A buggy tour in Iceland feels a bit like cheating. You get real off-road driving plus big Iceland sights in one outing. I especially like the side-by-side setup (you ride next to your travel mate, not behind them like a field trip) and the guided stops that explain what you’re seeing. One thing to consider: you’ll be in outdoor gear most of the time, and you still need comfortable shoes since they’re not included.

You’ll start with a safety briefing, then head out with your guide toward geothermal scenery near Hellisheiði. The day’s rhythm is simple: gear up, drive hard on the trails, pause for coffee, then end with a panoramic view over Reykjavik. The tour is built for people who want action, not just a photo stop.

Key Things I’d Put at the Top

• Side-by-side riding lets you talk and enjoy the ride with your buddy, not just follow along
• Helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear if needed mean less packing and less guesswork
• Hveradalir geothermal area is a quick reality check on how intense Iceland’s heat can be
• Lava-field driving is the main event, with the engine revving on off-road trails
• Approaching the power plant can deliver steam rising high on clear days, a very cinematic moment
• Reykjavik Peak caps the trip with wide city views when conditions cooperate

Why This Buggy Route Feels Like the Best Use of Time

Reykjavik is usually the start of an Iceland trip, but most people think it means city life. This tour flips the script. You’re out beyond town fast enough to feel like you escaped the traffic—then you’re driving through volcanic terrain that looks like it’s from another planet.

The value here isn’t just the thrill (though you do get it). It’s the mix of driving and explanations: geothermal activity, lava fields, and a viewpoint over the city. I like that the experience is structured so you’re not spending the whole time in a line waiting for your turn.

At the same time, this is not a slow, casual ride. If you get motion-sick easily or dislike rougher ground, treat that as a sign you should look at something calmer. Also, you’re driving with the right gear, but you still need to dress for wind and cold. Iceland is honest like that.

Pickup, Timing, and What the First 30 Minutes Really Mean

The tour includes pickup by Safari Quads with a lot of convenient city options. You might be collected from places like Bus Hostel Reykjavik, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Grand Hotel Reykjavík, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura, or a cruise terminal stop (depending on the day). Pickup typically starts 30 minutes before departure, so if the tour starts at 9:30, expect pickup around 9:00.

One detail that matters: the total time can be about 3.5 hours including transportation, but the true buggy driving time is listed as about 2 hours. That’s a good ratio for an adventure from Reykjavik. You’re not just getting a distant “taste” of off-road; you get enough time to feel like you actually drove somewhere.

Before anyone touches the buggy, there’s a safety briefing (around 30 minutes). This isn’t just paperwork. It sets you up for how to handle the vehicle and what the guide expects on trails. In my opinion, that kind of upfront structure is what keeps the experience fun instead of chaotic.

Gear and Clothing: What You Get, What You Must Bring

The included gear is one of the smarter parts of the deal. You’ll get helmet, gloves, overalls, and a ski mask. If rain is needed, you’ll also get raingear. That reduces the risk of showing up underdressed and hoping for the best.

The one item they don’t include is a surprisingly important one: shoes. The guidance is to bring comfortable shoes, plus outdoor clothing. If your footwear is flimsy, slippery, or not warm enough, you’ll feel it right away—especially if you’re getting out of the buggy for stops.

Also note: you need a driver’s license if you’re driving. And drivers must be at least 17 years old. Passengers have a minimum age of 6 years.

If you’re thinking about weight limits, there’s a cap listed: 220 kg / 485 lbs per person (single rider or shared). If you’re near the limit, double-check before booking so nothing gets stressful at check-in.

Safety and the Real Rules (Alcohol, Drugs, and Who It’s Not For)

This tour is built for safety, and the operation clearly expects responsible behavior. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That matters because you’re actively driving off-road—so this isn’t the time for “vacation bravery.”

The tour is also listed as not suitable for pregnant women and wheelchair users. Since the experience involves off-road driving and gear handling, that makes sense. If either of those applies to your group, it’s worth choosing an alternative activity that matches your needs.

Finally, the buggies are designed for two people side by side. There’s also a single rider option. If there’s an odd number of participants, one person must be booked as a single rider—so plan on that possibility when your group size is strange.

Hveradalir Geothermal Area: The “Wait, That’s Steam” Stop

The morning’s main guided stop is the Hveradalir geothermal area. This is about as Iceland as it gets: heat, steam, and an environment that looks dramatic even before you explain it.

You’ll have guided time here (listed as about 2 hours for the tour section, with the full itinerary stretching longer due to pickup and transport). This is where the guide’s role really shows. The point isn’t just to look at steam vents—it’s to understand what you’re seeing and why the terrain looks the way it does.

One practical thing I like about this type of stop: it breaks up the intensity. After safety briefing and gearing up, a geothermal stop gives you a breather where you can ask questions and reset your senses before the lava-field part gets serious.

The Lava Fields and the Off-Road Trail Factor

Now we hit the main reason people book: the buggy driving on off-road trails. The idea is simple—go past the beaten path, hit mountain trails, and get engine power under you.

The tour description highlights the thrill: off-road driving with the engine revving and the sense of pushing forward into Iceland’s volcanic terrain. That’s exactly the part most people mean when they say they want an adventure, not just a scenic drive.

One small consideration from a rating note: the ride style can feel more trail-focused than gravel road-focused. Translation: expect a more “trail” sensation than a smooth ride. If you prefer gentle sightseeing routes, this might feel too active.

Still, if you’re the type who likes to feel connected to the ground—dust, traction, and all—that trail approach is a plus. This tour isn’t about sitting quietly. It’s about participating.

Power Plant Vibes: Steam on Clear Days

As you approach the power plant, the tour description notes steam rising to impressive heights on clear days. They even compare it to a James Bond movie vibe, and honestly, that’s a fair way to describe it if you like dramatic science-meets-nature moments.

Why this matters: geothermal power in Iceland isn’t an abstract idea. You can see the effects right there. You’re riding through the same general world of heat and steam that supports energy production, not just looking at a landscape from a brochure angle.

If the weather cooperates, this can be one of those “I can’t believe this is real” pauses. If it’s cloudy or wet, you’ll still see activity, but the height and visibility of steam can be more muted. In that sense, Iceland weather acts like a co-host here—you get the show, but sometimes it changes the lighting.

Reykjavik Peak: Ending With a City View That Actually Feels Earned

After the drive and geothermal stops, the tour culminates at Reykjavik Peak. This is where you trade dirt roads for a wide viewpoint over Reykjavik City.

The key value of ending here isn’t just photos. It’s perspective. You’re looking at the city from above after spending time in volcanic terrain, and that contrast makes Reykjavik feel less like a destination and more like a base camp.

Guides also play a role in this part. In one review, Paula was praised for taking time and getting the experience right for the group. Another guide, Marco, was highlighted as excellent and helpful. While every group’s pace can vary, that feedback points to guides who don’t treat the stops as checkboxes.

Coffee at Basecamp: Small Inclusion, Big Mood Shift

You get coffee at basecamp. It’s not a headline item, but it’s a practical one. After time in gear and cold air, something warm and simple helps you enjoy the rest of the drive instead of feeling worn down.

It also functions like a mental reset. You’ll likely be breathing hard from driving and concentrating on trail conditions. Coffee gives you a moment to slow down, warm up, and take in the bigger picture before the final viewpoint.

Guides and Group Style: What You Can Expect From Safari Quads

The tour runs with professional guides and the instruction language is English. Reviews include guide names like Paula and Marco, and they both come up with strong positivity: attentive, helpful, and willing to slow down when needed.

The group type can be private or small groups available, which usually helps if you want more time for questions and a less rushed rhythm. With small groups, the guide can also keep closer tabs on everyone’s driving comfort.

Also, you sit in 2-person buggies side by side. That’s a big deal if you’re traveling with someone. You share the experience more naturally—talking, reacting, and enjoying the same route rather than staring forward in silence.

Price and Value: Is $305 Fair for This Mix?

At $305 per person for a 2-hour buggy driving segment (plus transportation), this sits in the mid-to-upper adventure range for Reykjavik. The question is: what are you buying?

You’re buying several things that reduce your mental workload:

• Pickup is included, which can be the hardest part to arrange in Reykjavik
• Safety gear is included, including helmet, overalls, and ski mask
• Coffee is included, which helps after cold driving
• A guide is included, so you’re not just driving around without context
• You get a real structure: geothermal area stop, lava-field driving, power plant approach, and a viewpoint finish

So yes, it’s not cheap. But if your goal is one memorable “I did something” Reykjavik day, this price can make sense because you’re stacking multiple highlights rather than paying for one.

If you’re on a tight budget, you might prefer a shorter or less gear-heavy activity. But if you care about the off-road experience, skipping this usually means settling for something less active.

Who Should Book This Buggy Adventure (and Who Should Skip)

This tour is a good match if you:

• want a thrill that still includes guided stops
• like Iceland’s geothermal and volcanic theme and want to see it beyond viewpoints
• enjoy driving experiences where you’re not just watching from a bus window
• travel with a friend or partner who wants to ride side by side

Skip or rethink if you:

• can’t handle uneven trail driving
• need wheelchair access or are pregnant (not suitable per the tour info)
• don’t have a driver’s license available if you want to drive
• don’t want to commit to outdoor clothing and real cold-weather prep

This is also a smart pick if you’re visiting Reykjavik for just a few days. The tour’s timing pulls you into the dramatic outside world without eating an entire day.

Should You Book It?

I’d book this buggy adventure if you want the Reykjavik area to feel bold, not gentle. The driving time is long enough to matter, and the stops give the day a storyline: geothermal heat, lava-field terrain, steam at the power plant, and then the Reykjavik viewpoint.

If you’re picky about ride smoothness or you hate cold-weather gear routines, you might feel less thrilled than the 4.9-rated crowd. But if you can dress for Iceland and you want that engine-and-trail experience, this is one of the more direct ways to get it.

FAQ

How long is the buggy driving time?

The total tour time is about 3.5 hours including transportation, with about 2 hours of buggy driving on the tour.

What gear is included for this buggy adventure?

You’ll be provided with a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and raingear if needed.

Is pickup included, and where do they pick up?

Pickup by Safari Quads is included, with many Reykjavik-area pickup options such as major hotels and listed city bus stops.

Do I need a driver’s license?

All drivers must have a valid driver license. The tour notes that drivers must be at least 17 years old.

What is the minimum age for passengers?

The minimum age for passengers is 6 years old (non drivers).

Are shoes included?

No. Shoes are not included, and you’re advised to bring comfortable shoes.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and for pregnant women.