Buggy ‘Lava Field Adventure’ from Reykjavik

The best part of this outing is the change of pace. Instead of sitting in a coach while Iceland rolls past your window, you take the wheel and feel the ground shift beneath you as the buggy crosses lava sand, puddles, snow, and rough mountain tracks. At the top of Úlfarsfell, you get wide views over Reykjavik, the North Atlantic, and Esja Mountain.

I like the hands-on driving and the strong safety setup. You get a helmet, gloves, thermal coveralls, ski mask, and rain gear, which matters in Iceland’s quick-changing weather. I also like the guides’ personal touch. Guides such as Gonzalo, Louis, Lisa, Marco, and Thomas have been praised for clear instruction, good humor, and helping nervous drivers settle in.

The main drawback is that this is built around driving, not quiet sightseeing. One stop includes geothermal features, but much of the two-hour ride is fast and bumpy. If you want long photo stops, you may find the pace too quick.

Quick takeaways

• Drive across real lava terrain: Expect rocky trails, lava sand, mud, standing water, snow, and steep sections.
• Reach Úlfarsfell views: The summit looks toward Reykjavik, the North Atlantic, and Esja Mountain.
• Stop near geothermal features: You may see steam vents, boiling mud, hot springs, and pipes linked to Iceland’s volcanic heat.
• Use supplied cold-weather gear: Helmets, gloves, overalls, ski masks, and rain gear are included.
• Share a two-seat buggy: Each vehicle carries one driver and one passenger, with the option to switch drivers.
• Plan around the driving focus: The ride suits you if speed, bumps, and outdoor action appeal more than a slow scenic outing.

What the 3.5-hour outing is really like

This is a half-day activity with about two hours spent driving. The rest of the time covers transport, changing into gear, the safety briefing, vehicle instruction, and the return to Reykjavik.

Pickup begins around 30 minutes before departure, with pickup scheduled for 13:00. The process can take up to another 30 minutes, so keep your afternoon flexible. If your hotel is in one of Reykjavik’s no-pickup zones, you will walk to a nearby bus stop, usually two to five minutes away.

The drive to the Safari Quads base takes you out toward the city’s edge. At the base, you receive your helmet and protective clothing, then learn how to operate the buggy. Each machine is designed for two people, one driver and one passenger.

The price is listed per person, but the normal shared option requires two adults per booking and is based on two people using one buggy. One person can book the single-rider option, which is useful if you want full control of the vehicle and do not have a driving partner.

Getting ready at Safari Quads

The safety briefing is more than a formality here. You need a full valid driver’s licence to drive, and the guide explains how to handle the buggy before the group leaves the base. Listen closely, since the route includes loose lava material, muddy water, snow, and steep ground.

You will receive a helmet, gloves, thermal coveralls, a ski mask, and rain gear. This is a practical benefit, especially on a damp or windy day. The protective clothing will not make you completely warm or dry in every condition, but it gives you a much better start than arriving in ordinary city clothes.

The buggies are two-seaters, so you can ride with a partner, friend, or family member. Adults can take turns driving, which adds value for couples and families. You should still expect a physical ride. The supplier recommends a moderate level of fitness, and the route can be tiring because it is bumpy and active.

Children aged six and above may ride as passengers. They may not drive, since driving requires a full valid licence.

Across lava fields, mud, snow, and water

Once the group sets out, the guide leads from the front. You follow the route rather than choosing your own path, which keeps the group together and helps the guide manage different driving abilities.

The early sections cross lowland trails and rough lava fields. Icelandic lava terrain is not a smooth black plain. It can be broken, uneven, sandy, and mixed with stones. The buggy gives you a close view of this ground because you are moving across it rather than seeing it from a distant road.

Mud and water add the fun, and also the mess. Large puddles can soak the buggy, even with rain gear. Snow may appear on the route depending on conditions and season. The best attitude is to expect dirt and spray, not to treat them as accidents.

Some people will love the quick pace. The buggies are described as fast, and the route includes sections where you can press the accelerator and let the machine handle the rough surface. If you prefer to stop often for photographs, stay near the guide and make your wish for scenic pauses clear when possible.

Group pace matters. A slower or less confident driver can affect everyone behind them, while someone who ignores the instructions can create a safety problem. The guides have been praised for keeping the ride safe and helping nervous drivers feel comfortable. Your best experience will come from following their directions rather than trying to race.

The climb toward Úlfarsfell

The most demanding section is the ascent of Úlfarsfell Mountain. You follow the guide up the slope, handling a steeper route before reaching the final ridge and summit area.

This climb gives the ride a clear goal. You are not simply driving in circles around a flat recreation area. The buggy route builds toward a high point, and the reward is a broad view over Reykjavik, the North Atlantic, and Esja Mountain.

Esja is one of the defining mountain views near Reykjavik. From the top, you get a useful sense of the city’s setting, with water on one side and mountain country beyond. The view may change sharply with weather, so do not expect the same sight line every day.

The summit stop is also your chance to catch your breath and take photographs. Still, this is not a long mountain hike or a peaceful overlook. The stop is part of a motor tour, so the group eventually descends and continues.

Hafravatn Lake and the geothermal stops

After the mountain section, the route descends toward the area around Hafravatn Lake. The lake’s calm surface can reflect the surrounding scenery, giving you a quieter contrast to the rough drive.

The route also includes geothermal features. You may see steam vents, a boiling mud pit, hot springs, and pipes connected with Iceland’s use of volcanic heat. One particularly interesting detail is a natural spring or pool described as an early source of bathing water for people.

These features add context to the ride. You are not only driving over volcanic ground, but also seeing how heat below Iceland’s surface shapes daily life and power production. Guides may explain the area, the geothermal activity, and changes they notice in the ground over time.

The geothermal stop is relatively brief compared with the driving. That is worth knowing before you book. If you want a dedicated hot-spring visit, this is not a substitute for a bathing experience. It is a quick field lesson during an off-road adventure.

Guide quality can shape the whole ride

The guides are a major part of this activity. Gonzalo has been singled out for making the ride feel special, while Louis has been praised for being friendly and taking guests to interesting volcanic and geothermal areas. Lisa has been noted for reassuring a nervous driver and keeping the group moving safely.

Other guides, including Marco and Thomas, have been praised for clear instruction, warmth, and a professional approach. Sir Cactus has also been mentioned for explaining the buggies and taking photographs. Guide assignments can change, so you should not book on the assumption that a particular person will lead your departure.

What you can reasonably expect is a guide who demonstrates the vehicle, leads the route, manages the pace, and adds information at stops. That combination matters because the ride can feel intimidating at first. Once you understand the controls and know what the buggy can handle, the rough ground becomes much more enjoyable.

Is $314 per person good value?

At $314 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price makes more sense if you value the combination of hotel transport, protective gear, a professional guide, and two hours of powered access to terrain you could not cover in a normal rental car.

You are also paying for an activity rather than a sightseeing transfer. The main value is the chance to drive. If you only want mountain views, a less expensive viewpoint or standard countryside tour may suit you better.

The shared price assumes two people per buggy, so couples and friends get the best practical value. You can switch drivers and share the experience. Solo participants can choose the single-rider option, but they should check the price difference before booking.

Food and drinks are not included. The experience lasts around three and a half hours, so eat beforehand or plan something afterward. The 13:00 pickup makes this easy to fit into a Reykjavik morning or evening plan, but allow extra time for the pickup process.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

The tour operates in conditions that can include rain, wind, mist, mud, and snow. The company supplies substantial protective gear, and this has helped keep the experience enjoyable in poor weather. Even so, wear comfortable clothes underneath and shoes suitable for outdoor use.

Weather affects both comfort and views. A sunny day can give you clear mountain and ocean sights, while cloud and mist can hide the summit scenery. The ride can still be fun in wet weather because the mud and water become part of the challenge, but you should not expect perfect photographs every time.

The experience requires good weather and may be canceled if conditions are unsuitable. In that case, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this buggy ride?

I would choose this outing if you want an active break from Reykjavik’s museums, pools, cafes, and long coach excursions. It works especially well for couples, friends, and families with older children who want to share a vehicle and trade driving turns.

It also suits you if you enjoy ATVs, off-road vehicles, muddy tracks, and a clear dose of speed. The ride gives you scenery, but the vehicle is the star. You will remember the jolts, puddles, climb, and spray as much as the view from the ridge.

I would hesitate if you dislike rough motion, feel uncomfortable driving, or want a quiet nature experience. You should also think twice if taking photographs is your main goal. There are scenic stops, but the route is built to keep moving.

The maximum group size is 60 people, though the actual feel of the ride depends on the departure. A smaller group may allow more breathing room, while a full departure can make the pace feel more fixed. You cannot count on a private outing.

Should you book the Lava Field Adventure?

Book it if you want to operate a real off-road buggy, get dirty, climb a mountain track, and see Reykjavik from an unusual angle. The included gear and pickup remove much of the hassle, while the guides add safety and local context.

Skip it if you want a slow tour with long stops or if $314 feels too high for a two-hour drive. For the right person, though, this is a memorable way to spend an afternoon near Reykjavik, especially when you treat the rain, mud, and bumps as part of the Iceland experience rather than a problem.

FAQ

How long does the full experience last?

The outing lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including transport, preparation, the safety briefing, and the buggy ride.

How long do I spend driving the buggy?

The mountain buggy portion lasts about two hours.

Where does the activity start?

The listed meeting point is Lambhagavegur 19, 113 Reykjavik, Iceland.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from Reykjavik, with pickup beginning about 30 minutes before departure. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes.

What if my Reykjavik hotel is in a no-pickup zone?

You may need to walk to the nearest approved bus stop. These stops are typically a two to five minute walk from the hotel.

What protective equipment is provided?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, thermal overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear.

Can two people share one buggy?

Yes. Each buggy seats one driver and one passenger. Adults can take turns driving.

What is the minimum age for a passenger?

Children aged six and above may ride as passengers.

Do I need a driving licence?

Yes. You need a full valid driver’s licence to drive the buggy.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the company to cancel the outing, you will be offered another date or a full refund.