ATV & Helicopter combination tour From Reykajvik

The best part of this outing is the change of viewpoint: you ride rough trails toward Lake Hafravatn and Reykjavik Peak, then see the capital, Faxaflói Bay, and Iceland’s volcanic country from a helicopter. It packs two very different adventures into one day without sending you far from Reykjavik.

I like the fine mix of action and scenery, and I like that the helicopter includes a mountaintop landing with about 20 minutes to take photos. The ATV portion also gives you time outside the city, rather than simply driving to a viewpoint.

The main drawback is practical: there is no drop-off after the helicopter flight, so you must walk back or arrange your own onward transport. The day also depends heavily on weather, especially the distant views and the flight.

Key points at a glance

• Two Iceland adventures in one day: Ride an ATV near Reykjavik, then take a helicopter flight from the domestic airport.
• The ATV route reaches Lake Hafravatn: You follow rocky trails around the lake before climbing toward Reykjavik Peak.
• The views stretch well beyond the city: On a clear day, you may see Mount Esjan, Faxaflói Bay, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and Snæfellsjökull.
• The helicopter includes a mountain landing: You spend about 20 minutes on the ground for photos and views.
• You need a driver’s license to drive: Passengers can be at least six years old, but the age information also lists children under eight as unsuitable, so confirm this before booking for a young child.
• Budget about half a day: The full outing takes five to six hours, with pickup beginning around 9:00 a.m.

Why this combination works so well

I like tours that let you see Iceland at more than one speed. An ATV gives you the rough, close-to-the-ground view: gravel, rocks, mountain tracks, and the feel of moving through open country under your own control. A helicopter does the opposite. It lifts you above the city and turns the coast, mountains, and rooftops into one broad picture.

That contrast gives this tour its point. You are not simply paying for two versions of the same viewpoint. The quad bike section is active and earthy. The helicopter section is short, smooth, and dependent on visibility. Put together, they make a lively half-day for someone who wants more than a standard bus excursion.

The tour operates from Reykjavik, which matters. You do not need to spend a full day reaching a distant part of Iceland before the main activity begins. Pickup is offered from hotels and designated bus stops around the city, and the ATV base is on the capital’s outskirts.

The price is about $500 per person. That is a serious charge, but it covers two separately exciting experiences, protective riding gear, guides, transportation to the ATV base, and the transfer to Reykjavik Domestic Airport. I would judge the value by your interests. If you already plan to take a separate helicopter flight and an ATV excursion, combining them may save time and simplify the day. If you are mainly after scenery, a less costly viewpoint tour may suit you better.

Starting early from Reykjavik

Pickup starts between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., and you need to be ready at your assigned location at 9:00. That early start is useful because the tour has several moving parts: city pickup, the ATV briefing, the ride itself, a transfer back toward town, and the helicopter flight.

Your voucher will show the pickup point. Possible locations include major hotels such as Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Grand Hotel Reykjavik, Hotel Cabin, Reykjavik Lights, and Reykjavik Natura. Pickup is also available at selected bus stops, the Reykjavik Bus Terminal, Skarfabakki Cruise Terminal, and other central points.

If your hotel sits outside a pickup zone, you will be assigned a nearby bus stop. Check this before the morning of the tour. Reykjavik’s hotel bus system works well, but it is less pleasant when you are trying to find a stop with a helmet bag and outdoor clothing.

The transfer to the ATV base gives you a little time to get settled. Since there is no included return ride after the helicopter, keep the entire day flexible. The activity is listed as five to six hours, but the exact finish depends on transfers, flight timing, and weather.

Getting ready for the ATV ride

At the base camp, you receive a safety briefing lasting about 30 minutes. The guides provide a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear. That equipment is important in Iceland, where wind and wet weather can change how a ride feels very quickly.

Wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers. The supplied gear helps with weather and protection, but it does not replace shoes with a firm sole. You should also bring your driver’s license if you plan to drive.

The ATVs are two-seaters. You can share with another person or choose a single-rider option when booking. Only licensed drivers may operate the machines, while passengers do not need a license.

The age rules need a careful look. The tour allows passengers from age six, but the suitability information also says it is not suitable for children under eight. Since those statements do not match neatly, contact the operator before booking for a six- or seven-year-old. Children under six are not permitted.

The briefing is not filler. You will be shown how to use the controls and how to handle the machine on uneven ground. If you have never driven an ATV, pay close attention and tell the guide if you are unsure. The goal is a guided ride, not a race.

Riding from Hafravatn toward Reykjavik Peak

Once everyone is ready, the group follows rocky trails toward Lake Hafravatn. The route around the lake gives you a taste of Icelandic backcountry close to the capital. It is less about covering a great distance than about feeling the change from city streets to open mountain tracks.

The ATV makes the route more physical than a normal sightseeing drive. You need to pay attention to the trail, the other vehicles, and the guide’s instructions. That means you may have less time to stare at the scenery than you would from a bus, but the tradeoff is a more active connection with the setting.

After riding around the lake, the route climbs toward Reykjavik Peak. The climb is the first major payoff of the ground portion. At the top, you stop for photographs and a broad view back toward Reykjavik.

From the summit, look for the city’s colorful rooftops, Faxaflói Bay, and flat-topped Mount Esjan. The view helps you understand Reykjavik’s setting. The capital is compact, the bay opens out in front of it, and the mountains make a strong edge behind the city.

On a notably clear day, the view may extend toward the volcanoes of the Reykjanes Peninsula and along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull. Do not treat those distant sights as guaranteed. Iceland’s weather can hide them, and the value of the stop remains even when the far horizon disappears.

The ATV ride itself lasts about one hour, separate from the safety briefing. That is long enough to make the outing worthwhile, but not so long that you should expect a full-day wilderness expedition. If you want hours of riding, this package may feel brief. If you want a lively introduction to mountain tracks near Reykjavik, the length is sensible.

Returning to the city for the helicopter

After the ride, you return to the base, hand back the equipment, and take a van toward Reykjavik Domestic Airport. The listed transfer takes about 30 minutes. This changeover is one of the tour’s less glamorous moments, but it is also what makes the combination possible in a single half-day.

At the airport, you meet the pilot and receive a briefing about the flight route. The helicopter portion lasts about 45 minutes, while the full flight experience is described as about an hour including the landing stop and time on the ground.

The flight gives you a new reading of Reykjavik. Streets and rooftops that seemed spread out from the ATV summit become part of a compact urban pattern. Faxaflói Bay opens wide, and the surrounding mountains show how close the capital is to open country.

The exact view depends on the day. Clear conditions can reveal more of the Reykjanes Peninsula and the wider area, while low cloud or poor visibility may limit what you see. The operator can still run a flight when the day is not perfect, but you should understand that visibility affects the sightseeing value.

The mountaintop landing

The helicopter makes a mountaintop landing during the flight, with about 20 minutes to get out, take pictures, and look around. This is more than a quick aircraft stop. It gives you time to feel the height and weather directly, rather than seeing everything through a window.

The landing is also the most weather-sensitive part of the day. Wind, cloud, and visibility can affect the route or the landing plan. The information provided does not promise a particular mountain or a fixed view, so keep your expectations focused on the experience of landing in Icelandic mountain country.

One recent outing included a landing on a roughly 2,000-year-old volcano that still produces hot water and steam. That detail shows how unusual the setting can be, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed stop on every departure. Flight routes and landing sites can vary.

Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from the wind. You will have a short time on the ground, and the mountaintop stop is best used for a few deliberate photographs rather than trying to document every second.

Guides, pace, and the feel of the day

The ATV section is led in English by professional guides. The staff have been described as friendly and helpful, and one recent outing involved a young guiding team. The pilot also provides a route briefing and explanations during the helicopter experience.

The pace is guided rather than independent. You follow the group on the trails and listen to instructions about the ATV. That is good for safety and for keeping the day on schedule, though it means you cannot choose your own route or stop whenever you wish.

The activity has a strong fun factor, but it is not aimed only at expert drivers. Licensed beginners can take part, provided they follow the safety briefing and feel comfortable operating the vehicle. Passengers who prefer to watch can share a machine with a driver.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That is obvious from a safety point of view, but it matters here because you operate a motor vehicle and then take a flight in the same outing.

Weather, clothing, and practical comfort

Iceland’s weather is the biggest variable. The supplied rain gear and overalls are useful, but dress in layers underneath. Wear shoes suited to wet ground and uneven paths, and avoid arriving in clothing that you cannot move in comfortably.

The distant views are a bonus, not a promise. Mount Esjan, the Reykjanes volcanoes, and Snæfellsjökull require good visibility. The ATV ride still offers a worthwhile change of scenery in cloud, but the helicopter sightseeing portion loses some of its impact when the horizon is closed in.

Keep your schedule open after the activity. There is no included drop-off from the domestic airport. One practical option is walking back into Reykjavik if your accommodation is nearby, but the tour information does not provide a formal return transfer. Arrange your own onward transport if you have dinner reservations, a bus connection, or a flight to catch.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Iceland plans are still shifting, but they do not remove the weather risk on the day itself.

Who should book this tour

I would recommend this tour to you if you want an active half-day with strong photo opportunities and do not want to spend the day on a long road transfer. It suits couples, friends, and families with children who meet the age rules, especially when one person wants to drive and another prefers to ride as a passenger.

It also fits a short Reykjavik stay. You get mountain tracks, a city viewpoint, a helicopter flight, and a mountaintop stop without committing an entire day to one remote destination.

I would think twice if you dislike motorized activities, feel uneasy about helicopters, or need a guaranteed schedule. The ATV section is only about an hour, and the helicopter route depends on conditions. The $500 price also makes this a special-occasion purchase rather than a casual add-on.

Should you book the ATV and helicopter combination?

Book it if you want variety, enjoy a little controlled adventure, and value seeing Reykjavik from both the trail and the air. The strongest features are the ride to Hafravatn and Reykjavik Peak, the wide city and bay views, and the chance to stand on a mountain during the helicopter flight.

Skip it if your priority is the lowest-cost way to see Iceland, a long ATV excursion, or a fully door-to-door experience. Confirm your pickup point, check the child age rule if needed, bring your license and sturdy shoes, and plan your own return from the airport. With those details handled, this is a spirited and efficient way to add two memorable Iceland experiences to a Reykjavik stay.

FAQ

How long does the ATV and helicopter tour take?

The complete activity takes about five to six hours, including pickup, the ATV briefing, riding time, transfers, and the helicopter experience.

What time does pickup begin?

You need to be ready at your assigned pickup location at 9:00 a.m. Pickup takes place between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available from hotels throughout Reykjavik City and from selected bus stops, the Reykjavik Bus Terminal, and Skarfabakki Cruise Terminal. If your hotel is outside a pickup zone, you will be assigned a bus stop.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes, you need a valid driver’s license if you want to drive an ATV. Only licensed drivers may operate the machines.

Can I ride as a passenger without a license?

Yes. Passengers do not need a driver’s license.

How many people fit on one ATV?

The ATVs are two-seaters. You can share with another person or select a single-rider option when booking.

What equipment is included for the ATV ride?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear.

What should I wear?

Hiking boots or sneakers are recommended. Wear comfortable layers under the supplied protective clothing.

Are young children allowed?

Passengers must be at least six years old according to the tour information, but the suitability details also say the activity is not suitable for children under eight. Contact the operator to confirm the rule for a child aged six or seven.

Is transportation back to my hotel included?

Pickup is included, but drop-off is not. After the helicopter flight, you must arrange your own return from Reykjavik Domestic Airport.