Name: Glacier Lagoon Kayak and Buggy
Brand: Icelandia
SKU: AG307
Price: 51351 ISK
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What is a buggy tour?

Accepted Answer

A buggy tour is an adventure of a lifetime. On a tour, you’ll spin your all-terrain vehicle—or buggy—across Iceland’s rugged landscape. It’s a test of your off-road driving skills and a thrilling way to get off the beaten tourist track at the same time.

Buggies are powerful and versatile vehicles that are equipped to provide you with the safest off-road experiences. For example, with a roll cage and double-A arm suspension, you’ll be secure no matter what terrain you tackle.

Turn Iceland’s landscape into a playground. Explore our tours to discover your options.

Question 2

Why is it called a buggy?

Accepted Answer

A buggy was originally the name for a carriage. For example, in eighteenth-century London, the upper classes often went around in a two-seater “buggy” pulled by a horse. That word is now used for many different vehicles—including our all-terrain vehicles and babies’ pushchairs.

Really, though, it’s just another name for an ATV or off-road vehicle.

Question 3

Do you need a licence to drive a buggy in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

You need a full valid driving licence to drive a buggy in Iceland. Unfortunately, provisional licences, motorbike licences, or licences specific to particular types of vehicle are not sufficient. You also need to be at least 17 years of age. These are rules set by Icelandic law.

Question 4

How old do you have to be to drive a buggy in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

To drive a buggy in Iceland, you will need to be at least 17 years of age and have a full valid driving licence. Unfortunately, according to Icelandic law, motorbike or provisional licences are not sufficient.

If you’re not old enough to drive, you can ride as a passenger on a buggy instead. For safety reasons, though, you must be at least 8 years old to ride.

Question 5

Do we drive off-road with the buggies?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. While off-road driving is illegal in Iceland and subject to heavy fines, we ensure a thrilling experience within the bounds of the law. Our tours are conducted on dirt roads and tracks located on private lands, where we have explicit permission to operate. Rest assured; our routes are carefully selected and approved to provide an adventurous yet legal and environmentally responsible buggy experience. We are committed to not leaving lasting marks or disturbing the natural landscape.

Question 6

Are buggy cars automatic?

Accepted Answer

Most buggy cars are fully automatic. We won’t say all of them, because many are custom-made and there’s a lot of variety between models. However, all the buggies we use at Icelandia are automatic—so that anyone can drive them, regardless of their experience level.

Question 7

How many people can sit in a buggy?

Accepted Answer

Buggy cars are typically designed to fit just two people, however, we also have a few 6-seater family buggies.

Question 8

We are two people. Can we both drive the buggy?

Accepted Answer

Of course, if you both want to try driving, feel free to swap over during your buggy tour! There’s plenty of time for you both to give it a go.

Question 9

What do you wear to a buggy ride?

Accepted Answer

At Icelandia, we provide most of the safety equipment you’ll need for your buggy ride. Included in your price you’ll get a helmet, a balaclava, gloves, waterproof overalls, and rubber boots.

These things aside, it’s up to you to wear the appropriate clothes. Usually, we recommend dressing in clothes that will keep you warm. For example, we suggest that you wear lots of layers so that if you get warm you can easily take something off.

You won’t need to wear a waterproof jacket as we'll provide the overalls. That said, it’s worth packing one if you are doing something on your day out afterwards!

Question 10

Can a 2 year old go on a buggy?

Accepted Answer

On all our buggy tours in Iceland, we require a minimum age of 6. That’s to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Question 11

Can I book a private buggy tour?

Accepted Answer

There are many different buggy tours available in Iceland to suit every taste. If you would like to take a private buggy tour, get in touch with us to arrange it.

Alternatively, we run buggy tours in small groups. They’re intimate experiences in which you’ll travel with like-minded people. While they’re not strictly private, you’ll have plenty of time to learn from your guide and enjoy the tour at your own pace.

Question 12

Can you kayak on the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon?

Accepted Answer

You can go glacier kayaking on Jökulsárlón in Iceland throughout the summer months. It’s a breathtaking way to witness this spectacular place, where icebergs drift across the calm waters.

Summer is the season when the waters of the lagoon are easiest to navigate, as they can freeze in winter. Visit between May and September to enjoy this incredible experience.

Question 13

What kind of kayaks do you use for the tours?

Accepted Answer

We use sit-on-top kayaks that are stable, secure, and perfect for beginners. And depending on your choice, you can use either a double kayak—built for two people—or a single-person vessel.

Question 14

Which location is best for kayaking?

Accepted Answer

There are many great places for kayaking in Iceland, from deep fjords to glacial lagoons.

Which is best depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. Want to see Jökulsárlón, the crown jewel of Iceland, from a kayak? We can help you do that.

Prefer to explore Iceland’s sea fjords? We can make that happen too.

Question 15

Can you kayak in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

With lagoons, lakes, and open sea, there are many opportunities to kayak in Iceland. And it may well be one of the most rewarding things you do while you’re in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Get a different perspective on Iceland’s jaw-dropping scenery and see some majestic wildlife while you’re here. You don’t need any prior experience either. On a kayaking tour, you’ll be led by an expert guide who can show you the ropes.

Question 16

Can you kayak in Iceland in winter?

Accepted Answer

You can kayak throughout the year in Iceland.

However, there are fewer tour companies that offer winter kayaking. That’s because the waters are much colder and the weather can be pretty volatile. Tours often have to be cancelled or rearranged last minute due to the weather conditions.

If you’re in Iceland in winter, get in touch with us for details of the specific kayaking tours available.

Question 17

Are the kayaks stable?

Accepted Answer

The kayaks we provide are very stable and perfect for beginners. You’ll have no problems getting the hang of your kayaking technique. What’s more, the chances of capsizing are very low!

Question 18

Is there a guide with you on all kayaking tours?

Accepted Answer

There will always be a guide with you on kayaking tours in Iceland. When most visitors are kayaking for the first time, it’s really important that there’s an expert guide with safety training.

They’ll run through the basics of kayaking, ensure you know what you’re doing, and show you the coolest spots to explore by boat.

Question 19

Where can I kayak in a glacier in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

There are many opportunities for glacier kayaking in Iceland. Here are three of the most famous:

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Known as the crown jewel of Iceland for good reason, Jökulsárlón is simply jaw-dropping. Visit it on a kayak!

Sólheimajökull. One of the lesser known glacial lagoons, it still packs a punch. It has the benefit of being much closer to Reykjavík too, if you want a day out of the city.

Heinabergslón. In the heart of the Vatnajökull National Park, Heinabergslón is a hidden gem. It’s a great place to explore away from the crowds.

Of course, you’re not going to be kayaking on the glacier itself, but on the lagoons at the foot of the glacier.

Question 20

Can you kayak in Iceland in October?

Accepted Answer

Outside of the summer months, there are fewer kayaking experiences available. That’s because the weather becomes less predictable and ice can start to appear on the water.

If you’re coming to Iceland in October and want to go kayaking, get in touch with us directly.

Question 21

What should I wear on the kayaking tours in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Most of the specialist gear that you’ll need for kayaking will be provided for you as part of the tour. You’ll receive a dry suit, an inflatable vest, as well as shoes and gloves.

Your job is to make sure you wear clothes that will keep you warm. Dressing in layers is sensible, so that you can take layers off or put them back on again if you need to. And don’t forget warm socks.

Always bring a waterproof jacket with you too.

Question 22

How fit do you have to be to do the kayaking tours?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to be superfit to join a kayaking tour in Iceland. But we always recommend that you have a decent level of fitness to enjoy the experience to the full.

You will be powering yourself, after all, so you should be ready to be out for over an 1.5 hours. That said, there’s no rush and you can go completely at your own pace. As long as you can fit into our drysuits, you won’t have a problem.

Question 23

How experienced do you have to be to do the kayaking tours?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to have any prior experience to go kayaking in Iceland. Your expert leader will show you the basics of paddling and safety before you take to the water, so you know exactly what you’re doing.

Bear in mind that you won’t be navigating rapids or rough seas when kayaking in Iceland. Rather, the calm waters give you an easy way to learn how to steer and navigate your vessel.

Question 24

Are there weight limits for kayaking?

Accepted Answer

Yes — as a rough guide, a single kayak takes up to about 145 kg (320 lb) and a double up to about 214 kg (470 lb) between both paddlers. These are best-case limits for calm conditions; in wind or choppy water, or without previous experience, the safe limit can be lower.

On a double, a big weight difference between the two paddlers can make the kayak hard to balance and steer, even when the combined weight is under the limit. Because it depends so much on the conditions and your experience, we can't give a fixed number, so if you or anyone in your group is close to these figures, please contact us before booking and we'll help you choose the right tour. Your guide always makes the final decision on the day, with safety first.

Glacier Lagoon Kayak and Buggy

Requirements

Tour itinerary

Sólheimajökull Base Camp

Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon

What’s included and what to bring on this tour

Included

Not included

Tour highlights

Are you wondering about something?

Weight guidance for kayaking

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