Iceland's #1 Grade 4 Rafting – Glacial Canyon & Drysuits
Overview
The East Glacial River (Austari Jökulsá) is Iceland's signature Grade 4+ rafting trip – 18 km of big, powerful rapids born under the Hofsjökull glacier, running through a deep basalt canyon in North Iceland's highlands. No roads, no crowds, no phone signal. Just you, your crew, and the river.
You don't need rafting experience, just decent fitness and the will to paddle hard. Every trip runs with professional safety kayakers alongside the rafts, guided by an internationally certified team with decades on this river. You get a full safety briefing, a premium DRYSUIT, and all the gear to stay warm in glacial water. Cold river, warm rafters.
Rated one of Iceland's top adventure experiences and a City Balloon Tours Travelers' Choice winner. If you do one adrenaline activity in Iceland, do this one.
What's Included
- Transportation between the rafting base and the river
- Riverside refreshments
- Transport from Akureyri (only if option selected at time of booking)
- All rafting equipment: DRYSUIT, PFD, helmet, Skull cap, booties, gloves
- International rafting federation Qualified, professional raft guides and safety kayakers
- Additional food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Private transportation
Meeting Location
Hafgrímsstaðir
560 Varmahlíð, Iceland
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Hafgrímsstaðir
6 hours Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 34 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-7561P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 451 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is City Balloon Tours’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Transportation between the rafting base and the river.
- Riverside refreshments.
- Transport from Akureyri (only if option selected at time of booking).
- All rafting equipment: DRYSUIT, PFD, helmet, Skull cap, booties, gloves.
- International rafting federation Qualified, professional raft guides and safety kayakers.
- Additional food and drinks, unless specified.
- Gratuities.
- Private transportation.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 18..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Iceland's #1 Grade 4 Rafting – Glacial Canyon & Drysuits is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Iceland’s #1 Grade 4 Rafting – Glacial Canyon & Drysuits will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Transportation between the rafting base and the river
- Riverside refreshments
- Transport from Akureyri (only if option selected at time of booking)
- All rafting equipment: DRYSUIT, PFD, helmet, Skull cap, booties, gloves
- International rafting federation Qualified, professional raft guides and safety kayakers
- Additional food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Private transportation
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 34 travelers
