Reykjavik: Lava Field Buggy Adventure

The best part of this tour is the change of pace: you leave Reykjavik in a van, then trade city streets for a two-hour buggy ride across Iceland’s rough volcanic country. The route reaches the Hveradalir geothermal area, lava fields, and high ground with views toward Reykjavik.

I like the side-by-side seating, which lets you share the ride and the scenery with a friend. I also like that the price includes pickup, safety gear, a professional guide, and coffee at basecamp. One thing to consider is the riding surface: at least one participant wanted less gravel road and more true trail.

Key points at a glance

• Lava fields and geothermal scenery: See the volcanic ground around Hellisheiði and Hveradalir.
• Two hours behind the wheel: The buggy portion is substantial, not just a short introductory spin.
• Shared two-person buggies: You ride beside a companion, with a single-rider option available.
• Helpful guides: Paula and Marco receive specific praise for friendly, attentive service.
• Pickup across Reykjavik: Choose from many hotels, bus stops, hostels, and the Skarfabakki cruise terminal.
• Real driving requirements: Drivers must be at least 17 and carry a valid driver license.

What the $305 price buys you

At $305 per person, this is not a cheap way to see Iceland. You are paying for a guided motor adventure rather than a simple sightseeing transfer, and the value depends on how much you want the driving itself to be part of the day.

The fee covers pickup and return transportation, the two-hour buggy outing, a professional English-speaking guide, helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, rain gear when needed, and coffee at basecamp. It also includes views across the Blue Mountains and the drive toward the geothermal area at Hellisheiði.

That package matters in Iceland. Outdoor conditions can shift quickly, and having protective clothing supplied saves you from packing a full set of specialist gear. You still need comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing, but you do not need to bring a helmet, gloves, or waterproof outer layer.

I would call the price fair for someone who specifically wants an off-road activity and does not want to arrange transport or gear separately. It is harder to justify if your main aim is simply to see volcanic scenery. A bus tour, rental car outing, or public viewpoint will cost less, but none gives you two hours at the controls of a buggy.

The tour also offers private or small-group arrangements. The supplied details do not give a separate price for those formats, so check the exact option before paying. The single-rider choice is useful if you want to drive alone, but the additional cost is not stated.

Pickup from Reykjavik hotels and the cruise port

Safari Quads offers a wide set of pickup points. Options include Hótel Ísland, Bus Hostel Reykjavik, Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels, Grand Hótel Reykjavík, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Hotel Cabin, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura, ODDSSON hotel, Dalur HI Hostel and Cafe, and several central bus stops.

You can also arrange pickup at Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal. That makes the outing possible for some cruise passengers, though the timing needs care. The tour lasts about three and a half hours from pickup through return, and pickup begins 30 minutes before the stated departure. A 9:30 start, for example, means pickup begins at 9:00.

Safari Quads itself is also listed as a pickup and drop-off point. If you prefer to meet at the basecamp, contact the provider rather than assuming that option is automatic.

The large pickup network is useful, but it adds a little planning. Reykjavik bus stops can be easier for operators than individual hotel entrances, so check the exact location on your confirmation. Be ready before the pickup window, since the vehicle may arrive half an hour before the driving begins.

The safety briefing comes first

The formal safety briefing takes about 30 minutes. This is not wasted time. You need to understand how the buggy works, how the shared seating arrangement operates, and how to follow the guide across uneven ground.

All drivers must be at least 17 and have a valid driver license. Bring the physical license with you. A passenger does not need to drive, and the minimum passenger age is six.

The vehicles are described as new and well maintained, with safety equipment included. Each buggy fits two people. You can share with a companion or select a single-rider option. With an odd number of participants, such as three or five, one person must be booked as a single rider, so sort out the seating before arrival.

There is also a weight limit of 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds, per person for a single or shared buggy. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

The briefing and clothing process help explain why the total outing takes up to three and a half hours even though the actual driving time is two hours. If you are comparing this with a short ATV-style ride, pay attention to the difference between total tour time and time on the vehicle.

Riding toward the Blue Mountains and Hellisheiði

The route heads out from the city toward the Blue Mountains and the Hellisheiði geothermal area. This transfer gives you a useful change from urban Reykjavik to Iceland’s open volcanic surroundings.

The scenery is the main reward before the engine starts. Hellisheiði is known here as a geothermal setting, and the route brings you near a power plant where steam can rise high into the air on clear days. The effect is striking: dark volcanic ground, broad mountain views, and columns of steam that make the area feel more dramatic than an ordinary road trip stop.

You are not simply being driven to a photo point and sent back. The transfer sets up the buggy route and gives you a wider view of the region. The supplied details do not promise a plant tour or an indoor visit, so think of the power plant as part of the surrounding scenery rather than a separate attraction.

Clear weather will make the steam and distant views more impressive. Icelandic weather may limit visibility, so keep your expectations flexible. The tour still has value in changeable conditions because the driving and geothermal setting remain central, but the panoramic views are naturally best on a clear day.

The Hveradalir geothermal area and lava fields

The main guided portion takes place at the Hveradalir geothermal area and lasts about two hours. This is where the tour earns its adventure label.

You will drive a buggy over volcanic ground with a guide leading the way. The route is designed to take you away from normal sightseeing roads and into the rougher setting around the lava fields. You get time to operate the vehicle, not just sit in the passenger seat while someone else handles the route.

I like the way the geothermal and lava elements work together. Lava fields show Iceland’s hard, dark volcanic character, while geothermal activity adds heat and motion beneath the surface. The power plant and rising steam help connect those natural forces with the way Iceland uses geothermal energy.

The exact balance of trail and gravel road is worth considering. One four-star assessment asked for less gravel road and more trail. That comment does not make the trip a poor choice, but it tells you to avoid imagining a nonstop technical course. You may spend some of the ride on wider gravel surfaces between more rugged sections.

Your guide controls the pace and route. That is helpful for safety and for keeping a small group together, but it also means this is not a free-form race. The attraction is guided access to volcanic country, not maximum speed. The engine noise and rough surfaces create excitement, yet the tour remains a sightseeing experience.

Reykjavik views from high ground

The route reaches high ground referred to as Reykjavik Peak, with a broad view over Reykjavik City. The exact names used for the volcanic and mountain sections vary in the supplied description, but the goal is clear: you finish above the city, looking back across Reykjavik and the surrounding country.

This viewpoint gives the tour a satisfying shape. You begin with the city, travel through the Blue Mountains and geothermal country, then return to a high view of the place where your day started. The contrast between Reykjavik’s built-up center and Iceland’s raw volcanic terrain is the point.

Do not treat this as a dedicated city panorama tour. The view is one part of an active route, and weather affects it. Still, it gives you a strong reason to bring a camera or phone in a secure pocket. Loose items are not a good match for a moving buggy.

The scenery has been a major strength of the experience. Specific praise focuses on the beautiful surroundings, the geothermal area, and the lava fields. I would choose this trip for the combination of driving and scenery, not for the viewpoint alone.

What it is like to share a buggy

The standard arrangement places two people side by side. That is a social setup, and it works well for friends, couples, or family members who want to talk and react to the scenery together.

The tradeoff is that you share driving rather than each having a vehicle. If you both want a fair turn, decide before departure how you will split the driving time. The supplied information does not state whether the guide sets a fixed changeover point, so ask at the briefing.

A single-rider option is available. This may be useful for a solo participant or for an odd-numbered booking, since one person in a group of three or five must use that arrangement. Check the booking choice and price carefully before reserving.

The minimum passenger age of six makes the activity possible for families, but the ride is still outdoors and can be bumpy. The provider does not describe a separate child vehicle or child-specific route. I would choose it for an older child who can sit safely and follow instructions, rather than for a very young child who may find the noise and motion tiring.

Gear, clothing, and comfort

Safari Quads supplies a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear if needed. That is a strong practical feature, especially for visitors arriving in Reykjavik without bulky outdoor kit.

Bring comfortable shoes. Shoes are not included, and sturdy footwear will make more sense than anything delicate or open. You should also wear outdoor clothing under the supplied gear, since the temperature and wind can change during the ride.

The outer layers protect your clothes from mud and spray, but they do not remove the need to dress sensibly. Avoid bringing alcohol or drugs, both of which are prohibited. Keep valuables to a minimum and follow the guide’s instructions about storage, since the supplied information does not promise a dedicated locker or bag service.

Coffee at basecamp is included. It is a small detail, but a welcome one after gearing up or returning from the ride. Food is not included, so do not expect a meal. Plan your eating around the tour if you need more than a drink.

The guides and the human side of the outing

The guide can make or break a motor tour. Here, Paula receives direct praise for taking time with participants and helping make the trip enjoyable. Marco is also singled out as an excellent guide, with helpful service and a friendly manner.

Those details matter because a buggy trip has more moving parts than a standard coach outing. You need clear instructions, sensible pacing, and someone who can keep the mood relaxed while taking safety seriously. The provider uses English for instruction.

The overall rating is 4.9 from 23 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the guides, scenery, equipment, and the simple thrill of driving. That is a small sample, so I would not treat the number as a guarantee. It does point to a consistent pattern: this experience works best when you value personal guiding and active sightseeing.

Private or small-group options may give you a more personal feel. The information does not promise a specific group size for the regular departure, so confirm the format you are booking if crowd size matters to you.

Who should book this buggy adventure

I would recommend it to you if you want a physical activity close to Reykjavik and like the idea of seeing volcanic country from behind a wheel. It suits couples and friends especially well because the standard buggy seats two.

It is also a good choice for a short Iceland visit. You can experience lava fields, geothermal scenery, Blue Mountain views, and a Reykjavik panorama in one half-day outing, without arranging a rental car or finding the route yourself.

Families can consider it for children aged six and up, but remember that only drivers aged 17 or older with a valid license may take the wheel. Pregnant women and wheelchair users should choose another activity.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet nature outing, a long technical trail ride, or guaranteed clear views. The route includes gravel road, according to one assessment, and the weather may affect the mountain panorama. This is an active, guided sightseeing trip with some rough driving, not a wilderness expedition.

Booking details worth checking

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Allow three and a half hours with transportation, not just two hours. Pickup starts 30 minutes before departure, and the return transfer is included.

Make sure every driver brings a valid license. Confirm shared or single-rider arrangements, especially with an odd-numbered group. If you are arriving by cruise ship, compare the pickup time carefully with your ship schedule rather than relying on a quick turnaround.

Should you book the Lava Field Buggy Adventure?

Book it if you want your Iceland sightseeing to include real driving, volcanic scenery, and a guide-led route rather than a simple photo stop. The two-hour buggy session, supplied protective gear, broad pickup service, and high praise for guides such as Paula and Marco make the package practical as well as exciting.

Skip it if $305 feels too high for a half-day activity, or if your ideal outing means more trail and less gravel road. The strongest reason to choose this trip is the blend of hands-on adventure and geothermal scenery. If that combination sounds like your kind of Iceland day, Safari Quads offers a well-organized way to get it.

FAQ

How long does the Lava Field Buggy Adventure last?

The full outing lasts about 2 to 3.5 hours, including transportation. The buggy driving portion lasts two hours, and the safety briefing takes about 30 minutes.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $305 per person.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off by Safari Quads are included, with many hotels, hostels, bus stops, and Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal available as options.

How early does pickup begin?

Pickup starts 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. For a 9:30 start, pickup begins at 9:00.

Do I need a driver license?

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

How old must passengers be?

Non-driving passengers must be at least six years old.

Can two people share one buggy?

Yes. All buggies fit two people side by side. A single-rider option is also available.

What equipment is included?

The tour supplies a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear when needed. You must bring your own shoes and outdoor clothing.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, although coffee at basecamp is provided.