Reykjavik: Buggy Safari Tour with Hotel Transfers

If you’re craving a break from the usual sightseeing and want an adrenaline rush blended with some seriously spectacular scenery, the Reykjavik Buggy Safari might just be your perfect pick. This half-day adventure whisks you out of the city and into the wild terrain surrounding Iceland’s capital, offering a mix of off-road fun and breathtaking mountain vistas. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a small group, this tour promises quick, exhilarating thrills with the comfort of hotel transfers.

One of the things we love about this experience is how accessible it is—your day includes hotel pickup, safety equipment, and a guided ride that’s suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. Plus, the scenery during the drive, especially the view from Reykjavik Peak, is absolutely stunning. On the flipside, if you’re not a fan of bumpy rides or if your group includes very young children, this might not be the best fit. But overall, it’s a solid choice for adventure lovers and those wanting a memorable day just outside the city.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, don’t mind a bit of dirt and mud, and are looking for something more than just typical sightseeing. With a focus on safety, fun, and impressive views, it offers good value for the price of $168 per person. Now, let’s get into all the details so you can decide if this is your next Icelandic escapade.

• Safe and well-equipped buggies: Fully automatic, inspected, and featuring safety cages, belts, and suspension for comfort.
• Spectacular scenery: Views of mountains, lakes, and Reykjavik Peak provide incredible photo opportunities.
• Flexible options: Besides the safari, guests can choose to do a mountain ascent or custom add-ons.
• All-inclusive experience: Gear, safety briefing, and coffee included—no surprises.
• Hotel transfers: Convenient pick-up and drop-off from most Reykjavik hotels.
• Authentic guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides like Lisa and Stephan enhance the tour with helpful tips and reassurance.

The Journey Begins: Easy, Convenient Pickup

Your adventure starts with a hotel pickup from one of 16 Reykjavik locations, ranging from bus stops to hotels like Hilton or Icelandair. Pickup times are generally 30 minutes before the tour, so being punctual is key. If your hotel isn’t on the list, you can be assigned to a nearby bus stop, which keeps things straightforward. This door-to-door service is a major plus, saving you time and hassle after a morning of travel or sightseeing.

Once on board the van, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the base camp near Hafravatn. The scenery on this short trip already hints at the fun ahead—rolling Icelandic landscapes, distant mountains, and patches of snow depending on the season. The comfort of the transportation allows you to relax and prep for your upcoming adrenaline rush.

Safety Briefing: Knowing the Rules

Before hitting the off-road trails, your guide will give a comprehensive safety briefing—usually about 30 minutes long. This part is crucial and well worth paying attention to. The guides, like Stephan, are friendly and professional, making sure everyone feels confident before stepping into the buggies. You’ll learn how the fully automatic 800cc Rotax engines work, how to handle the double A-arm front suspension, and safety protocols like seatbelts and roll cages.

Reviewers frequently mention how reassuring guides like Lisa and Sir Cactus are—they take time to help nervous participants, especially beginners or those who haven’t driven something like this before. For many, this safety-first approach turns what might seem intimidating into pure fun.

Meeting the Buggies: The Off-Road Adventure Begins

After strapping into your two-seater buggy, the fun finally starts. Everyone gets a helmet, gloves, and an overalls if needed, plus a ski mask and rain gear for extra protection. The buggies are modern, road-legal, and easy to operate, even for first-timers.

Your guide leads the way as you head into the wild. The experience includes a mix of terrains—dirt tracks, rocky patches, and even crossing a river (as one reviewer mentioned, “We even drove across a river!”). The routes are designed to showcase Iceland’s rugged beauty—think mountain climbs, lake crossings, and sweeping vistas. This is the kind of activity where you really feel immersed in nature, away from crowds.

The Highlight: Reykjavik Peak and Mountain Views

The tour’s pinnacle is the guided tour at Reykjavik Peak, offering some of the best panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. It’s about an hour long, during which your guide will share fascinating tidbits about the landscape and Icelandic nature. Expect to stop for photos, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and marvel at the snow-capped peaks that frame the city below.

Reviewers like Emma praised the views, noting how a heavy snowfall during her trip made the scenery “unreal.” Others appreciated the opportunity to drive over snowy tracks or onto frozen lakes, adding a unique element to their adventure.

The Return and Coffee Break: Rest and Reflection

After about an hour of off-road thrill-seeking, your group heads back to base camp for a well-earned coffee. This is a nice touch, giving everyone a chance to chat about the ride, share photos, and relax before the bus drops you back at your hotel. The smooth logistics and friendly staff—like Mariana, who guides with humor—make the entire process feel seamless.

Tour Duration and Flexibility

The total experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including pickup, the buggy ride, scenic stops, and drop-off. The actual driving time on buggies is about an hour, which is perfect for those wanting a quick yet intense adventure. Multiple time slots are available, so you can choose morning or afternoon departures depending on your schedule.

Pricing and Value

At $168 per person, this experience offers good value considering the included gear, safety briefings, the scenic drive, and hotel transfers. When you compare it to the cost of similar activities in other outdoor adventure markets, it’s quite reasonable. Reviewers consistently mention the fun factor outweighing the cost, especially when you factor in the accessibility and professionalism of guides.

Additional Options and Considerations

Aside from the basic safari, there’s also a Buggy Mountains option, which involves a second mountain ascent, perfect for those who want more adrenaline or better views. The experience is suitable for anyone over 17 with a valid driver’s license, and passengers as young as 6 can join as non-drivers.

It’s important to note that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and all participants should bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a driver’s license. The weight limit is 220kg (485 lbs) per person, accommodating most participants comfortably.

The combination of safety, scenery, and thrill makes this buggy safari stand out. The guides’ friendliness and professionalism, especially those like Lisa and Stephan, are repeatedly praised—adding a personal touch that makes the experience memorable. The views from Reykjavik Peak and the chance to go off-road across lakes and snowy tracks provide a genuine sense of adventure.

Many reviewers mention how the weather can play into the experience—snow, rain, or clear skies—each offering different but equally spectacular sights. The flexibility of booking a single rider or sharing a buggy can cater to different comfort levels, while the included gear ensures you stay warm and protected.

Who Should Consider This?

If you’re an adventure seeker eager to explore Iceland’s rugged nature with a bit of a thrill, this tour is a fantastic choice. It suits those who don’t mind getting a little dirty and enjoy the outdoors. Families with kids over 6, or groups looking for a fun, social activity, will find this particularly appealing. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience or have mobility restrictions, you might want to explore other options.

The Reykjavik Buggy Safari offers a terrific way to see Iceland’s scenic outskirts with a twist of fun and adrenaline. It’s a well-organized activity with professional guides, safety gear, and routes that highlight the country’s rugged beauty. For travelers wanting an active, memorable experience that combines breathtaking views and off-road excitement, this tour hits the mark.

It’s especially perfect for those who value authentic adventures, enjoy driving, and want to add a bit of speed to their Iceland trip. While not suited for those with mobility issues or very young children, most others will find this to be a highlight of their journey outside Reykjavik.

In short, if you’re looking for a lively way to explore Iceland’s wild side and capture incredible photos along the way, this buggy safari is a fantastic, value-packed choice.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from most Reykjavik hotels, with 16 pickup locations available. Pickup starts about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

How long is the buggy driving portion?
The driving on the buggies lasts about 1 hour, within the total tour duration of approximately 2.5 hours, including transfers and scenic stops.

What safety equipment is provided?
You will receive helmets, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and raingear if necessary. The buggies are fitted with safety cages, belts, and suspension for a secure ride.

Can I do the tour if I don’t have a driver’s license?
No, all drivers must be at least 17 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. Passengers aged 6 and older can join as non-drivers.

Are single riders allowed?
Yes, the tour offers a single rider option for those who want to drive alone. For odd-numbered groups, at least one person must book as a single rider.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and your driver’s license are recommended. You don’t need to bring food, as it’s not included.

What’s the maximum weight limit?
The total weight limit per person, whether sharing or single riding, is 220kg (485 lbs).

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 6 years old can participate as non-driving passengers. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

What is the cost of the tour?
Pricing is $168 per person, which includes gear, safety instructions, scenic stops, and hotel transfers.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

In summary, this buggy safari balances adventure with comfort, offering a memorable way to explore Iceland’s spectacular landscapes just outside Reykjavik. It’s ideal for those craving lively outdoor fun with the reassurance of safety and professional guidance.