Reykjavik: Lava Field Buggy Adventure

The wild side of Reykjavik starts nearby. This buggy trip takes you from the city toward Iceland’s lava fields, Blue Mountains, and the Hveradalir geothermal area, then up to a viewpoint over Reykjavik. I like the combination of real off-road driving and sightseeing, and I like that helmets, gloves, overalls, ski masks, and rain gear are included. The main caution is price: at $305 per person, this is a serious splurge, especially if you prefer long stretches of rugged trail over sightseeing.

You ride in a side-by-side buggy with one other person, or pay for a single rider if you want your own machine. The two-hour drive is the heart of a tour lasting about three and a half hours with transport, and the highly praised guides, including Paula and Marco, help make the outing feel friendly rather than intimidating.

Key points at a glance

• Hveradalir and Hellisheiði: The route reaches Iceland’s geothermal country, where steam from the power plant can rise dramatically on clear days.
• Two hours behind the wheel: The actual buggy ride is not a quick spin. It forms the main part of the outing.
• Reykjavik Peak views: The high point offers a broad look toward Reykjavik City and the surrounding Blue Mountains.
• Shared or single buggy: Every machine fits two people, but an odd-numbered group needs a single-rider booking for one participant.
• All-weather equipment included: Helmets, gloves, overalls, ski masks, and rain gear are supplied, but you still need sturdy, comfortable shoes.
• A practical city pickup: Eighteen pickup points around Reykjavik make this easier to fit into a short stay.

From Reykjavik streets to volcanic country

Safari Quads picks you up from a long list of Reykjavik locations, including hotels, hostels, bus stops, and the Skarfabakki cruise terminal. Pickup begins 30 minutes before departure, so if your ride starts at 9:30, expect collection at 9:00. That early cushion matters in Reykjavik, where organized transport often follows fixed routes and timing.

You can also meet at the Safari Quads basecamp if you contact the operator in advance. The broad pickup network is useful if you are staying outside the compact center or arriving by cruise ship. It also keeps you from spending part of the morning arranging a taxi.

The drive out takes you toward the Blue Mountains and the Hellisheiði geothermal area. This is not a city sightseeing tour with a short novelty ride attached. The scenery changes from Reykjavik’s urban edges to open volcanic country, making the transfer part of the outing.

The total tour time is listed as two to three and a half hours, with transportation included. The clearest planning figure is three and a half hours door to door, including a 30-minute safety briefing, transport, and two hours of buggy driving. I would leave extra time around the tour if you have a flight, museum booking, or another activity afterward.

The 30-minute safety briefing matters

Before you drive, the guide gives a 30-minute safety briefing. That may sound long for a recreational vehicle, but it is useful. You need to understand the buggy, the route, the safety rules, and how the shared driving arrangement works before heading onto uneven ground.

All drivers must be at least 17 and carry a valid driver license. A passenger can be as young as six, but children do not drive. If you are booking for a family or mixed-age group, check the seating plan carefully before paying.

Each buggy holds two people. You can share with a friend, partner, or family member and switch drivers if the guide permits it during the tour. The supplied information confirms the two-person setup, but it does not promise a specific amount of driving time per person, so ask the operator if equal driving time matters to you.

If your party has an odd number, such as one, three, or five people, one person must book a single rider. That is an important price detail. The single-rider option may cost more, but it prevents an awkward last-minute seating problem at the basecamp.

The weight limit is 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds, per person for either a shared or single buggy. Pregnant people and wheelchair users should not book this activity.

What the buggy ride feels like

The appeal here is simple: you are not sitting in a coach looking through glass. You are operating a small off-road vehicle over Icelandic volcanic terrain, with the engine working beneath you and the route unfolding at ground level.

The machines are described as brand-new and well maintained, with safety equipment included. You receive a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear if needed. That clothing package is valuable in Iceland, where wind and wet weather can change your comfort quickly. Still, bring comfortable outdoor clothing and proper shoes. Shoes are not included, and this is not the place for flimsy footwear.

The driving is intended to be exciting, but the experience is not presented as a race. You follow a professional English-speaking guide through the route. The guides help you handle the vehicle and keep the ride safe, which makes this a better choice for a first buggy outing than an unguided rental.

One point deserves a realistic warning. The route includes off-road trails, but one four-star review specifically wished for less gravel road and more trail. If your main goal is technical off-roading all the way from start to finish, you may find parts of the route more ordinary than expected. If you want a mix of driving, scenery, geothermal sights, and a city view, that blend is more likely to suit you.

Hveradalir and the Hellisheiði geothermal area

The main guided portion takes place around Hveradalir, a geothermal area reached through Hellisheiði. The setting gives the trip more substance than a standard motorized activity. You are not only driving a buggy, you are seeing one of the areas where Iceland’s volcanic forces remain visible.

The power plant is part of the visual experience. On clear days, steam can rise high above the facility, creating a dramatic sight against the open terrain. The steam plume gives the stop a film-like quality, but the real value is seeing geothermal energy in a working setting rather than only hearing about it in a visitor center.

You should expect a mix of volcanic ground, gravel, and open mountain scenery. The supplied details do not promise a formal walking tour through hot springs or a close approach to geothermal vents, so do not book this expecting a bathing stop or a long hike. The focus is guided buggy travel with sightseeing along the way.

This part of the route also shows why a guide adds value. Volcanic terrain can look empty at first glance, but the guide connects the power plant, lava fields, mountains, and geothermal activity into a clearer picture of the region. English is the stated tour language.

Lava fields, Blue Mountains, and Reykjavik Peak

The lava fields provide the tour’s strongest visual identity. Iceland’s volcanic ground is often rough, dark, and strangely textured, and viewing it from a buggy gives you a closer sense of its shape than a highway stop does. You leave the beaten path without giving up the reassurance of a guided route.

Sightseeing over the Blue Mountains adds scale. The mountains frame the drive and help you understand how quickly Reykjavik gives way to open country. I like this contrast because it makes the outing feel close to the capital while still giving you a taste of Iceland beyond the city.

The route culminates at Reykjavik Peak, where you get a panoramic view of Reykjavik City. This is the payoff for the climb and the driving. You can trade the close-up feel of lava rock for a wider view that puts the capital, mountain country, and the route you have taken into context.

The view will depend on weather and visibility. Iceland is famous for fast-changing conditions, and the activity description specifically notes the power plant steam as especially impressive on clear days. Plan for the possibility of cloud, wind, or rain, even when the forecast looks promising. The supplied rain gear helps, but it cannot guarantee a clear panorama.

Coffee at basecamp and the practical comfort factor

Coffee at the basecamp is included. It is a small detail, but it helps after two hours of cold-weather driving and gives you a chance to warm up before the return transfer.

Food is not included, so eat beforehand or plan a meal afterward. The tour is short enough that most people should be able to manage without a full meal during the activity, but you should not count coffee as lunch. This matters if you are booking around a cruise departure, a late afternoon flight, or a long day of sightseeing.

The clothing arrangement is sensible. The operator supplies the protective outer layers, while you provide your own shoes and comfortable base clothing. Wear garments that can handle dust, dampness, and outdoor conditions. You do not need to bring a helmet or rain suit, but you do need to arrive ready to be outside.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That is obvious for a motorized activity, but it is worth noting because the tour involves driving, not simply riding as a passenger.

How much value do you get for $305?

At $305 per person, this is one of the more expensive ways to see the area around Reykjavik. The price makes more sense when you count the included pickup, return transport, professional guide, two hours of buggy use, protective gear, geothermal sightseeing, Blue Mountain views, and coffee.

The value depends on what you want from an Iceland day. If you would otherwise book separate transport, a guided geothermal excursion, and an off-road activity, this combines several elements in one half-day outing. You also avoid arranging your own route through unfamiliar volcanic country.

The cost is harder to justify if you mainly want a cheap viewpoint or a quick ride. You are paying for equipment, staff, transport, and the chance to drive yourself, not just for access to a scenic area. A shared buggy helps keep the experience more social, but an odd-numbered group or a solo participant may need the single-rider option.

The available rating is 4.9 from 23 reviews, with perfect scores for the transport category. That matches the practical strengths of the tour: pickup is widely available, gear is provided, and the guides receive strong praise. Paula is singled out for taking time with her group, while Marco is praised for making the outing enjoyable and for guiding the geothermal and lava-field portion.

The one recurring caution in the supplied feedback is the balance between gravel road and trail. Ask yourself how much rough driving you need before you consider the price worthwhile.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this for adults and older children who want an active outing but do not want to plan their own route. A driver aged 17 or older with a valid license can take the wheel, while children from age six can ride as passengers.

It is a good match for friends or couples who like sharing an activity rather than splitting up for separate vehicles. The side-by-side format lets you enjoy the views together, and you can discuss the route as you go instead of returning to the city with separate stories.

It also suits cruise passengers because pickup and drop-off are available at Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal. Check your ship schedule carefully, though. The tour lasts up to three and a half hours, and pickup begins before the official departure time.

You may want a different activity if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, dislike motorized excursions, or want a full day of hiking. It is also not ideal if you are looking for a guaranteed clear view from Reykjavik Peak. The tour offers the viewpoint, but Iceland controls the weather.

Booking details worth checking first

Pickup is included from 18 listed locations, and drop-off is available at the same broad set of points. You should select the pickup location carefully and remember that the collection time is 30 minutes before the stated start.

The tour is offered in English, with private or small-group options available. A smaller group may appeal to you if you want more direct contact with the guide, though the supplied information does not give a fixed maximum group size.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your Iceland plans depend on weather, cruise schedules, or changing travel dates. Check the available starting times before committing because the duration and departure options vary.

Should you book the Lava Field Buggy Adventure?

Book it if you want to drive, not just look. The strongest reasons are the two hours of buggy time, the volcanic and geothermal setting, the view from Reykjavik Peak, and the easy city pickup. The included gear and strong guide feedback also reduce the usual fuss that comes with an outdoor motor activity.

Think twice if $305 feels steep or if you expect nonstop rough trail. One review specifically wanted less gravel road and more trail, so this is best understood as a guided sightseeing adventure with off-road driving, not a hard-core trail challenge.

For the best fit, book with a driving partner, bring a valid license and solid shoes, allow three and a half hours, and keep your expectations weather-ready. If that sounds like your kind of Iceland experience, Safari Quads offers a lively way to see volcanic country without spending the entire day away from Reykjavik.

FAQ

How long does the buggy tour take?

The full outing takes about two to three and a half hours, including transportation. The buggy driving itself lasts two hours, and the safety briefing takes 30 minutes.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from 18 locations around Reykjavik, including selected hotels, hostels, bus stops, the Safari Quads basecamp, and Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal.

How early should I be ready for pickup?

Pickup begins 30 minutes before the departure time. For a 9:30 start, you should be ready at 9:00.

Do I need a driver license?

Yes. Every driver must be at least 17 years old and have a valid driver license.

Can children ride in the buggy?

Yes. The minimum age for passengers who are not driving is six years.

How many people fit in one buggy?

Each buggy fits two people. A single-rider option is available, and if your group has an odd number of participants, one person must book as a single rider.

What equipment is included?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.