Mýrdalsjökull: South Coast ATV Quad Bike Safari

The best part of this trip is the setting: you ride across Sólheimasandur’s black sand, then cross streams and rough ground toward a mountain valley beneath Mýrdalsjökull. It feels far removed from Iceland’s usual roadside viewpoints. I like the mix of speed and scenery, especially the open beach where guides may let confident riders pick up the pace. I also like the friendly guiding, with people such as Anthony, Pawel, Magni, and Bjarki adding local stories and helping nervous first-time riders.

The main catch is weather. Wind, rain, snow, and high water can change the route, and the glacier may not be reachable. You also need a valid driver’s license to drive, and odd-numbered parties must pay extra for a single ATV on site.

Key points at a glance

• The two-hour ride is the better choice: It includes the plane wreck, beach, river crossings, fields, and mountain valley.
• You ride to the 1973 DC3 wreck: The rusting fuselage sits on the stark black plains of Sólheimasandur.
• Two people share each ATV: Single riders can book a solo machine, but an extra charge applies for odd-numbered groups.
• The route changes with the weather: River crossings and glacier access may be limited in heavy rain, wind, or snow.
• Warm gear is supplied: You get an insulated cover-all, helmet, balaclava, and gloves, with boots available depending on conditions.
• First-time riders are welcome: Guides give a safety briefing and adjust the pace to suit the group.

Riding out from Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp

You meet the activity team at Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp on Ytri Sólheimar Road 222. Look for Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia, Mýrdalsjökull Base. The meeting point may be farther up the road than a map application suggests, so allow a little time to find the correct entrance.

The base camp is more than a parking spot. It is where you get fitted with riding gear, meet your English-speaking guide, and learn the controls before heading out. A short safety briefing covers how to operate the ATV and how to stay with the group. That matters here because the route changes under your wheels, from soft sand to rough tracks and water crossings.

Each ATV is normally shared by two people. You can take turns driving, though both people need to meet the conditions for driving if they plan to operate the machine. A valid driver’s license is required. If you are traveling alone, or your group has an odd number of people, you need a single-rider ATV and pay the additional amount locally.

The supplied clothing is useful in Iceland’s changeable weather. You get an insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Gloves are provided, and boots may be available depending on the weather. I would still bring warm base layers, a sturdy waterproof outer shoe or boot, and clothing you do not mind getting muddy or wet. One useful cold-weather tip is to wear the supplied wool gloves under your own heavier gloves if your hands chill easily.

Sólheimasandur and the famous DC3 wreck

The first major stretch takes you across Sólheimasandur, a broad plain of dark volcanic sand between the coast and the mountains. On an ATV, you can cover ground that would be tiring and slow on foot, while still stopping for photos and stories.

The setting is stark. There are few visual distractions on the black plain, so the wrecked aircraft looks especially strange against the empty surroundings. The DC3 crashed here in 1973, and the remains have become one of Iceland’s best-known sights. The fuselage is a strong photo stop, but the ride to it is part of the appeal. You are not simply stepping off a bus beside a landmark. You approach over open volcanic ground, with the machines adding a sense of movement to an otherwise silent place.

The stop also gives your guide a chance to explain the aircraft and the area. Pawel, Anthony, and other guides have been praised for giving clear background on the wreck, local geography, and Icelandic volcanic activity. The best guides do more than point at the plane. They explain why the site feels so exposed and how the surrounding terrain was formed.

The wreck itself is not a polished attraction. It is weathered, bare, and surrounded by black sand. That is exactly why it works. If you want a tidy museum display, this is not it. If you like unusual places with a strong sense of isolation, it is one of the most memorable stops.

Black beaches, sea wind, and open riding

From the wreck, the route continues toward the Atlantic. You get views across the black beach and out toward the water, with Dyrhólaey visible from the coast. Dyrhólaey is the southernmost tip of Iceland, known for its dramatic headland and sea arch. From this angle, you see it as part of a much wider coastal scene rather than as a quick roadside lookout.

The beach is where the ride can feel most thrilling. The open black sand gives you room to move, and guides may allow the group to build speed when conditions and ability permit. This is not a race. You remain with the group, follow instructions, and slow down for less experienced riders. Still, riders who expected a gentle crawl may be pleased by the chance to open up the ATV.

The wind can be intense. On a calm day, the beach offers a smooth, fast surface. On a wet or stormy day, the wind may become the main event. Strong gusts can make standing still difficult, and spray or rain can sting exposed skin. The provided cover-all and face protection help, but good base layers still matter.

I like this part because it gives you a real sense of Iceland’s scale. A standard vehicle stop can show you the beach, but the ATV ride lets you travel along it and feel the weather directly. The tradeoff is comfort. You should expect noise, wind, and some jolting rather than a quiet scenic tour.

Fields, streams, and the route into the valley

The ride is not limited to flat sand. You may pass open fields, seasonal wildflowers such as lupines, rougher tracks, and small streams. The changing surfaces keep the activity from becoming repetitive. One minute you are moving across a broad dark plain, and the next you are picking your line over stony ground or through shallow water.

The river crossings are among the most distinctive parts of the two-hour route. They are not guaranteed in every kind of weather. Heavy rain can raise water levels, and guides may remove or change crossings when conditions are unsafe. That is an important point if you are booking mainly for the water sections. The experience remains worthwhile without them, but the exact route is not fixed.

After following the Jökulsá River, the group heads toward a mountain valley. This final section feels quieter and more enclosed than the beach. You get a different view of the area, with mountain slopes and glacier-fed water replacing the wide ocean horizon.

Mýrdalsjökull may be visible inland, but access and views depend on conditions. One wet and windy outing could not reach the glacier, yet the beach, wreck, and other scenery still made a strong trip. That is the right expectation: this is a ride at the foot of the glacier region, not a guaranteed glacier visit.

How demanding is the ATV ride?

You do not need advanced off-road experience. The briefing covers the basics, and the guides keep an eye on the group. Beginners have found the terrain manageable, while experienced riders may get opportunities to travel faster on suitable sections.

The route can still feel physical. Rough ground shakes the ATV, and water crossings require attention. You need to follow directions, control your speed, and stay aware of the riders ahead. If you feel unsure, tell the guide. Guides such as Anthony and Pawel have been praised for adjusting the pace, explaining hazards, and offering help at nervous moments.

The activity is not suitable for children under eight or for pregnant women. Intoxication, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted. These rules are sensible for a motorized off-road activity in a remote setting.

Families can enjoy it if everyone meets the age and driving requirements. The activity has worked well for groups with older children, and guides are used to helping first-time riders. For a mixed-ability group, the guide’s control of the pace matters more than raw riding skill.

One hour or two hours?

The one-hour option gives you a shorter taste of the area. It can make sense if you have a packed South Coast schedule or want to combine the ride with several other stops.

I would choose the two-hour tour if you have room in your day. It allows time for the DC3 wreck, coast, photo stops, different surfaces, stream crossings when possible, and the valley section. Several riders who began with the shorter option decided to switch to two hours and felt the extra time was worth it.

The longer trip also makes the $144 per-person price easier to justify. The cost covers a guide, shared ATV, protective clothing, and access to a route you could not normally drive yourself. Iceland is expensive, so this is not a budget activity, but you are paying for active access to several very different settings rather than a short loop near the base.

Remember that the $144 rate is based on two people sharing an ATV. Solo riders and odd-numbered parties pay more for a single machine. Check that extra cost before you commit, especially if you are traveling alone.

What makes the guiding work

The guides are a big part of the experience. Names that have received repeated praise include Anthony, Pawel, Magni, Bjarki, Gully, Oskar, and Hinrick. You may not have one of them on your departure, but the guiding style is clear from the way the outing is run: safety comes first, then local stories, photos, and a pace suited to the group.

Some guides take pictures at the wreck and scenic stops, which is helpful because carrying and using a phone in full protective gear is awkward. They also explain Icelandic geography, volcanoes, the plane, and local life. The result feels more personal than simply following a marker from one stop to the next.

Small groups may be available. Group size affects how quickly you move and how much individual help you receive. A tiny departure can feel almost private, while a larger group may require more patience at stops and crossings.

There is also a simple comfort detail at the base camp: tea and coffee may be available before or after the activity. It is a small touch, but welcome after riding in cold wind.

Weather, timing, and practical planning

You do not get hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to reach the base camp yourself. The site is on Ytri Sólheimar Road 222, and the drive should be planned as part of your South Coast day. Do not schedule a tight connection immediately afterward. Weather can affect the route, and you will want time to change out of wet gear.

The tour lasts one to two hours, depending on the option you book. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Bring:

• A valid driver’s license
• Warm base layers
• Waterproof shoes or boots
• Gloves suitable for cold weather
• Clothing that can handle rain, spray, and sand

You do not need to bring your own helmet or cover-all. The activity supplies those items. Waterproof footwear remains important because the ground can be wet, and boots are only supplied when conditions allow.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your South Coast plans may shift.

Should you book this ATV safari?

I would book it if you want more than roadside sightseeing and like the idea of combining speed with unusual scenery. The two-hour option is the clear pick for most people, especially if the DC3 wreck, beach riding, and river crossings all appeal to you.

You should think twice if you dislike cold wind, rough riding, or changing plans. The glacier is not guaranteed, water crossings can be removed, and the beach can be brutally windy. This is also not the cheapest short activity, particularly for a solo rider.

For first-time ATV riders, families with children eight and older, couples, and active visitors looking for a memorable South Coast stop, it offers strong value. Book the two-hour ride, arrive with warm layers, and treat the exact route as weather-dependent. That way, you get the best part of Iceland’s wild coast without expecting the weather to follow a script.

FAQ

Where does the ATV tour 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 safari last?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour outing. Check the available starting times for your chosen date.

What does the $144 price include?

The price includes a guide, one ATV for every two people, an insulated cover-all, 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 an ATV.

Can I ride alone on an ATV?

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

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under eight are not permitted. The supplied information does not state a maximum age.

Can pregnant women join the activity?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must arrange your own transport to and from Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The route may change. Heavy rain, strong wind, snow, or high water can prevent access to some sections, including the glacier area or river crossings.

Can beginners drive the ATVs?

Yes. The tour begins with a safety briefing, and the guides adjust the pace to the group. You still need a valid driver’s license and must follow the guide’s instructions.