Mýrdalsjökull: South Coast ATV Quad Bike Safari

The best part of this tour is the variety packed into two hours. You ride across the wide black sands of Sólheimasandur, stop at the famous DC3 wreck, follow the Jökulsá River, and cross into a mountain valley beneath Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. It feels far removed from Iceland’s usual roadside viewpoints.

I like the open beach riding and the guides’ easygoing way of handling mixed abilities. Guides such as Anthony, Pawel, Bjarki, and Magni have been praised for giving clear instructions, sharing local stories, and taking photos. The main drawback is weather: wind, rain, snow, or swollen rivers can shorten or change the route, and the glacier itself is not always reachable.

Key points to know before you book

• The two-hour trip is the better choice: It adds the plane wreck, beach, river crossings, and mountain valley instead of rushing through one short route.
• You share an ATV with one other person: Odd-numbered groups and solo riders must pay for a single ATV on site.
• You need a valid driver’s license: This is essential if you plan to drive, not just ride as a passenger.
• The DC3 wreck is only one part of the outing: The black beach, river crossings, and valley riding are just as memorable.
• Warm gear is supplied: You get an insulated coverall, helmet, and balaclava. Bring warm layers, gloves, and waterproof shoes.
• Weather controls the experience: Strong wind or high water can alter the route, but the company may offer a different activity when ATV riding is not possible.

Riding across Sólheimasandur’s black sands

The outing begins at Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp on Ytri Sólheimar Road 222. Look for Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia, Mýrdalsjökull Base. The meeting point is farther up the road than some map directions suggest, so allow a little time to find the correct entrance.

Before you ride, the guide gives a short safety briefing and explains the controls. The ATVs are normally shared by two people, with one driver and one passenger. You can usually switch drivers during the ride, but confirm that with the guide before setting off.

The route crosses Sólheimasandur, a huge plain of dark volcanic sand. The open space is a big reason this outing works so well. You are not simply following a narrow track between roadside attractions. You get long views across the Atlantic coast, inland toward the mountains, and up toward the ice cap.

The sand can look almost lunar, especially under gray weather. In summer, fields of purple lupine add a surprising splash of color. In winter, snow and low light can make the same area feel stark and remote.

The guide sets the pace for the group. If everyone is comfortable, there are chances to build speed on safe stretches of beach. If someone is new to ATVs, the pace can be gentler. That balance matters, since the group needs to stay together and the surface changes from smooth sand to rougher tracks.

The DC3 plane wreck stop

One of the main stops is the DC3 aircraft wreck on the Sólheimasandur plain. The plane crashed here in 1973, and its pale, battered fuselage looks striking against the black ground. You have time to stop, walk around the site, and take photos.

The wreck is visually dramatic, but it is also a useful lesson in how exposed this part of Iceland can be. There is little shelter on the plain, and wind can be fierce. On a cold day, keep your gloves on and your face covered while you look around.

Your guide adds context about the crash and the area. Several guides, including Pawel and Bjarki, have been singled out for explaining the site clearly and helping with photos. Names and guides vary by departure, so do not book expecting a particular person, but the guiding is a major part of the value here.

The plane stop does not take up the whole excursion. That is important. Some ways of reaching the wreck involve a long walk or a direct transfer, while this trip makes the wreck one stop within a broader off-road route.

Black beach riding and views toward Dyrhólaey

After the wreck, the route heads toward the coast. Riding on the black beach is likely to be the most playful part of the trip. The surface is generally smoother than the rough inland tracks, and the wide shore gives the guide room to let the group pick up speed when conditions allow.

You will see the Dyrhólaey peninsula from the beach. This is Iceland’s southernmost tip, known for its dramatic coastal position and broad sea views. From ground level, the scale of the shore and cliffs is easier to appreciate than from a quick stop beside the main road.

The Atlantic is not a decorative backdrop here. Wind can blow hard across the beach, especially outside summer. A few people have found the gusts so strong that simply standing upright became part of the fun. That is also a warning: wear the supplied coverall, secure your helmet, and keep your hands warm.

The company provides an insulated suit, helmet, and balaclava. Gloves are especially important. One useful cold-weather tip is to use the company’s wool gloves beneath your own heavier pair, if available. The coverall helps with wind and spray, but it does not replace warm base layers.

Waterproof shoes are listed as essential to bring. Boots may be supplied depending on the weather, but you should not count on them as your only footwear plan.

River crossings and the mountain valley

The trip becomes more varied as you leave the open beach and follow the Jökulsá River. The route can include small water crossings, rocky ground, fields, and rougher tracks. You get a better sense of Iceland’s raw terrain here than on the smooth beach.

The river sections are fun, but they are also where weather has the greatest effect. Heavy rain can make some crossings unsafe or impassable. When that happens, the guide changes the route rather than forcing the planned track.

The final section leads into a mountain valley. This gives the two-hour option a satisfying finish, since you move from black sand and ocean views into greener, enclosed surroundings with the glacier visible inland. You might cross water, ride through uneven ground, and stop for photographs before returning to base.

This is not a technical off-road driving course. First-time riders have managed well because the guides explain the controls, watch the group, and adjust the route to the abilities present. Still, you should expect bumps, spray, wind, and some effort from your hands and arms. If you want a completely smooth sightseeing ride, choose a standard sightseeing bus instead.

Why two hours is worth the extra time

The activity is advertised at one to two hours, and the shorter option can suit a tight schedule. But I would choose the two-hour tour if you can fit it in.

The longer outing gives the guide time to include more than one type of terrain. You get the plane wreck and beach, then the river and valley sections. It also leaves room for photo stops and a calmer introduction for first-time riders.

The difference is not just another hour of driving. It changes the character of the experience from a quick ATV spin into a proper small adventure. Several people who initially booked the shorter route changed to two hours and felt the extra time was well spent.

There is also a buggy upgrade available for an additional 10,000 Icelandic króna per person, according to booking information. That option is worth asking about if you prefer a larger enclosed vehicle or want a different driving setup. The standard ATV experience is the core product, so confirm the exact vehicle and price before paying for an upgrade.

Guides, group pace, and comfort

The English-speaking guide leads the full route and explains the practical points before you start. Good guides do more than point out scenery. They help nervous drivers, explain where you can safely go faster, keep the group together, and share information about Iceland’s geology and local life.

Past departures have included guides named Anthony, Pawel, Bjarki, Magni, Oskar, Gully, Dulli, and Hinrick. The specific person depends on the day. The consistent strength is the personal approach: guides have been praised for being patient with beginners, taking photos, and changing the pace to fit the group.

Small groups are available. A small group can make a real difference on an ATV outing, since you spend less time waiting and the guide can keep a closer eye on each rider. A private-feeling departure is possible when bookings are light, though you should not assume you will have the guide to yourself.

You must be sober. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and this rule makes sense given the moving vehicles, rough ground, and river crossings.

Children under eight and pregnant women cannot take part. Anyone driving needs a valid driver’s license. If your group has an odd number, expect to pay for a single-rider ATV locally rather than leaving one person without a vehicle.

The $144 price and what you receive

At $144 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. Icelandic activities add up quickly, and you should compare it with what you want from your day.

The price includes the guide, an ATV shared by two people, insulated coveralls, a helmet, and a balaclava. Boots may be available depending on weather. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the base camp yourself.

I think the cost makes sense for an active outing that combines several settings. You are paying for the vehicle, safety equipment, guide, route access, and time on the beach and inland tracks. It is better value if you take the full two hours and share the ATV with a partner.

The value is weaker if you dislike motorized activities, want a quiet nature walk, or are mainly interested in the plane wreck. In that case, a shorter visit to the area may suit you better. If you want to see several sides of the South Coast while doing something active, the price is easier to justify.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Iceland schedule depends on road and weather conditions.

Weather can change the plan

Icelandic weather is not a minor detail on this trip. Rain, snow, high wind, and river conditions affect where the group can safely ride.

On wet days, the beach and plane wreck may still be possible while the glacier or river valley is not. During one particularly rainy departure, the swollen rivers prevented much of the planned route, but the guide still used the beach, roads, and wreck site.

On another occasion, an ATV trip could not run because of weather, and the company offered a free upgrade to a Mýrdalsjökull snowmobile adventure. That does not mean every canceled trip receives the same alternative, so ask the operator what happens if conditions close the route.

The right attitude is to treat the route as weather dependent. You are going for the setting and the ride, not a fixed checklist that must happen in every condition.

Who will enjoy this ATV safari

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and first-time ATV riders who want a lively way to see the South Coast. The minimum age is eight, but children must be comfortable with wind, cold, noise, and a moving vehicle.

It also suits confident drivers who want stretches of faster riding. The guide can allow more speed when the group and surface make that safe, while still keeping less experienced riders comfortable.

You should think twice if you are pregnant, under eight, without a driver’s license, or uncomfortable in rough weather. You should also avoid it if you want a purely passive sightseeing activity.

Bring warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and gloves. Wear layers under the supplied coverall. A camera or phone is useful, but keep it secure and be ready for sand, spray, and rain.

Should you book the Mýrdalsjökull ATV tour?

Book it if you want the South Coast to feel active rather than observed through a bus window. The two-hour route offers a strong mix: black sand, the DC3 wreck, Dyrhólaey views, river crossings, and a mountain valley, with a guide who can explain the area and manage the ride.

I would choose the two-hour option, especially if this is your only ATV activity in Iceland. Share a vehicle if you are traveling as a pair, and budget for the single-rider charge if your group size is uneven.

Do not book it for a guaranteed glacier visit or a fixed route. Weather may remove some sections. Book it for the chance to ride through Iceland’s stark southern terrain, with a flexible guide and proper cold-weather gear.

FAQ

Where does the ATV tour meet?

Meet at Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp on Ytri Sólheimar Road 222. Look for Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia, Mýrdalsjökull Base. The meeting point may be farther up the road than some app directions indicate.

How long does the ATV safari last?

The activity lasts between one and two hours, depending on the option you choose. The two-hour tour allows time for the plane wreck, beach, river crossings, and mountain valley.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You need a valid driver’s license to drive an ATV. Solo riders and groups with an odd number must book a single-rider ATV and pay for it on location.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, an ATV shared by two people, an insulated coverall, a helmet, and a balaclava face mask. Boots may be available depending on the weather.

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license, warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and gloves. Warm base layers are useful in cold weather, even when you wear the supplied coverall.

Can bad weather change the route?

Yes. Wind, rain, snow, and river conditions can affect the route. The glacier or river sections may not be possible, and the operator may change the route or offer a different activity when ATV riding cannot run.