Reykjavik: Buggy Safari Tour with Hotel Transfers

Traveling to Iceland and looking to add a bit of adrenaline to your trip? The Reykjavik Buggy Safari Tour with Hotel Transfers offers just that—an exciting way to explore the rugged outskirts of Reykjavik, all while enjoying spectacular scenery from a fun, off-road vehicle. With a solid average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 91 reviews, this experience has caught the attention of many travelers seeking a mix of adventure, comfort, and unforgettable views.

What we particularly like about this tour is the inclusive nature—it combines convenient hotel pickup and drop-off with the thrill of a buggy ride through diverse terrains. Plus, the professional guides seem to make a real difference, offering reassurance and local insights that boost confidence, especially for first-timers. The scenic stops at Reykjavik Peak and the pristine mountain vistas are definite highlights.

A potential consideration? Since the tour involves off-road driving, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges. Also, the weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter months, so dressing appropriately is key.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic drives, and a bit of adrenaline. If you’re traveling with a partner or friends looking for a memorable half-day adventure, or if you just want to experience Iceland’s natural beauty in a unique way, this could be a great pick.

Key Points

• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off make this experience easy to fit into your day.
• One hour of buggy driving provides plenty of thrill without feeling overwhelming.
• Spectacular mountain and lake views are the main attraction, perfect for photos and memorable moments.
• Guides are friendly and safety-conscious, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.
• Safety gear and equipment are provided, so you don’t need to worry about clothing or safety concerns.
• Tours include flexibility, with options for shared or single riders and optional mountain ascents.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Entails: An Honest Breakdown

Starting from Reykjavik, the tour kicks off with convenient pickup from multiple hotel locations, with the pickup window beginning about 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start. This means you won’t have to worry about organizing transport—your day begins seamlessly. After a roughly 30-minute drive to the base camp, you’ll meet your guide and receive a safety briefing. This is crucial, especially if you’re new to off-road driving, but the guides are known to be clear and helpful—many reviews praise their friendliness and professionalism.

Once geared up with helmets, gloves, overalls, and weather-appropriate gear, you’ll hop into your two-seater, fully automatic buggy. The vehicles are new, inspected, and road-legal, featuring safety enhancements like roll cages, safety belts, and double A-arm front suspension. This means that even if you’re worried about comfort or safety, the equipment is designed to give you peace of mind while you enjoy the ride.

The core of the adventure is about an hour of driving through mixed terrains—from off-road mountain paths to lakeside tracks. The route includes a guided tour of Reykjavik Peak, offering unbeatable views over the city and surrounding mountains. Many reviews highlight how breathtaking these vistas are, especially if you catch the sunrise or snow-covered landscapes, which only amplify the scenery.

After completing your mountain exploration, you’ll return to the base camp for a quick refreshment—coffee is included—and then get shuttled back to your hotel. The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that fits well into most itineraries.

The Highlights: Why You Might Love This Tour

The mixed terrain aspect makes the ride exciting—you’re not just sitting back and looking through a window; you’re actively involved in navigating Iceland’s rugged beauty. Many reviews mention how the snowy conditions during some trips, like the one where travelers said, “we drove across a river,” added a layer of adventure that felt truly authentic.

The views from Reykjavik Peak are consistently praised. Travelers describe seeing the sunrise over mountains or snow-blanketed landscapes that are hard to beat. Plus, the guides seem to make a real difference, with many reviews highlighting their helpfulness, humor, and local knowledge, making the whole experience more engaging and reassuring.

Another key advantage is value for money. For around $168 per person, you get the transport, safety gear, a guided ride, and some quality photographs, making it a pretty good deal for an Icelandic adventure.

What Could Be Better?

While many reviews are glowing, a few noted the weather can change quickly, which might affect visibility or comfort. Dressing in weather-appropriate layers is essential, especially in winter. Also, since the tour involves off-road driving, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or who prefer more relaxed sightseeing.

Another point to consider: the duration—while 2.5 hours isn’t overly long, the actual buggy driving time is about an hour. If you’re craving a longer or more intense ride, some might find this a bit brief, but many reviews suggest the experience feels just right given the scenery and safety considerations.

The Itinerary in Detail

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1. Pickup and Transport

Starting with a choice of 16 pickup locations across Reykjavik, the process is smooth and well-organized. The timing is clear—your pickup begins approximately 30 minutes before the tour starts, allowing for a relaxed transfer to the base camp. This is especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the city.

2. Safety Briefing and Gear Up

Once at the base camp, you’ll spend roughly 30 minutes with your guide, who will provide a safety briefing—crucial for off-road driving—and show you how to operate the buggy. The guides are known for their attentive and friendly approach, making nervous first-timers feel comfortable.

3. The Buggy Drive and Mountain Tour

You’ll spend about an hour driving your buggy, traversing a variety of terrains that showcase Iceland’s rugged beauty. The highlight is the guided tour to Reykjavik Peak, where panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains unfold. The stops are well-paced, giving ample time for photos and soaking in the scenery.

4. Return and Refreshment

After the drive, many reviewers mention enjoying coffee and snacks at the base camp, a good opportunity to chat about the experience and review photos. Then, you’re transported back to your hotel, completing a well-structured half-day adventure.

The Experience from Travelers’ Perspectives

Reviewers consistently describe the guides as friendly, helpful, and humorous, making even nervous beginners feel at ease. The safety equipment and instructions are clear, which adds to the confidence, especially when crossing rivers or tackling snow-covered trails.

The scenery—the snow-blanketed mountains, icy lakes, and sweeping vistas—gets rave reviews. Travelers mention that snowfall made the views even more unreal, turning what might be a regular mountain trek into an extraordinary experience.

Some have noted the weather can be harsh—particularly in winter—so dressing warmly is advised. Yet, the guides are prepared with gear, and many reviews say they appreciated having gloves, overalls, and masks included.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This adventure suits those who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic drives but are also comfortable with a bit of physicality and adventure. It’s great for travelers looking for a manageable half-day activity that offers a good mix of adrenaline and sightseeing.

It’s especially appealing for folks who want to escape the city and explore Iceland’s more rugged, natural side without committing to a full-day tour. Since the buggies are shared or single riders, it works well for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want a flexible experience.

However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or travelers with mobility issues. Also, if you’re not comfortable in cold or snowy conditions, you might want to consider the time of year when booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from many hotel locations across Reykjavik, starting about 30 minutes before departure, and drop-off at the same locations afterward.

How long is the buggy driving portion?
The actual buggy ride lasts approximately 1 hour. The total tour time, including transfers and safety briefing, is about 2.5 hours.

What safety equipment is provided?
All necessary gear—including helmets, gloves, overalls, ski masks, and raingear—is supplied to ensure safety and comfort during the ride.

Can I ride alone in the buggy?
Buggies are designed to fit two persons, but there is an option for a single rider. If there’s an odd number of participants, one person will need to be booked as a single rider.

What is the minimum age to participate?
The minimum age for passengers is 6 years, but all drivers must be at least 17 years old with a valid driver license.

Is there any food included?
Food is not included in the tour, but coffee and refreshments are available at the base camp afterward.

Wrapping It Up: Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re after a fun, scenic escape just outside Reykjavik that combines safety, comfort, and adventure, this buggy safari is worth considering. The breathtaking mountain views, especially in winter weather, make it a memorable experience, perfect for travelers who enjoy active sightseeing. Many reviewers praise the guides and the overall value for money, making it a top pick for those wanting a taste of Iceland’s rugged beauty.

However, if you’re seeking a long ride or have mobility restrictions, this might not be the best fit. It’s best suited for those who are comfortable with off-road driving, weather conditions, and are eager to add a bit of adrenaline to their Iceland trip.

This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and comfort, wrapped up in scenic beauty—a memorable highlight for many who choose to venture beyond Reykjavik’s city limits.

You can check availability for your dates here: