River Rafting in Iceland: An Epic Adventure
What would you feel like kayaking through the magnificent glacial river rapids in the middle of fantastic scenery in Iceland? This is the experience of River Rafting in Iceland an exciting trip where you are bound to get a share of the exhilaration and the tranquility of unspool landscape.
Iceland should be called the land of fire and ice and it is amazing to drift through it on a raft and see it all with own eyes. While canoeing through the valleys that have been created by glaciers thousands of years ago, you will strikes by the waterfalls, bright green moss, power of glacial water.
It looks like the Icelandic River rafting going beyond the concept of extreme tourism though it is closely associated with it; it will give you real taste of this island. As such it is not about having nice photos to show off but it is about feeling the rush of water from the glaciers, seeing the geological masterpieces at first hand and having the memories which will live forever. Regardless of your experience level, Iceland contains rafting attractions for individuals of every type of experience level. Henceforth, put on your gear to paddle, put on the paddle and let have a one-of-a-kind experience in Icelandic glacial rivers.
Why Choose River Rafting in Iceland?
Iceland is a wonderful country for tourists as it combines adventure and stunning sceneries that many visitors will enjoy. Still, you might be wondering, why is the case with river rafting only? Here are a few compelling reasons:
Unique Glacial Rivers
Iceland’s rivers are not like any other rivers seen anywhere in the world. Having been formed from melt water, the coloration is a unique milky blue due to the presence of ground up rock particles, the glacial flour. Easy walking tracks, canyons, waterfalls and other geological features are evident near the rivers and what better way to see them than while you are rafting.
Flows in glacial rivers also tend to change continually; water levels and rapids on the raft too can therefore be changeable depending on seasonal changes or other external factors, making your rafting experience very unpredictable.
Diverse Rafting Experiences
Just depends if you want to float gently or if you want to feel the rush – Iceland has river rafting for you. While Hvítá River provide the fantastic family rafting experience, the rivers of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum are really suitable for only the advanced rafters.
They range from a half day to a day or more depending on what you would want to achieve in the water hence flexibility is assured. What is more, some of them include other kinds of activities such as hiking or exploring a glacier, which make the tour a real Icelandic experience.
Stunning Icelandic Landscapes
That is why rafting is a great way to experience Iceland from the water’s perspective. What if the kayaking took place under cascades, through canyons, and next to active volcanoes? It will give you a shocking view of natural force and the attractiveness of unspoiled geography, and it will be unforgettable.
An Eco-Friendly Adventure
MVO is a cost effective and eco-friendly method for travelers to explore the geothermal regions of Iceland. Promising tour operators do everything to reduce negative impacts of their activities on the environment and to increase visitors’ awareness of the need to protecting the environment.
Thus, deciding on river rafting you can get unforgettable fun and help in protecting the nature of Iceland from devastating impact of tourists hiking.
Top River Rafting Destinations in Iceland
Iceland’s many rivers run through glaciers and thus presents a different type of rafting experience in each. Here are some of the top destinations for river rafting in Iceland:
Hvítá River
Situated in the South part of Iceland the Hvítá River is perfect for those who want to start their rafting adventures as well as for the professionals. It is famous for the nicely priced thrill of the rapids as well as the beautiful nature without overloading the high level of difficulty.
Key Features:
- Gullfoss Waterfall: Situated in south central Iceland, Gullfoss Fail is second waterfall that is frequently visited by rafts during Hvítá River rafting session. It’s interesting to see the flow of the water from the top while maneuvering kayaking through the gorge below.
- Suitable for All Levels: Hvítá River has calm sections as well as a number of rapid sections, but overall the river is ideal for family and first-time rafters.
- Accessibility: It is situated in the region referred to as the Golden Circle making it easily reachable from Reykjavik –there are daily trips to the destination.
Popular Tours:
- Drumbó River Rafting: This tour operator presents rafting in Hvítá River for different categories: family rafting, rafting for those more experienced, and mid-adrenaline rafting.
- Arctic Adventures: This company offers rafting services on Hvítá River and besides offering combination services with glacier hiking.
Jökulsá á Fjöllum
However, for people that wish to get more adventurous, the Jökulsá á Fjöllum in the north of Iceland can easily be considered the ultimate river rafting venue. It is one of the most powerful rivers in Iceland, the river features highly rated rapids and nearly ± tropical environment.
Key Features:
- “Beast of the East”: Due to its force and narrow paths of the river and rapid, people refer to it as the ‘The River of the New thrill seeker.’
- Geological Wonders: This river is awesome and the Jökulsá á Fjöllum offers an amazing beautifulrafting trip through canyons, waterfalls and strange rock formations.
- Wilderness Experience: When done on this river, rafting is thrilling and takes you deep into the middle of Iceland, as you learn about nature.
Popular Tours:
- Arctic Rafting: This company comes with an exciting array of services right from the Jökulsá á Fjöllum, with multi-day and day rafting tours.
- Viking Rafting: This operator offers gorge or rather rafting tourism services on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum where the emphasis made is on safety and is escorted by professional operators.
East Glacial River
This is rafting trip targets at the East Glacial River situated in the remote parts of East Iceland. It takes through a beautiful valley with mountains on the sides I and it is a calm yet an adventurous activity.
Key Features:
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: The demand for more untouched areas to escape the crowds will always remain great, and riding through East Iceland’s wilderness is inspiring.
- Scenic Beauty: The East Glacial River flows right through a beautiful valley where you get to see mountains, water falls and vegetation.
- Variety of Rapids: This river provides a bit of everything – tranquil waters, and some portion that extremely enthusiastic anglers would find challenging.
Popular Tours:
- East Iceland Adventure: This tour operator deals with the rafting trips in the East Glacial River with an addition of trekking and animals sighting.
When you have decided on which, river rafting in Iceland is one of the most exciting things that you will ever do and it will fully make you realize why Iceland is such a beautiful and adventurous country.
What to Expect on an Icelandic Rafting Trip
Ready to go on a river rafting in Iceland? Fantastic! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect on your thrilling journey:
Choosing a Tour Operator
First of all let me start by choosing a good tour operator. This is particularly important to maintain our security and fun that we have while out there. Look for operators with:
- Strong Safety Record: Read customer reviews and see how stringently employers in the transport industry screen and protect their workers and other personnel.
- Experienced Guides: The leaders play a very crucial role in particularly since you are dealing with the rivers.
- Quality Equipment: Make sure they have quality rafts, quality life jackets and other equipment needed for the activity.
It is also recommended to book this with Arctic Adventures, Drumbó River Rafting or use Viking Rafting or Arctic Rafting company.
So, You Have Prepare Yourself for Rafting
In short, weather in Iceland is changeable so always expect anything. Here’s what to wear and bring:
- Clothing: Wear layers of clothing, such as thermal and insulated vests, wool and fleece jackets or warm clothing such as hot water bottles or thermal underwear. Carry a waterproof outer wear.
- Footwear: Shoes should be strong and preferably waterproof, it is also undesirable to wear shoes that get wet easily.
- Waterproof Gear: Take along a waterproof bag for your money, camera, jewellery, and other items of value and a waterproof camera.
- Sunscreen: Although there can be little clouds in the sky at certain times the sun reflect off the water is very intense.
- Other Essentials: A towel, different clothes and if necessary, prescriptions, an inhaler or something like that.
Physical Fitness: I would not say that you have to be in the Olympic shape, but some basic physical fitness is required. While in the raft you’ll be paddling as well as steering so it would be beneficial to be of somewhat strong upper body and endure well.
Age Restrictions: The restrictions may also depend on the specific river and the company, that is the tour operator, that organizes the tours. In most cases, the respective child should be between the age of 8-10 and there may be a maximum age in some of the tours too.
The kind of safety briefing and instructions that is needed in a particular workplace may not be necessary in another workplace.
Safety instructions are given by your guides before you slide into the water. They’ll cover:
- Rafting Techniques: It will take approximately 4-6 hours that you will be taught how to paddle and how to drive the raft.
- Safety Procedures: You will be told what actions to take based on some situations, for instance, you fall out of the raft or where there are rapids.
- Equipment Use: You will see how to effectively wear your life jackets and other pieces of safety equipment.
Listen carefully to what is being said whenever an aspect of the briefing is in question, do not hesitate to ask. Your guides will be professional and will make certain that you get the most out of the trip in terms of safety and fun.
The Rafting Experience
Even after entering the river prepare to experience an exciting and fun time. A typical rafting trip in Iceland includes:
- Calm Stretches: There will be occasions when you will be given a chance to sit back, look around at the beautiful scenery as done while rafting through the river.
- Exciting Rapids: Hang on tight while going with strong currents, enjoy the excitement while riding through those rapids.
- Scenic Breaks: Your guides may take a break near interesting sites along the river to allow took photos or rest while they explain the characteristics of the ecosystem.
- Wildlife Sightings: It is very likely to encounter bird such as Arctic terns and fulmars; sometimes even seals can be sighted along the river channels.
A few things to note are to follow the direction of the guide when on the raft and ensure that everyone is working in harmony for the raft. Last but not the least, enjoy research and learn to have fun while exploring!
Tips for an Unforgettable Rafting Experience
Want to optimize your Icelandic river rafting? Here are some tips to enhance your experience:
Iceland’s Best Time for River Rafting
River rafting in Iceland is best done throughout the summer month from June up to September. This is the best time that a farmer prefers to embark on cultivation since the temperatures are relatively high, and the days are longer.
- June & July: Rivers that are high due to glacial water give more Class Five rapids.
- August & September: They also might be less available but the climate is less changeable on average.
Early Season (May): Some tours are available in May but despite that be ready for colder temperatures and there might be some ice on the rivers as well.
Photography Tips
Don’t you think it is very important to catch the great views and passionate scenes of your rafting tour? Here are some tips for taking great photos:
- Waterproof Camera: Learn how to use a waterproof camera or buy a waterproof case for your smart phone.
- Action Camera: An example of this type of camera is a GoPro that is primary used in shooting action shots and videos.
- Secure Your Camera: You should carry a strap and coil it around you or the raft to avoid losing the camera during the UPS.
- Capture the Landscape: Make sure to shoot in panorama or make photos from the angle to see the size of the landscapes around.
- Focus on the Action: Take the pictures of the rapid and the faces of other people in the rafts.
Adding up Rafting with Other Activities
Why does one do just rafting? Iceland offers a wealth of adventures, and you can easily combine your rafting trip with other activities:
- Golden Circle: Most of the rafting tours take place around the Golden Circle – a tourist route that also includes a stop at waterfall Gullfoss, Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park.
- Hiking: Discover the different hiking tracks in Iceland; from hot areas to the seashore.
- Glacier Tours: Go on a glacier walk or ice caves tour to have a feel of Iceland’s frozen world.
- Wildlife Watching: Head to the water to whale watch or tour for puffins, or take a trail ride to meet some of Iceland’s other wonderful inhabitants.
When done together, those activities will give you an amazing experience of Iceland – for sure!
FAQs About River Rafting in Iceland
Not sure how to plan your river rafting trip in Iceland? We’ve got you covered! Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is river rafting danger- free while in Iceland?
Absolutely, it is safe to raft on the rivers of Iceland if you can find the best tour company. Here’s why:
- Experienced Guides: The tour operators hire experienced operators who understand of safe conduct and handling of the river. They go through many training and certification standard practices.
- Safety Equipment: All your safety gear will be well made and you are likely to wear life jackets, helmets among other protection gears by getting wet wearing a wet suit during this experience.
- Safety Briefings: As any professional tour guide will advise you, a precautionary meeting is always held prior to setting out where you are informed of all procedures and possible hazards likely to be encountered on the trip.
- Regular Inspections: In regard to equipment used in rafting and similar activities, rafts themselves, ropes, carabinas, helmets, life jackets, and other heart rest facilities and equipment are inspected and should be in good working order at all times.
However, no adventure activity is without risks; therefore, the Icelandic tour operators’ primary focus is to reduce risks as much as possible.
To what age is river rafting permitted?
The ages for the trips depend on the river and the tour with the non-rafting kids starting at six years as the youngest age for river rafting in Iceland. Overall, it takes from 8 to 12 years old to meet the minimum requirement of income and assets tests. Some of the rivers with more intense rapids have age restrictions such that some are only for adults. It’s always advisable to contact the tour trip organizers to know their age limitations.
Is any experience required from me?
Most of the river rafting tours in Iceland do not require past experience. There is a broad selection of tours as well which are more suitable for newcomers; the shallow waters, basic rafting lessons. However, if you prefer an even more intense experience the company also offers tours for experienced rafters.
What should people wear when going for river rafting?
Iceland guide: During river rafting it is wise to dress in layers. Here’s a recommended clothing list:
- Base Layer: Thermal pants or wear a synthetic Shirt and Leggings etc.
- Mid Layer: Fleece jacket or sweater.
- Outer Layer: Waterproof jacket and pants.
- Footwear: Tough soled and waterproof shoes or water shoes.
- Accessories: A warm hat and gloves and a buff or neckerchief.
Tour operators may also offer wetsuits or dry suits where this is necessary on the river or the climate of any region.
What is the price of a river rafting in Iceland?
The prices of river rafting in Iceland depends with the river chosen for rafting, the length of the tour and what the tour will include. Overall, the cost of such tours may range between $100 and $250 per person for a half day tour. There will of course be an additional cost associated with multi-day trips.
Can I go riving rafting if I cannot swim?
No, it is not prohibited for one who cannot swim strong enough to do river rafting to do so. It is obligatory to wear a life vest in the water for all participants, and the guides are instructed to help someone who might have drowned. However, it’s important to tell your guide whether or not you are comfortable with swimming if you aren’t.
Conclusion
At the same time, the options for implementing the concept are inspiring and can be described as not only an exciting trip through the rapids but also a ride through the geological and climate transformation zone. Whether or not you decide to ride through the white waters of Hvítá, battle the “Beast of the East” in the Jökulsá á Fjöllum, or paddle leisurely in the East Glacial River – you are in for a ride of your lifetime.
Boasting pristine water from glaciers and waterfalls or sharp cliffs and other geological features, and there is even a chance to see the wildlife, the rivers of Iceland are truly the grand stand of nature’s masterpiece. Therefore, go for a ride, enjoy the passion, and do not be afraid to ski on the rapids and admire the wonderful endemic nature of Iceland.
Still want to get on board for the Iceland rafting trip? Invest more time researching on tours that are available from recognized companies as the Arctic Adventures, the Drumbó River Rafting, the Viking Rafting and the Arctic Rafting. The time is ripe to begin planning the trip of your life!
Resources:
- Guide to Iceland: www.guidetoiceland.is – A comprehensive resource for planning your Iceland trip.
- Visit Iceland: www.visiticeland.com – The official tourism website of Iceland.
- Adventure Blog: [Insert a link to your own blog or a relevant adventure travel blog] – Find inspiration and tips for your Icelandic adventures.
