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!
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.
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.
Reviews
421 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Experience. Awesome Guides. Highly Recommended.
rojowro,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sean, Bahlu, Mike, and Saurav (Sorry if I misspelled names). Jack and I had a blast and you were all very friendly, welcoming, patient, and fun. Cheers!
Excellent experience and the best way to end our trip to Iceland!
888kerinm,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The BEST ending for our inaugural trip to Iceland!! Our tour group of 35 adventures had a FANTASTIC experience with Viking Rafting this morning. Saurav did an excellent job of being thorough, detailed, and patient as he explained the rules and procedures to ensure a great adventure on the water; he was also funny, too. Holding the attention of a group of 35, including all ages, is no small feat - especially when explaining procedures. He did this in two parts, before getting all of our gear and again when we arrived at the water’s edge for instructions about paddling and staying safe. We were lucky to have had Saurav as our raft guide as well, but EVERYONE we interacted with at Viking Rafting was helpful - even the young lady who assisted with rafting equipment (I really appreciated that she suggested I remove my ring so I wouldn’t lose it while paddling.) Even though our tour operator booked this experience for our group, I would 1000% book with Viking Rafting again as well as recommend them to others! Also, make sure to give Baloo a “good boy!” when he comes to greet you! He’s super fun to have as a companion in your raft!
Viking Rafting, hot chocolate and views!
NutMeg1658Sabal,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amir saved the day! He deserves a beer tonight. Our boat hit a rock and we all went in, quick thinking Amir got us all out with the help of the other amazing crew members.
This was such a fun...
Angela S,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a fun experience! Harry and Sean were awesome guides and so fun!! I would highly recommend this to anyone young or old!
Best Iceland Experience
stuvet,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing trip on the river. Saurav was a fantastic guide. My kids rated this the best thing they did in Iceland. The highlights were the geothermal hot chocolate, free floating down the river, my 9 year old jumping off the cliff into the river and of course Bhalu. I couldn't recommend this trip enough
Must do while in Iceland!
jroset1983,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an amazing trip - highlight of our two week vacation in Iceland - tours were patient, knowledgeable and easy to talk with! Everyone who works there seems like one big happy family! They provide everything you need outside of basic thermals! My 13 year old son had a blast and the pictures at the end were great because we didn’t have to worry about capturing the moment while out on the water! Must do!
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!
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