Two big thrills in one day.

This ATV and rafting combo is a fun way to see Iceland from two angles: rough off-road riding near Hafravatn Lake and big glacier-fed canyon river scenery on the Hvítá. I especially like how the day ends with a sauna and hot tubs after you get your wet gear under control. One thing to keep in mind: the day involves a handoff between different parts of the experience, so plan on a bit of transfer time and expect clear check-ins for the next activity.

You’ll do about an hour of ATV riding from near Reykjavík, then head by car toward the canyon river for easy-rated rafting (with all the wetsuit-and-helmet gear). The best part is that the tour is built for first-timers, so you’re not stuck waiting for people who already know what they’re doing.

If you’re the type who runs cold, pack wisely. You’ll want warm wool layers (cotton is a poor choice when you’re wet) and you’ll also need a swimsuit for the sauna break afterward. Also note the age and licensing rules: a valid driver’s license is required to drive the quad, and the minimum age is 11.

Key things worth knowing before you go

• One-hour ATV ride from Reykjavík area with safety instruction first, then riding toward Hafravatn Lake and up to Hafrafell Mountain.
• Rafting on the Hvítá River, a glacier-fed river, with Brúarhlöð canyon features like portholes and sculpted breccia walls.
• Easy-rated rafting means you get pro guidance plus the full kit: wetsuit, life-vest, helmet, neoprene shoes, and paddle.
• Drumbó hot tubs, showers, and sauna after the river, so you can warm up and actually enjoy the end of the day.
• Small-group feel with up to 48 travelers, and you’ll be kitted out for Iceland weather.
• Pickup is not always right at your door in central areas with no-pickup zones—expect a 2–5 minute walk to a nearby bus stop.

ATV and rafting from Reykjavík: why this combo works

Some Reykjavík day tours send you far and back, but this one keeps the tempo up with a real two-part adventure. First you’ll get behind the handlebars on quad bikes, then you’ll trade the dust-and-rocks vibe for the roar of canyon water on the Hvítá.

The value here is not just doing two activities. It’s the pacing. You burn energy on the ATV, then you get into a wetsuit and focus on rafting. When you finish, you’re not stuck searching for a warm place to recover—you’ve got hot tubs, showers, and a sauna built into the plan.

And because the river segment is rated easy, it’s the kind of adrenaline that still feels friendly for beginners, as long as you follow the guide’s safety instructions.

Getting picked up around Reykjavík (and the no-pickup-zone reality)

Pickup starts around 09:00, and the tour departure is listed as 09:30. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes, so I’d treat 09:00 as the start of your waiting time—not the moment you step out and hope everything is perfect.

Here’s the practical gotcha: pickups from hotels in main-central Reykjavík are not allowed in some areas marked as no-pickup zones by the city. If that applies to you, you’ll walk 2–5 minutes to the nearest bus stop where pickup is possible.

If you’re booking late or you’re unsure where you’ll be picked up, message ahead so you get the bus stop name. It’s a small step that prevents a big chunk of stress on a day that already has timing built in.

Part 1: The ATV ride near Hafravatn Lake and Hafrafell Mountain

The ATV portion starts at a base camp not far from Reykjavík. Before you go anywhere, you’ll get driving instruction and safety guidance. The tour is designed so no experience is necessary, but you still need a valid driver’s license if you want to drive the quad (it’s not just a suggestion).

Once you’re suited up, you’ll spend about 1 hour riding through otherworldly Iceland terrain. The route includes rocky lava tracks and a run toward Hafravatn Lake. Then you’ll push up toward Hafrafell Mountain for summit views.

This is where the ATV ride becomes more than a thrill. From the top, you get wide panoramic views over Reykjavík and distant mountain ranges. Even if the weather changes fast (it will), the motion plus the elevation gives you a “from-the-outside” sense of where you are—Reykjavík as something you can look down on rather than just pass through.

A quick note: the exact tracks depend on weather and trail conditions. That’s normal in Iceland. It also means your ride might feel slightly different from day to day, but the core experience stays the same: controlled off-road fun plus big views.

Part 2: Hvítá River rafting through Brúarhlöð canyon

After the ATV, you’ll drive toward the Hvítá River. This scenic drive matters because you’re switching from rocky land to a river system shaped by glaciers.

Rafting on the Hvítá River is special because the river runs all the way from Langjökull glacier, Iceland’s second biggest glacier. The guide is aiming for a canyon experience, and Brúarhlöð canyon is highlighted for its dramatic rock formations and portholes—plus you can see how water has carved the breccia walls over time.

The tour is rated easy, which generally means the rafting is designed to be manageable for a wider range of people. Still, you should treat it like real outdoor sport: listen closely in the safety briefing, keep your balance when waves hit, and follow the guide’s instructions on how to sit and brace.

One more detail that helps put it in context: the Hvítá River feeds Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most visited sights. You’re seeing the river’s “work” before it becomes a famous waterfall. It’s a good way to add meaning to what you might already recognize from photos.

What the guides and safety briefings do (the part you’ll actually appreciate)

This tour includes professional guidance on the rafting side and driving instruction before the ATV ride. That matters, because quad biking is less about strength and more about control—smooth inputs, correct posture, and knowing how to handle uneven ground.

On the river side, you’re in a wetsuit, helmet, life-vest, and you’ll be shown how the raft works. The guides also help you get properly kitted out, which is a big deal in Iceland where “warm enough” is everything.

If you’re lucky enough to get a guide like Mariana (her ATV work gets praised for keeping the ride fun and well run), you’ll feel like you’re in safe hands without turning the day into a lecture.

Drumbó after the river: sauna, hot tubs, and the warm reset button

Here’s one of the smartest parts of the day: the warm-up is included. After rafting, you can relax at Drumbó with hot tubs, showers, and sauna access.

You’ll want this even if you’re tough. Rafting gear traps water and cold—then the Iceland air reminds you it’s not playing. A sauna session turns that into a positive part of the experience, not just recovery.

Food and drinks are also available on site. If you want something hearty, there’s the option of a grilled lamb meal. If your group is in a celebratory mood, there’s a bar too. People describe a classic post-raft moment—hot tub time paired with a drink—but don’t assume it’s your only option. The sauna and showers are what keep you comfortable no matter what you decide to eat or drink.

Gear and clothing: what you’ll get, what you must bring

Good news: the big ticket gear is provided. For the ATV, you’ll be given helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. For rafting, you get wetsuit, life-vest, neoprene shoes, helmet, and paddle.

Now the part you control: what you wear underneath. For rafting, you should bring warm underlayers—wool or fleece works best. Use thermal underwear under your wetsuit (warm socks too). Avoid cotton; it loses heat when it’s wet.

Bring:

• A bathing suit to wear underneath the neoprene pants for the river and for the sauna
• Warm wool/fleece layers (thermal underwear is ideal)
• Warm wool socks
• A change of clothing
• Towel (you can rent one)

If you forget the swimsuit, you’ll still be able to do the rafting (you’re provided with the wetsuit and required river gear), but the sauna portion becomes harder to enjoy properly. That’s a loss because the sauna is a major part of the value of this tour.

Price and value: $375 for an 8-hour adventure

At $375 per person, this isn’t a bargain tour. But it’s also not just a simple sightseeing stop. You’re paying for two guided, gear-heavy outdoor activities with pickup and a full cold-weather kit.

What you get for the price adds up:

• Pickup and drop-off (from Reykjavík, with the no-pickup-zone caveat)
• ~1 hour ATV with instruction and included riding protection
• Scenic transfer to the river
• Rafting on the Hvítá with a certified rafting guide, plus full rafting equipment
• Hot tubs, showers, and sauna after rafting

If you were to do ATV and rafting separately, you’d likely lose time and coordination. Here, the day is bundled into one schedule window of about 8 hours. That bundling is the real value.

There’s also the shared rider option for quad driving. If you’re booking as a pair, the pricing can be more flexible depending on whether you choose single or shared rider (with rules about minimum adults per booking for shared). If you want to drive, make sure you meet the licensing requirement and plan for a realistic day schedule.

Who should book this ATV and rafting day from Reykjavík

This is a strong match if you want action right away and you don’t want your day to feel like “sit on a bus, then take photos.” You’ll be moving, learning, getting messy in a wetsuit, and then drying off with a sauna.

It also fits people who like a clear structure. You get instruction, gear, and guidance for both halves. That reduces the mental load compared to self-guided adventures—especially if you’re short on time in Iceland.

It’s less ideal if you hate getting wet, you dislike outdoor physical activity, or you want a slow-paced day with lots of hanging out. This tour is built for doing.

And it’s a good pick for groups who want variety: thrill seekers get the ATV and rapids, while calmer folks still enjoy the guided, easy-rated rafting and the comfort of the warm-up afterward.

Should you book Safari Quads ATV and rafting?

I’d book this if you’re planning an Iceland trip where you want one day that feels genuinely hands-on and not just a checklist. The combo works because the ATV portion gives you panoramic views and physical momentum, and the rafting portion gives you that glacier-fed canyon drama. Then the sauna and hot tubs keep it from feeling like punishment at the end.

Skip it if you strongly prefer a quieter day, or if the idea of transfers and check-ins between parts of the experience will stress you out. Also, if you’re planning to drive the quad, check that you have a valid driver’s license and remember the minimum age is 11.

Overall, this is one of those days where Iceland feels real. It’s not just looking at it from the road. You’re riding over lava terrain, then you’re floating through a canyon carved by the glacier river system that feeds Gullfoss.

FAQ

How long is the ATV and rafting adventure from Reykjavík?

The full day is listed at about 8 hours.

What time is pickup?

Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure, and you should be ready at 09:00. The start time is listed as 9:30 am.

Do I need experience to drive the ATV?

No experience is necessary, but you do need a valid driver’s license if you want to drive the quad bike.

What is the rafting difficulty level?

The rafting is rated as easy, and you’ll have guidance from a certified rafting guide.

What rafting gear is included?

You’ll receive wetsuit, life-vest, helmet, neoprene shoes, and a paddle.

Is a sauna included?

Yes. After rafting, you get access to sauna and shower facilities, plus hot tubs.

What should I wear or bring for the tour?

Bring warm wool or fleece layers (thermal underwear), warm wool socks, a bathing suit, and a change of clothing. Cotton isn’t recommended for wet conditions. You’ll also need a towel (rental is available).

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 48 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the payment is not refunded.

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