Buggy Adventure: Off-Road Thrills in South Iceland

The best part of this South Iceland buggy ride is the terrain. You leave ordinary roads behind and cross gravel tracks, shallow streams, rocky ruts, and the tundra-like sand fields of Markaðsfljótaurar. The views reach from Eyjafjallajökull to Seljalandsfoss and the Westman Islands, so this is not just a motor tour with scenery tacked on.

I like the small-scale feel, with two people sharing a sturdy automatic buggy, and I like the practical gear supplied at Brú Base. Guides such as Robert, Thorthu, Ingimar, and Victor have earned praise for making the ride feel safe while keeping the pace lively. The main consideration is the price, $250 per person for two hours, plus the need to book a single buggy if your group has an odd number.

Key points before you book

• Rough terrain near Dímon: Expect gravel, ruts, rocky slopes, small streams, and river splashes rather than a gentle sightseeing drive.
• Views beyond the road network: The route reaches parts of South Iceland that an ordinary rental car cannot access.
• Two-seater automatic buggies: You share a vehicle with one other person, and both people can enjoy the ride from a comfortable, road-legal 4×4 buggy.
• A scenic stop with a wide view: The route includes a viewpoint toward Seljalandsfoss and the Westman Islands.
• Waterproof gear is supplied: You receive an insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava, but you still need warm non-cotton layers and proper shoes.
• A real driving experience: You do not simply sit in a vehicle while someone else handles the route. You drive the buggy yourself after the safety briefing.

Starting at Brú Base on Road 249

The tour begins at Southcoast Adventure’s Brú Base Camp, by Road 249 near Hvolsvöllur. This is a useful meeting point if you are exploring the South Coast, though you need to plan your own way there because transportation to the base is not included in the tour information.

At the base, your guide gives you a safety briefing before you get into the buggy. This matters more than it might sound. The route is not a smooth farm track, and the machine responds differently when you meet loose gravel, ruts, water, or a slope. You should listen carefully, even if you have driven an off-road vehicle before.

You need a valid driver’s license. The vehicles are fully automatic, so there is no manual gear work to distract you from steering and choosing your line. That makes the ride approachable for beginners, though the terrain still demands attention.

The buggies are two-seater, fully automatic 4×4 vehicles with roll cages, safety belts, and double A-arm suspension. Those details are important on a route with bumps and uneven ground. You get a vehicle designed for stability and comfort, but this is still an active outdoor ride, not a soft-edged theme park attraction.

Getting suited up for Icelandic weather

Southcoast Adventure provides an insulated cover-all, helmet, and buggy balaclava face mask. The cover-all should help protect your clothing from spray, mud, and cold wind, while the helmet and face covering make the ride more comfortable when the buggy picks up speed.

You still need to bring the clothing that goes underneath. Pack warm layers made from wool or synthetic fabric, not cotton. Add a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm gloves, a hat, warm socks, and sturdy hiking boots or other appropriate outdoor shoes.

This is one place where a little preparation pays off. Even on a mild day, an open buggy can feel cold once you are moving. Water crossings and wet tracks add another reason to bring proper layers. The supplied cover-all is useful protection, but it is not a substitute for dressing for Iceland.

Snacks are not included. The ride lasts two hours, so food is not essential for most people, but it is sensible to eat beforehand if you are heading out early or have a full day of sightseeing planned.

Driving between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull

Once the briefing and equipment fitting are finished, you follow your guide into the countryside between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull. The surroundings shift quickly from ordinary rural Iceland to rougher ground shaped by water, volcanic activity, and glacial forces.

The route around Dímon includes Markaðsfljótaurar, a broad area of dark, tundra-like sand fields. This setting gives the ride its sense of space. You are not simply weaving around a few artificial obstacles. You are crossing open ground with mountains, glaciers, and changing weather in view.

The surface varies. You can expect gravel tracks, loose sand, deep ruts, rocky sections, and small streams. Several people have particularly enjoyed the river crossings, which are among the moments that make this experience different from a standard guided drive.

A little caution is useful here. One detailed account described following the guide at a fast pace across streams, deep ruts, and rocky slopes. That sounds exciting, and it is exactly what some people want, but it also means you should not book this expecting a slow, relaxed photo tour. The guide sets the route and pace, and you need to be ready to respond rather than hesitate at every rough patch.

The buggies are built for this kind of work. Their 4×4 drive, roll cages, safety belts, and suspension help you handle the ground with more confidence. Still, the equipment does not remove the need for sensible driving. Keep your attention on the track, follow the guide’s instructions, and expect to get wet or dusty.

Hidden waterfalls and small streams

The route includes waterfalls that are not part of the usual South Coast sightseeing circuit. The supplied information does not name each waterfall, which is part of the appeal: you are seeing small natural features along an off-road route rather than stopping only at Iceland’s famous headline sights.

You also cross small streams during the ride. These crossings add a physical element to the trip. You feel the buggy move through the water, see spray around the wheels, and then continue across the rough ground on the other side.

For me, this is where the $250 price begins to make more sense. You are paying for access, equipment, a guide, and the ability to drive through terrain that a regular rental car cannot handle. A normal South Coast excursion may give you more major waterfalls in a day, but it will not give you this hands-on way of reaching the countryside.

The tradeoff is that the ride itself becomes the main event. If you want long, quiet stops at famous waterfalls, this is not the most efficient choice. If you want to drive through the type of ground that makes Iceland feel wild and physical, it is a much better fit.

The viewpoint toward Seljalandsfoss and the Westman Islands

One of the planned stops gives you a viewpoint toward Seljalandsfoss and Vestmannaeyjar, the Westman Islands. Seljalandsfoss is one of South Iceland’s best-known waterfalls, but the viewpoint here offers a different angle from the standard roadside visit.

You get to see the waterfall as part of a wider setting rather than only as a close-up stop. The Westman Islands add another layer to the view, reaching out beyond the mainland and showing how much open space surrounds the South Coast.

The viewpoint also gives you a natural pause in the ride. After the noisy work of crossing rough tracks and water, it is a chance to take off your helmet or simply stop and look around. Bring your camera, but keep it secure while driving. The best moments may come between official stops, when you are surrounded by open sand, mountain slopes, and glacier views.

The route also brings you close to Eyjafjallajökull. Seeing a glacier from below, as one ride description vividly noted, gives the trip a stronger sense of scale. Iceland’s mountains can look distant from the main road. A buggy route changes that perspective by taking you into the rough ground at their base.

What the guides add to the ride

Your guide does more than lead the convoy. The guide handles the safety briefing, sets the route, keeps the group together, and explains what you see along the way. The ride is offered in Icelandic and English.

Several guides have been praised by name, including Robert, Thorthu, Ingimar, and Victor. The strongest pattern is a mix of enthusiasm and reassurance. Robert was described as brilliant, while Ingimar was noted for being kind, relaxed, and good at helping people feel safe. Victor was praised for making the ride fun and explaining the area.

Thorthu appears to suit riders who want a more forceful adventure style. A detailed account described a fast start, rough ground, streams, slopes, and a route that did not give anyone much time to overthink the next obstacle. That could be exactly what an experienced thrill-seeker wants. If you are nervous about driving, tell your guide early so you understand the pace and what the route involves.

The guides may also take photos or video during the outing. Ingimar sent a video to one group the following day, but you should not treat that as a guaranteed part of every departure. Bring your own camera if you want a record of the experience, and ask about photography before setting off.

Sharing a buggy and choosing the right booking

The standard arrangement is two people per buggy. That works well for couples, friends, or a parent and older child who want to share the driving experience. The vehicles are automatic, so changing drivers is relatively straightforward when the guide allows a safe pause.

If your group has an odd number and you select shared rides, you must book one single-rider buggy. If you do not, an extra fee is charged on-site. This is an easy detail to miss, and it can turn an otherwise simple booking into an unpleasant surprise.

The two-seat setup also affects the experience. One person may drive while the other watches the route, takes in the scenery, or handles a camera. If both of you want equal driving time, agree on that before the tour and ask the guide when switching is safe.

The ride is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, or people with back problems. The repeated bumps and uneven ground make the back restriction especially important. You should also avoid booking if you are looking for a passive sightseeing trip or do not feel comfortable controlling a vehicle on rough tracks.

Is $250 per person fair value?

At $250 per person, this is an expensive two-hour activity. It is not the cheapest way to see South Iceland, and the short duration means you are paying a premium for equipment, access, and the driving itself.

The value is stronger if you already plan to visit the South Coast’s famous sights and want something different from waterfalls viewed beside the Ring Road. The buggy gets you into rough ground around Markaðsfljótaurar, where a normal car cannot go. You also receive protective gear and a live guide, and the vehicle is road legal, safety-inspected, and built for off-road use.

The price makes less sense if you mainly want photographs of Seljalandsfoss or a broad glacier view. You can see major South Coast sights through less costly tours or self-driving. Here, the important question is not how many sights you see. It is whether you want to drive through streams, ruts, sand, and rocky ground yourself.

For a couple sharing a buggy, the cost buys a memorable shared activity. For a solo rider, the additional cost of a single buggy may be worth it if you want full control, but you should check the booking selection carefully.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this ride to adults and families with eligible children who want a physical, hands-on outing. It suits people who enjoy driving, outdoor weather, and a little controlled roughness.

It is a strong choice if you have already seen the main South Coast stops and want to reach a less ordinary part of the region. It also works well for couples who want an activity with more energy than a viewpoint stop, and for photographers who like changing views of glaciers, waterfalls, sand fields, and the Westman Islands.

Beginners can take part because the buggies are automatic and the guide gives a safety briefing. You do not need to be an expert off-road driver. You do need to accept that the route may move at a brisk pace and include uneven ground.

I would skip it if you have back problems, are pregnant, dislike getting wet or dirty, or want a quiet ride with long stops. This is a driving adventure first and a sightseeing tour second.

Practical details for a smoother day

The tour lasts two hours, including the preparation and guided ride. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and the reserve-now-pay-later option can help if your Iceland schedule is still changing. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks cannot be taken in the vehicle.

Wear shoes that can handle wet, uneven ground. Keep loose belongings secure, since the route includes bumps and water. Most important, bring your driver’s license and arrive ready to listen to the guide before you start.

Should you book the South Iceland buggy adventure?

Book it if you want to drive rather than simply watch, and if the thought of crossing streams beneath Eyjafjallajökull sounds better than another roadside stop. The route combines rough terrain, unusual access, and big views, with guides who bring both energy and calm to the experience.

Think twice if $250 feels high for two hours, if you want a gentle sightseeing outing, or if your group has not allowed for the single-buggy charge when needed. For the right person, though, this is one of the more memorable ways to experience the South Coast: noisy, wet, scenic, and properly fun.

FAQ

Where does the buggy tour begin?

The meeting point is Southcoast Adventure at Brú Base Camp on Road 249 near Hvolsvöllur, Iceland.

How long does the activity last?

The guided buggy adventure lasts two hours.

What areas does the route cover?

The route runs through the area between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull, including the Markaðsfljótaurar sand fields around Dímon.

What sights can I see during the tour?

The route includes viewpoints toward Seljalandsfoss and the Westman Islands. You may also see glaciers, small waterfalls, mountains, and open sand fields.

Do I drive the buggy myself?

Yes. The activity is a driving experience using two-seater, fully automatic 4×4 buggies.

How many people share one buggy?

The standard arrangement is two people per buggy. If your group has an odd number and you want shared rides, you must book one single-rider buggy.

What equipment is included?

The tour provides an insulated cover-all, helmet, and buggy balaclava face mask.

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license, warm non-cotton layers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, headwear, warm gloves, warm socks, a scarf, and appropriate hiking boots or shoes.

Is the activity suitable for young children?

Children under five are not permitted to take part.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.