The quickest way to feel Iceland’s other side is on an ATV. This Volcanic Springs adventure trades coach windows for lava fields, mountain views, and off-road access you usually can’t reach from the main roads. I especially like that you get suited up with everything you need, and that Reykjavik pickup and drop-off help keep the day stress-free.

One thing to consider first: it’s not built for true total beginners. The guides help, but the terrain can be demanding, and you do need a valid driver’s license to ride.

Key highlights at a glance

• 3 hours of ATV time built into a ~4-hour overall experience from Reykjavik
• All the gear included: helmet, gloves, overalls, rain gear, ski mask, and balaclavas
• Pro instructor-guide who checks you out and sets a pace that works for your comfort level
• Big geothermal payoff, including steam-vent scenery and a stop at the Reykjadalur Hot Springs area
• Reykjavik pickup rules: main-central pickup may be blocked, so you might walk a few minutes to a nearby bus stop
• Small-group feel by design, with a cap of 60 travelers

ATV instead of bus windows: why this ride is worth your time

When you’re based in Reykjavik, it’s easy to fill your days with the usual route: buses, viewpoints, and the same photo stops. This tour swaps that routine for real off-road riding near the city. You’re not just looking at Iceland’s geology—you’re moving across it, over lava textures and up toward higher ground where the air and views change fast.

I also like the “less planning, more riding” angle. You don’t have to hunt for the right jacket or buy protective gear. You’ll be issued helmet, gloves, thermal overalls, rain gear, and face protection (ski mask/balaclava). That matters in Iceland, where conditions can flip quickly.

The final reason I’m a fan: it’s structured so you get stops for scenery and learning without turning the day into a long slog. The day runs about 4 hours total, with around 3 hours actively on the quad.

The 4-hour rhythm: pickup, gear up, and off-road pacing

Your day starts with pickup from your lodging area in Reykjavik. Pick-up begins 30 minutes before departure (they ask you to be ready at 13:00, with the activity typically starting around 1:30 pm). The process can take up to 30 minutes, so don’t plan a tight lunch right before.

Important logistics note: hotel pick-ups from parts of main-central Reykjavik may be blocked due to city no-pick-up zones. If that’s the case for your hotel, you’ll need to walk to the nearest bus stop (about 2–5 minutes). If you’re unsure where you’ll be picked up, message them so you can choose the closest stop.

Once you reach the tour office/base, you’ll get a briefing and safety instructions. Then it’s gear time: helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. The goal is simple—keep you warm, dry, and protected for riding across uneven ground.

Then you ride.

Even though guides are there to help, the tour can still be challenging if you’re brand new. The good part is that instruction is hands-on: instructors make sure you feel comfortable before you’re fully rolling. The not-so-good part is that the terrain is real—lava surfaces and rough paths aren’t like a paved parking lot.

Ulfarsfell: the first taste of bigger views

The ride’s first major stop is Ulfarsfell. This is the kind of place where you feel the terrain open up. Instead of staying in the flat edges near the city, you start climbing toward wide angles—good for that “wow, we really left the paved world” feeling.

What to watch for here is how quickly weather and wind can affect your comfort. If it’s chilly, the overalls and rain gear help a lot, but your body still feels the movement and exposure. Keep your posture relaxed and your eyes up. The more you look where you’re going (not where your wheels are), the smoother it feels.

Safari Quads stop: where the quad day becomes a quad day

There’s a stop tied to Safari Quads, which is the operator base. This is where the tour’s rhythm matters: getting briefed, getting ready, and having a chance to settle your nerves before you commit to longer stretches off-road.

If you’re the type who gets anxious on unfamiliar machines, this part is reassuring. Guides typically keep a close eye on how you’re handling the quad and adjust pace as needed. In past groups, even riders with less experience were checked on frequently to make sure they were okay.

The Geothermal Exhibition: understanding what you’re riding through

Next comes The Geothermal Exhibition, and this is a valuable pause. ATV riding is fun, but geothermal Iceland can be confusing if all you know is steam and “hot stuff somewhere.” This stop helps you connect what you’re seeing on the ride with what’s actually happening beneath the ground.

You don’t have to be a science person. The practical value is that once you get the basics, you’ll notice geothermal cues on the drive—steam vents, heat-related ground changes, and the way Iceland’s geothermal zones shape access roads.

Then you roll on.

Cruising lava and Hengill Mountain for real-world drama

Between stops, the best part is the riding itself. You’ll cruise over lava fields and climb Hengill Mountain, which is where the scenery starts doing more than just look interesting. It starts looking big—visible layers of land, steam in the distance, and that sense that you’re traveling through a landscape shaped by active forces.

You’ll also ride into the Mosfellsaer Valley, which the tour describes as an area that’s only accessible by off-road/all-terrain vehicles. That access is the whole point. It’s not just a scenic loop; it’s a route you won’t get on foot from a parking lot.

And yes—this is where you’ll feel it if you’re a brand-new rider. The terrain can be bumpy, and the quad can handle differently on rough ground than you expect. If you’re nervous, ask your instructor to demonstrate smoother techniques for braking and turning. Guides are used to adjusting pace for rider comfort.

Reykjadalur Hot Springs area: the geothermal payoff

At the end of the riding portion, you reach Reykjadalur Hot Springs. This is the geothermal reward stop—steam, heat, and that classic Iceland feeling of being close to the earth’s energy.

Do you need to soak? The tour data doesn’t spell out time in the water, so plan for a geothermal break rather than a guaranteed long soak. Even if you just get time to take it in, it works as a satisfying contrast to the earlier throttle time.

Once the adventure wraps, you return to Reykjavik with convenient drop-off back at your hotel area. The whole experience closes back around the meeting point where the day started.

Gear, safety, and skill level: what to expect when you’ve never ridden before

This tour provides the core protection: helmet, gloves, overalls, rain gear, and face protection. That’s a big deal because you’ll be dealing with Icelandic weather while seated on a machine that vibrates on rough ground.

Here’s the practical takeaway: the tour may be challenging for total beginners. The guides do make sure you’re comfortable and safe, and instruction is part of the deal. But you should still be honest with yourself about balance, coordination, and confidence on uneven terrain.

A couple of practical realities that match what you can read between the lines:

• You need a valid driver’s license to drive the quad bike.
• No alcohol or drugs are allowed—this is a safety-first outing.
• Minimum age is 6 years for a passenger.
• You should have moderate physical fitness.

If you’re nervous, you’ll likely do best if you come with the mindset of learning rather than racing. Keep your grip steady, follow guide instructions quickly, and don’t compare your pace to someone who’s clearly more experienced.

Price and value: is $389 a good deal?

At $389 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to see Iceland near Reykjavik. But when I judge value for a quad tour, I look at what you’re paying for besides transportation.

You’re paying for:

• 3 hours of guided ATV riding (not just a short demo loop)
• professional instructor-guide
• all riding gear provided, including thermal overalls and rain protection
• pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik (with a small caveat about no-pick-up zones)

You also get access to off-road areas that would be hard or impossible to reach by normal tours, especially the parts tied to the Mosfellsaer Valley and geothermal steam vent scenery.

In other words: the price makes sense if you truly want the ATV portion as the star of your day. If you mainly want scenic viewpoints and photos, you might decide a standard tour is better value. But if you want the quad time, the included gear and guide support help you avoid hidden costs.

Who this ATV adventure is best for

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a break from Reykjavik’s usual sight-seeing routine
• Like being active outdoors in changing weather
• Are comfortable following safety instructions and riding at an instructor’s pace
• Want geothermal context, not just steam-at-a-distance photos

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re a true beginner who struggles with coordination on uneven ground
• You’re expecting a relaxed, sightseeing-only day
• You don’t have a valid driver’s license and were hoping to drive anyway

On the plus side, guides have a reputation for paying attention. Names that came up include Ryan and Alessandro, and they were praised for clear explanations and pacing riders based on comfort. That’s exactly what you want if you’re not sure what your first hour will feel like.

Quick practical tips before you go

• Wear clothes that work under rain gear and overalls. You’re being protected, but Iceland wind still matters.
• Expect cold and wet conditions at times; having thermal overalls and rain gear included is a win.
• If you’re bringing a passenger, remember the minimum age is 6.
• Bring your focus. When the trail gets technical, the best riding comes from steady posture and listening quickly.

And if weather forces changes to ride time, don’t be shocked. Iceland weather can do that. When it happens, the tour can adjust the experience length and sometimes makes things right with refunds—based on what has happened in the past.

Should you book the Volcanic Springs ATV adventure?

Book it if you want real off-road access and don’t mind that it’s more hands-on than a typical Reykjavik tour. The included gear, the guided pacing, and the geothermal stop points make it feel like a full half-day experience rather than a quick thrill ride.

Skip it (or at least think hard) if you’re hoping for an easy, seated sightseeing day or you’re unsure about riding comfort on rough terrain. If you’re a beginner, go in ready to learn, not to dominate the trail.

If you land on booking, you’ll likely appreciate that the day balances fun riding with geothermal understanding—so you leave with more than just photos.

FAQ

How long is the ATV adventure?

The overall experience runs about 4 hours, with 3 hours dedicated to the ATV adventure.

What time is pickup in Reykjavik?

Pick-up starts about 30 minutes before departure. They ask you to be ready at 13:00, and the start time is listed as 1:30 pm.

Is gear provided?

Yes. You’ll be issued a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear.

Do I need a driver’s license?

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

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What’s the minimum age and is alcohol allowed?

The minimum age for a passenger is 6 years. Alcohol or drug use is not allowed on tours.