Ultimate Adventure– Grade 4 Rafting with Drysuits, North Iceland
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
People who have rafted the Zambezi, the Futaleufu, the Karnali come here and call it the best day they've ever spent on a river. That's not our claim. That's what keeps getting said.
The East Glacial River runs 18 kilometres through a remote glacial canyon, 150 metres deep, no roads in, Class 4 rapids and plenty of rapids around every single corner. We've been guiding it for 30+ years and it still doesn't get old.
Every guest gets a full drysuit, not a wetsuit - so you stay completely warm and dry the entire way through. Almost nobody else in the world does this on a glacial river.
No experience needed. Just show up ready.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 18—but if you're underage and still dreaming of this trip, get in touch. We'll see what’s possible))
Recommended items to bring: thermal underwear/base layers, warm fleece top/wool sweater, fleece pants/extra long johns, thick wool socks/hiking socks, change of clothes for after the river, any necessary medications (asthma inhalers, etc.) and waterproof camera (optional)
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
What To Expect
In one word... AWESOME! The East Glacial River Gorge (Jökulsá-Austari) is the setting for our most action-packed and exciting rafting day tour. With spectacular deep canyon scenery and relentless heart-pumping whitewater, the East has been consistently rated one of Europe’s best rafting rivers and has topped popular guide books’ lists of "must-do's" in Iceland. One of the most remote single-day rafting trips on the planet, this whitewater adventure delivers an unforgettable journey into the untamed beauty of Iceland’s river wilderness. Combine that with a dose of adrenaline strong enough to satisfy the most powerful of cravings. For those traveling to Iceland with a thirst for adventure, this is a day tour not to be missed!
Options
Rafting Tour
6 hour rafting trip (3 hours on the water) on the East Glacial River, through exciting rapids and mind-blowing scenery down one of Europe's top rated rafting rivers.
Rafting Tour with Transfers
Grade 4+ whitewater rafting trip on the East Glacial River with pickup and drop-off from Akureyri (pickup outside Akureyri Backpackers, Hafnarstræti 98).
What‘s Included
Transportation between the rafting base and the river
Riverside refreshments
Transport from Akureyri (only if option selected at time of booking)
International rafting federation Qualified, professional raft guides and safety kayakers
All rafting equipment: DRYSUIT, PFD, helmet, Skull cap, booties, gloves
Additional food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Private transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
449 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
best activity in iceland
paulamQ7978QC,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00we went rafting with Hari and Camino and wooooo it was amazing!!! it is for sure the coolest way to experience iceland. there is action all the time and as you are wearing dry suits it is very fun to fall in the water because you stay dry!! The whole crew was very nice, everyone was super attentive Saurav, Naina and Amit were taking care of us in the kayak, Anup drove us to get to the starting point and Bikram and Mike helped us with the gear up. super nice vibes all the time ☀️ and the food is a must!! so so so good thanks Andy for this amazing insight in icelandic cuisine thank you all for this great experience 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Hugh adventure rafting
juliejF4775YK,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This might be the best river we’ve ever rafted on. Constant white water, and quite a few huge drops.saurau is the best river guide I’ve ever had. His instruction was so good. He set our expectations and set us up for success. He was an expert at navigating the rapids and got us back in the boat with lightening speed when needed. We appreciated the rest of our crew so much. Ghappu and Pablo kept us safe. Bikram took the most amazing photos, which are precious to us. Mikey drove us there smooth and safely, and can we even say enough about how bhalu the dog kept us safe and entertained? A perfect crew. Thanks guys!
An Incredible Experience
Jekhi5,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was SO incredible. Beautiful, fun, and full of memory making moments. Our guides, Hari, Amit, Saurav, and Camino were calming, encouraging, and FUN to spend time with, and very clearly knowledgeable and capable on the river. The whole experience was about 5 hours. All in all, highly recommend rafting with this crew!
A great experience
Dreamer07063380088,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A super fun and wonderful day with Hari, Naina, Mike, Amit, and Camino. Top-notch rafting location and guide. Super fun and highly recommended. They took plenty of time for explanations and did everything to give us an amazing experience. We enjoyed it. Thanks to Hari and his team. You worked so hard and we had so much fun.
Fun
mathildecX1990LL,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The team is nice and friendly. It was our first time rafting and it was a really cool expérience !! We would like to thanks our guide Nena who make this unique Mathilda et Lorie from Belgium
Excellent rafting
Camper66993688445,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I have rafted around the world. This was the best rafting trip we have done. The guides were so experienced, knowledgeable and welcoming. We were in a glacial river but felt safe and supported. We had a meal afterwards together and spent ages chatting and laughing. It was such a highlight of the entire trip to Iceland! Thank you!
East the best!
Niccolo S,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an excellent experience! Rafting among geological formations and in a glacier river.. The trip is led by very passionate and professional guides where they put extreme effort in ultimately having a great time for all of us. Our guides were Hari, in charge of taking pictures along the journey! Saurav was part together with Shawn were the safety kayaks around the raft and our guides Anup was on board with the group. If you want a truly adrenaline experience, go rafting. If you want the best experience go with Viking!
Season opener “Cold but memorable”
krankenb,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were the season openers. It was freezing cold but still very worthwhile. It is amazingly exiting and very adventurous.
This is an amazing place, a friendly vibes and very welcoming team of professionals. Amazi
Ganesh G,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an amazing place ,a friendly vibes and the very welcoming team of professionals. Whitewater Action rafting is the best thing you can do . The river is absolutely stunning with great
Amazing river, great team
DayTrip55432774169,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time on the river, beautiful scenic and the best food on our trip. Thanks to the Viking Rafting Team and of course Bhalu!
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Operated by Viking Rafting