My OAT Untamed Iceland Review

Untamed Iceland Was My 19th OAT Trip. Is It Right for You?

Untamed Iceland is currently one of OAT's Top 5 Trending Land Adventures. After taking the trip myself, I can understand why so many travelers love Iceland.
But was it one of my Top 5 OAT trips? Unfortunately, no.

That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. I did. And I'll share what I liked, what I think you'll like, and a few things I wish I'd known before going.

My goal isn't to convince you to take Untamed Iceland.
It's to help you decide whether this
is the right OAT adventure for you.

Jesse Slome, the Thrifty Senior Traveler

Planning Your First
OAT Adventure?

If you're considering Untamed Iceland or another Overseas Adventure Travel trip, I hope my experiences and tips help you decide whether OAT is right for you.

I've now taken 19 OAT adventures and have another one booked. If you decide to travel with OAT, I'd really appreciate your telling them (when booking):
"I was referred by Jesse Slome
OAT #932019."
It costs you nothing and it helps me earn a credit toward a future adventure.

So far, 88 travelers have told OAT they were referred by Jesse Slome.

If you decide to take an OAT adventure, I hope you'll be #89!

Thank you - and I hope to see you somewhere in the world!

Why OAT's Untamed Iceland Is One of Their
Top 5 Trending Adventures

So, what did I love about visiting Iceland? It's hard to beat the country's dramatic natural contrasts, peaceful atmosphere, and otherworldly beauty.

Iceland is a truly dramatic — and relatively small — island, with sharp, sudden shifts in topography. One moment you're looking at a black sand beach; the next you're standing beneath towering basalt cliffs. Much of the landscape feels raw and untouched. In a single day, you can experience the primal power of massive glaciers, active volcanoes, and roaring waterfalls.

I also found Iceland welcoming, friendly, and hospitable. The fact that English is widely spoken certainly adds a level of comfort for many American travelers. It's also a relatively safe destination. The tap water is drinkable, the food is safe, and the small villages are charming. Reykjavik, the capital, is vibrant, walkable, and easy to navigate.

And don't overlook something I think OAT does particularly well: its commitment to solo travelers. OAT's Free Single Supplement policy is a rare and potentially very valuable benefit compared with many other luxury and small-group tour operators.

Put all of that together and it's easy to understand why Iceland is so appealing to travelers — and why OAT's Untamed Iceland has become one of its Top 5 Trending Land Adventures.

But here's the important part of my review: loving Iceland doesn't necessarily mean you'll love every aspect of the OAT itinerary. That's where my experience may be particularly useful to you.

Is Untamed Iceland Right for You?

The Ideal Beginner Destination

If you've never traveled much or feel intimidated by intense, chaotic destinations, Iceland may be the ultimate training ground for adventure travel. It gives you jaw-dropping landscapes without much of the travel stress that can come with more challenging destinations.

There are no overwhelming megacities with millions of people, no aggressive street vendors, and no sensory overload like you might encounter in a high-energy capital such as Delhi.

English is spoken widely, the country feels incredibly safe, and the logistics are remarkably easy. You get the magic of an adventure without much of the intimidation. For someone taking their first big international trip, that's a pretty compelling combination.

The Experienced Traveler's Reality

That said, if you're a seasoned traveler looking for a truly raw or profound expedition, Iceland may feel a bit too tame.

Its volcanic landscapes are impressive, but for me, they didn't match the sheer, untouched grandeur of places like Antarctica or Patagonia. Those destinations left a deeper impression on me.

The cuisine is clean and straightforward, but I didn't find it as distinctive or memorable as the food experiences I've enjoyed on many of my other OAT adventures or trips we've planned on our own.

Even Reykjavík, while charming and easy to navigate, feels more like a pleasant small city built around tourism than a destination that competes with the world's great cultural hubs. It has its own appeal, but I didn't find the same depth of history, vibrant energy, or lingering memories that I've experienced elsewhere.

So, is Untamed Iceland right for you?

If you're looking for spectacular scenery, an easy introduction to international adventure travel, friendly people, safety, and relatively stress-free logistics, I'd say absolutely.

If you're looking for a destination that will challenge you, immerse you in a dramatically different culture, or leave you feeling like you've traveled to the edge of the world, I'd put Antarctica, Patagonia, or some of OAT's more exotic adventures higher on my list.

And that's the real purpose of my review: not to tell you whether you should go to Iceland, but to help you decide whether Iceland is the right trip for you.

Tips & Advice: OAT's Untamed Iceland

Compare OAT's Airfare — But Don't Automatically Book It Yourself

Okay, actually compare OAT's airfare with what you can find online. But remember that the Untamed Iceland tour begins in Selfoss, not Reykjavík. A taxi from the airport to Selfoss can cost $350 or more. If OAT books your airfare, ground transportation to the hotel is included.

Booking Your Own Airfare? Reserve OAT's Ground Transportation Early

OAT will arrange ground transportation if you reserve it at least 90 days before departure. The cost is $100 each way. Do it. We shared a cab from Reykjavík to the airport with another couple, and it cost each of us about $83.

Do Have the Soft Ice Cream in Selfoss

One of the highlights of my trip! Huppu's Ice Cream Shop is just down the street from the hotels OAT uses. Try an Icelandic Ice Cream Shake, known locally as a Sjeik. You choose three mix-in ingredients. And if you like licorice, make that one of them!

Eat the Icelandic Rye Bread

There's a Krónan supermarket about five minutes from the hotel. Look for the dark, sweet, malty, almost cake-like Icelandic rye bread called rúgbrauð.

And be sure to try the “Geysir Bread” served at one of the included lunches. It's made by placing food-safe containers in geothermal ground, where the bread slow-bakes for 12 to 24 hours. It's a very Icelandic experience — and the bread is delicious.

Don't Buy Bottled Water

Iceland's tap water is exceptionally clean. Bring a refillable water bottle and fill it straight from the tap. Or, save the plastic bottle you're given on your flight and reuse it during the trip.

Save Money on Coffee

A standard cup of coffee in Iceland can cost $4 to $6. Breakfast is included every day on your OAT tour, and I simply filled my refillable bottle with coffee to take along for a mid-morning break.

Pack an Eye Mask for Summer

Between late May and August, Iceland experiences extremely long daylight hours because of the Midnight Sun. Your hotel may have blackout curtains, but light can still sneak in around the edges. An eye mask is a small thing that can make a big difference.

Waterproof Means Waterproof — Not “Water-Resistant”

Rain in Iceland doesn't always fall straight down. Coastal winds can send it sideways, and a light windbreaker or “water-resistant” jacket may not be enough at places like Gullfoss or Seljalandsfoss.

My advice: bring 100% waterproof rain pants and a good hard-shell rain jacket. You'll thank me when you're standing next to a waterfall.

You Probably Won't Need Local Cash

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Iceland, and contactless payments such as Apple Pay are widely used. I wouldn't bother carrying any Icelandic currency (unless you want to use that for tips). But US currency works for that as well.

Watch for Pickpockets

Iceland is considered an extremely safe country, but don't let that make you careless. One traveler on our tour was pickpocketed right outside our hotel in Reykjavík.

Keep your wallet secure and, as always, travel with a record of your credit card numbers and the phone numbers you'll need if you have to contact your card companies.

Leave the Jewelry at Home

The sulfur in Iceland's geothermal water can turn silver jewelry black very quickly. Don't wear rings, watches, or necklaces into hot springs. Better yet, leave most of your jewelry safely at home.

The Final Verdict - Should You Book OAT's Untamed Island Tour?

YES: We rate it 3.5 / 5 Stars. Fellow OAT Travelers (on the company website) Rate it: 4.8 / 5 Stars

Ready to Book Your Untamed Iceland tour?

Don't forget that first-time OAT travelers can claim a $100 discount on their reservation! Simply call OAT directly and tell your booking agent "you were referred by Jesse Slome (Referral Code 932019). Full disclosure, I get a 1-time credit towards my next trip. Maybe another safari. Thank you so very much to those who enjoy The Thrifty Senior Traveler.

Written by Jesse Slome, The Thrifty Senior Traveler
Originally published August 21, 2026 | Last updated August 21, 2026