ATV Riding on Black Lava Sands: South Iceland

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/7

Duration2h

GroupUp to 15

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Two hours crossing dormant volcano terrain on black sand toward Dyrhólaey and a crashed aircraft.

Ride a quad bike across the black lava sands of South Iceland near Mýrdalsjökull glacier for approximately 2 hours, with one person driving and one as passenger per ATV. The route crosses small rivers, reaches the black beach with views back to the glacier and along the coast to Dyrhólaey, passes the famous aircraft wreck, and follows the mountain base on the return. An English-speaking guide leads the ride; no prior ATV experience is required, and all safety gear—helmet, balaclava, insulated cover-all—is provided. Children from age 8 are welcome, and groups with odd numbers require an additional local fee for single riders.

The Experience

The ride starts at the base near Mýrdalsjökull glacier with a safety briefing and tour plan. You'll operate the ATV yourself (or ride as passenger if you prefer), crossing small rivers and heading down to the black lava sands that came from the dormant volcano Katla. The landscape is stark and open—the kind of terrain that does not exist in most places—and the ride takes you across it at a pace that lets you see the glacier behind you and the coast ahead.

At the black beach, you stop to take in the view: Mýrdalsjökull rising in the distance and the southern coastline stretching toward Dyrhólaey, Iceland's southernmost peninsula. From there the route follows the coast to the aircraft wreck—a real plane, a real landmark—and then to the river Jökulsá at the foot of the mountain. The return follows the mountain base back to where you started. Two people share each ATV, so if you're traveling with a partner, one of you drives while the other sits behind and photographs the terrain. If you're alone or in an odd-numbered group, a single-rider fee applies at the location.

Bring a camera if the weather is clear; the black sand, glacier and wreck are the kind of subjects that make the ride worth documenting. Wear warm layers under the insulated cover-all provided—South Iceland operates in cold conditions year-round. A valid driver's license is required to operate the ATV, and the skill level is rated easy, so no prior experience is necessary. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure.

What’s included

Insulated cover-all, helmet and balaclava face mask.
ATV shared between two riders (one driving, one passenger).
English-speaking guide leading the route.
safety briefing at the base before departure.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Icelandic Mountain Guides

Is this one for you?Book this ride if you want to operate the ATV yourself—the two-hour route is designed for riders with no experience, and the guide handles the navigation while you focus on the terrain. If you prefer to ride as a passenger only, you can sit behind a driver and photograph the glacier, wreck and black sand without needing a license.