photo-worthy.

One more thing I appreciate: the setup is geared for calm time, not constant movement. Even if the night is short, you get to actually float and look up, which is what you paid for.

Northern lights odds: how the timing works and why you should plan mentally

The northern lights are naturally unpredictable. Safartica sets up evening safaris specifically to give you a chance to observe them, but seeing them cannot be guaranteed.

So my advice is simple: treat aurora visibility as the bonus, not the mission. If you go in expecting a lights show no matter what, Lapland will humiliate you a little. If you go in knowing it is a chance, you will enjoy the floating itself far more.

When conditions do cooperate, you get a powerful bonus. Some people report spotting northern lights even on the return trip, with enough time to stop, get out, and take photos again. That suggests the team stays alert to the sky rather than just sticking to a rigid script.

Also remember the reflection idea. Because you are floating, the water can mirror the light patterns if the aurora appears. Even a subtle glow can look different when you are close to the surface.

Warm drinks, cabin time, and photos when the sky gives you a break

A lot of the emotional value of cold-weather tours comes after the cold. You get hot drinks included, which means you are not stuck freezing while you decompress.

Some accounts mention warm chocolate and marshmallows near a fire, which is exactly what you want after time in arctic water. It is not fancy, but it is comforting. And comfort is part of value, because it makes the whole evening feel cared for.

Photography is another practical benefit. One review notes they got time to take nice photos, and even stopped again when lights showed up. If you care about pictures, dress for warmth first. No camera shot is worth suffering so much you end up shaking and missing the moment.

If you are photographing, keep your expectations realistic. You are in a dark Arctic setting, with possible aurora and possibly cloud. Your best photos will come from steady settings, warm fingers, and taking a few breaths before you press the shutter.

Price and value: is $155 worth it in Finnish Lapland?

At $155 per person for a 3-hour tour, this is not a bargain. But the cost makes sense when you look at what is included and what it takes to run it.

You are paying for:

• A special rescue suit designed to keep you afloat and warm enough for the water
• A guide in English
• Hot drinks
• The actual floating time in open arctic water
• Time and logistics, including the 1-hour drive out from Levi each way

You are also paying for low-friction participation. You do not need to be a swimmer. That matters because it opens the door for many body types and experience levels.

The value question for me is not the price alone. It is whether you want something more memorable than standing in a field. If you want the “I floated under the stars” story, then $155 starts to feel fair. If you only care about maximum aurora viewing, you might compare with other tours that focus purely on lights and minimize time in water.

There is one more cost factor to consider: group size. One report mentioned a group of 23, and they had to split into two for the floating. That does not ruin the experience, but it does mean the flow might feel less intimate than you imagined.

What to pack for Levi: warm clothing is not optional

The activity information is blunt: bring warm clothing. This is one of those times where packing lightly is a mistake, even if you think the suit will do everything.

I would plan for layers you can take on and off. You will be:

• Getting dressed in the cold
• Standing around at least some point during arrival and instructions
• Floating in the suit
• Warming up afterward, often still outside the cabin for short stretches

If you tend to get cold in your hands and feet, the suggestion to bring or use warmers for those areas is worth considering. The suits help, but your extremities can still be the weak spot for comfort.

Also plan for late evening conditions if you are bringing kids. The tour timing matters, and young children may not love prolonged outdoor waiting. The guidance also notes it is something to consider when bringing children along.

Who should book, and who should skip ice floating in the Arctic

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a unique northern lights experience that is not just standing outside
• Like the idea of calm, starry silence and a slow pace
• Are comfortable with being in very cold environments for a short period
• Want an activity where swimming skills are not required

It is not suitable for everyone. The tour is not for people under 3 ft 9 in (120 cm). Also, if you have serious mobility or balance concerns, you should think carefully before getting into any cold-water flotation setup.

One more practical fit note: the tour requires at least 2 adults to take place. If you are traveling solo, you might need to confirm availability before you plan your schedule.

Finally, consider how you handle plans that can change. The northern lights cannot be guaranteed. If you need certainty for photos, keep your expectations flexible.

Should you book Levi ice floating with Safartica?

I think you should book if your goal is a memorable Arctic experience, not a guaranteed aurora show. The best part here is how the tour blends floating and sky watching, plus the comfort support of the rescue suit and included hot drinks.

You might want to skip or choose a different option if:

• You want only northern lights time, with minimal cold-water contact
• You are uncomfortable with freezing temperatures, even with insulation
• You need the lights to be guaranteed
• You do not meet the height requirement

If you do book, plan like a pro: arrive early, check the meeting time in your Safartica email, and dress warmer than you think you need. Then you will get the real payoff, weightless calm under the stars, with aurora as the bonus when the sky cooperates.

FAQ

How long is the Levi Ice Floating and Northern Lights Tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

It includes an arctic rescue suit, floating time, hot drinks, and an English guide.

Do I need swimming skills to go ice floating?

No. You will be instructed before entering the water, and the rescue suit keeps you on the surface, so swimming skills are not required.

Where do I meet for the tour in Levi?

You meet at the Safartica Levi office in the city center. Plan to arrive about 10 minutes before the activity starts, and check your email from Safartica for your specific meeting time. If you miss the meeting time or point, it may result in missing the safari with no refund.

How far is the drive to the floating location?

There is about a 1-hour drive from Levi to the floating location, one way.

Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. Northern lights are unpredictable, and the evening safaris are scheduled to give you the best chance to see them.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is not suitable for people under 3 ft 9 in (120 cm). If you are bringing young children, consider the cold and the outdoor time at night.