Operated by: Safari Quads

Reykjavík: ATV & Whale Watching Combo Tour – Full Day

Combine a one-hour quad bike ride across volcanic terrain near Reykjavík with an afternoon whale watching cruise on Faxaflói Bay. Hotel pickup, all riding gear, and whale watching equipment are included in this full-day land-and-sea adventure.

Duration: 8 hours
Starts From: Reykjavík
Pickup: Pickup required
Minimum age: 8+
Difficulty: EASY
Season: All year
Passengers: Min 1
Travel method: Other / Non-Travel

About this experience

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This full-day combination tour pairs two of Iceland's most exciting outdoor experiences into a single eight-hour adventure departing from Reykjavík. Begin with a one-hour ATV ride operated by Safari Quads, then spend the afternoon searching for whales on Faxaflói Bay with Elding Whale Watching.

The ATV segment takes you along the shores of Lake Hafravatn and up to the summit of Hafrafell mountain, where panoramic views stretch across the Hengill mountain range, the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant, the Bláfjöll mountain range, and Esja, Reykjavík's iconic backdrop. No prior riding experience is needed — guides provide full safety training and all necessary gear before you set off.

After the ATV ride, you are dropped at Reykjavík Old Harbour for a self-funded lunch break at one of the nearby cafés and restaurants, with views across the bay. When you are ready, board the whale watching vessel for a guided three-hour cruise in search of Minke whales and other marine life. The boat is equipped with a heated indoor saloon, large viewing windows, warm overalls and blankets, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to an onboard wildlife exhibition.

Prices are per person, not per vehicle. Both single-rider and shared-rider (two persons per ATV) options are available at booking.

Highlights

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One hour of guided ATV riding on volcanic terrain near Reykjavík
Summit views from Hafrafell over Faxaflói Bay and the capital region
Three-hour whale watching cruise on Faxaflói Bay with Elding
Hotel pickup and return transfer included
All riding gear provided: helmet, overalls, gloves, balaclava, and rain gear if needed
Warm overalls, blankets, Wi-Fi, and wildlife exhibition included on the whale watching vessel

Experience details

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Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Reykjavík. The transfer to the ATV base camp takes approximately 15 minutes. At camp, guides fit you with a helmet, overalls, gloves, balaclava, and rain gear if conditions require it, then walk you through safety training before you ride.

The one-hour ATV route follows the shores of Lake Hafravatn across varied terrain before climbing to the top of Hafrafell mountain. From the summit you can see the Hengill mountain range, Hellisheiði geothermal power plant, Bláfjöll mountain range, Faxaflói Bay, and Esja.

After the ride you are dropped at Reykjavík Old Harbour for a self-funded lunch break. You then join the Elding whale watching vessel for a guided cruise of up to three hours on Faxaflói Bay, where Minke whales and other marine life are frequently spotted. Whale sightings are not guaranteed. The vessel has a heated saloon, large viewing windows, warm overalls, blankets, Wi-Fi, and a wildlife exhibition.

Why choose this tour

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This combo tour is the most efficient way to experience both Iceland's rugged inland landscapes and its rich coastal waters in a single day, without arranging two separate bookings.

No experience required — full safety training and all gear are provided for the ATV segment.
Hotel pickup included — transfers to the ATV base and back from the harbour are handled for you.
Suitable for a wide range of participants — passenger minimum age is 8 years; drivers must be 18 or older with a valid licence.
Two trusted operators — Safari Quads and Elding Whale Watching each bring specialist expertise to their segment of the day.

What’s included

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1 full hour of guided ATV riding on the trails Sightseeing over Reykjavík with views from Hafrafell mountain summit and Lake Hafravatn Whale watching cruise with Elding Whale Watching on Faxaflói Bay ATV gear: helmet, overalls, gloves, balaclava, and rain gear if needed Whale watching: warm overalls and blankets, complimentary Wi-Fi on board, access to wildlife exhibition, heated indoor saloon Hotel pickup and return transfer from your Reykjavík accommodation

Pickup locations

Final available pickup options are selected during checkout and may vary by operator.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience to ride an ATV on this tour?↓

No prior experience is necessary. Guides at the base camp provide full safety training and fit you with all required gear — helmet, overalls, gloves, balaclava, and rain gear if needed — before you set off on the trails.

Are whale sightings guaranteed on the Faxaflói Bay cruise?↓

Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, as marine wildlife is wild and unpredictable. Minke whales and other marine life are frequently encountered on Faxaflói Bay, but sightings depend on natural conditions on the day.

What is the minimum age for passengers on the ATV?↓

Passengers who are not driving must be a minimum age of 8 years. Drivers must be 18 years of age and hold a full, valid driver's licence. Children aged 8 and above may ride as passengers on a shared ATV.

What is the difference between the single-rider and shared-rider options?↓

Single rider means one person per ATV. Shared rider means two persons share one ATV, and a minimum of 2 participants is required to book this option. If your group has an odd number of participants, one person must book the single-rider option.

Is lunch included in the tour price?↓

Lunch is not included. After the ATV segment, you are dropped at Reykjavík Old Harbour, where a selection of cafés and restaurants is available. Lunch and any food or drinks during the break are at your own expense.

What should I wear and bring for this combo tour?↓

Wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy outdoor shoes. All riding gear is provided for the ATV segment. For the whale watching cruise, warm overalls and blankets are provided on board. A camera or phone for photos is recommended.