ATV & Helicopter Adventure Tour from Reykjavik

The best thing about this tour is the change of viewpoint. You spend one hour gripping an ATV handlebar on rough mountain trails, then trade mud and engine noise for a helicopter flight over Reykjavik, lava fields, and nearby peaks. The mountain landing gives you about 20 minutes to get out and take in the view.

I like the two-in-one format, especially if your Reykjavik stay is short. I also like that the ATV portion welcomes beginners and provides helmets, gloves, overalls, ski masks, and rain gear. The main catch is the price, $489 per person, plus the fact that helicopter time depends heavily on weather and may be shorter than expected.

I would also plan your return carefully. Safari Quads takes you from the ATV base to the helicopter operation, but there is no hotel drop-off afterward. The helicopter airport is in central Reykjavik, so you can use a taxi, but that final transfer is yours to arrange.

Key points to know before booking

• Two very different Iceland experiences in one morning: Ride an ATV across mountain trails, then see Reykjavik and nearby volcanic country from above.
• A 20-minute mountain landing: The helicopter tour includes time to step out and enjoy the view, weather permitting.
• Beginner-friendly ATV driving: You receive a safety briefing and full protective clothing, and no previous ATV experience is required.
• Pickup starts at 9:00 am: You may need to walk 2 to 5 minutes from your hotel to a designated Reykjavik bus stop.
• The return transfer is not included: You are dropped at the helicopter base, then make your own way back after the flight.
• Weather affects the helicopter most: Poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled flight or a full refund, and wind can shorten the experience.

One morning, two views of Iceland

This tour works because the two activities complement each other. The ATV gives you a close, physical look at the countryside. You feel the bumps, steer around rough ground, and watch Reykjavik open up behind you. The helicopter then pulls you away from the roads and trails, showing the city, mountains, lava fields, and coastline from a much wider angle.

That combination is hard to arrange independently in a single morning. You would otherwise need to book separate operators, compare meeting times, and solve the transfer between them. Here, Safari Quads handles the connection from the ATV base to the helicopter company.

The tour lasts about five hours in total. The ATV ride itself is one hour, while the helicopter portion is marketed as a Reykjavik Summit tour with a mountain landing. The exact time in the air can vary. One outing lasted barely 20 minutes because of strong wind, while another included a full hour in the helicopter. That is not a minor detail at this price.

Starting at 9:00 am near your Reykjavik hotel

Pickup is listed for 9:00 am, with the tour start around 9:30. Be ready at the designated bus stop, not necessarily outside your hotel. Reykjavik has central no-pickup zones, so many hotels require a short walk to the nearest stop.

The pickup itself can take up to 30 minutes. I would not cut this close, especially if you are unfamiliar with the bus-stop system. Search for the closest official bus stop to your accommodation in advance, and give yourself a few extra minutes in Icelandic weather.

This early start has a useful benefit. You finish the combined outing with much of the day still available for Reykjavik sights, museums, shopping, or a relaxed lunch. Several people have found the half-day structure appealing because full-day Iceland excursions can leave little room for anything else.

The trade-off is that you should not expect an unhurried hotel morning. Have breakfast before pickup or bring something with you, since food and drinks are not included.

Getting ready for the one-hour ATV ride

At the ATV base, you receive driving instructions and a safety briefing before setting off. No previous quad-bike experience is required, so this is a reasonable introduction if you have never driven one.

The provided equipment is useful in Iceland’s changeable conditions:

• Helmet
• Gloves
• Protective overalls
• Ski mask
• Rain gear

You should still dress in warm layers. The supplied clothing helps keep wind, rain, mud, and spray off you, but it does not turn an outdoor motor activity into a dry indoor one. If the route is wet, expect the possibility of mud and water. That is part of the fun for some people, but less appealing if you want to stay spotless for the rest of the day.

The ATV activity is guided rather than free riding. You follow the guide across countryside and up toward the mountains, with stops or slower sections that allow you to take in views across the Reykjavik area. The route offers a more active way to see the region than a coach window does.

The guide’s job matters here. Damos has been singled out for giving clear instruction and leading riders onto off-road trails with good city views. Hanna has also been praised for friendly, helpful service. The operator’s overall rating is 4.9 from 24 reviews, and 96 percent of customers recommend the experience, which points to consistently strong handling of the ATV portion.

What the ATV ride feels like for beginners

You do not need to arrive as an off-road expert. The briefing is designed to get you moving safely, and the tour is suitable for first-time riders. That makes this a better choice for a mixed group than a technically demanding ATV outing.

Still, you should be comfortable operating a quad bike and following instructions. A valid driver’s license is required if you are driving. The minimum age for a passenger is six, so younger children can ride along, but the age rule does not mean every child will enjoy the wind, noise, or rough movement.

The ride lasts only one hour. That is enough time to learn the controls, ride into the countryside, and enjoy the views, but it may feel short once you gain confidence. One person described wishing for a longer ATV session because the ride seemed to finish just as the fun was building.

That short length is both a weakness and a strength. If you want a serious off-road day, this is not it. If you want a manageable dose of adventure before a helicopter flight, the one-hour format keeps the morning from becoming exhausting.

Handing off from Safari Quads to the helicopter base

After the ATV ride, Safari Quads transfers you to the helicopter operation run by Norðurflug Tours. This handoff is an important part of the booking, since you are not expected to find your own way between the two activities.

Pay attention during the transfer. One person was initially taken back toward the hotel instead of being delivered to the helicopter base and had to remind the driver about the planned connection. It appears to have been a coordination mistake rather than the normal arrangement, but I would still confirm the helicopter drop-off with the driver before leaving the ATV site.

After the helicopter ride, the transport plan changes. The helicopter company does not provide a hotel transfer. The airport is in downtown Reykjavik and a short distance from many hotels, so a taxi is the practical solution. If you are trying to reach another scheduled activity, leave room for the flight timing, collecting belongings, and the ride back.

Seeing Reykjavik from the helicopter

The helicopter portion gives you the broad view that the ATV cannot. Depending on the route and conditions, you may see Reykjavik, local mountain ranges, lava fields, the Blue Lagoon area, and a recent volcanic site. Those sights make more sense from above, where the scale of the volcanic ground becomes clear.

The major feature is the mountain landing. The helicopter sets down on a mountaintop, and you have about 20 minutes to step out and look around. Wind can be fierce at elevation, so bring the warmest layer provided or keep your outer clothing close. The landing is not simply a quick photo stop. It gives you time to stand in the open air and appreciate the setting before returning to the aircraft.

The quality of this part depends on the pilot and the weather. One pilot was praised for being funny and informative, while another flight had almost no commentary at all. If you want an educational flight with a running explanation of the sights, ask at the beginning what narration to expect.

Weather can also change the plan quickly. Strong wind shortened one flight and reduced the time at the landing site. In poor weather, the helicopter portion may be canceled altogether. The operator’s policy is to offer another date or a full refund if conditions make the tour unsafe.

That policy is reassuring, but it does not remove the planning risk. Avoid booking this as the one activity that must happen on your final morning in Iceland if you would be disappointed to lose it. Give yourself another opportunity if the helicopter is a major reason for booking.

Is $489 a fair price?

At $489 per person, this is an expensive half-day. You are paying for two specialist activities, protective ATV equipment, professional guides, the helicopter flight, the mountain landing, and the transfer between operators. For someone who wants both experiences and has limited time, the price may be easier to justify than booking two separate outings on different days.

The value is strongest when the weather cooperates. You get a physical activity, sweeping aerial views, and the convenience of one connected morning. It is also a good use of time for a short Reykjavik visit, when a full-day excursion would crowd out the city itself.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a long ATV ride or a guaranteed, extended helicopter flight. The ATV lasts one hour, and the helicopter time may be cut by wind. You should book this because you want variety and convenience, not because you expect a full day of either activity.

The price is per person, and you choose between a single-rider or shared-rider option. Shared bookings require at least two adults. A single-rider booking requires at least one adult. Check the option carefully before paying, particularly if one person in your group plans to drive and another plans to ride as a passenger.

There is also a maximum total passenger weight of 265 pounds per passenger. Since the wording refers to total weight per passenger, ask the operator if you are unsure how it applies to your booking or riding arrangement.

Who will enjoy this combination most

I would recommend the tour to an active couple, a family with an older child, or a small group that wants to pack two memorable activities into one morning. It suits first-time ATV riders particularly well because instruction and gear are included.

It also works for people who want more than a standard sightseeing bus. The ATV gives you motion and direct contact with the countryside, while the helicopter offers the dramatic scale that is difficult to get from ground level.

You may want another plan if you dislike wind, mud, loud engines, or weather-dependent activities. The tour is not a quiet nature outing. Even with supplied rain gear, you should be ready for Icelandic conditions.

It is also less suitable if you need a completely smooth schedule. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, the helicopter may be delayed or shortened by weather, and the return to your hotel is not arranged.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Reserve early if your dates are fixed. This experience is booked an average of 76 days ahead, which suggests that popular times can fill well before arrival.

Keep your driver’s license with you if you plan to operate the ATV. No alcohol or drug use is allowed, and the operator has no tolerance for it.

The tour is offered in English and uses mobile tickets. Confirmation arrives when you book. Most people can participate, but the weight limit, driver’s license rule, minimum passenger age, and shared-booking requirements are worth checking before you commit.

Cancellation is free until 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, unless poor weather forces the operator to cancel. In that case, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the ATV and helicopter tour?

Book it if you want a compact, high-impact morning and value the chance to see Iceland from both ground level and the air. The best parts are the easy beginner access, the supplied protective gear, the mountain landing, and the efficient transfer between the two activities.

I would pause if $489 feels high for a tour with only one hour on the ATV and uncertain helicopter time. I would also avoid placing it on a day when a missed or shortened flight would ruin your schedule.

For the right person, this is a memorable way to start a Reykjavik stay. Confirm the pickup bus stop, dress for wind and rain, keep your driver’s license handy, and arrange your return from the helicopter airport before you leave. Those small steps let you focus on the fun: mud below, mountains ahead, and Reykjavik spread out beneath the helicopter.

FAQ

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup is scheduled for 9:00 am, with the activity starting around 9:30 am. You need to be ready at your designated Reykjavik bus stop, and pickup may take up to 30 minutes.

Can I be picked up directly at my Reykjavik hotel?

Not always. Hotels in central Reykjavik may be located in no-pickup zones, so you may need to walk 2 to 5 minutes to the nearest designated bus stop.

Do I need previous ATV experience?

No. The tour includes a safety briefing and driving instruction, and beginners can participate. A valid driver’s license is required if you drive the ATV.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, protective overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear. Food and drinks are not included.

Is transportation included after the helicopter ride?

No. Safari Quads transfers you from the ATV base to the helicopter operation, but there is no hotel drop-off after the flight. The helicopter airport is in downtown Reykjavik, where you can arrange a taxi.

What happens if bad weather cancels the helicopter flight?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Strong wind may also shorten the helicopter flight or reduce time at the mountain landing.