Volcanic Vistas & Puffin Paradise ATV Tour
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore Vestmannaeyjar's famous duo: volcanoes and puffins. Known for its 1973 eruption and the world’s largest puffin colony, this island offers a unique adventure.
Join us on an ATV tour starting southward, where you'll see the famous "elephant rock." We'll then head to Stórhöfði for stunning views of the island cluster. On clear days, you can even spot Surtsey, the southernmost island formed in 1963. Stórhöfði is perfect for watching puffins play and hearing fascinating facts about them. This part is non-offroad.
Next, we venture off-road through lava fields, visiting Prestvik beach, where fishing ship Pelagus stranded, and visit the scene from "The Deep," where Guðlaugur Friðþórsson survived a cold sea swim. The tour continues to Eldfell volcano and along the coast with breathtaking views.
This family-friendly tour requires no prior ATV experience. Drivers need a license, and passengers must be 6+. All gear is provided, including waterproof overalls, gloves, and helmets.
Available options
Solo rider
Solo rider
Share rider
This is the share rider option: Each ATV is shared by 2 persons(2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
Please make sure to select each person who will be sharing ATV
What's included
Gloves
Helmets
Overalls
Detailed itinerary
1
Jump on an ATV with us and explore the most famous things Vestmannaeyjar has to offer, volcanic areas and puffins. We start the tour by going south along the island where we will, among other things, take a look at one of the most special landmarks on the island, the elephant or "elephant rock".
2
From elephant rock, we will drive towards Stórhöfði, where the small island cluster of Vestmannaeyja faces us in all its glory. When the weather is good and the Vestmannaeyjar are at their best, you can see all the way to Surtsey, but Surtsey is the southernmost island in the Vestmannaeyjar cluster and was formed in an underwater eruption on November 14, 1963.
At Stórhöfði the view to all directions is magnificent, despite the fact that the weather can make you spin around as it is the windiest place in the country. We will take the walk to a special place and give ourselves plenty of time to observe the crown jewel of Vestmannaeyjar, the puffins, watch them play around on the slope, take off and come in to land while the guide tells us interesting facts about the puffins and their surroundings.
3
Stop 3
Next, we drive from Stórhöfði and into the lava area, where we take the "off-road" part of the trip.
During the trip, we will go to Prestvik beach where fishing ship Pelagus stranded, we will also drive around and view the scene where Guðlaugur Friðþórsson came to land after 5-6 km of swimming in the dark and cold sea after Hellisey VE 503 sank as stated in the movie The Deep. We will drive around the lava and into the middle of the volcano Eldfell and along the coast, where the view is breathtaking.
This trip is recommended for all the family who will enjoy driving around historical sites of Vestmannaeyjar on a fun riding ATV. The ATVs are automatic and easy to drive so no specific experience is needed. All ATV ́s are 2 persons where the driver needs to have a driving license and passengers need to be 6 years or older.
This is a guided trip where each person will be provided waterproof overalls, gloves and helmet.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
17 reviews
5★
16
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.9
38 reviews
5★
37
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Bookings from passengers on cruise ships – If cruise ship cannot enter Vestmannaeyjar due to weather or other circumstances – 70% Refund of booking
Meeting point
Please be at our location about 20 - 30 minutes before scheduled departure time.
We are just 2-3 min walk from the ferry Herjólfur. Just walk straight up from Herjólfur, we are at the corner at Strandvegur 65.
About Heimaey Island
Heimaey Island, part of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, is Iceland's largest and only inhabited volcanic island. Known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and unique wildlife, it offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. The island is famous for its 1973 volcanic eruption, which dramatically reshaped its geography.
Top Attractions
Eldfell Volcano
Eldfell is a volcano that erupted in 1973, dramatically reshaping the island. You can hike to the top for stunning views.
Nature/Historical
2-3 hours for the hike
Free
Seltun Thermal Area
A geothermal area with boiling mud pools and steam vents. It's a unique and otherworldly landscape.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Puffin Colonies
Heimaey is home to one of the largest puffin colonies in the world. You can take a boat tour to see them up close.
Nature
1-2 hours for a tour
Approximately 5000-7000 ISK
Heimaey Museum
This museum tells the story of the 1973 volcanic eruption and its impact on the island.
Historical
1 hour
Approximately 1000 ISK
Valahnúkamöl Beach
A beautiful black sand beach with stunning views of the ocean and cliffs.
Beach
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa)
A hearty soup made with Icelandic lamb, root vegetables, and herbs.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat
Fish and Chips
Freshly caught fish, usually cod or haddock, fried in batter and served with chips.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains fish
Skyr
A traditional Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product, often served with berries or honey.
Snack/Dessert
Contains dairy
Popular Activities
Hiking Eldfell
Boat tours to see puffins
Exploring Seltun Thermal Area
Visiting local cafés
Enjoying the black sand beaches
Visiting Heimaey Museum
Exploring local shops and restaurants
Boat tours
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer offers the warmest weather, longest daylight hours, and the best conditions for outdoor activities. The island is vibrant with festivals and tourist activities.
8°C to 14°C
46°F to 57°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Icelandic
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Icelandic Krona (ISK)
Time Zone
GMT+0
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Heimaey is generally safe with low crime rates. However, be cautious of the weather and natural hazards.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of sudden weather changes.
- • Stay on marked paths when hiking.
- • Be aware of the ocean currents.
Getting there
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are available for scheduled tours and some local routes. Check schedules in advance.
Taxis
Available
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Heimaey Town
Eldfell Area
Day trips
Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
Central to the island • Half day
Explore the various attractions within the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, including Eldfell, Seltun, and the puffin colonies.
Festivals
Vestmannaeyjar Jazz Festival • Late August
Pro tips
- Book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
- Bring layers of clothing for changing weather conditions.
- Visit the puffin colonies early in the morning for the best experience.
- Explore the island by bike or rental car for flexibility.
- Try local specialties like fish and chips and lamb soup.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
