ATV & Helicopter combination tour From Reykajvik

For travelers craving a taste of Iceland’s rugged wilderness without venturing far from the capital, this ATV and helicopter combo tour stands out as a compelling choice. It promises a full sensory experience—ground exploration on quads and soaring above the landscape in a helicopter—giving you a multi-layered, authentic perspective on Iceland’s diverse terrain.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to explore Reykjavik’s surrounding mountains and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Reykjanes Peninsula and beyond. Our favorite aspect? The guides’ passion and knowledge really enhance the experience, especially when you’re riding a quad or flying high over the lands.

A possible consideration? The tour’s duration of about five hours means it’s relatively packed, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a full, active day. Also, weather conditions can influence visibility, particularly from the helicopter, so planning for a clear day boosts your chances of enjoying the best scenery.

This experience is ideal for adventure lovers, those eager to see Iceland’s landscape from multiple angles, and anyone wanting a memorable day that combines adrenaline with awe-inspiring views. Now, let’s explore what makes this tour a standout, and what you can expect every step of the way.

Key Points

• Unique combination of ATV riding and helicopter flight in one tour.
• Stunning views of Reykjavik, Faxaflói Bay, Mount Esjan, and the Reykjanes Peninsula.
• Expert guides provide safety instructions, local insights, and friendly service.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention, especially during the helicopter stopover.
• Flexible options for sharing or solo riding on the ATVs, and an unforgettable aerial experience.
• Good value: With a total of about five hours, including transportation, gear, and guided tours, it offers a rich, all-in-one adventure.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting with Convenience and Comfort: Pickup & Safety Briefing

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from a choice of 15 locations around Reykjavik, including major hotels, bus stops, and cruise terminals. This flexibility ensures you’re not fussed over transport logistics, and you’ll be picked up between 09:00 and 09:30, giving an early start to maximize daylight.

Once you’re on board, the ride to the ATV base camp is smooth, usually taking around 30 minutes. The guides, like Julius, are known for their friendly, professional approach, making sure everyone feels comfortable and well-prepared for the activities ahead.

Before hitting the trails, a safety briefing lasting about 30 minutes** sets the tone. This part is crucial to understand how the ATVs work, safety protocols, and what to expect during the ride. During this stage, guides like a French-speaking instructor or others ensure everyone’s ready, offering tips for an enjoyable, accident-free ride.

ATV Adventure: Upclose with Iceland’s rugged terrain

The ATV segment lasts about an hour and is the heart of the day. You’ll start by donning the provided gear—helmets, gloves, overalls, rain, and ski masks—making sure you’re suited up for the Icelandic weather.

The ride begins on rocky trails near Lake Hafravatn. It’s an energetic, scenic route that takes you around the lake’s shores and then up to Reykjavik Peak. Here, the views are truly breathtaking: you’ll see the colorful rooftops of Reykjavik, Faxaflói Bay’s sparkling waters, and the flat-topped Mount Esjan.

Guides like Julius or other friendly staff are not only safety-conscious but also eager to share local insights. As one reviewer noted, guides are “patient and kind,” which helps when navigating the sometimes challenging terrain.

If the weather is clear, the guides promise views extending to volcanoes of the Reykjanes Peninsula and the Snæfellsjökull glacier on a good day. The ascent is a highlight, offering a sense of achievement and a rare opportunity to stand atop a mountain in Reykjavik, capturing stunning photos.

Transition and Rest: From quad to helicopter

After the ATV ride, you’ll descend back to the base camp, where you return your gear and prepare for the next phase. The group then travels approximately 30 minutes to Reykjavik’s Domestic Airport, where the helicopter adventure begins.

The Aerial Perspective: Soaring over Reykjavik and beyond

Once at the airport, you meet your pilot, who briefs you on the flight route. The helicopter tour lasts about 45 minutes, with a midway mountain landing that allows for 20 minutes of uninterrupted photography.

From the air, Reykjavik reveals its smaller streets and iconic landmarks, but the true magic is the panoramic view of Iceland’s varied landscapes. You’ll see the volcanoes of Reykjanes, the sprawling coastline, and possibly even the Snæfellsjökull glacier depending on visibility.

This part of the tour is especially praised by those who’ve flown before—many reviewers mention how spectacular the views are from above. As one reviewer said, “It’s simply without comparison from a helicopter,” emphasizing how different and more impressive the scenery looks from the sky.

Wrapping Up and Returning

After the helicopter flight, you’ll land back at the airport and be transferred back to Reykjavik, leaving you with a vivid memory of Iceland’s landscape. The entire experience lasts around five hours, giving enough time to savor each moment without feeling rushed.

Why This Tour Works Well

This multi-layered experience offers good value by combining ground exploration with aerial sightseeing—something many travelers find worthwhile. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly attitude, cited in reviews, make the difference between a good adventure and an unforgettable one.

The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for personal interactions and better attention during the helicopter stop, which is a highlight for many. On top of that, the flexibility of sharing or solo riding on the ATVs caters to different comfort levels.

One of the biggest draws is the stunning panoramic views—the kind that make your camera work overtime and leave you in awe of Iceland’s wild beauty. The opportunity to photograph the landscape from the mountain top and the helicopter is especially appreciated.

Value and Practicality

At $508 per person, the tour is priced to reflect its comprehensive nature. Considering transportation, gear, professional guides, and the unique opportunity of flying over Reykjavik, many will find it offers solid value for a full 5-hour adventure.

If you’re into outdoor activities, enjoy scenic views, or want an adrenaline rush with a dash of sightseeing, this tour hits all those marks. It’s also a perfect choice if you’re pressed for time but want to tick both land and air exploration off your Iceland bucket list.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is best suited for adventure seekers and those interested in an authentic, active experience. It’s ideal for travelers comfortable with active outings, and who appreciate guided tours with knowledgeable staff.

Since children must be at least six years old to ride as passengers and eight to drive, it’s suitable for families with older kids. If you’re someone who loves stunning vistas and a bit of adrenaline, this blend of ATV and helicopter will be a highlight of your Iceland trip.

Participants should be prepared for weather variability and bring a driver’s license if they plan to steer their own ATV. With the tour rated 4.7 based on 35 reviews, it’s clear that many previous travelers have found it to be well worth the price and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, only licensed drivers are permitted to take control of the ATV. Passengers, however, do not need a license and must be at least six years old.

What should I wear for the tour?
Hiking boots or sneakers are recommended, and you’ll be provided with helmets, gloves, overalls, rain gear, and ski masks for protection against the weather.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged six and above can join as passengers, but those who want to drive need to be at least eight years old and hold a driver’s license.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the views depend greatly on clear weather, visibility can vary. If weather conditions prevent good sightseeing, the helicopter part might be less impressive, but the ATV ride itself can still be enjoyed if safe.

How long does the whole experience last?
Approximately five hours, including pickup, safety briefings, the ATV ride, transfer to the helicopter, and the flight itself.

Can I share an ATV with a friend?
Yes, ATVs are two-seaters, so you can choose to share the ride or opt for a single rider experience by selecting the appropriate option.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers specifically praised the guides for their patience, friendliness, and local insights, which enhance the overall experience.

What is included in the price?
Pickup, safety gear, a one-hour ATV adventure, and the 45-minute helicopter flight with a mid-flight landing are all included. Drop-off is not included.

This ATV and helicopter combo tour from Reykjavik offers a balanced mixture of rugged ground exploration and spectacular aerial views, making it a fantastic way to see Iceland’s diverse landscape in one go. It’s especially suited for those who want a full-sensory experience—feeling the Icelandic wind on your face while riding a quad and then soaring above the terrain for a perspective few get to enjoy.

The guides’ expertise and friendly approach add a layer of comfort, turning what could be a challenging adventure into a memorable, smooth ride. The stunning vistas and the ability to photograph Iceland from mountain peaks and the sky make it a highlight for photography enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike.

While it’s a bit action-packed, the tour’s detailed itinerary and small group size ensure you won’t feel rushed. It’s a flexible, value-packed option for travelers seeking a day full of adrenaline, scenery, and authentic Icelandic charm.

If you’re looking to combine active exploration with breathtaking scenery, this tour is a strongly recommended choice—an unforgettable way to see Iceland from both the ground and the sky.