Kayak River Ride
River ride down the mighty Hvítá River in a tandem inflatable kayak. You control the shots as you navigate the 1-2 person kayak down the river. This is the ultimate whitewater action, only for the brave!
💰 Price
27.490 ISK / adult
📍 Starting point
Drumbó River Base 15 minutes before departure. Pick-up available from Reykjavík at 12:30.
🛫 Departures
Daily at 11:00 and 15:00 from May - September.
⏳ Duration
3-4 hours from Drumbó River Base. 7 hours with pick-up Reykjavík.
Tour Description
Cruising down Hvítá River in an inflatable kayak is a magnificent way to experience Icelandic nature. The guides will be on a safety kayak next to you so you will navigate your boat yourself, whether you go alone or with your friend or partner. The inflatable kayaks do not fill up with water and are easy to maneuver. However, it is a pretty challenging ride so be prepared that you will probably flip your kayak and need to brave the mighty glacial waters. In which case, our expert raft-guides and safety kayakers will be there to assist you. We provide wetsuits to keep you as warm as possible and a life-jacket to keep you afloat.
Hvítá River means the ‘White River’, the name without a doubt referring to the roaring white water you will encounter. Once in a smaller boat, the waves become magnified and extra exhilarating. We only recommend this trip to those seeking action and are in good physical condition, perhaps with some previous white water experience.
The river originates from Langjökull glacier, the second largest glacier in Iceland. We begin our journey a few kilometers downstream from Gullfoss Waterfall and travel down 7 kilometers, encountering a view you can only see floating in a boat. The first few kilometers offer us whitewater rapids and action and the latter serene beautiful canyons. We drift through Brúarhlöð, a striking canyon which was created by a volcanic eruption and subsequently carved out by the river.
After the tour we recommend the hot tubs and sauna at Drumbó River Base to warm up as well as getting a drink or good food at our River Restaurant.
The River Ride is the ultimate whitewater action, one you are not likely to forget. See you out on the rapids!
What’s included?
Rafting trip down the scenic Hvítá with an expert guide
All necessary rafting equipment; wetsuit, life-jacket, neoprene shoes, helmet and paddle
Visit to the famous Brúarhlöð canyon via the river
Hot tubs, showers and a sauna after the river
Small group experience, the boat can fit 8 to 10 people.
What to bring?
Warm wool or fleece sweater and thermal underwear (pants) to wear underneath the wetsuit. Warm wool socks. This might get wet during your tour. Don’t wear cotton as it will not keep you warm when wet.
Bathing suit to wear underneath the neoprene pants on the river and for the sauna.
Towel
Change of clothing
Important information
To meet on location arrive at Drumbó River Base at least 15 minutes prior to departure
You can add pick up and transfer from your Reykjavík hotel or accommodation for an additional fee. Then the total tour including transfer is approx. 7 hours.
We welcome children from the age of 11 to join the River Fun Rafting. In the tour Family Fun Rafting we also welcome kids from 8 years so there is something for everybody. There is no upper age limit as long as you are healthy and are willing to get wet in cold waters.
What is Drumbó River Base?
Drumbó River Base is our beloved rafting headquarters situated within the Golden Circle, just a short drive from the iconic Gullfoss waterfall and even closer to Geysir and Strokkur hot springs. From Reykjavík, it takes ~1.5 hours to reach Drumbó. All of our rafting tours begin from Drumbó and there we get geared up for rafting. At Drumbó you find:
Changing rooms
Showers
Hot tubs
Sauna
Bar and café
Restaurant
Extras
BBQ Lamb Feast after the river - 5.290 ISK
Hamburger and fries after the river - 3.290 ISK
Transfer to and from Reykjavík accommodation or Bus Stop - 8.000 ISK
Very likely scenario —>
FAQ
What is the difference between rafts and inflatable kayaks?
A raft is made of advanced nylon or kevlar infused plastics and can sit 3-12 passengers. Passengers aboard rafts have paddles with blades on one side and a T-grip on the other. An inflatable kayak is also made of advanced nylon or kevlar infused plastics but can sit only 1 or 2 persons. The paddles for the inflatable kayaks are with blades on both sides and therefore do not have a T-grip. Both types of boats do not fill up with water.
Do I need to bring an extra set of clothes?
Yes, the warm clothes that you wear to the river will get wet. We recommend having something dry and cozy to change after the tour.
Can I go alone on an inflatable kayak?
Yes, you can. Experienced kayakers also have the option of a single man kayak, just contact us directly.
Check out our bigger FAQ for more details.