ATV Riding South Coast: 2-Hour Black Sand Beach

Drive rugged Polaris buggies along Iceland's black sand shore with a small group per guide

A 2-hour ATV ride on Iceland's South Coast starting from Hella, where you operate a Polaris 1000 buggy across the black sand beach at Þykkvabæjarfjara. A personal guide leads groups of up to four riders, and all safety gear (helmets, gloves, balaclavas and water-resistant suits) is provided. Children from age 7 can ride when accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Black Sand Beach Buggy Tour

• Start tour in Hella
• Drive Polaris 1000 buggy
• Visit Þykkvabæjarfjara black sand beach
• Experience Atlantic Ocean power
• Explore Icelandic landscape
• Enjoy guided buggy adventure

The experience

You drive a Polaris 1000 buggy yourself across the black sand beach of Þykkvabæjarfjara, where the Atlantic Ocean shapes the landscape. The 2-hour ride departs from Hella and stays on the beach the whole time. A personal guide rides with your group of up to four to show you how the terrain changes and what the power of the ocean does to the land. Six departure times run each day, so you can pick the slot that fits your schedule.

All the gear you need comes with the booking: helmet, gloves, balaclava and water-resistant suit, plus a personal guide who speaks English. The 4:1 guest-to-guide ratio means you're not in a crowd, and the guide can watch your line and answer questions as you ride. Children from age 7 can join if an adult is riding with them. You'll need a valid driver's license to operate the buggy.

The tour starts and ends in Hella, so you'll need your own transport to get there or arrange a ride in advance: the operator doesn't include hotel pickup. Bring warm clothes to wear under the water-resistant suit if the weather is cold.

What’s included

• Polaris 1000 buggy for each rider.
• personal guide in English.
• helmet, gloves, balaclava and water-resistant suit.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 20:00

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (7 to 15 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Buggy X-treme Iceland

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Hella, so if you don't have a car or are staying elsewhere on the South Coast, you'll need to arrange your own transport to the starting point: public options are available nearby, and a rental car or separate transfer works well for groups.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 15 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need my own ATV or do you provide the buggy?

The operator provides a Polaris 1000 buggy for each rider. You operate it yourself. The guide rides alongside your group to lead the route and point out how the landscape changes.

What's the black sand beach like when we get there?

Þykkvabæjarfjara is shaped by the Atlantic Ocean, which moulds the Icelandic landscape. The beach is the focus of the 2-hour ride, and you'll see how the ocean's power works on the sand and the land around it.

How do I get to Hella for the departure?

The tour starts in Hella, and you'll need to arrange your own transport there. Public transportation options are available nearby, or you can rent a car or book a separate transfer.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour runs in most conditions, and all necessary safety gear is provided. Bring warm clothes to wear under the water-resistant suit if it's cold.