Top-Rated Family Rafting – Drysuits & Geothermal Hot Cocoa
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Early into the canyon we pull over and hand everyone hot cocoa brewed from a natural geothermal spring right on the riverbank. In a glacial canyon. In Iceland. That moment alone surprises every single guest.
The West Glacial River runs through one of Iceland's most beautiful volcanic canyons — gentle Grade 2-2+ rapids, stunning basalt walls, and a cliff jump waiting at the final stretch. Our guides make the call and we rarely skip it.
Every guest gets a full drysuit. Not a wetsuit. Nobody gets cold, nobody checks out early. The whole family stays warm and present the entire way through.
No experience needed. Ages 6 and up.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age: 6
Recommended items to bring with you: Thermal underwear/base layers, warm fleece top/wool sweater, fleece pants/extra long johns, thick wool socks/hiking socks (at least 1 pair), change of clothes for after the river, any necessary medications (asthma inhalers, etc.), waterproof camera (optional)
What To Expect
Raft one of North Iceland’s most popular adventures for families, beginners, and anyone who wants fun without extreme rapids. This gentle yet exciting trip blends Class II+ whitewater, dramatic volcanic canyon scenery, and warm hospitality. Your journey begins at our rafting base in Hafgrímsstaðir, where you’ll meet guides and gear up in premium drysuits, helmets, neoprene shoes, and gloves. After a short drive to the river, you’ll receive a safety briefing before launching into a 10 km descent through a spectacular canyon of basalt cliffs and steaming hot springs. Along the way, enjoy hot cocoa brewed from a natural geothermal spring, and if conditions allow, try a playful cliff jump or a refreshing swim in glacial waters (always optional). This trip is safe, scenic, and unforgettable. Perfect for kids aged 7+, first-time rafters, and travelers looking to experience family-friendly rafting in Iceland. No experience required, just bring your sense of adventure!
What‘s Included
Qualified, professional rafting guides and safety kayakers
Riverside refreshments (hot drinks)
Transportation between rafting base and the river
All necessary rafting equipment: drysuit, PFD, helmet, booties, gloves
Food and drinks, unless specified
Transportation to rafting base from Akureyri/Reykjavik
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Family Rafting
3.5 hour family-friendly rafting tour (90 minutes on the water) on the West Glacial River, through gentle rapids, spectacular canyon scenery, and natural riverside hot springs.
Reviews
414 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Family Rafting Experience
annewK10TY,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing tour! Nai, Andy and Mike made the experience so special and safe for me and my son (8 years old). My son really wanted to go rafting and he was thrilled by the white water rapids, amazing scenery, swim in the rive and geothermal hot chocolate. The team took good care of us and made it a wonderful experience.
Awesome family rafting experience
HD2006Reviews,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great family rafting experience. We were fortunate to have great weather. Yes, the water is cold, but if you wear appropriate base layers, you will be warm. The dry suit will keep you dry. Don’t worry about falling out of the raft, unless you want to or are just careless. Hari was our guide and Naina was our photographer/rescue kayaker. Both were great and very personable. We were so fortunate that this was a small group (one raft, just 6 rafters total). This made the experience so enjoyable. It was interesting to have Bhalo, the dog, on the raft. I think he had a blast also. If you are near Akureyri, i highly recommend this trip.
Experience of a lifetime!
24jeanpaulm,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's fun to see peoples reaction when we tell them that not only did we go white water rafting in the freezing cold waters of Iceland, but we also jumped off of the raft and floated in the water downstream for part of the journey, AND jumped off of a cliff into the river. Saurav and Anup were our guides and did a great job. My daughter was super nervous before we started and was thinking about not going, but Saurav calmed her down and she wound up going and having a great time. Another reason why she decided to go is that the Viking Rafting crew had a dog named Bhalu that they offered to bring along for the ride and my daughter loves dogs. Bhalu was awesome, jumping back and forth between the 2 rafts and jumping into the water with us too. The whole operation was very well run and organized. The whole experience was one that we will never forget.
Amazing Experience with Viking Rafting!
majdw2018,Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing Experience with Viking Rafting! We arrived late, but the team greeted us with smiles and took great care of us. Super generous and welcoming! Huge thanks to our awesome guides — Hari, Saurav and Anup — for making the trip fun, safe, and unforgettable. Highly recommend!
Highlight of North Iceland
841hedwigh,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00To keep it short: it was amazing, breathtaking and incredible! It was our first time doing rafting, but we'll definitely do it again when we come to Skagafjörður the next time, totally worth its price! Very experienced, trustworthy and friendly staff members - especially our highly appreciated guide Saurav - enjoy your next beer !!!
Great experience!
J58ABceciliad,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing experience thanks to our guides and staff Saurav, Hari, Gustavo, even though it was a very cold day, they made sure we were warm enough and took us to the rafting! They truly are experts and made us feel safe and comfortable along the way! 100% recommend!
Go Viking!
Maria R,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had lucky and we got a personal rafting. The staff was extremely welcoming, great people with good vibes. The place is with fun vibe. The guide was very professional, the equipment was very good, we didn't get any vet at all! Specially thanks to Saurove the guide, Gustav behind the wheel and Lars on the kayak. All of them are very professional and wanted to make our experience unique and the best one ever. We definitely will recommend the VIKING RAFTING to everyone we know who goes to Iceland!
Great team!
Sylvain D,Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great team and nice activity, thank you to Saurav, Gustavo and Hari ! Despite the weather which was not perfect yesterday.
Great experience
Miriam H,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was one of the greatest experiences of our Iceland trip. I can only highly recommend it to anyone!! It was so much fun and the guides were all great. Special thanks to Saurav, Hari, Adam and to Sara!
An absolute must do !!
Trail56518064211,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Never done rafting before, we wanted to do it during our holidays in Iceland. What a great adventure this was. From the moment we arrived until we said goodbye, we enjoyed everything. Sara who welcomed us, Adam explained how everything works, what to do,... Jan who went with us on the raft (and although I was affraid, he made me feel at ease), Mati who drove us to and from the river, Sauruv who took wonderfull pictures, the kitchen people who prepared great food for us,... Realy a "once in a lifetime" experience for us. You feel so good that everyone here loves what they do.
From €155.00
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