Reykjavik Peak with Safari Quads ATV

Exploring Iceland doesn’t mean you have to venture far from Reykjavik. This ATV tour offers a chance to get your adrenaline pumping and your camera ready, all within a short drive from the city. With a professional guide leading you through rugged terrain, you’ll travel gravel tracks, reach stunning viewpoints at Lake Hafravatn, and ascend to the summit of Mt. Esja, known locally as Reykjavik Peak.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is its focus on safety and inclusivity. The tour provides all necessary gear — helmets, overalls, rain jackets, gloves, and masks — making it accessible even for beginners. Plus, round-trip transportation from Reykjavik hotels streamlines the whole process, so you can focus on the ride and the views.

One thing to consider is that this adventure is somewhat weather-dependent. If rain or snow hits, your experience might be altered or canceled, but the company does offer full refunds if that happens. This tour suits thrill-seekers, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a memorable off-road adventure in Iceland’s spectacular landscape.

Key Points

• Guided Experience: Safety and expertise are prioritized, making it suitable for first-timers and seasoned riders alike.
• Flexible Options: Choose between single or shared ATVs, catering to different comfort levels.
• Stunning Views: You’ll see Reykjavik from above, with sweeping vistas of the city, mountain ranges, and lakes.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Warm overalls, helmets, gloves, masks, and rain jackets are provided, ensuring you stay comfortable.
• Short but Sweet: The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, including pickup, briefing, riding, and return.
• Excellent Value: At $129, the experience offers a mix of adventure, scenery, and professional guiding that is hard to beat in Iceland’s outdoor activities.

An In-Depth Look at the Reykjavik Peak ATV Adventure

Ease of Booking and Price Point

Starting at $129 per person, this tour strikes a good balance between cost and value. When considering the included gear, transportation, and the chance to reach Iceland’s high-altitude viewpoints, it’s an experience that offers more than just a thrill — it’s a way to see Iceland’s natural beauty in a unique way. The fact that the tour is booked over 5 times last week and achieves a perfect 5.0 rating from 300 reviews suggests it’s both popular and consistently well-reviewed.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Your adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup in Reykjavik, usually a half-hour before departure. The short drive to the base camp takes you away from the city’s hustle and into the more lunar-like landscapes that characterize Iceland’s outskirts. Here, you’ll meet your guide — for many, that’s Paula, who receives glowing praise for her friendly, professional approach, and her ability to make everyone feel comfortable.

Once there, you’ll gear up with all necessary safety equipment, including helmets, rain jackets, gloves, and overalls. Many reviews mention how well the gear is prepared, warm, and clean, which adds to the overall comfort and confidence before hitting the trails.

If you’re riding solo or with a partner, you’ll decide who takes the wheel on the quad bike. No experience is required, thanks to the comprehensive safety briefing, practice spins, and the attentive guidance of your guide. This aspect makes the tour approachable for beginners while still offering enough thrill for seasoned riders.

The Ride: From City Outskirts to Mountain Summit

The initial stretch takes you along paved roads through Iceland’s open grasslands, giving a gentle warm-up and letting everyone get accustomed to their bikes. Once comfortable, the guide turns off onto gravel tracks, leading towards Lake Hafravatn. Here, you’ll pause to admire the lake’s glassy surface, framed by snow-capped peaks. Several reviews mention how peaceful and photogenic this spot is, making it an ideal photo op.

The core of the tour involves climbing the rocky slopes leading up to Reykjavik Peak at Mt. Esja. The ascent is designed to showcase the rugged beauty of Iceland’s terrain, with the reward being breathtaking panoramic views of Reykjavik, distant mountain ranges, and the surrounding landscapes. One reviewer highlighted that the views included “the frozen landscape at peak sunrise,” which sounds just magical.

Descending back down the mountain on the mountain tracks offers an adrenaline rush, as you cruise through bumpy, rugged terrain. Many reviews describe this part as “fun” and “scenic,” with some noting that it’s an excellent way to experience Iceland’s wild side in a manageable, guided environment.

Guides and Safety — Why It Matters

Multiple reviews rave about the guides’ professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge. Paula, in particular, is singled out as a standout, making the whole experience memorable. The guides’ focus on safety is clear: they check on riders regularly, give clear instructions, and tailor the experience to group skill levels.

One review noted that their guide, Marco, “customized our ride to fit skill levels, checked in often, and offered to take pictures.” Such personalized attention elevates the tour, ensuring everyone feels comfortable—whether you’re a confident rider or trying an ATV for the first time.

What Reviewers Love Most

• The stunning scenery at every turn, especially the views from the mountain summit.
• The helpful and friendly guides who create a relaxed atmosphere.
• The high-quality, warm gear supplied, which keeps riders comfortable despite Iceland’s often unpredictable weather.
• The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.
• The variety of terrain — from paved roads to rocky off-road paths.
• The opportunity to capture incredible photos of Iceland’s rugged landscape.

Possible Drawbacks

The main consideration seems to be weather dependency — if rain, snow, or strong winds occur, the experience might be less enjoyable or require rescheduling. Several reviewers mentioned bringing extra layers or rain gear, which is advisable given Iceland’s capricious weather. Also, since the tour lasts around 2.5 hours, it’s a fairly short window, but packed with adventure.

For those with limited mobility or physical strength, note that riding an ATV can be tiring. One reviewer pointed out that “riding made my arms tired,” suggesting it’s a good idea for participants to be prepared for some physical exertion, especially on off-road sections.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This tour is ideal for adventure enthusiasts who want a scenic, off-road experience close to Reykjavik. It’s suitable for beginners, given the thorough safety briefings and easy controls, but also offers enough excitement for more experienced riders. Families with children aged six and up can participate as passengers, making it a fun activity for mixed-age groups.

Couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a memorable way to see Iceland’s wilderness will find this engaging. The panoramic views and the chance to combine adrenaline with sightseeing make it a standout activity. It’s also a fantastic choice if you want to add a bit of thrill to your Iceland itinerary without venturing far from the capital.

Final Thoughts

This ATV tour offers a well-rounded blend of scenic beauty, adventure, and safety. The guides’ professionalism and the quality gear make it accessible and comfortable, even for those new to off-road riding. The views from the mountain top are spectacular, offering a different perspective of Reykjavik and the surrounding landscapes that few other experiences can match.

The value for $129 is quite solid, especially considering the inclusion of all gear, professional guidance, and round-trip transport. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a quick, exciting escape from city life, ready to embrace Iceland’s rugged charm.

For those who prioritize safety, scenic views, and a genuinely fun experience, this ATV tour is an excellent pick. It’s best suited for adventurous spirits, families, or anyone eager to discover Iceland’s wild side with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a driver’s license to participate? Yes, a valid driver’s license is required if you want to drive the quad bike.

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Absolutely. The guides provide thorough instructions and a practice session, making it accessible for newcomers.

Can I choose a single or shared ATV? Yes, you can opt for a single rider or share a bike with someone else, depending on your comfort and preference.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including pickup, safety briefing, riding, and return.

What should I wear? The tour supplies warm overalls, rain jackets, helmets, gloves, and face masks. However, bringing extra layers or waterproof clothing may be helpful, especially in wet weather.

Is the tour family-friendly? Yes, children aged 6 and up can participate as passengers, making it a family-friendly activity.

What is the maximum group size? The tour accommodates up to 60 travelers, ensuring a manageable group size with personalized attention.

What if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I ride the ATV if I have no off-road experience? Yes. All riders are given an orientation and can practice before heading out, so beginners can feel confident.

What do reviewers say about the guides? They are consistently praised for being professional, friendly, and attentive, with Paula and Marco receiving special mentions for their care and enthusiasm.

This adventure is set to be one of the highlights for anyone keen on combining scenery, thrill, and Icelandic wilderness within a safe and well-organized framework. Whether you’re riding solo, with friends, or family, it’s a ride you’ll likely remember long after your trip ends.