Quad Bike Tour on Black Lava Sands from Mýrdalur

Black sand, cold wind, open country. This two-hour ATV ride from Vík gives you a lively way to see South Iceland’s volcanic coast, with routes across gravel, streams, lava sands, and remote beach. I especially like the mix of active riding and scenic stops, plus the chance to reach the famous aircraft wreck and look toward Mýrdalsjökull glacier and Dyrhólaey.

I also like that beginners can join without previous ATV experience. The machines are shared by two people, and the guides explain the route and safety rules before setting off. The main drawback is that group size may not always feel as small as the advertised maximum of 15, so the experience can become slower and less personal if a much larger group is scheduled.

Key points to know before you book

• The route covers more than black sand: Expect gravel tracks, small rivers, lava fields, beach, mountain edges, and a canyon-like river area.
• The aircraft wreck is a major stop: You ride along the coast to the famous abandoned plane and pause for photographs.
• Two people share each ATV: You can change drivers during stops, but solo riders and odd-numbered groups may pay an extra local fee.
• No experience is required: The activity is rated easy, though you still need a valid driver’s license to operate the ATV.
• Weather shapes the day: Wind, rain, and cold are part of South Iceland, so bring warm, waterproof clothing and consider using the supplied boots.
• Private riding may be worth the upgrade: It can offer more independence and reduce delays from large groups or slow riders.

Starting near Mýrdalsjökull glacier

The meeting point is the Icelandic Mountain Guides base near Mýrdalsjökull, outside Vík. You need to arrive 30 minutes before departure, which gives the staff time to check the group, issue gear, and explain how the ride will work.

The setting is already a good introduction to South Iceland. Mýrdalsjökull covers the Katla volcanic system, and the black sands below are tied to the area’s volcanic past. You are not simply riding on an ordinary beach. You are crossing ground shaped by ice, water, and eruptions.

Before you start, the guide reviews the route and safety instructions. The tour is suitable for first-time riders, but you should still pay attention. Water crossings, loose gravel, changing weather, and other ATVs require you to follow the guide’s pace and directions.

The operator provides an insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask. These items matter in Iceland, where wind can make a cool day feel much colder. One useful tip from the experience: bring your own warm gloves if you have them, since the supplied gloves may not be enough for especially cold conditions.

You can also use the company’s boots. I would take that option rather than risk muddying your own footwear. The route includes wet ground and water crossings, and one rider specifically noted that the boots were a better choice.

Sharing an ATV, and what that means

Each ATV is assigned to two people, with one driver and one passenger. Stops allow you to switch, so both people can get time behind the handlebars.

This arrangement keeps the price more manageable, but it also changes the feel of the ride. If both of you want to drive a lot, you will need to agree on when to change. A passenger gets fine views and the fun of crossing the terrain, but does not have the same control or physical involvement as the driver.

If you are traveling alone, or your group has an odd number such as three, five, or seven, a single rider may need to pay an extra fee locally. The exact charge is not given in the tour details, so check before departure if this applies to you.

A valid driver’s license is required for anyone who drives. No ATV background is needed, and the activity is classed as easy, but you should be comfortable taking basic instructions and handling a motor vehicle on uneven ground.

Crossing rivers toward the black lava sands

From the base, the group crosses small rivers and heads toward the broad black lava sands connected with Katla. This first section gives you a quick sense of the ride’s variety. You are not following one polished road from beginning to end. The terrain changes under the wheels, from gravel tracks to wet crossings and dark volcanic sand.

The riding is the main event here. You feel the wind, see the open country from a low position, and move through places that are hard to experience from a standard sightseeing vehicle. The ATV makes the scenery physical. You are not only looking at the sand from a roadside pullout, you are crossing it.

The guides set the pace for the group. Faster riders may have some room to move ahead, while less experienced drivers can go more slowly. This is useful for mixed groups, though it also means the ride may include waiting if several people are nervous or unfamiliar with the machines.

The black beach and glacier views

At the beach, the group stops for views and photographs. From this position, you can look back toward Mýrdalsjökull glacier and along the coast toward Dyrhólaey, the small peninsula at Iceland’s southern tip.

The contrast is what makes this stop special. Dark sand stretches below the pale glacier, while the coast opens toward the sea. In good weather, this is likely to be one of the strongest photo stops of the day. In poor weather, the view may be more dramatic than clear, with wind and rain becoming part of the experience.

The beach is also where the open setting can make it hard to hear the guide. Wind can carry voices away, so stand close during the information stop and ask for clarification if needed. This is a scenic pause, not a long beach walk, and the focus remains on the ATV route.

The black sand can look surprisingly empty compared with better-known public viewpoints near Vík. That gives the ride a more remote feeling, although you should not expect complete solitude. Other ATV groups may be using the same area.

Riding along the coast to the aircraft wreck

The route continues along the coast toward the famous abandoned aircraft wreck. This is one of the tour’s strongest selling points because the wreck is a well-known South Iceland sight, yet reaching it by ATV adds an active element to the visit.

The plane stop gives you time to get off the machines and take pictures. Guides also explain the site and help organize the stop. The wreck can be especially rewarding if you enjoy unusual places with a stark setting: a damaged aircraft against Iceland’s dark volcanic ground feels far removed from an ordinary sightseeing stop.

Be realistic about the photo portion. Guides may help take pictures and suggest poses, which is useful for couples and families. But a popular photo stop can slow the group if everyone wants a large collection of nearly identical images. If you prefer a brisker outing, a private tour should give you more control over the timing.

Some participants have found that other riders spend too long filming social media clips. That is not a problem caused by the guides, but it can affect the rhythm of a shared tour. The best approach is to enjoy the main photo opportunities without expecting unlimited time at every stop.

Rivers, mountain edges, and the return route

After the aircraft wreck, the ride continues toward the Jökulsá river and the foot of the mountain. This section adds more changes in elevation and terrain, with water, cliffs, fields, and rocky ground forming a fuller picture of the area.

The water crossings are among the most enjoyable parts for many riders. They are not presented as extreme off-road stunts, but they add movement and a little uncertainty to the ride. You should expect splashes and mud, which is another reason to wear the supplied outer gear and boots.

The group then follows the mountain back toward the base. Along the way, there are more chances to stop, take in the views, and listen to the guide explain the local terrain. Guides such as Hannis, Jordy, Remmy, Paul, Anthony, Gunnlaugur, and Bjarki have been praised for making the ride friendly, funny, and safety-minded.

That personal side matters. The route itself is excellent, but a guide who explains the volcanic ground, warns you about hazards, and keeps the mood light makes the activity easier for beginners. Anthony, for example, has been appreciated for combining calm instruction with humor, while other guides have taken family photos and helped riders feel at ease.

The full ATV portion lasts about two hours. The exact amount of riding time at each section depends on the pace of the group, the number of stops, and weather conditions.

What $206 buys you

At $206 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The value depends on how you view the experience.

You are paying for more than a short vehicle ride. The price includes the ATV for two people, an English-speaking guide, helmet, balaclava, and insulated cover-all. The route also combines several sights that would otherwise require separate stops or a more complicated day of driving: black sands, coastal views, the aircraft wreck, river crossings, mountain scenery, and glacier views.

I think the price makes better sense if you want an active outing rather than another viewpoint visit. You are getting access to terrain that is difficult to explore independently, along with instruction and safety support. Families with older children, couples, and groups of friends can also share the cost of one ATV.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet photo tour or dislike waiting for other people. A large group can reduce riding time and make the stops feel crowded. In that case, ask about a private option or individual ATVs before paying.

Food, drinks, and transport from your hotel are not included. You need to make your own way to the base near Vík, so plan the drive carefully and allow time to arrive half an hour early.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

South Iceland does not promise gentle conditions. The tour operates in cold weather, and it may continue through rain if conditions are safe. One group reported that the supplied equipment kept them comfortable even when rain arrived during the final part of the ride, but you should not rely on the outer gear alone.

Wear warm layers and waterproof clothing underneath the cover-all. Bring gloves that insulate well, since hands can become cold quickly on an ATV. A camera or phone is worth bringing for the views, but protect it from rain and splashes.

The weather can improve the mood of the ride or limit the views. Clear conditions give you the best chance of seeing the glacier and coastline in full. Wind and rain can make the beach stop harder to hear and photographs less crisp, but they also show you the tougher side of Iceland’s coast.

The tour requires good weather. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to combine sightseeing with a little physical excitement. It suits first-time ATV riders, provided you are willing to follow instructions and share the machine with another person.

It is particularly good for:

• Couples who want an active shared experience
• Families with older children and teenagers
• Friends who enjoy unusual transport and open scenery
• Visitors who want to see the aircraft wreck without making it the only focus
• Anyone who prefers remote volcanic terrain to crowded public viewpoints

You may want another activity if you dislike cold, wind, mud, or vehicle vibration. You should also think twice if you want complete control over the timetable. Shared tours can include slower riders, extra safety stops, or long photography sessions.

The activity has a maximum listed group size of 15, but group sizes have not always felt that small. If a large departure is important to you, confirm the expected group size before booking.

Cancellation and basic booking advice

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Confirmation is provided when you book. The tour is offered in English, and most people can participate, though driving the ATV requires a valid driver’s license. Remember that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Because the activity is booked well ahead by many people, reserve early if it is a priority for your South Iceland plans. Build in enough flexibility for weather, especially if your schedule around Vík is tight.

Should you book the Black Lava Sands ATV tour?

Book it if you want a hands-on way to see South Iceland. The best parts are the range of terrain, the black beach, the aircraft wreck, river crossings, and the views toward Mýrdalsjökull and Dyrhólaey. The guide team adds real value by keeping beginners safe, explaining the area, and helping with photographs.

I would choose this over a simple stop at a crowded beach if you want movement and variety. I would also consider a private option if your group wants to drive independently, avoid delays, or spend more time at the stops.

Skip it if $206 feels too steep for a two-hour activity, if you need hotel transport, or if cold and wet weather would spoil the day. For most active visitors based near Vík, though, this is a memorable use of two hours and one of the more distinctive ways to meet Iceland’s volcanic coast.

FAQ

How long does the ATV tour last?

The ATV experience lasts approximately two hours. The tour begins and ends at the Icelandic Mountain Guides Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp near Vík.

Do I need previous ATV experience?

No. Previous ATV experience is not required, and the activity is rated easy. You will receive a route briefing and safety instructions before riding.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. A valid driver’s license is required if you want to drive the ATV.

How many people ride on each ATV?

Two people normally share one ATV, with one person driving and one riding as a passenger. You can change drivers during stops.

Is there an extra fee for riding alone?

Yes. If you are alone or part of an odd-numbered group, a single rider may need to pay an additional charge locally.

What equipment is included?

The tour provides an English-speaking guide, an ATV for two people, an insulated cover-all, a helmet, and a balaclava face mask.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to meet the group at the Icelandic Mountain Guides ATV and Snowmobile Tours base near Mýrdalsjökull, 871 Vík, and arrive 30 minutes before departure.