Buggy & Golden Circle Full day adventure from Reykjavik

Planning to see Iceland’s famous sights with a twist? This Buggy & Golden Circle tour offers an exciting way to combine off-road fun with the country’s top natural attractions. While it’s not a small-scale, intimate experience, it delivers enough thrill and scenic beauty to make it worth considering—especially if you love a bit of adventure mixed with sightseeing.

What immediately caught our attention was how the tour blends adrenaline-filled buggy rides with visits to Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Springs, and Þingvellir National Park—key highlights of the classic Golden Circle route. Plus, the modern buggies seem like a real highlight, giving you the freedom to explore Iceland’s rugged trails on your own or with a partner. Another big plus? The tour includes gear, snacks, and a professional guide, which makes it feel well-organized.

On the flip side, a potential drawback is that the duration can be long and a little variable, especially with some reviews pointing out that the bus guide can be less engaging, and the timing at stops might leave you in the dark. If you’re after a straightforward, relaxed day, some parts of this tour might test your patience. Still, if you’re seeking a mix of adventure and sightseeing, this tour might suit you best.

Ultimately, this experience suits travelers who want a fun, physically active way to see Iceland’s nature—and aren’t bothered by the possibility of a busy schedule or the need to share the buggy with a partner. It’s a lively, memorable way to tick off the Golden Circle while adding a little extra thrill.

Key Points

• Adventure and Sightseeing: Combines a high-adrenaline buggy safari with classic Golden Circle sites.
• Flexible Options: Share a buggy or opt for a single rider, giving some flexibility based on your comfort.
• Well-Organized: Includes gear, safety briefing, and a professional guide, making the experience manageable and safe.
• Scenic Views: Offers panoramic vistas, especially from Reykjavik Peak and Hafrefell.
• Timing Considerations: Some reviews note long bus rides and late stops, which can reduce daylight hours.
• Not a Family Tour: Best suited for those aged 6 and up, but note that children under six aren’t eligible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Out: Easy Pickup and Clear Instructions

The tour kicks off with pickups from multiple locations around Reykjavik, which is super convenient. You can choose from 15 different pickup points, including major hotels and bus stops, which helps keep things simple. The guide picks you up between 09:00 and 09:30, so it’s a full day of activity. Once you’re on board, the excitement begins with a safety briefing and quick instructions at the base camp, just a 15-minute drive from the city.

This part is straightforward and well-organized, setting a relaxed tone before the adventure kicks in. The safety gear—helmets, gloves, overalls, and masks—are provided, which is reassuring. As one reviewer said, “The buggys were fantastic. Our guide was lovely and polite,” indicating the team’s professionalism.

The Buggy Safari: Off-Road Fun with a View

The highlight for many is the hour-long buggy ride on off-road trails. These 2-seater buggies let you carve through rugged terrain, with the option to share or drive solo by choosing the single rider option. This flexibility is great—if you’re traveling with a partner or friend, you can take turns, or if you want to be in full control, go solo.

During the ride, you’ll ascend to Reykjavik Peak, offering impressive panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The trail to Hafrefell, the mountain top, provides a fantastic vantage point—truly a memorable photo opportunity, even if you only get a quick stop for pictures.

The Golden Circle: Classic Sights with a Guide

After the thrill of the buggies, the tour shifts gears into a guided exploration of the Golden Circle. This part lasts about 6.5 hours and takes you to the most iconic sites.

• Þingvellir National Park: Known for its geological significance and historic importance, this UNESCO heritage site offers great photo spots and a sense of Iceland’s natural forces.
• Geysir Hot Springs: The famous geyser springs erupt periodically, and you’ll get to witness this natural spectacle up close. It’s a highlight that most visitors find awe-inspiring.
• Gullfoss Waterfall: An immensely powerful waterfall, often described as Iceland’s “must-see.” It’s impressive, especially on a clear day when the spray catches the sunlight.

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The Challenge of Timing and Comfort

One of the main issues highlighted by reviews is the timing of stops. Some guests mention leaving late from certain stops, which means by the time you reach Gullfoss, it’s already dark. This can diminish the experience slightly, especially if you’re hoping for daylight photography.

Plus, the bus guide’s manner can impact the overall vibe. One reviewer found her “rude, unfriendly and unapproachable,” which can make hours on the bus feel longer and less engaging. The use of a loud microphone for hours also contributed to discomfort—something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to noise.

Returning and Final Thoughts

The tour wraps up with drop-offs at various locations around Reykjavik. It’s a full 10-hour commitment, but with so much packed in, you’re likely to find it a rewarding day. The inclusion of coffee at the basecamp and gear helps make the experience comfortable.

Value for Money

At $272 per person, the tour isn’t cheap, but considering it includes a full day of guided sightseeing, gear, and a unique buggy adventure, it’s a solid value for adrenaline junkies or those wanting a memorable way to see the Golden Circle. Keep in mind, food and drinks aren’t included, so packing a snack or two is a good idea.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves adventure combined with sightseeing, this tour ticks both boxes. It’s perfect for active travelers eager to try something different and don’t mind sharing space on a vehicle. It’s best suited for adults and kids over 6, given the nature of the activity.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, scenic experience without the off-road excitement, this might not be the best fit. The long bus stretches and variable timing could be less appealing if you’re chasing daylight or are sensitive to noise.

FAQs

Is the buggy ride suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour provides a safety briefing and instructions before the ride. The buggies are operated by guides, and the off-road trails are designed for a fun but manageable experience.

Can I share a buggy with someone else?
Absolutely. The buggies are two-seaters, so you can choose to share or go solo by selecting the single rider option.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, and dress in layers. The tour supplies helmets, gloves, overalls, masks, and raingear if needed. Shoes are not provided, so wear comfortable, closed-toe footwear.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so consider bringing snacks or a packed lunch.

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts about 10 hours, including pickups, safety briefing, buggy ride, sightseeing stops, and drop-offs.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking is flexible—reserve now and pay later.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 6 are not allowed. For older kids, it’s best to consider their comfort with off-road driving and the full-day schedule.

Final Thoughts

This Buggy & Golden Circle tour offers a lively, engaging way to see some of Iceland’s most famous sights, with an added dash of adventure. It’s perfect for travelers craving a mix of scenic beauty and the thrill of off-road driving, especially if you’re comfortable with a full day of activity.

While some parts of the experience—like the bus guide and timing—could be improved, the breathtaking views from Reykjavik Peak and the off-road thrills make it worthwhile for many. It’s an experience that delivers memorable moments, especially if you’re eager to combine sightseeing with a bit of adrenaline.

If you’re after a unique, active way to explore Iceland’s Golden Circle, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just be ready for a day that’s busy, scenic, and full of fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: