Feel the Thrill: Exploring Iceland’s Wild Terrain on ATV and Buggy Tours

Adventurers are often keen to explore rugged landscapes on wheels, and we completely understand that—after all, Iceland is a paradise for those who love both hiking and (legal) off-road exploration.

Guided ATV and buggy tours offer an adrenaline-fueled way to experience black sand beaches, mountain trails, and lava fields—in an organized and environmentally responsible way, ensuring you explore without harming the delicate Icelandic nature. This guide covers the best locations, what to expect, and key safety tips—perfect for hikers looking to add an off-road adventure to their trip.

In Iceland, you’ll find a wide selection of ATV and buggy tours. But while they have similarities, they aren’t the same thing. ATV stands for all-terrain vehicles, and although there are different types, if you book an ATV tour in Iceland you’ll most likely find yourself on a quad bike. These vehicles are sturdily constructed and utilise four wheel drive to be properly equipped for Iceland’s challenging landscapes.

Buggies are equally capable but more lightweight, making them ideally suited for softer ground such as beaches and dunes. They are usually fitted with a roll-cage as an added safety feature and may have a roof, giving them more of a car-like appearance.

Whereas, on a quad bike, you’ll straddle the seat as if you were on a motorbike, in a buggy you’ll sit on a seat more like that of a car. With the wind in your hair, both ATVs and buggies will feel speedy, which is why they’re such great fun.

Our ATV and buggy tours immerse you in a diverse and scenic range of environments, including black sand beaches, mountain paths and lava fields. It’s worth taking a closer look at the kind of places you’ll visit and also to decide whether a tour in the south region or along the Golden Circle route makes most sense for your itinerary and sightseeing goals. Both promise spectacular vistas, so there’s no wrong choice.

Using an ATV enables you to access a range of places, which is what you’ll experience on our South Coast Adventure: ATV to the DC-3 Plane Wreck on Black Beach. The US Navy cargo plane, which crashed more than five decades ago with no loss of life, is a popular visitor attraction, but riding out to it on an ATV adds an extra dimension to regular excursions. You can opt for an express version if you can’t fit in the more comprehensive tour.

A buggy tour in Iceland unlocks some of the country’s most jaw-dropping views. Our buggy tours focus primarily on the area around Mýrdalsjökull glacier, what we call the Adventure Ground.

For instance on our South Coast and Buggy Experience, you can expect to combine sightseeing stops with a glacier buggy tour. You’ll call in at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two of Iceland’s most magnificent waterfalls, before continuing on over a jaw-dropping monochrome volcanic landscape to reach the glacier’s edge.

Off-roading is strictly prohibited under Icelandic law, a regulation designed to protect the country’s fragile flora, fauna, and geological wonders. No reputable tour provider will break these rules—violators face hefty fines, and the damage to nature can be irreversible.

However, ATVs and buggies are built for rugged terrain, and you’ll be riding on designated dirt tracks, beaches, and trails where vehicles are allowed. We operate with special permission to drive in these areas, ensuring that no long-lasting marks or damage are left behind. By sticking to these approved routes, we not only preserve Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes but also protect the natural habitat of wildlife—so you can enjoy the thrill guilt-free.

This means you’ll be traversing bumpy, rough terrain, which provides plenty of thrills and fabulous photo opportunities along the way. The sense of freedom you’ll feel is really liberating.

Who needs off-roading when the alternative is this good?

Riders must hold a full driving licence and where necessary, be in possession of an International Driving Permit. Unfortunately, motorbike and provisional licences aren’t enough for you to be in charge of the vehicle. However if you don’t drive or are younger than the legal age to pass your test, you can still ride as a passenger so long as you are with a qualifying person. Tours are classed as easy activities and so this is a family-friendly option.

Wearing comfortable clothes in which you can move freely is a must. In summer, particularly if the weather’s warm, you’ll only need thin layers under your overalls. In the colder months, be sure to layer up with a thermal long-sleeved top, long johns and a woollen jumper or fleece over the top. Don’t forget thick warm socks. Year-round, closed toe shoes are essential.

There’s a good chance you’ll get mucky on an ATV or buggy tour. You’ll pass through a wide range of terrain, fording streams and kicking up sand, dirt and mud along the way. Make sure you choose clothes that you don’t mind getting smothered. Tours operate year-round, so also bear in mind that you will be outside in whatever weather Iceland has in store that day.

Though you’ve come for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, you won’t have signed up for an injury, so safety is our priority – and yours. When you arrive for your tour, you’ll be kitted out in heavy duty overalls, gloves and a balaclava. You’ll also be expected to wear a helmet at all times. If the unexpected happens, this gear will help prevent injury.

The experienced guide will give you a full safety briefing before you set out, explaining how the vehicle’s controls work and making sure you know how to stay safe when you are on the move. However, rides aren’t without risk, and you’ll be asked to sign a liability waiver before you set out. Though these vehicles are fast, they’re not for reckless drivers.

A buggy experience or ATV ride is one of the most fun adventure tours Iceland can offer. From quick jaunts of an hour to longer rides, single activity excursions to day-long sightseeing tours, there’s an ATV or buggy tour that will be right for you.

If you’re game for a thrilling adrenaline-fuelled activity, then our ATV and buggy tours will definitely hit the mark.