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Operated by: Safari Quads

Reykjavík: Buggy Safari & Whale Watching Full-Day Combo

Combine a one-hour off-road buggy safari around Lake Hafravatn with an afternoon whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay. Hotel pickup included. This full-day Reykjavík combo covers land and sea adventure in a single 8-hour experience.

Duration
8 hours
Starts From
Reykjavík
Pickup
Pickup required
Minimum age
6+
Difficulty
EASY
Season
All year
Passengers
Min 1
Travel method
Other / Non-Travel

About this experience

This full-day combo tour pairs two of Iceland's most exciting outdoor activities into one seamless 8-hour adventure departing from Reykjavík. Hotel pickup is included, so you can focus entirely on the experience ahead.

The land portion begins with a one-hour buggy safari operated by Safari Quads. After a safety briefing and gear fitting, you'll ride across varied terrain around Lake Hafravatn, climbing toward Hafrafell Mountain for panoramic views spanning the Hengill mountain range, the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant, Faxaflói Bay, the Bláfjöll mountain range, and Reykjavík's landmark mountain Esja. No prior driving experience is required.

After the buggy adventure, you'll be dropped at Reykjavík's Old Harbor, where free time allows you to explore the waterfront before joining the whale watching departure. The sea portion is a 3-hour cruise into Faxaflói Bay with Elding Whale Watching, searching for Minke whales and other marine life. Expert guides provide commentary throughout, and the vessel features a heated indoor saloon, large viewing windows, warm overalls, and onboard WiFi.

Prices are per person, not per vehicle. Buggies hold two people — choose a single-rider or shared-rider option at booking. Groups with an odd number of participants should note that one person must book the single-rider option.

Highlights

  • 1-hour off-road buggy safari around Lake Hafravatn and Hafrafell Mountain
  • Panoramic views of Esja, Bláfjöll, Hengill range, and Faxaflói Bay
  • 3-hour whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay with Elding Whale Watching
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included from Reykjavík
  • All safety gear provided for both activities
  • Suitable for beginners — no prior buggy or boating experience needed

Experience details

Morning — Buggy Safari: Your day begins with a hotel pickup and transfer to the Safari Quads base camp. Guides fit you with a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear if needed, then walk you through safety training. You'll spend one hour riding the buggy trails around Lake Hafravatn, ascending toward Hafrafell Mountain for sweeping views across the capital region and beyond.

Midday — Old Harbor Break: After the buggy tour, you're dropped at Reykjavík's Old Harbor. Browse the waterfront cafes and restaurants at your own pace before the whale watching departure.

Afternoon — Whale Watching: Board the Elding vessel for a 3-hour cruise into Faxaflói Bay. Guides scan for Minke whales and other marine wildlife while providing expert commentary. The boat is equipped with a heated saloon, large viewing windows, warm overalls and blankets, onboard WiFi, and access to a wildlife exhibition. Whale sightings are not guaranteed but are a regular occurrence in these waters.

Why choose this tour

This combo tour is one of the most efficient ways to experience both Iceland's rugged inland terrain and its rich coastal marine life in a single day. Rather than booking two separate tours on different days, everything is coordinated — hotel pickup, gear, transfers between activities, and the whale watching cruise — so the logistics are handled for you.

The buggy safari requires no prior experience, making it accessible to first-timers, while the whale watching cruise suits all ages and fitness levels. Passengers aged 6 years and older are welcome on the buggy as non-drivers. The full day runs approximately 8 hours, giving you a genuinely full Iceland adventure without needing a rental car or separate planning.

What’s included

1-hour buggy safari on the trails around Lake Hafravatn and Hafrafell Mountain Sightseeing views over Reykjavík, the Hengill range, Bláfjöll, and Faxaflói Bay Whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay with Elding Whale Watching Buggy gear: overalls, helmet, balaclava, gloves, and rain gear if needed Whale watching gear: warm overalls and blankets Complimentary WiFi on board the whale watching vessel Access to onboard wildlife exhibition Heated indoor saloon on the whale watching vessel Hotel pickup and drop-off transfer from Reykjavík

Pickup locations

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

Pickup locations

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience to drive the buggy?
No prior experience is required. Safari Quads guides provide a full safety briefing and gear fitting before you set out. The trails are suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced off-road riders.
Are whale sightings guaranteed on the cruise?
Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but Minke whales and other marine wildlife are regularly encountered in Faxaflói Bay. Expert guides on board help locate and identify wildlife throughout the 3-hour cruise.
Can children join this tour?
Yes. Passengers (non-drivers) must be a minimum age of 6 years. All buggy drivers must be 18 years of age and hold a full valid driver's licence. The whale watching cruise is also suitable for children travelling as passengers.
What is the difference between single-rider and shared-rider options?
Single rider means one person per buggy. Shared rider means two people share one buggy, and a minimum of 2 participants is required to book this option. If your group has an odd number of people, one person must book the single-rider option.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear warm layers and sturdy outdoor shoes — all outer gear including overalls, helmet, gloves, and balaclava is provided for the buggy. For whale watching, dress warmly and bring a windproof jacket, hat, and gloves. A camera or phone is recommended for both activities.
How does the day flow between the two activities?
After the buggy safari, you are dropped at Reykjavík's Old Harbor, where you have free time to eat and explore before the whale watching departure. The full day, including transfers, runs approximately 8 hours.

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