Mýrdalsjökull: South Coast ATV Quad Bike Safari

The black sand is your racetrack. This ATV safari gives you a lively way to see southern Iceland, with rides across Sólheimasandur, stops at the famous 1973 DC3 wreck, views toward Dyrhólaey, and river crossings near Mýrdalsjökull. I especially like the mix of open beach and rougher valley tracks, plus the friendly guides who adjust the pace to the group.

I also like that the price includes warm coveralls, a helmet, balaclava, and an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Anthony, Pawel, Bjarki, Magni, and Gully have been praised for their local stories and patient instruction. The main catch is the weather: wind, rain, snow, or high water can change the route, and the glacier may not be reachable.

Key points to know before you book

• The 2-hour ride offers the full outing: You get more time for the DC3 wreck, beach riding, river crossings, fields, and the mountain valley.
• The DC3 wreck is part of the route: You ride across Sólheimasandur to the remains of the plane that crashed there in 1973.
• Two people share one ATV: Single riders and groups with an odd number need to pay for a single-rider ATV locally.
• The beach ride is the thrilling part: The broad black sand gives you room to build speed when conditions and group ability allow.
• Weather controls the adventure: High rivers or rough conditions can remove some sections, though the operator may offer an alternative activity when the ATV route cannot run.
• You need a driving license: Children under eight and pregnant women cannot join, and intoxication is not allowed.

Why this ATV safari earns such high marks

This experience has a 4.8 rating from 470 reviews, and the praise is remarkably consistent. The most common strengths are the guides, the variety of terrain, and the feeling that you see far more than you would from a roadside stop.

The activity is not just a short spin around a parking area. You ride over the black sands of Sólheimasandur, head toward the Atlantic coast, look across to Dyrhólaey, and finish near a mountain valley after crossing the Jökulsá River. That range gives the 2-hour version real value.

I also like the way the guides handle mixed abilities. First-time riders are welcomed, and the terrain is described as manageable rather than highly technical. At the same time, experienced drivers may get chances to open up the throttle on suitable stretches. The group still needs to stay together, so this is not a private racing session.

The guide quality is a major part of the appeal. Anthony has been praised for his warmth with families and children. Pawel has been singled out for keeping everyone together while explaining where it was safe to ride faster. Bjarki received praise for his patience and for taking photos. Those details matter because an ATV trip can quickly become stressful if the guide is distant or unclear.

Starting at Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp

You meet at Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp on Ytri Sólheimar road 222. Look for Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia, Mýrdalsjökull Base. You need to arrange your own transport because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Allow extra attention for the final approach. One person noted that the meeting point was farther up the road on the left than the booking app suggested. The practical lesson is simple: use the stated base-camp address and look for the Icelandia signs rather than relying only on the map pin.

At the base, you receive a short safety briefing and learn how to operate the ATV. The guide explains the route, riding behavior, and any conditions that could affect the day. This is useful for first-time drivers, and several people found the instruction reassuring.

The equipment package is generous for the price. You receive an insulated coverall, helmet, and balaclava. Gloves are also supplied according to the details from the experience, and boots may be available depending on the weather. Bring warm layers and waterproof shoes anyway. One cold-weather tip is especially useful: wear wool gloves under your heavier gloves or mittens, since fingers and thumbs can become cold on exposed sections.

Tea and coffee are available at the base, which is a welcome touch before or after a chilly ride. There is also a friendly dog at the premises, a small detail that adds some charm while you wait.

Crossing Sólheimasandur by ATV

The first major setting is Sólheimasandur, a wide black sand plain that can feel almost otherworldly. It is not a soft, tropical beach. The dark volcanic surface, empty horizon, and strong Atlantic weather give the ride a stark Icelandic character.

This is where the ATV feels most exciting. On suitable stretches, the guide may let the group build speed. Several people particularly enjoyed riding quickly across the open black beach, while the guides kept an eye on the slower riders and adjusted the pace as needed.

You should still expect a group ride, not a free-for-all. The guide leads from the front and makes sure everyone stays on the route. If you are new to quad bikes, that structure is comforting. If you have off-road experience, you may find the pace restrained in places, but there can still be chances to enjoy the machine.

The sand itself is often smoother than the rougher tracks later in the trip. That contrast is part of the fun. You move from broad, open riding to rocky ground and uneven paths, so the ride keeps changing rather than repeating the same view for two hours.

Wind can make this section feel much more dramatic. In November, one rider described powerful gusts on the beach, while another noted that the cold was manageable with the supplied gear and proper base layers. Good weather helps, but rough weather can also make the setting feel more wild.

The famous DC3 plane wreck at Sólheimasandur

The tour stops at the DC3 plane wreck, one of the most recognizable sights on Iceland’s southern coast. The aircraft crashed on the black sands in 1973, and its stripped metal body now contrasts sharply with the dark ground around it.

This stop gives the ride a clear sense of purpose. You are not simply driving for the sake of driving. You are reaching a place with a story, and the guide explains the wreck and the surrounding area.

The stop also gives you time to leave the ATV, take photographs, and look at the strange meeting of machinery and volcanic wilderness. The aircraft is visually striking because the open sand leaves little to distract from it.

Do not expect the wreck alone to justify the full price. The value comes from reaching it as part of a wider route. Without the ATV, the site requires a separate walk from the main road, while this trip carries you directly across the plain and adds the beach, river, and valley sections.

Guides such as Pawel, Oskar, and Bjarki have been praised for explaining the plane’s story and helping with photos. That personal attention is useful because the stop can otherwise become a quick photo opportunity with little context.

Riding toward the Atlantic and Dyrhólaey

From the wreck, the route continues toward the coast. Here you get broad views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Dyrhólaey peninsula, described as the southernmost tip of Iceland.

Dyrhólaey gives the ride a strong coastal landmark. From the beach, you can look toward the peninsula while the black shore stretches around you. The scene is less about a single close-up attraction and more about scale: dark sand below, ocean ahead, and open sky in every direction.

The coastal section is also where the weather can make the greatest difference. In calm conditions, you can focus on the views and the shape of the shoreline. In strong wind, the beach becomes part of the adventure itself. You may need to lean into the gusts and keep your face covered, which is why the balaclava and insulated clothing are more than simple extras.

This is a good point to consider your own comfort. If you want a gentle sightseeing outing with lots of quiet time, the wind, engine noise, and riding position may feel demanding. If you want an active way to experience the coast, this section is likely to be a highlight.

Looking inland toward Mýrdalsjökull

The tour also turns your attention inland. Mýrdalsjökull Glacier appears in the distance, framed by the rough ground and mountain valleys around the base camp.

The glacier is an important part of the setting, but you should not assume you will ride directly onto it. One group had to miss the glacier area because of wet and windy weather. The route can change for safety, so the glacier view may be distant rather than a close encounter.

That is not necessarily a disappointment. The outing is built around the whole area, not one single stop. You still get the black sands, coast, wreck, river, and valley when the glacier section cannot be reached.

The guides add value here by explaining local geography, volcanoes, and the way the terrain changes. Daisy, Oskar, and Anthony were all praised for sharing information about Iceland’s geology and daily life. The best guides make the scenery easier to read, pointing out why one section looks like a desert and another becomes a green or rocky valley.

River crossings and the mountain valley finish

The final part follows the Jökulsá River and crosses water into a mountain valley. This is where the route feels most varied and, at times, more challenging.

You may ride over rocky tracks, through small streams, and across uneven ground. The guides watch the group closely and explain where to place the ATV and how to approach the crossing. First-time riders have found the experience safe and manageable, but you should be ready for bumps, spray, and changing surfaces.

Water levels are the biggest uncertainty. After heavy rain, some rivers may be too high to cross. In those conditions, the guide can alter the route, as happened during a stormy November outing. The beach and plane wreck remained possible even when several river sections were closed.

The valley finish is valuable because it changes the mood of the trip. The black beach feels wide and exposed, while the valley feels enclosed and quieter. You get a final taste of the mountain setting before returning to base camp.

Is the 2-hour version worth the extra time?

I would choose the 2-hour safari if your schedule allows it. The shorter option can still provide a taste of the activity, but the longer ride gives the route enough time to include more surfaces and stops without feeling rushed.

The 2-hour outing generally gives you time for:

• The safety briefing and ATV setup
• Riding across Sólheimasandur
• The DC3 wreck
• The black sand coast
• Views toward Dyrhólaey
• Inland views toward Mýrdalsjökull
• Fields or rocky tracks
• River crossings and the mountain valley

Several people who initially booked the shorter option changed to two hours and felt glad they did. The extra time matters because the attraction is the changing route, not just one viewpoint.

The 1-hour version may suit you if you have a packed South Coast day or simply want a quick taste of ATV riding. Still, at $144 per person, the longer option is likely the better use of the booking, especially if this is one of your main paid activities in the area.

What $144 gets you

At $144 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. Iceland activities often cost more than you might expect, so you need to look at what is actually included.

Your fee covers the guide, safety equipment, insulated coverall, helmet, balaclava, and an ATV shared by two people. You are paying for access to terrain that is difficult to experience independently, along with route management, local interpretation, and the equipment needed for cold, wet conditions.

The shared ATV arrangement is important. Two people can ride together on one machine, but a single rider needs a single ATV. Groups with an odd number also need to book a single ride, with the extra charge paid on location.

For me, the price makes the most sense when you choose the 2-hour tour and treat it as a main South Coast activity. The combination of the wreck, beach, ocean views, river crossings, and valley gives you more than a basic vehicle rental.

You will get less value if you mainly want a close glacier visit, a relaxed sightseeing trip, or guaranteed access to every route section. Weather can alter the plan, and the experience is active rather than leisurely.

Who should book this experience?

This safari fits you best if you want a hands-on way to see southern Iceland. It suits couples, families with children aged eight or older, small groups, and first-time ATV riders who want a guide nearby.

Families have enjoyed riding together, and the guides have been praised for keeping children comfortable and engaged. The activity can also work well for experienced riders, since the guides may allow more speed on suitable open stretches.

You need a valid driver’s license to drive. Children under eight cannot join, and pregnant women should not take part. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited, and you should not arrive intoxicated.

The tour is less suitable if you dislike cold wind, rough tracks, water crossings, or changing plans. It is also not the right choice if you expect hotel transportation, since you must make your own way to the base camp.

The small-group option is worth choosing when available. It can mean more direct help from the guide and a better chance to ask questions. On quiet days, some people have received what felt like a private outing because very few riders were booked.

Booking advice and weather planning

Keep your South Coast plans flexible. Weather can prevent glacier access, block river crossings, or change the route. The operator has sometimes offered a free upgrade to a Mýrdalsjökull snowmobile adventure when an ATV outing could not run, but you should treat that as a possible solution rather than a guarantee.

Wear warm base layers under the supplied coverall, and bring waterproof shoes. The equipment helps, but your hands can still get cold, especially in winter.

Allow time for the drive to the meeting point. One rider drove from Reykjavik in about two and a half hours and felt the trip was worthwhile, with other sights nearby. Do not plan the ATV safari so tightly that a delayed road journey makes you rush.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful for an Iceland trip, where road and weather conditions can change quickly.

Should you book the Mýrdalsjökull ATV safari?

Yes, if you want adventure with real scenery attached. The strongest reasons to book are the varied route, the DC3 wreck, the open black beach, and the guides who combine safety with humor and local stories.

Choose the 2-hour option if possible. It gives you the best chance to experience the beach, coastal views, wreck, rough tracks, water crossings, and mountain valley without rushing.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed glacier visit, dislike exposed weather, or prefer a quiet sightseeing stop. For an active South Coast day, though, the $144 price is fair because the ride delivers both excitement and access to places that are hard to reach on foot.

FAQ

Where does the ATV safari meet?

Meet at Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp on Ytri Sólheimar road 222. Look for Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia, Mýrdalsjökull Base.

How long does the ATV experience last?

The activity lasts either one or two hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a guide, one ATV for every two people, an insulated coverall, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be provided depending on the weather.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You need a valid driver’s license to drive a quad bike.

Can one person ride an ATV alone?

Yes, but single riders need to book a single-rider ATV and pay the additional charge on location. Groups with an odd number also need a single ride ATV.

Is the DC3 plane wreck included?

Yes. The route crosses Sólheimasandur and stops at the DC3 plane wreck that crashed there in 1973.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the base camp.

Can children join the safari?

Children under eight cannot take part. The experience is also not suitable for pregnant women.

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license, warm clothing, and waterproof shoes. Extra gloves are useful in cold weather, especially for protecting your thumbs and fingers.