Volcanoes, coast & puffins

Volcanic Vistas & Puffin Paradise

Combine the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Vestmannaeyjar with spectacular coastal scenery and the island's famous puffin habitat.

Book Volcanic Vistas → Tour details ↓
DurationApprox. 1 hr 45 min
Sharing21,900 ISK
Single rider28,900 ISK
Child10,900 ISK
The experience

Adventure with a story

Volcanoes, puffins, breathtaking coastal scenery and extraordinary stories — discover the very best of Vestmannaeyjar on one unforgettable ATV adventure.

Why choose between volcanic landscapes and spectacular wildlife when you can experience both?

Our Volcanic Vistas & Puffin Paradise Tour brings together some of the most remarkable sights and stories of Vestmannaeyjar. From the spectacular coastal scenery and puffin colonies of Stórhöfði to the dramatic lava fields of the 1973 eruption, this extended ATV adventure reveals the island's extraordinary natural beauty and fascinating history.

With more time to explore, enjoy a wonderful combination of exciting ATV riding, scenic viewpoints, wildlife encounters and stories that bring the island's past to life.

Spectacular coastal views and Elephant Rock

Our adventure begins with a scenic ATV ride along the island's magnificent western coastline.

Here, towering cliffs, sweeping ocean views and dramatic rock formations create some of the most photogenic scenery in Vestmannaeyjar.

One of the highlights is the famous Elephant Rock, a remarkable natural formation that resembles a giant elephant lowering its trunk into the Atlantic Ocean.

Along the way, we'll enjoy opportunities to appreciate the scenery, take photographs and discover more about the island's remarkable geological history.

Discover Puffin Paradise

Our adventure continues towards Stórhöfði, one of the most spectacular areas of Heimaey and an important nesting habitat for Atlantic puffins.

Vestmannaeyjar is home to one of the world's largest puffin colonies, and during the nesting season, these colourful seabirds can often be seen resting on grassy slopes, flying along the cliffs or returning from their feeding grounds at sea.

We'll stop at selected viewpoints where you can enjoy the landscape and, with a little luck, observe puffins in their natural environment.

Your guide will share fascinating facts about puffin behaviour, migration and the special relationship between these birds and the people of Vestmannaeyjar.

Please remember that puffins are wild animals. Sightings depend on the season, weather and natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

From Puffin Paradise to an Off-Road Adventure

After exploring Stórhöfði and its puffin habitats, we head towards the volcanic landscape of Eldfell. This is where the off-road part of our journey begins!

Close-up of an ATV in the lava fields

Explore a landscape shaped by fire

Our adventure takes us into the dramatic volcanic landscape created during the 1973 eruption of Eldfell, an event that forever changed Heimaey and the lives of its inhabitants.

Ride through extraordinary lava fields and discover how the eruption reshaped the island, threatened the town and created new land along the coastline.

Your experienced and friendly guide will share remarkable stories of the eruption, the evacuation of the islanders and the determination of the community to protect their home.

Standing among the lava fields today, it's hard to imagine the incredible events that unfolded here just over fifty years ago.

Incredible stories of survival and the sea

Vestmannaeyjar has always had a powerful connection to the Atlantic Ocean, and some of Iceland's most extraordinary maritime stories come from these islands.

At Prestvík, discover the fascinating story of Pelagus, a fishing vessel that ran aground along the island's rugged coastline. Its story is part of Vestmannaeyjar's rich maritime history and a reminder of the powerful North Atlantic and the challenges faced by generations of seafarers.

We'll also share the remarkable story of Guðlaugur Friðþórsson, whose incredible survival became famous throughout Iceland.

After his fishing vessel, Hellisey VE 503, sank in freezing waters in 1984, Guðlaugur managed to swim several kilometres through the dark North Atlantic before reaching the island's shore. His extraordinary story of endurance and survival later inspired the Icelandic film The Deep.

These stories add a deeply human dimension to the spectacular landscapes you'll explore along the way.

More time to discover Vestmannaeyjar

What makes Volcanic Vistas & Puffin Paradise special is the opportunity to experience two very different sides of Vestmannaeyjar in one adventure.

You'll discover landscapes shaped by volcanic fire, hear extraordinary stories of survival, admire spectacular coastal scenery and explore the island's famous puffin habitats.

With approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy the experience, there's more time to appreciate the island's highlights and create unforgettable memories.

Our automatic ATVs are easy to operate, and no previous ATV experience is required. Before departure, our experienced and friendly guides provide a safety briefing, equipment and driving instructions to help everyone feel comfortable and confident.

Whether you're visiting Vestmannaeyjar for the first time or returning to discover more, this is the perfect adventure for those who want to experience the island's incredible diversity.

From volcanic fire to Atlantic wildlife. Experience more of Vestmannaeyjar.

Your adventure

Approximate itinerary

01

Welcome, equipment & safety briefing

Meet your guide and get comfortable with the ATV.

02

Elephant Rock & coastal views

Enjoy a scenic ride along the western coastline.

03

Stórhöfði & puffin habitat

Discover viewpoints and seasonal puffin nesting areas.

04

Lava fields, Eldfell & local stories

Ride through the 1973 lava landscape, with stories at Prestvík and Guðlaugur.

05

Return to base

Scenic return ride and conclusion.

All timings are approximate and may vary depending on weather, trail conditions and participants' driving ability.

Moments from the adventure

Explore the experience

Close-up of an ATV in the lava fields
Choose your ride

Tour pricing

Sharing21,900 ISKper person
Single rider28,900 ISKper person
Child10,900 ISKper child
Book your adventure

Choose your date

Select every person in your group, then choose an available date to continue booking Volcanic Vistas & Puffin Paradise.

Add every person in your group

Select a participant type for each person before choosing your date.

2 adults sharing 1 ATV2 × Adult – Sharing
1 adult + 1 child sharing 1 ATV1 × Adult – Sharing + 1 × Child
1 adult riding alone1 × Single Rider
Mixing Sharing & Single Riders?

Please make two separate bookings if your group includes both Sharing and Single Riders. If both are selected in the same booking, the calendar may show no availability even when spaces are available.

Included

What's included

  • Helmet and safety equipment
  • Protective outerwear when required
  • Experienced and friendly guide
  • Safety briefing
Before you arrive

Good to know

Puffins are wild animals and sightings vary through the season. A valid driving licence is required for drivers. Good shoes are recommended. Tour times and route may vary with weather and participants' driving ability.

Good shoes are recommended.

Vestmannaeyjar from a different perspective

Ready for your adventure?

Book Volcanic Vistas →