This guide covers white-water rafting in Iceland with Arctic Rafting on the Hvita and Viking Rafting in North Iceland.

Where you can go white-water rafting in Iceland

Arctic Rafting runs its Hvita river trips from Drumbo River Base, its rafting headquarters within the Golden Circle, a short drive from the Gullfoss waterfall. Viking Rafting's base is at Hafgrimsstadir on Road 752, 15 km from its junction with the Ring Road at the west end of Varmahlid. Viking Rafting runs the West Glacial River (Jokulsa Vestari) and the East Glacial River (Austari Jokulsa) in North Iceland, and the Holmsa on the South Coast near Vik.

How the rivers are graded and who each one suits

Arctic Rafting grades the Hvita as class 2 out of 5. Arctic Rafting says the Hvita originates from the Langjokull glacier. Arctic Rafting says the Hvita is the river that creates the Gullfoss waterfall. Arctic Rafting welcomes children from the age of 11 on its River Fun Rafting trip on the Hvita. Arctic Rafting has no upper age limit for guests who are healthy.

Viking Rafting grades the rapids of the Jokulsa Vestari as Class 2 to 2+. Viking Rafting describes the Jokulsa Vestari as being in a volcanic canyon with basalt walls and natural riverside hot springs. Viking Rafting grades the Austari Jokulsa as Grade 4+ big water in deep canyons. Viking Rafting calls the East Glacial River its signature rafting trip. Viking Rafting describes the Holmsa as real Grade 3 rapids that families and first-timers can handle. Viking Rafting's family trip on the Jokulsa Vestari has a minimum age of 6.

How long the trips last and when they run

Arctic Rafting's River Fun Rafting trip lasts 3 hours from Drumbo River Base. Arctic Rafting runs its rafting trips on the Hvita from May to September. Viking Rafting's East Glacial River trip starts at 9 AM and lasts 6 hours.

What to wear and how to prepare

Arctic Rafting provides each rafter with a neoprene wetsuit, neoprene booties, a splash jacket, a life jacket and a helmet. Viking Rafting gives every guest a full drysuit, not a wetsuit, on all of its trips. Arctic Rafting asks guests to bring a warm wool or fleece sweater and thermal underwear to wear under the wetsuit, a towel and a change of clothing. Use the Packing List to help plan your trip.

Comparing rafting tours

You can compare North Iceland tours to see the current options.