ATV & Helicopter Adventure Tour from Reykjavik

The striking idea here is simple: see Reykjavik from the seat of an ATV, then from a helicopter above it. I like that the two parts show very different sides of the area, and that the ATV section includes the gear and instruction a first-time rider needs. I also like the mountain landing, which gives you time to step out and take in the view rather than just look through a window.

The main trade-off is the price: at $489 per person, this is a costly half-day, and the helicopter portion depends on weather. The ATV ride is about an hour, so if you want a long off-road outing, this combo may leave you wishing for more throttle time.

• Two ways to see the region: Ride dirt trails outside Reykjavik, then take in the city and mountain country from the air.
• A planned summit stop: The helicopter tour includes a mountain landing with about 20 minutes to get out and enjoy the view, weather permitting.
• Beginner-friendly ATV instruction: No prior ATV experience is needed, but you must hold a valid driver’s license to drive.
• Gear is supplied: Expect a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear for the ride.
• Plan for a transfer, not a round trip: The included transport takes you from Reykjavik to the ATV base and then to the helicopter. You arrange your own return from the downtown airport.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the flight, so leave some flexibility in your plans if this is a must-do.

Two very different views in one half-day

This tour is built around contrast. First, you ride an ATV across the countryside and toward the mountains. Later, you board a helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of Reykjavik and the nearby high ground. For a short visit, that pairing can be a smart use of time: you get the physical feel of the terrain as well as a broad view of where the city sits.

The experience lasts about five hours overall, though the exact timing can shift with pickup and conditions. The ATV portion is listed at one hour. The helicopter flight is described as a summit tour, with a 20-minute stop on a mountain. Flight times can vary; the experience is weather-dependent, and accounts of actual flight length are not uniform. If a specific duration is important to you, confirm it with the operator before booking.

I like that this is not simply a drive out to a viewpoint. You take part in the scenery on the ground, then get a view that roads cannot provide. But the compact format also means neither activity is a full-length outing. Think of it as a sampler of two distinct adventures, not an all-day ATV expedition or an extended helicopter charter.

The ATV ride: instruction, gear, and mountain trails

Safari Quads picks you up in Reykjavik and takes you to its quad-bike base. There, the guide provides a safety briefing and instructions before you set off. No previous ATV experience is required, so the ride is open to beginners, although only people with a valid driver’s license can drive.

The tour supplies a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. That matters in Iceland, where wind and wet weather can make an outdoor ride uncomfortable without suitable layers. The clothing is practical protection, not a guarantee that you will stay perfectly warm or dry, so dress for the day and follow the guide’s directions.

From the base, the ride heads across the countryside and up toward the mountains. The route gives you a more active look at the Reykjavik area than a city tour would, with views back toward the capital and a chance to feel the ground change beneath the wheels. The ride can involve mud and water, so expect a hands-on outing rather than a clean, gentle spin on a paved path.

The one-hour duration is the clearest limitation. Some riders may be ready for more just as the group turns back, especially if they enjoy the pace and off-road sections. If you want a longer ride, Safari Quads also offers longer sessions, but those are separate from this combo tour.

Guides are a big part of making the ATV section work for a mixed group. The tour includes a professional guide, and riders have praised the clear instruction and attention to safety. Damos is one guide name associated with the ATV outings, while Hanna has also been singled out for friendly service. Names and staff may vary on your date, but the practical point is that the ride is set up for newcomers as well as confident drivers.

The helicopter: city views and a mountain landing

After the ATV ride, Safari Quads transfers you to the helicopter operator, Norðurflug Tours. The second half shifts from engine noise and trail bumps to a wide aerial view of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountain ranges. From above, you can take in the city’s position against Iceland’s open terrain in a way that is difficult to replicate from the street.

The highlight is a planned landing on a mountain, where you can get out for roughly 20 minutes and look around. That pause gives the flight a more tangible feel than a continuous loop: you are not only watching the view through a window, but standing in it. Wind can be strong at the landing site, so hold onto hats and loose items, and be ready for conditions to affect how long the stop lasts.

The exact route and flight experience can vary. Some accounts describe views over Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon, a recent volcano, lava fields, and a landing on old lava. Those details should not be treated as a guaranteed route on every departure. Weather, operating decisions, and the particular tour plan can change what you see and how long you are in the air.

This is the part of the day most exposed to weather. A flight may be canceled if conditions are poor, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund. Even if the helicopter does fly, wind can affect the landing or shorten a stop. If the aerial portion is the main reason you are booking, keep your schedule flexible and ask what happens if conditions change on the day.

The pilot can shape the experience, too. A lively, informative pilot adds context to the views, while a quiet flight can feel less engaging, particularly if the route is shortened. You cannot choose the pilot, but you can make sure you understand the expected flight length and what weather adjustments may mean before you commit.

The transfer plan needs attention

The pickup information gives two times: be ready at 9:00 a.m. at your assigned bus stop, while the stated tour start is 9:30 a.m. The pickup may take up to 30 minutes, so the earlier time is the one to plan around. In central Reykjavik, some hotels sit in no-pickup zones. If yours does, you need to walk to a nearby designated bus stop, often a few minutes away.

The included transport is not a return hotel transfer. Safari Quads picks you up, takes you to the ATV base, and then transfers you to the helicopter operator. After the helicopter ride, you are on your own. The airport is downtown, and a taxi is an option, but that ride is not part of the package.

This handoff deserves a little care. One past outing had a mix-up when the driver returned to a hotel instead of taking the group to the helicopter base. The plan is to transfer you between the activities, but it is sensible to confirm the next stop with your driver before leaving the ATV base. A quick check can prevent a very frustrating missed flight.

Food and drinks are not included, and the tour does not include hotel drop-off. Since the outing takes about five hours, eat beforehand or bring a snack if you need one, while respecting the operator’s instructions about what can be carried. Keep your afternoon plans loose enough to account for pickup timing and the return trip.

Is $489 good value?

At $489 per person, this is a premium-priced activity. The price buys two distinct experiences, a guide and riding equipment for the ATV section, transport between the activities, and a helicopter tour with a mountain stop. If you were planning to book both an ATV outing and a helicopter flight separately, combining them may save time and simplify the day.

The value depends on how much you want each half. If the ATV is your main interest, one hour may feel brief. If you are booking chiefly for the helicopter, remember that weather can alter or cancel that part. The combo works best when you are excited by both activities and see the convenience of doing them together as part of the value.

The package is also a practical fit for a short Reykjavik stay. It takes about half a day rather than occupying a full day, leaving room for other plans. But the advertised duration is approximate, and return transport is not included, so do not schedule a tight appointment immediately afterward.

The tour has a maximum group size of 15, which helps keep the ATV outing from becoming an enormous convoy. You can book as a single or shared rider, subject to the booking requirements: the shared option needs at least two adults per booking, while the single-rider option needs one adult. Each passenger has a total weight limit of 265 pounds.

Who should book this adventure?

I would consider this tour if you want an active introduction to the Reykjavik region and are keen to see it from more than one angle. It suits first-time ATV riders who are comfortable following instructions, couples or families looking for a shared half-day activity, and visitors with limited time who would rather combine two excursions than arrange them separately.

Children can ride as passengers from age six, but they cannot drive unless they meet the driver’s license requirement. If you are booking for a child, check the passenger rules and weight limit before paying. No alcohol or drugs are allowed on the tour.

It is a weaker fit if you dislike motorized activities, need guaranteed flight conditions, or want extensive time on the trails. It may also disappoint if you expect the helicopter to follow a fixed route and duration regardless of wind or visibility. A flexible schedule and realistic expectations make a real difference here.

Booking and practical details

The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. It is popular enough that people often reserve well ahead, so book early if your dates are fixed. At the same time, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded, and changes that late are not accepted.

If poor weather cancels the activity, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is useful protection, but it does not solve the scheduling problem if you have only one day available. Consider booking this early in your stay, if your itinerary allows, so a weather cancellation has a chance to be rescheduled.

Before you go, make sure you have the right bus stop, arrive by 9:00 a.m., bring a valid driver’s license if you plan to drive, and confirm the transfer to the helicopter when the ATV portion ends. Those small checks help keep a busy combo tour on track.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a brisk, varied outing and the appeal of both an ATV ride and a helicopter flight is strong enough to justify the price. The mountain landing, supplied riding gear, and short transfer between activities make the package compelling, especially for a time-pressed visit.

Skip it if you would rather spend longer on one activity, need a guaranteed flight, or cannot be flexible about weather and timing. For the right person, it is a memorable way to see Reykjavik from the ground and sky in one morning. Just keep your expectations measured: the ATV hour is short, the helicopter route can change, and you will need to arrange your own way back from the airport.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The full experience lasts about five hours. The ATV ride is one hour, and the helicopter portion includes a planned mountain stop, but actual timing may vary.

What time should I be ready for pickup?

Be ready at your designated bus stop at 9:00 a.m. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes. The stated tour start time is 9:30 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but some hotels in central Reykjavik are in no-pickup zones. If yours is affected, you need to walk to the nearest designated bus stop, typically a few minutes away.

Do I need experience or a driver’s license to ride an ATV?

No previous ATV experience is needed, and instruction is provided. You must have a valid driver’s license to drive the quad bike.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear.

What happens if bad weather cancels the helicopter flight?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The helicopter route and landing may also be affected by conditions.