ATV noise, then cold river spray. This full-day Reykjavik outing mixes quad biking with Hvítá River rafting, with a warm sauna stop at the end.

I like the way this tour sets you up for success. You get safety instruction before you ride, and the ATV route is built around classic Iceland highlights like lava terrain, Hafravatn Lake, and big panoramic views from Hafrafell Mountain—so you’re not just driving in a field. I also love that the day doesn’t end when you’re wet: hot tubs, showers, and a sauna at Drumbó are included after rafting.

One thing to consider: the day can feel a little unclear if you expect a single continuous handoff. One review noted the ATV and rafting portions can operate through different companies, so you’ll want to double-check the timing and who you’re meeting for the second part.

Quick-hit highlights that make this day work

• One hour of ATV time near Reykjavik: lava-track riding to Hafravatn Lake and a summit viewpoint from Hafrafell.
• Hvítá River rafting that’s rated easy: you’ll get life-vests, helmets, wetsuits, and guidance, with canyon scenery at Brúarhlöð.
• Brúarhlöð canyon features you can actually see: rock formations, portholes, and water-sculpted breccia walls.
• Drumbó sauna plus hot tubs and showers: a real warm-down after neoprene, paddles, and cold water.
• English-speaking guides and real safety briefings: gear you can trust, plus clear instructions before you go.

Entering the ATV zone: Hafravatn Lake and Hafrafell views

The ATV portion starts right away—minutes from central Reykjavik. You’ll be picked up and taken to the quad biking base camp, where you get safety and driving instruction. The good news is that you don’t need prior experience to participate, so this is a solid choice if you want to try off-roading without feeling like you’re walking into the wrong sport.

Then you get onto the machine and into the fun part: about one hour riding through otherworldly Iceland terrain. You’ll head over rocky lava tracks and out toward Hafravatn Lake. The route is designed to feel like a mini expedition—accelerate, crest uneven ground, and keep your eyes open for changing terrain textures.

The centerpiece is the climb toward Hafrafell Mountain. At the top, you get panoramic views over Reykjavik and distant mountain ranges. After that, the descent brings a faster, more adrenaline-style ride back down. One practical note: what tracks you ride can depend on weather and trail conditions, so don’t be surprised if the exact route shifts day to day.

If you plan to drive your own quad, bring your valid driver’s license. For a shared rider option, the tour lists requirements that depend on whether you’re doing single or shared. If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, this is where you’ll want to think through who will actually drive.

Rafting Hvítá River: Brúarhlöð canyon and easy-rated rapids

After the ATV, you’ll travel by scenic drive to the rafting area on the Hvítá River. This river is fed by Langjökull glacier, Iceland’s second biggest glacier, so you’re essentially rafting on glacier-fed water—cold, fast-moving, and visually dramatic.

The rafting run goes through a portion where the river has carved out spectacular features over time. One of the named highlights is Brúarhlöð canyon, known for grand rock formations and “portholes”—openings in the rock created by the river’s long-term work. You can also see how the water has shaped the breccia walls, which is a fancy way of saying the geology is visible up close, not just far-off scenery.

The Hvítá River is also connected to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most visited sights. You won’t be stopping there on this specific day, but knowing the rafting river feeds the waterfall helps you place what you’re seeing in the bigger Iceland water system.

The tour is rated easy for rafting. That matters. It usually means you’re not signing up for extreme whitewater skills, and you’re more likely to spend your energy on enjoying the canyon and getting splashed (which is the whole point). You’ll be guided by a certified rafting guide, and you’ll receive the equipment needed to do this safely: wetsuit, life-vest, helmet, neoprene shoes, and a paddle.

What Drumbó sauna feels like after you’ve been wet

This is one of the most practical parts of the day. Rafting water is cold, wetsuits get heavy when you’re done, and even if you’re tough, you’ll appreciate warmth soon after. After the raft, you can relax in sauna at Drumbó, and the included facilities also list hot tubs and showers.

This is the kind of “small” included detail that turns a fun activity into a memorable full day. In at least one review, guests tied their satisfaction directly to the post-rafting soak—one person even mentioned beer in the hot tub afterward. Even if you don’t make that choice, the main value is obvious: your body gets a chance to warm up fast, and you don’t need to figure out where to go for basic recovery.

There’s also food on location. The details state grilled lamb may be purchased at the restaurant, and there’s a bar if you want a drink. You’re not stuck rationing your energy between activities—you can refuel right there after drying off.

Pickup timing and the split-company reality

This tour is built around pickup and a full-day flow, but Reykjavik logistics can be a little quirky. The listed start time is 9:30 am, and pickup begins 30 minutes before, meaning you should be ready at 09:00. The pick-up process can take up to 30 minutes.

One important detail: hotel pickups in parts of central Reykjavik may be restricted because of designated no-pick-up zones. If your hotel falls in those areas, you’ll need to walk to the nearest bus stop, typically 2–5 minutes away. The operator suggests you search for the closest bus stop to your hotel and select the nearest one, and they can help if you message them with your pickup location.

Now the nuance. One review called out that the ATV and rafting portions may involve two separate tour companies and that the handoff wasn’t clearly explained at booking. I can’t confirm the inner workings from the outside, but you should plan for the possibility that you’ll be switching guides or meeting points.

Your best move: right after booking, look at your confirmation and make a note of the second-part timing. If you’re unsure, send a message in advance asking who runs the rafting portion and where you’re meeting. On tour day, keep your phone handy and be ready to check in quickly if you’re directed to a new contact.

Gear and clothing: what you actually need for cold water

This tour includes a lot of equipment—enough that you shouldn’t need to bring technical rafting gear from home. For the ATV portion, you’re provided ATV tour gear including a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear.

For rafting, you’ll get wetsuit, life-jacket, neoprene shoes, helmet, and paddle, plus the guide and rafting equipment.

What you’ll need to bring (this is the part that affects comfort the most):

• Warm undergarments, preferably fleece or wool
• Warm socks and a sweater
• A change of clothes for after the river
• A bathing suit to wear underneath the wetsuit and for the sauna
• A towel (it says towel rental is possible)

The tour also warns against cotton for socks and thermal layers. The reason is simple: cotton gets wet and stays cold, and you don’t want that next to your skin while you’re in a wetsuit. If you’ve packed like a city traveler, plan to repack like a cold-water athlete.

Price and value: is $375 a fair deal for a full day?

At $375 per person for roughly 8 hours, this tour isn’t a budget pick. But it also isn’t just paying for one activity. You’re getting:

• Reykjavik pickup and drop-off
• About one hour of ATV riding, plus ATV safety gear
• Scenic transport to the rafting site
• Guided rafting on Hvítá with wetsuit and all core gear
• Hot tubs, showers, and sauna at Drumbó

When you break it down, you’re basically buying two guided outdoor experiences plus a recovery package. That tends to cost more when booked separately, especially with included transportation and the equipment that can be annoying to source yourself.

The price also comes with guardrails. You’ll have a certified guide, and the tour limits the group size to a maximum of 48 travelers, which usually keeps things from feeling like a factory line.

If you have flexibility and a car in Iceland, you might be able to cobble together cheaper options on your own—but you’d still need to handle cold-water clothing, equipment, and the logistics of two different activities. For many visitors, that’s the real value of a bundled day like this: it reduces mental load so you can focus on the ride.

Who should book this ATV + rafting day?

This is a good fit if you want variety in one day: fast off-roading, then a canyon river experience. It’s also a strong option for people who like structure. You’ll get instruction, the safety gear is provided, and you’re not left figuring out what to do next.

This tour makes sense if:

• You’re comfortable being outside in Icelandic chill
• You’re okay getting wet (rafting is part of the deal)
• You want a mix of adrenaline and warmth after
• You’re traveling with others who can take turns driving (shared rider options exist, but requirements depend on your booking)

It may not be ideal if you hate surprises in logistics. If you prefer one single continuous operator and perfectly unified handoffs, the split-company concern raised in one review is something to address before you go.

Should you book Safari Quads’ ATV and Rafting from Reykjavik?

If your Iceland trip includes a day where you want both speed and warmth, I’d lean yes. The combination is the point: ATV riding near Reykjavik gives you that Iceland-in-your-face feeling, and Hvítá rafting brings the glacier-fed river reality with Brúarhlöð canyon’s striking rock features. Then Drumbó’s hot tubs and sauna help you end the day feeling human again, not just muddy and cold.

Book it if you can handle cold-water basics and you’re fine with a day that runs on precise timing. Before you go, do two quick checks: confirm your second-part meeting details and review your clothing plan (wool/fleece underlayers, no cotton socks, and bring a change of clothes).

FAQ

How long is the ATV and rafting full-day adventure?

It runs for about 8 hours, with timing that starts around a 9:30 am departure.

What time is pickup in Reykjavik?

Pickup begins 30 minutes before departure. You should be ready at 09:00, and the pick-up process can take up to 30 minutes.

Do I need a driver’s license to ride the quad bike?

Yes. A valid driver’s license is required to drive the quad bike.

Is prior ATV experience necessary?

No experience is required. You’ll receive safety and driving instruction at the base camp before you ride.

How difficult is the rafting?

The rafting is rated easy. You’ll be guided by a certified rafting guide and provided with the needed rafting equipment.

Is pickup available from all Reykjavik hotels?

Not always. Pickups may be restricted in no pick-up zones. In those cases, you’ll need to walk to a nearby bus stop (typically 2–5 minutes).

What gear is included for ATV and rafting?

For ATV: helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. For rafting: wetsuit, life-jacket, neoprene shoes, helmet, and paddle.

Do I need to bring swimwear or a towel?

Yes. You’ll need a bathing suit for under the wetsuit and for the sauna. A towel is also needed (you can rent one).

Is there an age minimum?

Yes. The minimum age is 11 years.

Is free cancellation available?

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