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Raft the lively Hvítá River with an expert guide. This fun, thrilling experience takes place on a glacier-fed river flowing from Gullfoss waterfall. Pass through splashy rapids, winding bends, and dramatic canyon walls shaped by glacial meltwater. After the river run, unwind with hot showers and relax in the sauna.
On this rafting tour, you’ll navigate the Hvítá River as it winds through South Iceland, flowing with white water—hence the names meaning “White River.” These same powerful waters feed the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, one of the Golden Circle’s most iconic sights and a must-see for first-time visitors. Your adventure begins slightly downstream, near the Drumbo Base.
Over the course of approximately 90 minutes, you’ll paddle along the Hvítá River, navigating a series of lively rapids that keep your heart rate up. For thousands of years, meltwater from Langjökull—Iceland’s second-largest glacier—has carved this dramatic landscape. A highlight of the journey is Brúarhlöð canyon, where rushing water has drilled smooth, cylindrical holes into the rock and cut through rugged walls made up of cemented volcanic fragments.
For those seeking an extra adrenaline rush, there’s an optional cliff jump from the Brúarhlöð canyon walls into the refreshingly cold glacial waters below.
After returning to land, you’ll have time to unwind at Drumboddsstaðir base. Relax with a hot shower, soak in hot tubs, or enjoy the soothing sauna. For an extra fee, the on-site bar and restaurant serve traditional lamb barbecue, burgers, and a selection of cold drinks—perfect after an exhilarating day on the river.
Yes, you must be able to swim and feel comfortable in the water. Each paddler on a rafting boat has to know how to swim.
Yes, we have a minimum age limit on all of our river rafting tours.
On the Gullfoss Canyon Rafting, the minimum age is 11 years if accompanied by a guardian.
On the West Glacier River, the minimum age is 6 years if accompanied by a guardian.
On the East Glacier River, the minimum age is 18 years.
Yes, you are allowed to bring your camera with you but if it isn’t waterproof then it will 100% get ruined.
At Drumbó your options are: bringing a waterproof camera, renting a GoPro from us or buying a disposable waterproof camera.
At Hafgrímsstaðir your options are bringing a waterproof camera or getting a copy of the photo/photos one of the guides takes during the tour. A photographer/guide is not a guaranteed part of the tour, so should you wish to arrange photos in advance, please let us know and we will make sure to have a photographer along on the trip.
Yes, we will provide a life jacket for everyone on the tour.
Yes, there will be specially trained and certified river guide in every boat.
GRADE 1: EASY
Fast moving water with very small waves and without obstructions. Passages are obvious and easily navigated. The risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
GRADE 2: NOVICE
Simple rapids with regular small waves, easy eddies, and gradual bends. Wide, clear channels make navigating easy without scouting. Little manoeuvering is required, and rocks and obstructions are easily avoidable. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated Class II+.
GRADE 3: INTERMEDIATE
Rapids with strong currents, large waves, powerful hydraulics, and obstructions that may be difficult to avoid. Controlled maneuvers are often required to navigate, although passages are simple and have relatively little objective danger. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Rapids at the lower and upper end of this difficulty range are designated Grade 3- and Grade 3+ respectively.
Grade 4: ADVANCED
Difficult yet predictable rapids with large, irregular waves, boiling eddies, powerful hydraulics, steeper gradient, and some unavoidable obstructions. Passages are often difficult to recognize and require precise boat control and skillful manoeuvering to navigate. Scouting is likely necessary for safe passage, and self-rescue is difficult. Rapids at the lower and upper end of this difficulty range are designated Grade 4- and Grade 4+ respectively.
GRADE 5: EXPERT
Long, powerful, obstructed, and unpredictable rapids that expose paddlers to significant danger. Rapids are steep with large, unavoidable waves and major hydraulics, congested chutes, and many obstructions. Complex, demanding routes require precise boat control, “must make” moves and a high level of mental and physical fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, and difficult to reach. Scouting is necessary but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. Proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential.
GRADE 6: EXTREME
All previous difficulties increased to the absolute limit of practicability, suitable for teams of specially prepared experts only. Runs of this classification are rarely attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability, and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible.
Yes, we do have one more option for you - Golden Circle & Rafting tour.
We recommend you to bring a spare set of clothes as you might get wet when participating in Rafting. Therefore you can change into nice dry clothes when the activity is finished.
