2-Day South Coast Tour from Reykjavik: Ice Cave & Diamond Beach

An ice cave carved into a glacier is the centerpiece of day two.

A 2-day guided tour from Reykjavik across Iceland's South Coast and glacier region, with overnight hotel stay and breakfast. Day one visits Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Gljufrabui, and Reynisfjara black sand beach. Day two includes an ice cave entry, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, Eldhraun Lava Fields, and the Bridge of the Volcanoes. A guide provides the Northern Light forecast from your hotel. Stops may shift based on weather and time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: South Coast Waterfalls and Beach

• Visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Visit Skogafoss Waterfall
• Visit Gljufrabui Waterfall
• Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Day 2: Glacier Lagoon and Ice Cave

• Visit Ice Cave in national park
• Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Visit Diamond Beach
• See Eldhraun Lava Fields
• Visit Bridge of the Volcanoes

The experience

The tour departs Reykjavik and heads south along the coast, stopping at four major waterfalls across the first day. Seljalandsfoss lets you walk behind the water if you choose. Skógafoss offers a 527-step hike to a higher vantage point and frequent rainbows. Gljufrabui sits inside a small cave. Expect to get wet. By afternoon you reach Reynisfjara, the black sand beach with basalt cliffs, where the guide will warn you about the ocean's strength and hidden drops in the sand. You'll stay overnight in a 3-star hotel positioned between Vik and Hofn, and your guide will share the Northern Light forecast for viewing from the hotel that evening.

Day two centers on the glacier region. A modified vehicle takes you into the national park to visit an ice cave, where the location and appearance shift with the seasons since these are naturally occurring formations. Afterward you explore Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon for photographs with the glaciers as backdrop, then walk Diamond Beach, where chunks of glacier ice wash ashore and resemble diamonds. The route also includes Eldhraun Lava Fields and the Bridge of the Volcanoes. On the return to Reykjavik, the guide may stop in Vik if time allows.

The tour operates year-round but fills quickly in December when the South Coast sees peak traffic. Bring warm layers, comfortable hiking shoes, and snacks, as dinner can run late. Children must be at least eight years old. Ice cave entry gear is provided.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout both days.
• ice cave entry with safety gear provided.
• breakfast on day two.
• one night in a 3-star hotel.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• and hotel pickup from Reykjavik.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by David The Guide

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided tour with a fixed itinerary, so the pace and stops are set by the group and the guide's decisions about weather and daylight. Choose it if you want someone else handling the driving and route planning while you focus on the sights, or if you prefer not to navigate Iceland's winter roads yourself. The overnight hotel stay means you're not rushing back to Reykjavik the same day, which gives you time to explore both the waterfalls and the glacier region without feeling hurried.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall on this tour?

Yes. Seljalandsfoss is one of the first stops on day one, and you have the choice to walk behind the water or stay back and take in the views from the front.

What happens if weather changes during the 2-day tour?

Stops may shift based on weather conditions and time permitting. The guide will adjust the itinerary to keep you safe while hitting as many sites as possible, and the ice cave location and appearance can vary since these are naturally occurring formations.

Is breakfast included, and what about other meals?

Breakfast is included with your overnight hotel stay. Dinner is not included and can run late, so the operator advises bringing snacks to prevent hungry spells during the day.

Will the guide share information about seeing the Northern Lights?

Yes. Your guide will provide the Northern Light forecast for viewing from your hotel on the evening of day one, so you'll know the conditions for that night.

What is the ice cave visit like on day two?

You enter a glacier ice cave using a specially modified vehicle to access the national park. Safety gear is provided. The cave's location and appearance vary naturally, so each visit is different depending on the season and glacier conditions.

Do I need to be fit for this tour, or is it suitable for most travelers?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or pregnancy. Comfortable hiking shoes and the ability to walk to waterfalls and across beaches are necessary.