Reykjavik: ATV & Rafting Tour

Above Reykjavík, the ATV route crosses rough lava tracks toward Hafravatn Lake, then climbs to a mountain viewpoint with the city and distant ranges spread below. Later, the Hvítá River carries you past the sculpted rock walls of Brúarhlöð Canyon. It is a busy day with two very different kinds of Icelandic adventure.

I like the change of pace: the ATV ride is a short, open-air outing, while rafting gives you several hours on a glacier-fed river. I also like that the package includes the safety gear and a proper wind-down at the river basecamp, with hot tubs and a sauna.

The main catch is the handoff between two operators. You may return to central Reykjavík after the ATV ride and wait for a second pickup, so this is not one continuous tour with one vehicle and crew. The ATV portion is also only an hour, and the full day can feel longer than the advertised eight hours.

At a glance

• A city view from Reykjavík Peak: The ATV route climbs above the city for a broad view of Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains.
• One hour on an ATV: Expect rocky lava tracks and a ride to Hafravatn Lake, but not a long off-road expedition.
• A longer stretch on the Hvítá: Rafting lasts about two to three hours, with Brúarhlöð Canyon among the notable sights.
• Two separate activity teams: Safari Quads handles the ATV portion, and a rafting operator takes over for the river trip.
• A warm finish at Drumbó: Hot tubs, showers, and a sauna are included after rafting. Food and drinks cost extra.
• Come prepared to get wet: Rafting gear is supplied, but bring warm layers, a swimsuit, towel, and dry clothes.

Two Icelandic adventures in one day

This combination links two activities that feel quite different. On the ATV, you sit close to the ground and follow rough tracks through open country. On the river, the current does the work, and your guide directs the raft through the water. The day is built around action, but it also includes plenty of travel and preparation between the main events.

The package costs $401 per person. That is a substantial outlay, though it covers the ATV ride, rafting, equipment for both, transportation, guides, and access to the post-rafting sauna and hot tubs. If you want both activities and would otherwise need to arrange separate transport, the combination can make practical sense. If you mainly want rafting, compare the cost and schedule of booking that part on its own.

The schedule describes an eight-hour outing, with pickup between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. You should be ready at 9:00. A pickup from a Reykjavík hotel is included, though some hotels are in no-pickup zones and require you to meet the vehicle at an assigned bus stop.

The ATV climb to Reykjavík Peak

The first part begins with a roughly 30-minute van ride to the quad-biking basecamp. Your guide gives a safety briefing and driving instructions before you head out. No prior ATV experience is needed, and passengers do not need a driver’s license. Anyone driving must bring a valid license.

Safari Quads provides a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear if needed. The layers matter: Icelandic weather can make an exposed ride feel raw, and the provided clothing is there for comfort as well as protection. Wear sneakers or hiking boots, as suggested, rather than light shoes.

The ride lasts about an hour. The route crosses rocky lava terrain toward Hafravatn Lake, then climbs to Reykjavík Peak. The viewpoint is the payoff: from the summit, you can look back toward Reykjavík and out to mountain ranges in the distance. The descent adds a final brisk stretch before the ride ends.

Keep your expectations in proportion. This is a guided, beginner-friendly ATV outing, not a multi-hour technical trail ride. One useful way to think about it is as a scenic introduction to the area with a little engine noise and rough ground under the wheels. If you are seeking a demanding ride, the short duration and relaxed pace may leave you wanting more.

After the ATV trip, there is coffee at the basecamp. The ATV operator then drops you at your original pickup location, according to the tour plan. That return to Reykjavík is an important detail: the rafting portion is run by a separate company, so the day includes a handoff rather than one uninterrupted trip.

The transfer and the operator handoff

The schedule allows about 30 minutes for a break in Reykjavík before a roughly 90-minute coach ride to the river basecamp. In practice, the gap between activities is part of the day, not a sightseeing stop. You are moving from one activity provider to another, and the second transfer takes you toward the Golden Circle area.

This arrangement is worth understanding before you book. The tour combines two operators, and the ATV vehicle and rafting transport are not presented as one continuous service. A previous participant found the changeover unclear and felt the total day ran longer than eight hours. The practical lesson is to build some flexibility into your plans after the tour, rather than scheduling a tight dinner reservation or another activity.

The handoff is also what makes the combo possible: the ATV basecamp and the river are in different areas, and the second drive offers a change of scenery on the way to the rafting site. Still, if you prefer a seamless day with one guide and one group throughout, this format may not suit you.

Rafting through Brúarhlöð Canyon

At the river basecamp, the rafting team provides a wetsuit, life jacket, neoprene shoes, helmet, and paddle. The rafting portion lasts about two to three hours. Its setting is the Hvítá, a glacier-fed river that flows from Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, and feeds Gullfoss farther downstream.

Brúarhlöð Canyon is a highlight of the route. Its rock formations and circular openings show how water has shaped the breccia walls over time. You get to see those forms from river level, a different perspective from stopping at a roadside viewpoint. The canyon’s sculpted stone gives the trip a strong sense of place, even between the more energetic stretches of rafting.

The balance is part of the appeal. This is not just a ride through rapids: the river setting and canyon are central to the experience, while the guide keeps the trip lively. The rafting has earned especially strong praise from people who have done the combo, with one describing it as a good mix of fun and a touch of wild. If you are choosing the package for one activity above all, the river portion appears to be the stronger draw.

Bring warm undergarments, such as a fleece or wool sweater and pants, plus warm socks. Pack a swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes for afterward. The operator supplies the technical rafting gear, but you will be glad to have dry layers once you are out of the water.

Sauna, hot tubs, and food at Drumbó

After rafting, you can use the showers, sauna, and hot tubs at Drumbó basecamp. This is more than a small extra: after hours in river gear, a warm place to change and relax makes the end of the trip much more comfortable. Pack a swimsuit and towel so you can use the facilities.

Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy them at the basecamp restaurant or bar. Grilled lamb is available, though you should budget for it separately. If you would rather eat later in Reykjavík, bring a snack for the transfer or plan for a late meal; the exact end time can vary with the day’s transfers and activity timing.

Who should book this combination?

This is a good fit if you want to pack two outdoor activities into one day and like having transport and equipment arranged for you. The minimum age is 11, and drivers need a valid license. Passengers can ride without one, which makes the ATV segment accessible to people who would rather not drive.

It also suits anyone who values variety more than long sessions on a single activity. You get a short ATV ride, a substantial rafting trip, and the chance to warm up afterward. The rafting seems to be the part most likely to satisfy people looking for a memorable outing, while the ATV adds a scenic but relatively brief opener.

Think twice if you want a long ATV ride, dislike switching between operators, or need the day to end at a precise time. If rafting is your priority, contacting the rafting operator directly may be worth considering; Arctic Rafting was specifically recommended as an option for booking the river portion alone. Compare that arrangement with the combo before paying for both.

Practical details before you go

The tour is guided in English. Pickup is available from Reykjavík hotels, with assigned bus stops for locations outside pickup zones. The listed pickup options include central stops, the bus terminal, and the cruise terminal, but confirm your assigned meeting point if you are unsure.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and the booking option allows you to reserve without paying immediately. Those terms offer flexibility, but they do not change the main planning point: allow room in your schedule for the two-operator transfer and the full day of activity.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want both an easygoing ATV ride and a longer, more exciting river outing, and you are comfortable with a day that includes a Reykjavík handoff. The canyon scenery, rafting, and post-trip hot tubs make a persuasive combination, while the ATV summit adds a memorable view over the city.

Skip the combo if you mainly want a serious ATV ride or need a tightly timed day. For most people considering this package, the best reason to book is the Hvítá rafting, with the ATV and viewpoint as a pleasant extra.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The stated duration is eight hours. The day includes pickup, ATV transport and briefing, a one-hour ATV ride, a break in Reykjavík, a 90-minute coach transfer, and two to three hours of rafting. The handoff between operators can make the overall day feel longer, so leave flexibility afterward.

What time should I be ready for pickup?

Be ready at 9:00 a.m. Pickup takes place between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes, if you plan to drive an ATV. Passengers do not need a license. Drivers must bring a valid driver’s license.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 11. Children under 11 are not suitable for this activity.

Is equipment provided for both activities?

Yes. ATV gear includes a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear if needed. Rafting gear includes a wetsuit, life jacket, neoprene shoes, helmet, and paddle.

What should I bring for rafting?

Bring warm undergarments, such as fleece or wool layers, warm socks, a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes. Sneakers or hiking boots are suggested for the activity.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You can purchase food and drinks at the rafting basecamp, which has a restaurant and bar. The hot tubs, showers, and sauna are included after rafting.