Two engines, one unforgettable morning. This ATV and helicopter combo is a smart way to see Reykjavík from the ground and the sky, with a standout moment: a helicopter landing on a mountain top for about 20 minutes.

I also like that you get the full safety setup up front: helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear, plus a real briefing and a professional guide. One thing to consider: the helicopter segment depends on conditions, and on a windy day the flight can be shorter than expected.

Key things to know before you book

• Pickup is scheduled for 09:00, but you’ll likely need to walk to a nearby bus stop instead of a hotel door pick-up
• You get complete riding gear for cold and wet weather, not just a helmet
• ATV driving starts with instruction and works well for first-timers who have a valid license
• You’re not stuck on the ground all day: you get aerial views of Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains
• The helicopter includes a mountain-top stop (about 20 minutes to get out and look around)
• Group size is capped at 15, so you’re not lost in a crowd

The ATV-and-Helicopter Combo That Actually Fits Reykjavík Time

If you only have a short stay in Reykjavík, it’s hard to “see Iceland” without spending your whole day on the road. This tour compresses two very different ways of experiencing the region—off-road action and helicopter sightseeing—into about 5 hours.

The biggest appeal for me is the change of viewpoint. On the ATV, you get hands-on power and close-up terrain. Then the helicopter shifts you into a wide-angle perspective over Reykjavík and the surrounding mountain ranges, including that rare landing and stop on a mountain top.

It’s also a tour format that feels made for planning: a clear start time, gear provided, and a tight schedule that doesn’t drag.

Price and Value: What $489 Buys for Ground + Sky

At $489 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity in Reykjavík. The value comes from stacking two major experiences that usually cost separate tickets.

You’re paying for:

• 1 hour of guided quad biking (including instruction and safety support)
• Full protective clothing and weather gear for riding
• A guided helicopter experience over Reykjavík that includes a landing stop (about 20 minutes)

Could you do a cheaper ATV tour alone? Sure. But you’d miss the sky view and the mountain-top moment. If your goal is a memorable highlight day—fast—it’s a reasonable spend.

Also, group size matters here. With a maximum of 15 travelers, you’re less likely to feel like a moving number in a big bus operation.

Getting There: Pickup at 09:00 and the Bus Stop Reality

Your day starts with pickup at 09:00, but the stated start time is 9:30 am. Here’s the practical part: not every Reykjavík hotel is eligible for door pick-up.

If your lodging is in a “no pick-up zone,” you’ll need to walk to the nearest designated bus stop, typically 2–5 minutes away. The pick-up can run up to 30 minutes, so don’t schedule anything tight right before this.

For smoother mornings, I’d do two things:

• Pick your bus stop ahead of time and plan a quick walk buffer
• Keep your phone ready for the mobile ticket, since you’ll need to show it

The tour provides pickup support, but it doesn’t behave like a private driver for every hotel address.

ATV Part: Safety Gear, Briefing, and the 1-Hour Throttle

The ATV portion begins at a quad biking base camp near Reykjavík. From there, the route heads across the countryside and up into the mountains. Even if you’ve never driven an ATV before, the operation is set up for you to start with instruction—so you’re not thrown straight into chaos.

You’ll get the full cold-and-wet riding kit:

• Helmet
• Gloves
• Overalls
• Ski mask
• Rain gear

That gear list is a big deal in Iceland. Instead of hoping you brought the right layers, you’re covered for typical wind and rain conditions.

Then comes the briefing. In the best-run versions of these tours, the goal is simple: get you comfortable fast and keep you safe so you can actually enjoy the ride. People consistently praise the instructors for being professional and attentive, including guides like Damos and Hanna, so you’re not just handed a machine and sent off.

What to expect on the trail: a guided ride that mixes speed with rugged scenery. One of the most common themes in feedback is that it feels exciting but controlled—fast enough to feel like an adventure, not reckless.

The Helicopter Over Reykjavík: Sky Views and a Mountain-Top Landing Stop

After the ATV segment, you’re transferred to the helicopter operator, Norðurflug Tours. The key payoff is the aerial view: Reykjavík and local mountain ranges from above.

The highlight is also the part you remember after the adrenaline wears off. The tour includes landing the helicopter on top of a mountain for around 20 minutes, so you can step out and appreciate the view.

That landing pause is valuable because it turns a quick flyover into an actual moment. From the sky you can see how Reykjavík sits within the broader terrain—ridges, valleys, and the way the city connects to the mountains.

Now, the honest consideration: helicopter flights can change with conditions. Iceland can be windy, and if the weather is rough, your flight time and route can adjust. One experience in the feedback noted a shorter-than-expected flight due to wind and limited narration from the pilot. I’d plan for the idea that the pilot’s job is safety first, and sightseeing can get trimmed on less stable days.

On the positive side, other feedback highlights pilots who are professional and comfortable making the ride enjoyable, with one pilot described as both knowledgeable and funny.

Weather: When Wind and Rain Change the Day

This is an outdoor tour, and the helicopter part especially depends on weather. The experience is described as requiring good conditions, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Even without a full cancellation, think about how Icelandic conditions affect comfort and timing:

• Rain and spray matter on the ATV
• Wind matters for what the helicopter can safely do and how long you stay out

Your gear helps on the ATV side. But on the helicopter side, all you can really do is show up ready to adapt.

If you’re visiting in a season or week with frequent storms, this is the kind of day where being flexible pays off.

What This Day Feels Like: Active, Efficient, and Not Too Long

This tour is designed for people who want action but don’t want an all-day grind. The ATV portion is about 1 hour, and the whole experience runs around 5 hours total.

That timing is a plus for two types of travelers:

• You want a real activity highlight without losing the rest of your day
• You’d rather do a “best-of” day than dozens of hours on logistics

One detail I like: the schedule leaves breathing room for the rest of your Reykjavík plans, instead of turning the entire day into one long tour.

Who Should Book (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is built for a wide range of people, but there are real requirements.

You should consider it if:

• You want hands-on ATV time and a helicopter viewpoint in one day
• You’re okay being active for about an hour on rough terrain
• You appreciate guided structure and safety briefings

You need to pay attention if:

• You plan to drive the quad: you need a valid driver’s license
• You’re within weight limits: the maximum weight per passenger is 265 lbs
• You’re traveling with children: the minimum age is 6
• You’re sensitive to tight schedules: pickup starts at 09:00 and can take time to reach the actual starting point

Shared riding is an option, but it has a rule: for the shared rider setup, there must be at least 2 adults per booking. For a single rider setup, 1 adult per booking is required.

One more practical note: the tour states no alcohol or drug tolerance. That’s not surprising, but it matters for your plans the night before.

Logistics After the Helicopter: No Hotel Drop-Off

The ATV pickup is handled by Safari Quads at 09:00, but the day ends differently.

After the helicopter, you’re dropped off by Safari Quads to the helicopter area, and then hotel drop-off is not included. The helicopter company’s airport is in downtown Reykjavík, and it’s described as a short trip where a taxi to your hotel is easy.

In plain terms: plan on finishing downtown and then getting to your lodging on your own. This is common for combo tours, but it’s good to know so you don’t end the day stranded.

Practical Tips to Stay Warm, Dry, and Confident

Even with great gear included, you’ll enjoy the tour more if you show up prepared.

Bring or do:

• Dress in warm layers underneath whatever you wear to the pickup. You’ll likely be in wind and moving outdoors.
• Expect spray and dirt. Even with rain gear, you might get wet.
• Wear footwear that you feel stable in once you’re on uneven ground.

Also, arrive ready to follow instructions. On ATV tours, safety isn’t a slogan—it’s how you get to keep riding without interruptions. The guides (including people named Damos and Hanna in feedback) are praised for being professional, so if you listen during the briefing, you’ll have a smoother ride.

Should You Book This ATV & Helicopter Adventure from Reykjavík?

Book it if your ideal Reykjavík day includes both real off-road riding and the kind of aerial sightseeing you can’t get from viewpoints alone. If you want a highlight that feels like two adventures packed into one morning-to-early-afternoon block, this is a strong match.

Skip it if:

• You’re mainly after a relaxed, low-activity day
• You’re planning a tight schedule after the tour and don’t want to handle the downtown transfer
• You can’t handle the idea that the helicopter segment may shorten or change in wind

If you’re flexible and you want your time in Reykjavík to count, this combo is a solid buy. The mountain-top landing and the ATV guidance make it more than just a checklist activity.

FAQ

What time is pickup, and when does the tour start?

Pickup is at 09:00, and the start time is listed as 9:30 am. The pick-up can take up to 30 minutes.

Where do I get picked up in Reykjavík?

You’re picked up by Safari at 09:00, but hotel door pick-ups aren’t allowed in certain no pick-up zones. You may need to walk to the nearest bus stop (often 2–5 minutes from your hotel).

Do I need experience to drive the ATV?

No experience is necessary, but a valid driver’s license is required to drive the quad bike.

What gear is included for the ATV?

You’ll be provided with a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks aren’t included.

What happens if the helicopter can’t fly due to weather?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.