Mýrdalsjökull: South Coast ATV Quad Bike Safari

The striking part of this ride is the change under your wheels: smooth black sand gives way to rougher ground, river crossings and a mountain valley, with the DC3 wreck out on the plain. You get scenery that is hard to reach by ordinary car, plus a guide who leads the route and explains the area.

I like that the tour combines the famous plane wreck with the less familiar experience of riding across Sólheimasandur, and that guides such as Anthony, Paul and Magni have been praised for being attentive and good at adapting the pace. I also like that the two-hour option gives you time for more varied terrain and stops.

The main consideration is Iceland’s weather. Wind, rain or high water can change the route, and a view of Mýrdalsjökull is not a promise of riding onto the glacier. You’ll need a driver’s license to take the controls, and an ATV is shared by two people unless you book a single ride.

What makes this ATV trip worth considering

• The DC3 wreck is part of the ride: Reach the 1973 crash site on the black sands of Sólheimasandur by ATV.
• The route changes under your wheels: Expect open beach, rougher ground, fields and, when conditions allow, river crossings.
• Two hours gives the outing room to breathe: The longer option allows time for more terrain, photo stops and the valley route.
• A guide sets the pace: The guide provides a safety briefing, leads the group and can help less experienced riders.
• The scenery has several angles: Look toward the Atlantic and Dyrhólaey, then inland toward Mýrdalsjökull.
• The weather can redirect the ride: High water or rough conditions may limit where the group can go.

At Sólheimasandur, the black sand is the main event

The ride starts at Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp, where you meet the guide, get your gear and learn how to operate the ATV. The briefing matters even if you have ridden before: this is a group outing across changing ground, so you need to know how to handle the vehicle and follow the guide’s directions.

Once the group is ready, the route heads onto Sólheimasandur. This broad plain has an austere, almost otherworldly look, with dark sand under a wide sky and the coast nearby. Riding it gives you a sense of scale that a quick roadside stop cannot quite match. The open sections are also where the tour can feel fast and fun, though the guide controls the route and the group must stay together.

The terrain is not described as highly technical, and first-time ATV riders have found the experience manageable after the instruction. Still, it is a motorized off-road ride, not a sightseeing bus with a steering wheel. If you are nervous, tell the guide; guides have been praised for helping people through uncertain moments and adjusting the pace to the group.

The DC3 wreck is a striking stop, not a polished attraction

A major stop is the famous DC3 aircraft wreck, which crashed on the sands in 1973. The plane’s remains sit in a stark setting that makes the visit memorable, and reaching them by ATV is part of the appeal. You are not simply arriving at a roadside photo point; the ride across the plain gives the site context.

The guide can add useful background about the plane and the area. Guides including Pawel, Anthony and Oskar have been singled out for sharing stories and local context, but the specific guide on your departure will vary. You can expect a stop for photos, though the amount of time at each point depends on the group and conditions.

The wreck is a popular destination, so it is not an untouched secret. The ATV route and the open surroundings still make the visit feel different from a standard drive-up stop. If the plane is your main reason for booking, remember that weather can affect the route, and the operator may need to change plans for safety.

Beach views bring the Atlantic and Dyrhólaey into view

After the plane stop, the route heads toward the coast. From the beach, you can look out across the Atlantic and toward Dyrhólaey, the peninsula at Iceland’s southernmost tip. The black sand, open water and distant headland make a dramatic contrast, especially when the wind is up.

Riding on the beach is one of the most appealing parts for people who want more than a guided drive through scenery. The sand can feel smooth under the ATV, while the open shoreline gives the group room to enjoy the ride. Some departures allow riders to build speed in suitable stretches, but this is always subject to the guide’s instructions and the conditions.

Expect the weather to be part of the experience. Wind and rain can make the coast feel raw, and cold hands are a common practical concern even with the supplied gear. Bring warm layers and gloves, and do not assume the coveralls will make your own clothing unnecessary in cold weather.

The two-hour route adds variety

The outing is offered as a one- to two-hour activity, with start times depending on availability. If your schedule and budget allow, I would choose the two-hour option. It gives the ride more time to include a wider mix of ground and stops, rather than making the plane and beach the whole story.

The longer trip may include fields, rocky ground, streams and a mountain valley. The ride follows the Jökulsá River and can finish by crossing a river into the valley, a change from the broad, exposed plain. The combination matters: Sólheimasandur can look stark and open, while the valley offers a more enclosed view of the surrounding mountains.

River crossings depend on conditions. A wet day or high water can make some routes impassable, so do not treat every crossing as guaranteed. In poor conditions, the guide may choose another route and still take you to the beach and plane wreck. That flexibility is sensible, but it means the exact itinerary is not fixed.

Some visitors have also mentioned fields of lupines in summer. These seasonal flowers add color to the dark terrain, but they are not guaranteed on every departure. The reliable draw is the mix of black sand, coast and inland views, not one specific seasonal feature.

Mýrdalsjökull is a view, not a glacier ride

The tour is based at the foot of Mýrdalsjökull, and the glacier may be visible inland during the ride. That is a powerful part of the setting, but it is important to distinguish a view of the ice from an ATV trip onto the glacier. The route described here focuses on the black sands, coastline, river and valley.

Weather can also obscure distant views or keep the group from reaching a planned area. One wet-weather departure could not go to the glacier but still had a good ride. Treat the glacier as part of the wider scenery rather than the guaranteed centerpiece, and you are less likely to feel short-changed if clouds or route changes intervene.

Guides and gear make a difference

The guide is central to the experience. You follow their lead across unfamiliar terrain, and they are responsible for keeping the group together, explaining where to ride and choosing safe routes. Several guides have been praised for patience with new riders and for adding local stories about Iceland’s geology, geography and the plane wreck.

English-language guiding is offered, and small groups are available. The group size can shape the feel of the outing: some departures have been very small, while others include families or several parties. You should expect a guided group ride, not a private, free-form rental.

The included kit consists of an insulated coverall, helmet and balaclava; boots may be offered depending on the weather. Bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes, and wear gloves. For cold-weather rides, a warm base layer and gloves under heavier mittens can make a noticeable difference, particularly on an exposed beach.

What the $144 price buys

At $144 per person, this is not a low-cost way to get from one sight to another. The price includes a guide, safety equipment and an ATV shared by two people, plus access to terrain you would not cover in a regular rental car. The value improves if you want both the DC3 stop and an active ride across different types of ground.

The two-person ATV arrangement is important when you calculate the cost. If you want to ride alone, or your party has an odd number of people, you must book a single-rider ATV and pay for it on location. Check the current cost with the operator before you go; no single-ride price is specified here.

A one-hour outing costs less time, but the two-hour trip is the better choice if you want the wider route and more varied riding. The longer tour has been described as a strong value because it can include beach, wreck, fields and water crossings. Those features remain weather-dependent, so consider the price against the full experience rather than assuming every stop is guaranteed.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to get yourself to Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp at Ytri Sólheimar road 222. One useful detail: the meeting point has been found farther up the road on the left than some app directions suggest, so look for Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia at Mýrdalsjökull Base.

Who should book this ride

This tour suits adults and families with children aged eight or older who want an active way to see the South Coast and are comfortable with a motorized ride. Children under eight and pregnant women are listed as unsuitable. A valid driver’s license is required for anyone driving an ATV, so a passenger does not need to take the controls.

It can work well for first-time riders, provided you listen to the briefing and are comfortable following instructions. If you have off-road experience, you may enjoy the open beach sections, but the pace is still set by the guide and the abilities of the group. The ride is not a private race.

Choose this if you want a mix of scenery and activity, and if the plane wreck is high on your list. Skip it if you prefer quiet, non-motorized nature outings, dislike wind and cold, or want a guaranteed glacier visit. The tour’s strongest feature is not one single stop; it is the way the ride links the wreck, beach and inland terrain.

FAQ

How long is the ATV tour?

The activity lasts one to two hours. Check availability for the starting times.

What is the price?

The listed price is $144 per person. The ATV is shared by two people.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. A valid driver’s license is required to drive an ATV.

Can I book an ATV for one person?

Yes. Single riders, and groups with an odd number of people, need to book a single-ride ATV. It is payable on location.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp, Ytri Sólheimar road 222. Look for Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia at Mýrdalsjökull Base.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What equipment is provided?

The tour includes an insulated coverall, helmet and balaclava. Boots may be provided depending on the weather.

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license, warm clothing and waterproof shoes. Gloves are also a practical choice, especially in cold weather.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. Weather and water conditions can affect the route. High water may prevent river crossings, and the guide may adjust the outing for safety.