Vestmannaeyjar ATV tour: Volcanoes, puffins and lava fields

Ride through lava and stand where puffins nest on the cliff edge

An ATV tour of Vestmannaeyjar that starts on-road toward Stórhöfði to watch puffins, then turns off-road through lava fields past Prestvik beach and into Eldfell volcano. The guide is live in English, all gear is provided, and no prior ATV experience is required. Drivers need a valid license and passengers must be at least 6 years old.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore volcanoes and puffins on ATV

• Start ATV tour heading south
• See elephant rock landmark
• Drive to Stórhöfði for views
• Walk and watch puffins
• Drive off-road through lava fields
• Visit Prestvik beach and shipwreck site
• See Guðlaugur Friðþórsson survival scene
• Explore Eldfell volcano and coast

The experience

The tour begins heading south along the island, passing the elephant rock landmark before climbing toward Stórhöfði. This headland is the windiest place in the country, but on clear days the view stretches all the way to Surtsey, the southernmost island in the cluster, formed by an underwater eruption in 1963. The guide stops here long enough to watch puffins play on the slope, take off and land while explaining their behavior and the island's ecology.

From Stórhöfði the route turns into the lava area and goes off-road. You'll pass Prestvik beach, where the fishing ship Pelagus stranded, and see the landing site from "The Deep," the film about Guðlaugur Friðþórsson's survival swim in the cold sea. The ATVs are automatic and easy to handle (no specific riding experience is needed), and they carry two people, with the driver operating the controls and the passenger riding along. The tour winds through the lava and into Eldfell volcano itself, following the coast where the views open up across the water.

Waterproof overalls, gloves and a helmet are provided for every rider. The guide speaks English throughout and the pace suits families. Children from age 6 can ride as passengers. The whole route takes roughly two hours.

What’s included

• Waterproof overalls, gloves and helmet.
• live guide in English.
• ATV and fuel.

Options for this experience

2 options

Share riderGuide in English · Available from 15 May 2027This is the shared rider option: two people share each ATV (two adults, or one adult with one child). Be sure to select each person who will share the ATV.

Solo riderGuide in English · Available from 15 May 2027Solo rider

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (6 to 16 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 14

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 levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Volcano ATV

Is this one for you?Choose the solo rider option if you want to control the ATV yourself. Pick the share rider option if you'd rather have someone else handle the driving while you focus on the landscape and the puffins. Either way, no prior ATV experience is needed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 16 years). Under 6: 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.

What is the elephant rock on Vestmannaeyjar?

The elephant rock is a famous landmark on the southern part of the island that the tour passes early on. The guide points it out as one of the most distinctive natural features of Vestmannaeyjar.

Can I see puffins on this ATV tour?

Yes. Stórhöfði is home to the world's largest puffin colony, and the tour stops there long enough for the guide to explain their behavior while you watch them play on the slope and come in to land.

Do I need a driving license to ride an ATV on this tour?

Only the driver needs a valid license. Passengers must be at least 6 years old, and the ATVs are automatic, so no prior riding experience is required.

What happened at Prestvik beach?

The fishing ship Pelagus stranded at Prestvik beach, and the tour passes the site where Guðlaugur Friðþórsson came ashore after swimming in the cold sea, an event featured in the film "The Deep."

What gear is provided on the tour?

Waterproof overalls, gloves and helmets are provided for all riders, so you don't need to bring your own protective equipment.