3-Hour Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure From Reykjavik

Iceland’s volcanic country is at its best from the seat of an ATV. This Safari Quads outing runs from Reykjavik into lava fields, geothermal ground near Hellisheiði, and rough mountain tracks above Hafrawater lake. I like the mix of muddy off-road driving and wide views toward the Blue Mountains, Esja, Faxaflói Bay, and Reykjavik. I also like that you get a full three hours on the ATV, not a quick spin around a small course. The main catch is the price: at $342 per person, this is a serious splurge, especially if you choose a single-rider ATV.

The route is exciting, but do not expect nonstop high-speed action. Much of the driving takes place on rough tracks at roughly 5 to 40 kph, with faster stretches only where the route uses paved roads. One participant found the ride less physically demanding than expected, so this suits you best if you want scenic off-roading with some adrenaline, not an extreme motorsport challenge.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours on the ATV: The ride gives you time to get comfortable before reaching the geothermal and mountain sections.
• Volcanic scenery close to Reykjavik: You travel through lava fields, Hellisheiði, the Hengill volcanic area, and toward Hafrawater lake.
• Big views from the mountains: High points look toward the Blue Mountains, Esja, Faxaflói Bay, and Reykjavik.
• Weather-ready equipment: Safari Quads supplies a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear when needed.
• Small groups: The guide ratio is one guide for up to seven participants.
• A driving license is required: Drivers must be at least 17, while passengers only need to meet the minimum age of six.

From Reykjavik to Iceland’s volcanic backcountry

This is not a city sightseeing trip with a short ATV add-on. The point is to leave Reykjavik quickly and spend most of the outing on open trails near the city.

Safari Quads provides pickup from Reykjavik hotels and several central bus stops. Pickup begins between 13:00 and 13:30, and you should be ready at 13:00. If your hotel sits outside a pickup zone, you are assigned a nearby bus stop, so check that detail before the day of the trip.

The total outing takes about four and a half hours with transportation, although the ATV portion lasts three hours. The stated duration can appear as three to four hours when you book, so allow extra time for transfers and the safety briefing.

That timing matters. You are not trying to squeeze this into a narrow gap between several major attractions. The afternoon departure gives you a focused outdoor activity, with pickup, instruction, riding, and return transport handled by the operator.

The 30-minute briefing is time well spent

Before you ride, you receive about 30 minutes of safety instruction. This may sound long when you are eager to get moving, but it gives you time to understand the ATV, controls, route rules, and group procedures.

The extra time is useful if you have never driven a quad bike. One rider specifically recommended the three-hour option because the first hour helps you get familiar with the machine. That is a good point. A shorter ride might leave you just as you begin to feel relaxed.

You should arrive with a valid driver’s license if you plan to drive. Drivers must be at least 17 years old. Passengers do not need a license, and the minimum age for a passenger is six.

The small-group setup also helps. With one guide for no more than seven participants, the group is not huge, and the guide can keep an eye on different driving abilities. That is especially useful when the track surface changes or the group moves from open ground to narrower trails.

Lava fields and the Blue Mountains

Once you set out, the route takes you across Icelandic lava fields and mixed off-road tracks. Here, the appeal is not a single grand viewpoint. It is the changing surface beneath the wheels and the way the countryside shifts from city edge to open volcanic country.

The lava fields give you a clear sense of Iceland’s rough geology. You are not simply looking at a distant volcanic peak from a bus window. You are driving through ground shaped by volcanic activity, with the Blue Mountains visible from the Stangarholl area.

The ride can be dusty, muddy, and wet depending on the weather. Safari Quads supplies overalls, gloves, helmets, a ski mask, and rain gear if required. You still need comfortable shoes, and footwear is not included. Choose shoes you can get dirty and wet. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so leave bulky items at your hotel.

The supplied clothing is more than a nice extra. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and one rider reported staying warm and dry even when rain began at the start of the trip. The operator runs in all weather, so poor conditions do not automatically mean cancellation. That can be a plus, but it also means you should be ready for a genuinely wet or muddy ride.

Hellisheiði and the Hengill volcanic area

The route then heads toward the geothermal area at Hellisheiði and the Hengill volcanic mountain area. This is one of the more distinctive parts of the trip because the ground here shows Iceland’s heat and volcanic activity in practical, visible ways.

You ride across mixed terrain rather than staying on one smooth track. The geothermal setting adds more than scenery. Your guide explains the natural features along the way, and the ride gives you a closer look at a part of Iceland that many people pass while traveling between Reykjavik and the southern part of the country.

Do not expect a long walking visit at a single geothermal feature. This is primarily a driving adventure. You will see and discuss the area while continuing along the route, so the experience works best if you want movement and scenery rather than a slow geology lesson.

The guides speak English and Icelandic. One guide named Ryan was praised for explaining both the ATVs and the surrounding nature. Another guide, called Sir Cactus, was remembered for answering questions about Iceland and explaining the geothermal features. Guide quality matters here because the ride is not just a vehicle rental. You are relying on the guide to set the pace, explain the area, and keep the group together.

Hafrawater lake and the push toward the mountain top

After the geothermal section, you follow mixed terrain tracks toward Hafrawater lake. This part gives the ride a different rhythm. Instead of focusing only on volcanic ground, you move through a broader setting where water, mountain slopes, and rough tracks share the view.

The route eventually climbs toward the top of Hafrafell Mountain. From the high point, you can look across the Faxaflói Bay peninsula, toward Esja Mountain, and back toward Reykjavik. The view is a strong reason to choose this trip instead of an ATV course with no wider scenery.

The route description also refers to a Reykjavik peak mountain section and views from the mountain top. Names can vary slightly in the booking details, but the practical point is clear: the ride reaches high ground above the city and gives you a broad view over the surrounding area.

Weather will shape this part of the trip. On a clear day, the view toward Esja and the bay should be one of the ride’s rewards. In rain, mist, or low cloud, the mountain section may feel more atmospheric than panoramic. That is not a flaw in the operator, but it is worth remembering when you judge the price by the promise of the views.

How demanding is the driving?

The marketing language suggests an adrenaline-heavy outing, and there is certainly rough ground, mud, and mountain driving. But this is not described as a technical or extreme ATV course.

One rider estimated speeds of about 5 to 40 kph on the trails, with faster travel on short paved sections while following the speed limit. Another participant felt the trip was less thrilling and less physically demanding than expected. I would treat that as useful guidance rather than a contradiction.

You will need to concentrate, control the ATV, and handle uneven ground. Still, the guide sets the pace for a mixed group, and the outing includes time to learn. If your main goal is a safe introduction to off-road driving with impressive Icelandic scenery, the pace should suit you. If you want steep climbs, aggressive obstacles, and a hard physical test, ask Safari Quads if another route is more demanding.

You can also choose between riding alone or sharing an ATV, depending on the booking option available. A single-rider upgrade costs more, but one participant strongly felt it was worth paying because driving for the entire trip was the best part. If you enjoy being behind the controls, this is an important choice. Sharing lowers the cost, but it also means less time driving.

What is included, and what should you bring?

The package includes:

• Pickup and return transport by Safari Quads
• Three hours of ATV riding
• A professional guide
• Helmet and gloves
• Protective overalls
• Ski mask and rain gear if needed
• Coffee at basecamp

Food is not included. Coffee at the basecamp is a small but welcome touch before or after the ride, though you should eat beforehand if you need a proper meal.

Bring your driver’s license and comfortable shoes. You do not need to bring a helmet or waterproof outer layer, but you should still dress for Icelandic weather under the supplied gear. Do not bring a suitcase or large bag. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

The gear package improves the value of the trip. At $342 per person, you are paying for transport, equipment, instruction, guiding, and access to a long off-road route rather than only for the ATV itself. That price remains high, but the three-hour ride and the mountain scenery make it easier to justify than a short introductory circuit.

Is $342 good value?

This is expensive by ordinary activity standards. A pair paying for two people will spend $684 before considering any other parts of the day. The single-rider option can add even more.

I would judge the cost by how much time you want to spend actively driving. If you love motorized outdoor activities, the long riding time, full equipment, small group, and varied route may make the expense worthwhile. You also get a guide, pickup, and return transport, which saves you from arranging a rental car and finding remote tracks yourself.

If your main goal is to see Iceland’s volcanic scenery, there are less costly sightseeing options. This tour makes sense when the driving is central to your plan. The views are a major bonus, not the whole product.

The high rating of 4.9 from seven ratings points to a strong record, with especially warm praise for the guides, the quality of the ATVs, the protective clothing, and the personal feel of small groups. Still, the sample is small, and one person found the route milder than expected. Keep both points in mind.

Who should book the Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure?

I would recommend this trip to you if:

• You want to drive an ATV through real volcanic country rather than around a small practice area.
• You enjoy outdoor activities and do not mind mud, dust, rain, or rough tracks.
• You have an afternoon available from Reykjavik.
• You want mountain views toward Esja, the Blue Mountains, Faxaflói Bay, and the city.
• You prefer a small group and a guide who can explain the natural setting.
• You are traveling with a passenger who is at least six but does not have a driver’s license.

I would think twice if you dislike wet weather, cannot wear normal outdoor shoes, or want a very intense technical ride. Wheelchair users cannot take part, and passengers do not get the same driving time as single riders.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Reykjavik plans may shift, but they do not change the need to arrive on time for the pickup window.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want the activity itself to be the centerpiece of your afternoon. The best parts are the long time on the ATV, the changing volcanic terrain, the trip into Hellisheiði and Hengill country, and the final mountain views over Reykjavik and Faxaflói Bay.

I would choose the single-rider option if your budget allows. You will have more control over the pace and will not spend half the trip waiting for a turn. If you want an extreme off-road challenge, ask about a harder route before paying. For most people seeking a scenic, muddy, well-organized ATV ride close to Reykjavik, Safari Quads offers a memorable way to get beyond the city streets.

FAQ

How long does the ATV ride last?

The ATV portion lasts three hours. With pickup, transport, and the safety briefing, the total outing takes about four and a half hours.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from Reykjavik hotels and listed bus stops, including Hótel Ísland, Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg, Bus Stop 9 at Snorrabraut, Reykjavik Bus Terminal, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Hotel Cabin, Reykjavik Lights, Grand Hótel Reykjavík, and other central locations.

What time should I be ready for pickup?

You should be ready at 13:00. Pickup takes place between 13:00 and 13:30.

Do all hotels in Reykjavik offer direct pickup?

Pickup is included from Reykjavik City hotels. If your hotel is in a no-pickup zone, you will be assigned a nearby bus stop.

How old must the driver be?

All drivers must be at least 17 years old and hold a valid driver’s license.

Can children ride as passengers?

Yes. Passengers do not need a driver’s license, and the minimum age is six years old.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guides speak English and Icelandic.

What clothing and equipment are included?

The operator provides a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear if needed. Shoes are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license and comfortable shoes. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve now and pay later booking.