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Westman Islands Volcano ATV Tour

Name: Westman Islands Volcano ATV Tour
Brand: Iceland Travel Guide
SKU: 89720
Price: 14900 ISK
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

about 1 hourGroup: Small groupEasyMeet on locationAge 6+ (passenger)April–October

5.0(1 review)

Two riders on an ATV with the islands behind

This Westman Islands ATV tour rides you around Heimaey's volcanic landscape, including the Eldfell cone thrown up by the 1973 eruption that half-buried the town below it.

Eldfell volcano1973 lava fieldPrestvík

Ride an ATV around the Eldfell volcano, formed in the 1973 eruption
Cross lava fields laid down when the eruption threatened the town
Coastal viewpoints including Prestvík beach
Waterproof overalls, gloves and helmet provided
Suitable for passengers from age 6

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.

1Meet at the ATV baseCheck in at the base on Strandvegur, get fitted with gear.

Gearing upWaterproof overalls, gloves and a helmet provided.

You receive waterproof overalls, gloves and a helmet. You need a valid driver's licence to operate the ATV, and passengers can be from age 6.

Requirement · valid driver's licence to operate the ATV

Eldfell lava field and volcanoRide across the 1973 lava field and around the Eldfell cone.

The Eldfell eruption started suddenly in January 1973 and buried part of the town before it stopped. You ride across the lava field it created and around the base of the 220-metre cone, a well-known viewpoint over the town and harbour.

Tip · the cone is a well-known viewpoint over the town and harbour

Prestvík & coastal viewpointsCoastal stops with stories of shipwrecks and a famous survival swim.

Prestvík beach is linked to two dramatic local stories: the stranding of the fishing boat Pelagus, and Guðlaugur Friðþórsson's swim to shore after his boat sank nearby in 1984. You stop at coastal viewpoints along the way.

5Return to baseBack to the ATV base to return your gear.

About the Westman Islands ATV tour

Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, and in 1973 a volcanic fissure opened right at the edge of town, burying part of it in lava and ash over several months. This ATV tour takes you out onto that same lava field and up onto Eldfell, the 220-metre cone the eruption built, giving a close look at a landscape that is barely 50 years old.

The route also passes Prestvík beach, where a fishing boat named Pelagus once ran aground, and the beach where a fisherman named Guðlaugur Friðþórsson famously swam ashore after his boat sank in 1984, surviving hours in freezing water. Guides share these stories as you ride.

Riding is easy and doesn't require previous ATV experience, and waterproof overalls, gloves and a helmet are provided. Anyone driving the ATV themselves needs a valid driver's licence; passengers can join from age 6.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost

Private tour upgrade

Included

Waterproof overalls, gloves and helmet
ATV and fuel
Local guide

Not included

Transport to Heimaey (ferry or flight)
Food and drinks

What to bring

Good shoes
A valid driver's licence if you want to drive
Camera

Good to know

Duration is about 1 hour
Passengers from age 6; drivers need a valid driver's licence
Meet at the ATV base at Strandvegur 65, Vestmannaeyjar
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour; 50% charged within 48 hours, no refund within 24 hours
Runs April to October

Questions people ask

Do I need a driving licence?

Only if you want to drive the ATV yourself. Passengers just need to meet the minimum age of 6.

Is this hard to ride?

No, it's rated easy and suits first-time riders, with a guide leading the group throughout.

What does the tour cover?

The Eldfell volcano and its 1973 lava field, plus coastal viewpoints including Prestvík beach.

How do I get to the Westman Islands?

By ferry from Landeyjahöfn on the south coast, or by short flight from Reykjavík. This tour starts once you're on Heimaey.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.

5.0Based on 1 review

5 stars1

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1 star0

Unforgettable experience

This ATV tour was unforgettable! Riding around the Westman Islands and exploring the volcano was so exciting. The guide was excellent, making sure we felt safe and sharing the history of the area. A fantastic way to see the islands!

Emily B. · November 2024

From14,900 ISKPer person