The 7 Off-Road Safaris in Iceland That Earn Their Price

1.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 973 reviews · from $159Our pick

From Húsavík, you’ll ride a spacious RIB with up to 12 passengers to Puffin Island and across Skjálfandi Bay. Guides such as Matteo, Serena, and Rui explain whale behavior while the boat covers more water quickly. Expect warm overalls, sea spray, sharp turns, and wildlife that never follows a script.

“The activity was great despite bad weather, our trip was not canceled even though the weather was dodgy, our guide was very informative and kind and well as our captain. We got to see humpback whale up close. If you want to enjoy your experience just take sea sickness pills and you are good to go.”

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2.South Coast ATV Quad Bike Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 470 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $144

You’ll ride an ATV from Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp across Sólheimasandur with an English-speaking guide such as Anthony, Pawel, or Magni. The two-hour route adds the DC3 wreck, black beach, glacier streams, river crossings, and a mountain valley. Warm coveralls, helmets, balaclavas, and gloves are supplied.

“This was the best tour we did during our 10 days in Iceland! Communications leading up to the tour was wonderful. Check in process was flawless. The tour guides were amazing! Paul and Magni took us on a 2-hr excursion exploring the black sand beach, fields of Lupine (purple wildflowers) and glacier streams. We did several stream crossings and saw beautiful views. Our group of 7 had an absolute blast!! Highly recommend!!!”

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3.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180Top rated

You’ll ride with Gentle Giants from Húsavík in a 12-person RIB, searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales and porpoises. Guides such as Clara, Miro, Mario, and Victoria add lively wildlife notes, while the boat visits Puffin Island from April 15 to August 15, weather permitting.

“Best whale watching experience ever! It helped that the weather was perfect so the water was calm. The RIB was able to get within about 300 yards of a whale slapping his tail on the water! What a show!”

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4.Reykjavik Peak with Safari Quads ATV

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 335 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129Best value

Safari Quads takes you from Reykjavik to Lake Hafravatn and Reykjavik Peak for a one-hour ATV ride across gravel, rocky slopes, mud, snow, and open countryside. Choose a solo or shared quad. Guides such as Paula, Marco, and Daria provide clear instruction, warm gear, and photo stops.

“It was fun. The views were stunning. Our guide was friendly, ensured everyone was comfortable driving, and checked on us periodically. It was easy to drive the ATVs.”

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5.Buggy Safari Tour with Hotel Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 106 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $206

Travel from Reykjavik to Hafravatn for a one-hour guided buggy ride through mixed terrain. Drive a two-seater 4x4 buggy toward Reykjavik Peak, with mountain and lake views along the way. Guides such as Lisa, Paula, and Sir Cactus are known for calm instruction and good humor.

“Our guide, SirCactus, was very funny. He was on time to pick us up at our campsite and drove us to the base. He got us outfitted, clearly explained how to buggies worked, and led us on a fun tour. He stopped at critical turns to make sure nobody got lost. We had a great ride!”

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6.1 Hour Iceland Nature and Wildlife RIB Small Group Guided Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $160

Meet Puffin Adventures at Hafnarhólmi in Bakkagerði for a one-hour RIB ride along East Iceland’s wild coast. With warm gear, a maximum of 12 people, and local guides, you’ll look for puffins, seabirds, seals, waterfalls, and perhaps whales.

“Great view of puffins and other animals, RIB is fun. The guides are very nice and knowledgeable. Comedy schtick wears thin. Overall highly recommend.”

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7.Lake Mývatn ATV Guided Safari Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 42 reviews · 2 hours · from $223

Join Geo Travel Iceland near Lake Mývatn for a two-hour guided UTV buggy ride through roads, tracks, forests, lakes, ruins, and volcanic ground. Guides such as Björn and Birke lead small groups of up to 10, with helmets, overalls, and driving instruction included.

“Ontzettend gave ervaring gehad! Voor de tijd had het geregent dus het terrein was op sommige plekken lekker modderig. Onze gids had een fijn tempo en stopte af en toe om ons meer uitleg te geven over de natuur en het leven op IJsland. Echt een aanrader! ☺️”

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