Whitewater Action

Exciting rapids, mind-blowing scenery, and one of the most remote single-day  settings on the planet make the East Glacial River Iceland's signature rafting trip!

09:00 AM

Duration: 6 hours

Challenging (IV+)

Minimum age: 18

Akureyri shuttle

On request (07:20 AM, 8.500 ISK p.p.)

Meal of the day

On request (4.500 ISK p.p.)

Drysuit

Provided in every single trip

Photographer

On request (7.500 ISK)

East Glacial River – Iceland’s #1 Whitewater Adventure

Top-rated. World-famous. 99.9% guest satisfaction.

This isn’t just rafting, this is Iceland’s ultimate day trip.


The East Glacial River (Jökulsá Austari) is the crown jewel of Icelandic whitewater. With relentless rapids, towering canyon walls, and icy glacier-fed water, it’s no wonder this trip is consistently ranked as one of Europe’s best rafting experiences, and often called the #1 adventure tour in Iceland.


No previous rafting experience? No problem. Our professional guides are the best in the business, with over 25 years of experience running this legendary river. You bring the energy, we’ll handle the rest.


And here’s what truly sets us apart:

We’re one of the very few rafting companies in the world to provide top-quality drysuits. Meaning you’ll stay warm and dry as you charge through icy glacial rapids.

Nothing beats the experience of rafting a glacial river in full comfort, with warm smiles, that’s how we do it.


What to expect:

🚀 Adrenaline-pumping Class 4 rapids

🌊 Big waves, nonstop action & cliff jumps

🏞️ Epic scenery through a remote glacial canyon

🧥 Premium drysuits for maximum comfort in glacial water

📸 Professional-looking photos, bookable option, laughs, and stories you’ll never forget


Whether you’re chasing thrills or crossing this off your bucket list, this trip delivers.

99.9% of guests leave stoked, the other 0.1% probably flipped too hard to remember it.


✓ World-famous day trip

✓ No experience required

✓ All gear & safety included

✓ Departs daily from Hafgrímsstaðir, North Iceland (near Akureyri/Varmahlíð)


Book now and ride the river that’s made a name around the globe.

The East Glacial isn’t just a rafting trip — it’s a rite of passage.





✅ WE PROVIDE:

🧥 All rafting equipment — drysuit, PFD, helmet, booties & gloves

🚣‍♂️ Expert guides — qualified IRF raft guides & safety kayakers

🚌 Transport — between our base and the river

☕️ Riverside refreshments

🌊 Iceland's ultimate rafting experience!


🎒 YOU BRING:

🧦 Thermal underwear / base layers

🧥 Warm fleece top or wool sweater

👖 Fleece pants or extra long johns

🧤 Thick wool or hiking socks (at least 1 pair)

👕 Dry clothes to change into after the river

💊 Any necessary medications (e.g. asthma inhalers)

The first thing you need to know about rafting in Iceland? You will probably get little wet. The second? This ain't the tropics. Even if you’re on summer holiday, Speedos are about as useful here as flip-flops in a blizzard.a What is the


Our rivers are fed by glaciers, meaning that water was ice some hours ago. While the experience is unforgettable, the environment can be cold, wet, and unpredictable. Overexposure can go from uncomfortable to dangerous real quick if you show up unprepared.


What should you wear? Think warmth. All clothing worn under your drysuit should keep its insulation when wet. We highly recommend fleece, wool, or synthetic layers. Absolutely NO cotton, that means leave your jeans and favorite hoodie at home. 


Safety first: All our trips are led by International Rafting Federation (IRF)-certified guides, because when it comes to wild rivers, amateurs just don’t cut it.


Shuttle booked?

Unless we’ve customized a different pick-up point and time with you, your meeting spot is Akureyri Backpackers, 07:20 AM sharp.

Goodness gracious me! This has been a day to remember, simply because it has been so brilliant from start to finish.
Today, I popped my rafting cherry in the most spectacular way, rafting down the East Glacier river with a bunch of bloody heroes!

Most memorable highlight. Highly experienced guides that'll give you the confidence to tackle Class 4 rapids. The safety briefing was thorough and made us well-prepared. As long as you're in good shape and feeling adventurous, you'll have a great time. Be careful, they set the bar so high, it's unforgettable. Worth all the stars!

I cannot express how amazing this trip was. The whole organization was professional, courteous, and experts in customer service. The guides, support kayakers, bus driver and chef exceeded my expectations. The river did not disappoint. Exceptional rapids and scenery. Anup was an excellent guide and lead. I thought his emphasis on safety and rescue technics were to hype up the trip but they all came in handy... read more

Most memorable highlight. Highly experienced guides that'll give you the confidence to tackle Class 4 rapids. The safety briefing was thorough and made us well-prepared. As long as you're in good shape and feeling adventurous, you'll have a great time. Be careful, they set the bar so high, it's unforgettable. Worth all the stars!

Common Questions

  • Is it safe?

    Absolutely — we take your fun seriously.

    In fact, we take it so seriously that fun is the only thing we allow to happen on our trips. But that kind of fun doesn’t come by accident — it takes serious work, constant training, and a team of highly skilled guides. That’s why all our guides are IRF-certified, backed by safety kayakers, strict safety protocols, and ongoing training to handle every situation. You have fun — we handle everything else.

  • Do I need previous rafting experience?

    Nope! You bring the courage, we’ll bring the world-class IRF-certified guides. This trip is designed for adventurous first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike. We’ll fully train you before hitting the water.

  • How big are the rapids?

    We’re talking Class 3–4+ whitewater depending on water levels — big waves, technical rapids, and plenty of adrenaline. This is Iceland’s most famous whitewater run for a reason.,

  • Will I fall out?

    Let’s just say: it’s possible! But that’s why you’ll get full safety training beforehand, plus professional guides and safety kayakers watching your back (and front).

  • What equipment do you provide?

    Only the best!wetsuits


    Premium drysuit (yes, really — no wet suits here)

    PFD (life jacket)

    Helmet

    Neoprene shoes & gloves

    Insulation for under your helmet

    All rafting gear and paddles

  • What do I need to bring?

    Warm fleece or wool layers (NO cotton)

    Thick wool socks or hiking socks

    Change of dry clothes for after (incase you get wet, sometimes it happens)

    Any necessary medicationsin 

    Big smile & sense of adventure

  • Is it cold?

    Well… it’s a glacial river, so yes, the water is cold.

    BUT you’ll stay warm. The colder the weather, the more warm layers you wear under your drysuit, exactly like dressing for a winter day. Fleece, wool, and synthetic layers trap your body heat while the drysuit keeps you completely dry. Our guides will help you gear up properly so you’re comfortable and ready to paddle.

  • Do I need a travel insurance?

    As world travelers and adventurers ourselves, we know the unpredictable nature of life on the road and the risks it involves to our safety and our money. For this reason, we recommend that all our guests have some kind of insurance policy that covers them for accidents and changes in travel plans. This kind of travel insurance is usually relatively inexpensive and well worth it.

  • Can I go rafting if I am pregnant?

    As much as we would love to, we do not recommend any extreme activity during pregnancy. 

  • Is the minimum age flexible?

    Our standard minimum age is 18 years old.

    However, we understand that adventurous families sometimes include younger paddlers ready to take on the challenge. In certain cases, we’re open to welcoming minors if:


    Parents fully understand and accept the risks involved in whitewater rafting in Iceland.


    The child is physically fit, strong, and a confident swimmer.


    A parent or legal guardian signs our waiver form.


    👉 Important safety note:

    On high-adventure sections like the East Glacial River, water levels and daily conditions play a huge role. Our guides may require minors to walk around the biggest rapid — Green Room — if conditions call for extra caution.


    👉 Contact us in advance

    If you’re planning to bring a minor, please get in touch ahead of time so we can review suitability and discuss options. Safety is always our top priority.

  • Can I get a discount?

    The short answer? Nope.


    As much as we’d love to make this trip budget-friendly for everyone, we believe top-quality whitewater rafting in Iceland is worth every penny. And judging by our reviews, so do our happy (and slightly soggy) guests.


    Let’s be real: premium drysuits, world-class IRF-certified guides, small group sizes, and the best safety standards in Iceland don’t come cheap, nor should they. We've always been a bit pricier than some competitors, but that's because we refuse to cut corners on safety, equipment, or your experience.


    Quality rafting costs more and delivers way more.

  • How long does it take?

    Expect about 5–6 hours total: this includes your safety briefing, gearing up, shuttle to the river, rafting 2-3 hours depending on water level (18 km) ,and the ride back to base.