Best Self-Driving Activities in Iceland — Largest Selection & Cheapest Prices Guaranteed

Booking a self-driving activity in Iceland is a great way to enhance your road trip experience while maintaining flexibility. These activities are easy to include in your travel plans, allowing you to drive yourself to the location, participate in a guided adventure, and continue your journey without being tied to a group schedule.

Glacier hikes, geothermal baths, and snorkeling between continents are just a few of the exciting ways to explore Iceland. Adding these activities to your self-driving itinerary makes your journey even more rewarding.

What Are Self-Drive Activities in Iceland?

A self-drive activity is a tour or experience where travelers drive themselves to the meeting point instead of relying on hotel pickups or guided group transport. You simply drive to the location of the activity yourself, participate in the tour, and once it's over, you can continue on your journey through Iceland. 

What’s great about these activities is that they allow you to explore the area in a more personalized way while still enjoying the freedom of your own transport. A guide also leads the activity, providing you with valuable insights, sharing their expertise, and ensuring you have an enriching and enjoyable experience.

Best Self-Drive Activities in Every Region in Iceland

Enhance your road trip with the most exciting self-drive activities in Iceland. These top-rated meet-on-location experiences offer an unforgettable way to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes, glaciers, and geothermal wonders. Here are the best self-drive activities to add to your itinerary based on region:

 Best Self-Drive Activities in South Iceland

1.  Snowmobile Tour on Langjokull Glacier from Gullfoss Waterfall - Ride across the snowy expanse of Langjokull glacier on an exhilarating snowmobile adventure.

2. The Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier - Step inside a mesmerizing blue ice cave beneath Europe’s largest glacier, departing from Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

3. Glacier Hiking Tour on Solheimajokull - Trek across Solheimajokull glacier with an expert guide and explore its crevasses and ice formations.

4. The Katla Ice Cave Tour - Venture into the striking black-and-blue ice caves of Kotlujokull, accessible year-round near Vik.

5. Horse Riding Tour on the Black Sand Beach from Vik - Experience the beauty of Reynisfjara black sand beach on a unique horseback riding tour with Icelandic horses.

Best Self-Drive Activities in South East Iceland

1. The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour - Hike on an outlet of Vatnajokull glacier, offering spectacular views of Iceland’s glacial landscapes.

2. The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour - Sail among towering icebergs on a guided boat tour of Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon.

3. Kayaking in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Paddle through the calm waters of Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, weaving between floating ice sculptures.

Best Self-Drive Activities in East Iceland

1. Vok Baths Admission near Egilsstadir in East Iceland - Soak in warm geothermal pools built on a stunning lake, offering a peaceful retreat in East Iceland.

2. 1-Hour RIB Puffin Tour in East Iceland - Spot playful puffins up close on a thrilling RIB boat tour along the rugged coastline.

Best Self-Drive Activities in North Iceland

1. Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Akureyri - Cruise through Eyjafjordur fjord to see humpback whales in their natural habitat.

2. The Earth Lagoon Myvatn - Relax in the geothermal waters of Myvatn, surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes.

3. 2.5-Hour Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling Tour - Swim between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra fissure.

4. Scenic 1.5-Hour Horseback Riding in the Countryside of North Iceland - Ride through the picturesque countryside on a traditional Icelandic horse.

Best Self-Drive Activities in West Iceland 

1. Glacier Ice Tunnel Tour in Langjokull from Base Camp - Explore an incredible man-made ice tunnel inside Iceland’s second-largest glacier.

2. ATV Tour to the Plane Wreck on the South Coast - Navigate Iceland’s rugged terrain on an ATV adventure to the famous Solheimasandur plane wreck.

3. Scenic 3-Hour Midnight Sun Kayaking Tour by Kirkjufell Mountain - Paddle under the endless summer sun with breathtaking views of Mount Kirkjufell.

4. E-Mountain Bike Ride on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Cycle through volcanic landscapes and coastal cliffs on an electric mountain bike adventure.

Best Self-Drive Activities in Iceland for Every Season

Experience Iceland’s natural beauty year-round with these top self-drive activities tailored for every season. Whether you’re exploring icy glaciers in winter or gliding through fjords under the midnight sun in summer, these must-try experiences will make your road trip unforgettable.

Best Winter Self-Drive Activities in Iceland

1. The Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier - Step into a mesmerizing world of shimmering blue ice inside Europe’s largest glacier.

2. The Katla Ice Cave Tour - Discover the striking contrasts of Katla’s black-and-blue ice formations, accessible year-round near Vik.

3. Snowmobile Tour on Myrdalsjokull Glacier - Speed across the icy expanse of Myrdalsjokull, an ice cap covering the active Katla volcano.

4. Snowmobiling & Super Jeep Tour on Vatnajokull Glacier Starting from Hofn - Race across the vast icy terrain of Vatnajokull, Iceland’s largest glacier.

Best Summer Self-Drive Activities in Iceland

1. The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour - Sail among towering icebergs in one of Iceland’s most iconic glacier lagoons.

2. Family-Run Whale Watching & Puffin Safari RIB Boat Tour from Husavik - Spot majestic whales and adorable puffins on an intimate RIB boat tour in Iceland’s whale-watching capital. 

3. Whale Watching Tour from Olafsvik in Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Witness orcas, humpback whales, and dolphins off the dramatic Snaefellsnes coastline.

4. Kayaking in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Paddle between floating ice formations for an up-close look at the glacier’s beauty.

Summary

Booking a self-drive activity in Iceland is the perfect way to enhance your road trip while keeping the flexibility to explore at your own pace. These experiences allow you to drive to the meeting point, join a guided adventure, and continue your journey without being tied to a fixed schedule.

Self-drive activities in Iceland add flexibility to your road trip, letting you explore at your own pace. From glacier hikes to whale watching, these guided adventures make every stop more exciting. With seasonal and regional options, they turn every drive into a memorable journey. 

With a variety of seasonal and regional options, self-drive activities ensure you get the most out of your trip. Every drive becomes an opportunity to experience Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes in a unique and memorable way.