Rough roads, big views. This 2-hour buggy adventure is one of the more active ways to see South Iceland’s wild ground, with guided driving between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull and frequent stops for photos. I love the mix of off-road thrills (including stream crossings) and scenery that feels hard to reach any other way.

The best part is the setup: you’re kitted out with waterproof-style gear pieces like an insulated cover-all, helmet, and a balaclava face mask, so you can focus on driving and not fussing. I also like how guides keep things organized and confidence-building, with names like Robert, Thorthu, Ingimar, and Victor showing up in reviews for safe, fun pacing. One consideration: this is not a gentle ride, so if you have a sensitive back or you’re bringing very young kids, it’s not the right match.

Key things to know before you book

• Automatic 4×4 buggies with roll cages, safety belts, and double A-arm suspension for comfort on rough ground
• Wild driving zone between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull, including Markaðsfljótaurar tundra-like sand fields around Dímon
• Water on the route: small stream crossings and river splashes, plus hidden waterfalls along the way
• Signature viewpoints over Seljalandsfoss and the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
• Ready-to-ride gear included: insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask

First Gears at Brú Base Camp (Road 249 in Hvolsvöllur)

Your tour starts at Southcoast Adventure, Brú Base Camp, off Road 249 near Hvolsvöllur. This is where the whole experience becomes real: you meet your guide, do a short safety briefing, then get fitted with gear before you ever touch the throttle.

I like this approach because it prevents the usual Iceland adventure problem: arriving overconfident and then scrambling to find the right layers. Here, you get a helmet, an insulated cover-all, and a buggy balaclava face mask—basics that matter on windy days. You still need to wear warm layers underneath (more on that soon), but it’s easier when the heavy-duty parts are handled for you.

You’ll also need a driver’s license. That’s a clear requirement, and it keeps the driving experience focused on people who can actually handle the controls. After the briefing, you hop into your two-seater buggy and roll out with the group.

Driving Off-Road Between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull

The heart of this tour is the route itself. You drive through the rugged countryside connecting Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull, guided the whole time. This matters because South Iceland’s “driveable but not casual” areas can be intimidating. A guide takes you where regular roads and ordinary vehicles don’t.

You’ll be on gravel tracks and rough terrain, with the occasional moment where you realize you’re going somewhere most people only see from the main roads. That’s the value here. It’s not just sightseeing. It’s movement—real-time traction changes, turns over uneven ground, and the feeling of being on a route designed for off-road vehicles.

The buggies are fully automatic, 4×4, and road legal. That combo helps a lot. You’re not trying to master gears while also reading the terrain. Instead, you focus on line choice and staying smooth, while your guide leads the way.

Guides get praised in the reviews for pace and safety. Robert is noted as brilliant, Thorthu for making the driving feel exhilarating without losing control, and Ingimar for a relaxed style that still kept everyone feeling safe. One extra nice touch: Ingimar is mentioned for sending a video of the ride after the tour.

Markaðsfljótaurar Tundra Sands and Stream Crossings

After you leave base, the scenery starts getting more serious fast. The tour travels through Markaðsfljótaurar—described as tundra-like sand fields—around Dímon. This is the kind of terrain that changes how you feel in the buggy. Sand acts differently than gravel. Small adjustments matter more, and the suspension does real work.

Then come the water moments. You can expect crossings of small streams and river splashes on the route. This isn’t just for thrills; it also creates that very Iceland feeling where the land is always doing something—weather, water, wind, and texture all in one motion.

What to watch for as a driver: keep your steering steady and don’t fight the ground. If you grip too tightly, you’ll feel every bump twice. Let the buggy’s suspension do the heavy lifting. The double A-arm suspension is specifically built to keep the ride controlled, even when the trail isn’t.

If you’re a passenger, it’s still fun, but know what kind of adventure you’re signing up for: you may get splashed, and you’ll be bounced around more than on a regular tour bus. That’s part of the point.

Viewpoints Over Seljalandsfoss and the Westman Islands

This tour isn’t only about driving hard. It also slows down at times so you can take in the payoff: viewpoints overlooking Seljalandsfoss and the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands).

Seljalandsfoss is a big name for a reason, but from a moving off-road vehicle you experience it differently. You’re not just looking at a waterfall. You’re seeing how the surrounding terrain folds around it, and you get that “how do you even reach this?” feeling before you realize you’re already there.

The Westman Islands viewpoint adds another layer. Even if you’ve seen photos before, seeing islands from a high vantage changes the scale. It’s one of those stops that gives your brain a break from the driving and lets you appreciate Iceland’s geography as more than just weather and rocks.

Photos here are easiest when you plan your timing: once you feel the buggy has settled after a rough stretch, take your shot. Trying to grab pictures mid-bounce leads to more accidental blur than memory.

Buggy Comfort and Safety: Gear, Seats, and the Reality of Two Hours

Southcoast Adventure provides key safety gear and ride comfort items. You get an insulated cover-all, a helmet, and a balaclava face mask. The buggies themselves come with roll cages and safety belts, and they’re safety-inspected.

I like this package because it handles the essentials for Iceland weather. But it also makes one thing clear: what you wear underneath still matters. The tour does not include warm outdoor clothing, extra warm layers, waterproof jacket/pants, head-wear, warm gloves, socks, or a scarf.

So treat packing for this tour like you’re preparing for wind and spray, not just a hike. And avoid cotton for warm layers. Cotton holds cold when it gets damp, and buggy tours can involve getting splashed. Bring warm gloves, warm socks, and a head layer you’ll actually keep on. Also, wear appropriate hiking boots or shoes. The route includes rough terrain, and you want stable footing when you get out.

On group size: the tour uses shared rides. That means two guests per buggy. If your group has an odd number and you choose shared rides, you’ll need to book one single-rider buggy. If you don’t book it correctly, an additional fee may be charged on-site. If you’re traveling as a couple or two friends, shared is usually the easiest path.

Pricing and Value: Is $250 for Two Hours Fair?

At $250 per person for a two-hour guided ride, this isn’t a cheap activity. But it also isn’t a simple transfer plus a quick stop. You’re paying for vehicle capability, safety equipment, and guided access to rough terrain that most visitors can’t reach safely on normal roads.

Here’s how I think about the value:

• You’re getting a guided off-road experience, not just a “go drive around” moment.
• You’re seeing viewpoints over Seljalandsfoss and the Westman Islands, plus hidden waterfalls and stream crossings.
• You’re in a two-seater automatic 4×4 buggy with suspension tuned for this kind of trail.

If you’ve already done a few photo stops and want one activity that feels active and different, this price can make sense. If you’re purely budget-first and plan to spend a lot of time on standard scenic drives, you might not feel the “wow” cost-to-time ratio as strongly.

One more value point from the reviews: guides are repeatedly praised for making people feel safe while still pushing the fun. That matters, because the ride is rough enough that good guiding turns it from stressful to exciting.

Who Should Book This Buggy Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a thrill-and-scenery tour built for people who want motion and don’t mind getting a little dirty. It’s described as suitable for families, couples, and thrill-seekers, and it’s said to work well for beginners and adventure lovers.

But there are hard limits:

• Not suitable for children under 5
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people with back problems

If you fall into those categories, it’s better to choose a more gentle tour. The point here is that the ride includes rough tracks, ruts, and splashes, so your body has to be able to handle it.

If you’re an independent driver type who likes control, you’ll probably enjoy being in the driver’s seat with an automatic setup that still feels like real driving. If you just want the views without steering, being a passenger works too, but go in expecting splash and movement.

Practical Tips That Make the Ride Better

A few small choices can make the whole experience feel smoother:

• Wear warm layers that aren’t cotton, and add waterproof outer layers if you have them.
• Bring warm gloves and warm socks. In Iceland, wind finds gaps fast.
• Use hiking boots or shoes with solid grip. You’ll step on uneven ground before and after the ride.
• Expect water crossings and plan for it. Even if you’re careful, you may get splashed.
• If you’re booking with friends, double-check the shared vs. single-rider setup so you don’t get surprised by an on-site fee for an odd number.

Also, keep your driver focus during the route. The terrain is part of the show, but your job is to follow the guide’s pace and let the buggy handle the bumps.

Should You Book This Buggy Adventure?

I’d book this tour if you want one of the most active ways to see South Iceland that still feels safe and organized. It’s a good pick when you’re already comfortable with the idea of getting a bit wet, and you want access to terrain between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull that regular cars can’t touch.

I’d skip it if you want a relaxed sightseeing day, if you need fully accessible low-impact movement, or if you’re in one of the clear non-suitable categories like back problems or pregnancy.

One last nudge: spend your energy on weather-ready clothing. The driving is exciting, but warmth and grip are what help you enjoy it more than you endure it.

FAQ

How long is the buggy adventure tour?

It lasts 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at Southcoast Adventure / Brú Base Camp on Road 249 in Hvolsvöllur, Iceland.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You must bring a driver’s license.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes the 2-hour buggy adventure ride, a guide, an insulated cover-all, a helmet, and a buggy balaclava face mask.

What should I wear for this tour?

You should bring warm layers (not cotton), warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, head-wear, warm gloves, socks, and a scarf. Appropriate hiking boots/shoes are required.

Is the tour suitable for young children or people with medical issues?

It is not suitable for children under 5 years, pregnant women, or people with back problems.

How do shared rides work?

The buggy is a two-seater. Shared rides mean two guests per buggy. If your group has an odd number and you choose shared rides, you must book one single-rider buggy; otherwise an additional fee may be charged on-site.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

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