Iceland North: Family Rafting in Volcanic Canyon & Hot Cocoa

Summary

Family rafting adventure through Iceland’s wild volcanic canyons with hot chocolate and laughter

You’ll paddle through North Iceland’s volcanic canyon with expert guides who know every twist of the river. Warm drysuits keep you cozy while you sip hot cocoa brewed from a geothermal spring, and there’s always room for laughter (and maybe a cliff jump). This family rafting trip is more than scenery—it’s sharing small adventures together in wild places.

What’s the experience like?

We were already fumbling with the zippers on our drysuits when Jón, our guide, grinned and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll thank me for these in five minutes.” He was right. The wind at Hafgrímsstaðir base was sharp enough to make my daughter tuck her chin into her scarf, but inside those suits it felt like we’d brought a little piece of home with us. There was this nervous energy buzzing around as we listened to the safety talk — I kept glancing at the river beyond the basalt cliffs, half-excited and half-wondering if I’d regret skipping that second coffee.

The first splash hit my paddle and I braced for cold, but honestly? Just a cool tingle through the gloves. The canyon walls looked almost painted — streaks of black rock and steam curling up from somewhere out of sight. Jón pointed out a spot where locals sometimes swim (not today, thanks) and told us about trolls hiding in the rocks. My son tried to spot one every time we rounded a bend. We stopped by a steaming patch on the bank; Jón brewed hot chocolate straight from a bubbling spring. It tasted faintly earthy and sweet — or maybe that was just my imagination mixing with the sulfur smell. Either way, it warmed my hands right through the cup.

Somehow, between paddling and laughing at our attempts to steer (“Left! No — other left!”), time slipped by fast. A few brave souls tried cliff jumping — not me, though my youngest nearly convinced me. The guides were patient, always checking everyone was comfortable before anything risky. I caught myself just watching the light shift over the water while everyone else chatted; there’s something about Iceland that makes you want to listen more than talk.

By the end of our day trip rafting in North Iceland, we were all tired but kind of giddy — cheeks red, hair wild under helmets. My daughter still talks about Jón’s stories and how her toes stayed warm even after a splash fight. It wasn’t just about rafting; it felt like being let in on some local secret for a few hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Family rafting in volcanic canyon

• Meet guides at rafting base
• Gear up in drysuits and helmets
• Drive to river launch site
• Attend safety briefing
• Raft 10 km through canyon
• Enjoy hot cocoa from hot spring
• Optional cliff jump or glacial swim

Top questions

Is this family rafting trip in Iceland suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed for families and first-timers with no prior rafting experience required.

What is included in the day trip rafting package?

The tour includes all rafting equipment (drysuit, helmet, gloves), professional guides, safety kayakers, river transfers, and hot drinks by the river.

How long is the rafting route in North Iceland?

The route covers approximately 10 km through volcanic canyon scenery.

Are children allowed on this family rafting tour?

Yes, kids aged 6 or 7 years and older are welcome depending on conditions.

Do I need to bring special clothing?

You should bring thermal underwear or base layers, warm socks, fleece tops/pants, and a change of clothes for after the river.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet at Hafgrímsstaðir base where gear-up begins.

Can I try cliff jumping or swimming during the tour?

Yes, both are optional depending on conditions—guides will let you know when it’s safe.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your local guide at Hafgrímsstaðir base where you’ll get fitted with premium drysuits, helmets, neoprene shoes and gloves before heading out together by van to the river entry point. You’ll enjoy riverside refreshments like hot chocolate brewed from geothermal springs along your 10 km journey through volcanic canyons—and all transport between base camp and river is covered before returning to change into dry clothes at the end.