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Iceland Active Day Tours

We offer river rafting and white water rafting on many Icelandic rivers, mostly in South Iceland. We also offer white water canoeing and sea kayaking close to Reykjavik. Other popular tours are snorkeling and diving in the Silfra ravine in Thingvellir, hiking to the hot springs near Hveragerði and Reykjavik. Caving in Iceland with us is also a superb way to explore the unseen lava caves and tubes.

Day Tour guaranteed departure times from Reykjavik accommodations are valid from June 10 to September 1, 2008. Please contact us to book or for more options on any of these day tours while in Iceland.

River Fun - River
Rafting
IE8291A-20
Departures: May to October

Duration: 3-7 hours
River Ride - Whitewater Canoeing
IE8291D-20

Departures:
May to October
Duration: 3-7 hours
River Action - River
Rafting
IE8291C-20

Departures: June
to September
Duration: 4 hours

River Fun River Rafting Active Day Tour
CA/US$168

River Ride Whitewater Canoeing Active Day Tour
CA/US$175

River Action River Rafting Active Day Tour
CA/US$193

The Hvítá glacial river is a beautiful and fun river an one hours drive from Reykjavík. For over 20 years the RiverFun rafting trip has been Iceland´s most popular adventure activity. The river has a perfectly balanced mix of serene canyons and adrenaline pumping waves and rapids. As we pass through the magnificent Brúarhlöð canyon participants have the option of jumping from a cliff into the river. No one should leave Iceland with out experiencing the power that its rivers contain and lay eyes on the scenic canyons of Hvítá river.

River Difficulty: 2+ out of 5 possible. No knowledge of the sport required.
Minimum: 2 passengers
Age Limit: 12 years
Bring with You: warm sweater, bathing suit, change of clothing and a towel.
Included: Sauna, showers, soup and bread after the rafting.

Canoeing is the perfect activity if you are looking for a hands-on adventure out in the Icelandic nature. The canoes are inflated and self bailing, meaning that they do not fill with water and are easy to maneuver. Two people sit together in the canoe and steer it, meanwhile a guide in a kayak makes sure everything is safe and sound. We paddle down the Hvítá glacial river which has a perfectly balanced mix of serene canyons and adrenaline pumping waves and rapids. We travel for 7 kilometers and at one point participants get to jump from a cliff into the river. We only recommend this trip to those looking for action and are in good physical condition. The RiverRide is a great action trip, specially for those with some experience in rafting.

River Difficulty: 3+ out of 5 possible. No knowledge of the sport required.
Minimum: 2 passengers
Age Limit: 16 years
Bring with You: A warm sweater, swim wear and a towel.
Includes: Sauna, showers, soup and bread after the rafting.
Rafting on Hólmsá River is an action packed rafting trip and is ideal for those who are looking for adrenaline! All the fun and action a river can possibly hold are in this case jammed together into one river. Huge waves, giant holes and mini waterfalls are on the menu for RiverAction. We bypass a beautiful waterfall on our way and see the spring water of Hólmsá River fuse with the brown glacial water of Leirá River. The natural surroundings are quite interesting; everything from barren lava to green pastures and woods. In 2008 the Rafting World Championship will be held on Hólmsá so this is the real deal. This trip is just for those that have rafted before!

River Difficulty: 4+ out of 5 possible. Knowledge of the sport is required.
Minimum: 10 passengers
Age Limit: 18 years
Bring with You: A warm sweater, swim wear, spare clothing and a towel.
Includes: Sauna, showers, soup and bread after the rafting.
Underworld -
Caving
IE8291B-20
Departures:
year round
Duration: 4 hours
Vertical Walls -
Rock Climbing
IE8291Y-20
Departures:
April to November
Duration: 4 hours
Reykjavik on Wheels - Bicycling
IE8291K-20
Departures: year round

Duration: 3 hours

Underworld Caving Active Day Tour
CA/US$105

Vertical Walls Rock Climbing Active Day Tour
CA/US$140

Reykjavik on Wheels Bicycling Active Day Tour
CA/US$105

Explore a hidden world of the lava field between Þingvellir and Laugarvatn. Walking in a cave and discovering the marvels that volcanic activity has created in the past is a trip that everyone can undertake. The Gjábakkahellir cave is a perfect example of an Icelandic lava tube and is situated in one of the most active volcano areas in the world. We climb, crawl and walk on our travel beneath the surface. Really cool trip for those that are not afraid of the dark and want to experience something totally out of the ordinary!

Trip Difficulty: 2 out of 5 possible, more difficult trips available. No knowledge of the sport required.
Minimum: 5 passengers
Age Limit: 12 years
Bring with You: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants. Good hiking boots and gloves are recommended.
Included: pick-up, headlight, helmet and hot chocolate

Have you ever wanted to test your climbing abilities? Here is your chance to try climbing up vertical walls with only your wit and strength to rely on... And your professional guide and safety line of course. The safety line makes sure that even though you lose your grip you will get a second chance at climbing the cliff. This is a challenging trip that offers as much excitement and fun as you can ask for!

Trip Difficulty: Ranges from 1- 3 out of 5 possible. No knowledge of the sport required.
Minimum: 4 passengers
Age Limit: 12 years
Bring with You: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants.
The trip starts at The Cintamani Center in the city center and we first ride to the Town Hall where we make a stop to see the huge topographical map of Iceland situated in side the hall. Then we continue towards the North Atlantic Ocean and cycle a long the coast to Nauthólsvík alcove. Nauthólsvík is the only artificially heated beach in world and if you want you can tip your toes into the water (just so you can say you went bathing in one of the coldest oceans). Then we cycle up to the Pearl on top of the Öskjuhlíð hill and from there we will gain an unsurpassed view of the capital area and its surrounding mountains. On the way up to the Pearl we will also see a geysir, an exact replica of the original one. From the Pearl we ride downhill into the city center again and swing by the Hallgrímskirkja Church and stop at nearby café to relax. The trip then ends where it started.

Trip Difficulty: Is 2 out of 5 possible
Minimum: 4 passengers
Age Limit: 10 years
Bring with You: Protection from the elements i.e. warm outdoor clothing and waterproof jacket and pants. Good gloves are recommended.
We Supply: Bike and a helmet.
Reykjavik Panoramic Hike - Hiking
IE8291L-20
Departures:
year round
Duration: 4-5 hours
Mt. Hvannadalshnjúkur - Mountain Hiking
IE8291V-20
Departures:
April to July
Duration: 14-16 hours
Hot Spring Hunt -
Hiking

IE8291F-20
Departures: year round

Duration: 4-5 hours

Reykjavik Panoramik Active Hiking Day Tour
CA/US$105

Mt. Hvannadalshnjúkur Active Mountain Hiking Day Tour
CA/US$351

Hot Spring Hunt Active Hiking Day Tour
CA/US$105

Hike the Mt. Esja and witness an unsurpassed panoramic view of Reykjavík and its surroundings. Mt. Esja is 914 meters high and the ascent is a relatively easy, approximately 90 minute hike. Walking on a good path from sea level by the Kollafjörður fjord until standing on the top where you can look into the mouth of Hvalfjörður fjord. With hot chocolate in your hand you can also sneak a peak at the Snæfellsjökull glacier (Jule Verne´s gate to the center of the earth) and the intimidating North Atlantic Sea.

Trip Difficulty: 3 out of 5 possible
Minimum: 4 passengers
Age Limit: 12 years
Bring with You: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants. Good hiking shoes are vital!
Includes: Hot chocolate

To stand on Iceland’s highest peak and cast your eyes over the land is an unforgettable experience that no adventurer should let pass before him. The route to the top starts with a drive in towards Europe’s biggest glacier the Vatnajokull from Skaftafell National Reserve. The sheer size of the Vatnajokull glacier, at 8.100 km2, is almost beyond comprehension and this frozen expanse is a sight not soon forgotten. You will need specialized glacier equipment such as crampons and an expert mountain guide to cross the crevasse riddled glacier plateau. All things considered the hike up the “Hnjúkurinn”, as Icelanders call it, is not a technical climb although it certainly is a long and physically challenging one. Please note that you will have to stay the night before and after the hike in Skaftafell or its surroundings.

Trip Difficulty: 4 of 5 possible
Age Limit: 16 years
Minimum: 6 passengers
Included: Guiding and all necessary glacial gear
Bring with You: Equipment list provided
Hike from the outskirts of Hveragerði, the town of hotsprings and flowers, into the beautiful valley of Reykjadalur. Up there hot water rushes down the slopes of Hellisheiði mountain range and creates the ideal place to relax in an untouched natural hot stream. The valley also has an amazing abundance of geothermal springs and you will witness every thing from small gurgling melting pots to vibrant super heated pools of water. After strolling along these wonder of nature we hike back down into the town of Hveragerði. This is a great half-day trek that everyone can participate in. Get in touch with the pure Icelandic nature on your own two feet.

Trip Difficulty: 2 out of 5 possible
Minimum: 4 passengers
Age Limit: 12 years
Bring with You: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, some headgear, gloves and good hiking boots are recommended.
Includes: Light refreshment in the hot spring.
Fjord Serenity - Kayaking
IE8291J-20
Departures: May to September

Duration: 4-5 hours
Into the Blue - Snorkelling
DIE8291G-20
epartures: March to November

Duration: 2-4 hours
Deep Into the Blue - Diving
IE8291H-20
Departures: year round

Duration: 6 hours

Fjord Serenity Active Kayaking Day Tour
CA/US$175

Into the Blue Active Snorkelling Day Tour
CA/US$175

Deep Into the Blue Active Diving Day Tour
CA/US$438

This trip will take you kayaking on the serene and beautiful Hvalfjörður fjord. This deep fjord is framed in by mountains that stretch from the sea up to more than 1000 meters. The kayaks are stable and easy to use. You do not need prior experience since your guide will teach you the technique on location. We paddle along the coast and enjoy the magnificent views. Then we take to the shore and relax in the quiet icelandic countryside, enjoying some light refreshments and stoic vistas. In short we will pick you up from your hotel and take you paddling in one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland. Here is your chance to visit this must see location in style!

Trip Difficulty: 2 out of 5 possible No knowledge of the sport required.
Minimum: 4 passengers
Age Limit: 16 years
Bring with You: warm outdoor clothing i.e. fleece sweater and pants, change of clothing and swimwear.
Includes: kayaking gear.

The Silfra fissure is one of Iceland’s best kept secrets. Silfra, which is situated in the heart of Þingvellir, the site of the world’s oldest parliament, is an otherworldly scene. The crystal clear water in the deep fissure gives you a feeling of being weightless as you float down with the lazy current. It is also worth mentioning that the Silfra lies on the rift between the tectonic plates of America and Europe and the rugged underwater view of the lava field is something you will have to see to believe! After an hour of snorkeling we climb out and on to the riverbank and those daring enough get a chance to leap from cliff into the blue water. Into the Blue is a relaxing and exotic trip in an environment most will only encounter in their dreams.

Trip Difficulty: 2 out of 5 possible. No knowledge of the sport required
Minimum: 4 passengers
Age Limit: 14 years
Bring with You: warm outdoor clothing i.e. fleece sweater and pants and a change of clothing.
Includes: snorkeling gear.
Silfra is one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. It is situated in the heart of Þingvellir, the site of the world’s oldest parliament and a UNESCO world heritage site. The Silfra is an otherworldly scene located directly on top of the rift between the continents of America and Europe. The crystal clear water in the deep fissure gives you a feeling of being weightless as you glide along with the lazy current. Visibility is amazing and is only limited by the density of the water itself. Depth varies from 20 to 40 meters. This is without question one of the best dive sites in the world.

Minimum: 2 pax
Age Limit: 18 years
Bring with You: Warm outdoor clothing i.e. fleece sweater, pants and a change of clothing.
Includes: All diving gear, transfer and PADI guide/instructor and 2 dives in the Silfra fissure
Please Note: PADI open water or compatible required, PADI advance certificate reccommended. All dives are performed in a dry suit. Divers have to supply sizes on suit before hand.
Arctic Waters - Snorkeling & River Rafting
IE8291S-20
Departures: June to September

Duration: 6 hours
The Golden Grand
Slam
IE8291M-20
Departures: June to September

Duration: 10 hours
Black & Blue - Caving & Snorkeling
IE8291Q-20
Departures: June to September

Duration: 6 hours

Arctic Waters Snorkeling & River Rafting Active Day Tour
CA/US$309

Golden Grand Slam Active Day Tour
CA/US$245

Black & Blue Caving & Snorkeling Active Day Tour
CA/US$263

We start the day with an snorkeling exploration of the Silfra fissure. Silfra, which is situated in the heart of Þingvellir, the site of the world’s oldest parliament, is an otherworldly scene. The crystal clear water in the deep fissure gives you a feeling of being weightless as you float down with the lazy current. It is also worth mentioning that the Silfra lies on the rift between the tectonic plates of America and Europe and the rugged underwater view of the lava field is something you will have to see to believe! From the national park we drive to Drumbó basecamp where we eat lunch before we gear up for rafting on the white water river of Hvítá.

The river has a perfectly balanced mix of serene canyons and adrenaline pumping waves and rapids. We raft for 7 kilometers and at one point participants get to jump from a cliff into the river. For those looking for extra action the option of white water canoeing is available. Hot tubs and sauna after the rafting is included.

Trip Difficulty: 2 out of 5 possible, No knowledge of the sport required.
Minimum: 4 passengers
Age Limit: 12 years
Bring with You: A towel, warm socks and sweater
Included: Transfers to/from hotel, rafting, snorkeling, packed lunch.

The trip starts with a walk through the geothermal area of Geysir, the home of the one and only Geysir. There the ground gurgles, bubbles and super heated water escapes from the ground with enormous force. Next we stroll down to Gullfoss, the undisputed queen of Icelandic waterfalls. Gullfoss is an amazing sight, the water rushes down three steps of lava layers with breathtaking power and grandeur. Drumbó basecamp is our following stop and there we eat lunch before heading out for a great rafting trip on Hvítá glacial river. Afterwards the sauna and hot tubs are at hand before entering the road again. On the way home we stop at Þingvellir National park. Þingvellir is a UNESCO world heritage site and the original birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world. In addition it is the place where the great tectonic plates of America and Europe meet and the rift valley is clearly visible.This trip has it all; stunning natural beauty, interesting history, amazing geological wonders and a great rafting adventure! Note: Arctic Rafting uses only mini-vans so the Grand Slam is always a small group experience!

No experience of rafting required.
Minimum: 2 passengers
Age Limit: 10 years
Bring with You: warm sweater, bathing suit, change of clothing and a towel.
Included: a visit to Geysir, the world famous hot springs, Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir national park and white water rafting on Hvítá river, pick up from hotel and lunch buffet at Drumbó Basecamp.
We start with the black as we explore the hidden world of the lava field under the Þingvellir national park. Walking in a cave and discovering the marvels that volcanic activity has created in the past is a trip that everyone can undertake. The Gjábakkahellir cave is a perfect example of an Icelandic lava tube and is situated in one of the most active volcano areas in the world. After the cave we dine on a packed lunch before moving on into the blue. Snorkeling in the Silfra is our second adventure. The Silfra fissure is one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets, an otherworldly scene that is world famous for its heavenly shades of blue. The crystal clear water in the deep fissure gives you a feeling of being weightless as you float down with the lazy current.

The snorkeling is a relaxing but exotic trip in an environment most will only encounter in their dreams. The Black & Blue is an amazing trip, a true journey to the borders of reality and dreams.

Trip Difficulty: 2 out of 5 possible. No knowledge of the sport required
Minimum: 4 passengers Maximum: 15 passengers
Age Limit: 12 years
Bring with You: a towel, woolen socks, good outdoor shoes, warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants.
Included: Transfers to/from hotel, caving, packed lunch and snorkeling.
Blue Ice - Glacial Hiking & Ice Climbing
IE8291E-20
Departures:
year round
Duration: 4-9 hours
Full Throttle - ATV Quad Bike Tour & River Rafting
IE8291N-20
Departures: June to September

Duration: 11 hours
Rafting & Riding - River Rafting & Horse Riding
IE8291R-20
Departures: May to September

Duration: 10 hours

Blue Ice Glacial Hiking & River Rafting Active Day Tour
CA/US$210

Full Throttle - ATV Quad Bike Tour & River Rafting Active Day Tour
CA/US$368

Rafting & Riding - River Rafting & Horse Riding Active Day Tour
CA/US$261

Would you like to explore a glacier? And I mean really, really explore a glacier? This trip takes you to the frozen glacial tongue that is Sólheimajökull. It is an otherworldly scene, rugged, raw and ever changing hub of ancient frozen water. Walk on the glacier and observe the spectacular surroundings. Then we find a ice wall on the glacier and try our hand at ice climbing. We will provide you with all the tools you need: ice axes, crampons and safety lines. The safety line will make sure that even though you lose your grip you will not fall to the ground. As we drive back to Reykjavik we will stop at the beautiful Skógafoss waterfall. n this trip you get to see and do what most of the population will only dream about and very few ever try. Why not be adventurous and explore the amazing crawling glacier?

Trip Difficulty: Ranges from 2 - 3 out of 5 possible No knowledge of the sport required.
Minimum: 4 passengers
Age Limit: 14 years
Bring with You: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jackets, pants and good hiking shoes are recommended!

We start with a full throttle ATV bike trip along the mountains outside of Reykjavik. Racing through the lava fields is a truly exciting adventure and a great start of this adventurous day. After the biking a authentic Icelandic lunch awaits you in the Old Road Coffeehouse. From there you will be picked up and driven to Drumbó Basecamp on the banks of Hvítá River. There we gear up for rafting on the white water river of Hvítá. The river has a perfectly balanced mix of serene canyons and adrenaline pumping waves and rapids. We raft for 7 kilometers and at one point participants get to jump from a cliff into the river. For those looking for extra action the option of white water canoeing is available. Hot tubs and sauna after the rafting is included.

No knowledge of the sport required
Minimum: 4 passengers
Age Limit: 17 years
Bring with You: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants. Required: A valid driving license for the ATV´s.
Included: Transfers to/from hotel, rafting, lunch, ATV bike ride hike
The trip starts at the farm Vellir in Ölfus where the first half of the day is spent horse riding. This tour gives you a taste of Icelandic nature and the opportunity to get to know the unique Icelandic horse. We provide all the necessary equipment and a friendly horse that fits your skills. This is a unique way to explore the countryside of Iceland! Back at Hotel Eldhestar your are served a refreshing fish soup. After lunch we go river rafting on Iceland´s most popular glacial river, Hvítá. The river has a perfectly balanced mix of serene canyons and adrenaline pumping waves and rapids. We raft for 7 kilometers and at one point participants get to jump from a cliff into the river. No one should leave Iceland without experiencing the power of its rivers and the scenic canyons of Brúarhlöð in Hvítá are something you will never forget. The rafting is suitable for kids 12 years and older and those who are too young still get to join the raft for some distance. This truly is the ultimate family activity trip. Nature & action combined in one perfect day!

River Difficulty: 2+ or 3 out of 5 possible, No knowledge of the activities required
Minimum: 2 passengers
Age Limit: 12 years
Bring with You: warm sweater, spare clothing and a towel.
Includes: pick up and lunch.
Super-Jeep &
Rafting

IE8291Z-20
Departures:
June to September
Duration: 10 hours
Whales & White Water - Whale Watching & River Rafting
IE8291P-20
Departures: June to September

Duration: 11 hours

Blue Ice Glacial Hiking & River Rafting Active Day Tour
CA/US$466

Full Throttle - ATV Quad Bike Tour & River Rafting Active Day Tour
CA/US$242

This tour will take you off the beaten path to experience Iceland’s natural gems in the comfort of our 4x4 trucks. Our first destination is the beautiful and historic Þingvellir area, where Iceland’s first parliament “Alþingi” was established in 930 AD. Next, we cross the mountain road of Lyngdalsheiði to reach the famous Geysir. From Geysir, it’s only a short drive to Iceland’s best known waterfall, Gullfoss, which cascades down 32 metres into the mighty glacial river Hvítá.

After seeing Gullfoss up close and listening to its roaring thunder Drumbó basecamp is our following stop and there we eat lunch before heading out for a great rafting trip on Hvítá river. Afterwards the sauna and hot tubs are at hand before entering the road again. On the way back to Reykjavík, we make a short photo stop at the explosion crater Kerið.

Minimum: 3 passengers
Age Limit: 10 years.
Bring with You: warm sweater, bathing suit and a towel. No experience of rafting required.
Included: A visit to Geysir, the world famous hot springs, Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir national park and white water rafting on Hvítá river, pick up from hotel and lunch buffet at Drumbó Basecamp.

We start our adventure at sea with an unforgettable trip into the world of whales and sea birds. Conveniently located in Reykjavik’s old harbor, a 20-minute journey with our boats will bring you up close to whales in their natural habitat. The various types of whales commonly sighted include minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and the popular humpback whales. The majestic fin- and sei whales along with the killer whales (orcas) are occasional sighted. We will be accompanied by grsea birds such as gannets, guillemots, cormorants, kittiwakes, arctic terns, and many more. The trip also takes us past several islands inhabited by colonies of puffin – a great photo opportunity! During the sailing you will be served a light lunch before taking to shore and strolling up to the Cintamani store on Laugarvegur 11. From there you will be picked up and driven to Drumbó Basecamp on the banks of Hvítá River. There we gear up for rafting on the white water river of Hvítá. The river has a perfectly balanced mix of serene canyons and adrenaline pumping waves and rapids. We raft for 7 kilometers and at one point participants get to jump from a cliff into the river.

No knowledge of the sport required
Minimum: 2 passengers
Age Limit: 12 years
Bring with You: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants.
Included: Transfer to/from hotel, rafting, lunch, whale watching, hot tubs and sauna after the rafting.
The Great Canadian Travel Company
158 Fort Street
Winnipeg MB Canada R3C 1C9
Phone: (204) 949.0199 · Toll Free: 1 800 661.3830