ATV Riding on Black Lava Sands: South Iceland
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.
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.
Times
- Every day 10:00 12:30 13:30 15:00
Before you book
Operated by Icelandic Mountain Guides
Prices and times updated yesterday
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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.
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.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 16 years). Children under 8 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.
Can I ride the ATV if I've never done it before?
No prior ATV experience is required. The skill level for this ride is rated easy. You'll receive a safety briefing and instructions at the base before you depart.
What happens if I'm traveling alone or in a group with an odd number of people?
Groups with odd numbers must book a single-rider ATV, which is payable on location only. Make sure you have enough participants with valid driving licenses if you want to split riders across multiple bikes.
What is the aircraft wreck I'll see on the route?
The route passes a famous aircraft wreck on the black sand near the coast. It's a real landmark and a notable stop on the ride, though the reference material does not detail its history.
Do I need a driver's license to participate?
A valid driver's license is required to operate the ATV. If you're riding as a passenger only, you do not need one, but at least one person per bike must have a license.
What should I wear for the ride?
Wear warm clothing underneath the insulated cover-all provided, as South Iceland operates in cold weather conditions year-round. A helmet and balaclava face mask are also supplied.
ATV Riding on Black Lava Sands: South Iceland
2h · EN
from US$ 217 per person
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