Iceland South Coast: Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Glacier Day Trip

Summary

Seljalandsfoss mist Skógafoss roar black sand at Reynisfjara glacier walk from Reykjavík

You’ll ride from Reykjavik along Iceland’s wild south coast, getting soaked by Seljalandsfoss waterfall, crunching over volcanic gravel near Sólheimajökull glacier, and feeling the wind whip across Reynisfjara’s black sand beach. Expect laughter with your local guide, plenty of photo stops, and moments where Iceland feels bigger than anywhere else you’ve been.

What’s the experience like?

Steam rose off my coffee as I climbed into the minibus outside our Reykjavik hotel, half-awake and wondering if I’d packed enough socks. Our guide, Arnar, had this dry humor—he pointed out the volcano names before sunrise and I tried repeating “Eyjafjallajökull.” Didn’t go well. The drive out east felt like watching someone slowly turn up the saturation on a painting: mossy lava fields, then suddenly those wild cliffs. First stop was Skógafoss. You hear it before you see it—a low thunder that makes your chest buzz. The spray got everywhere (my glasses were useless), but standing that close to something so loud and old just… I don’t know, it kind of resets you.

Walking up to Sólheimajökull glacier was like stepping into another planet—crunchy black gravel underfoot, streaks of ash frozen in the ice. Arnar explained how the glacier keeps shrinking each year; he sounded both proud and sad about it. It smelled sharp and cold, almost metallic. There was this silence except for boots on grit and a distant river somewhere below us. I kept thinking about how much time is pressed into those layers—like every storm gets trapped there for centuries.

Lunch happened at Reynisfjara Beach, which isn’t really a beach for swimming unless you’re part seal. Black sand gets everywhere (still found some in my pocket later), and those basalt columns look like something built by giants who couldn’t decide on straight lines. We watched a few puffins wobble along the cliffs—one nearly faceplanted off a rock but recovered with dignity. The wind tasted salty and cold; my sandwich didn’t stand a chance.

Quick photo stop in Vík—tiny church on a hill, sea stacks poking out of the mist like chess pieces someone forgot about. On the way back we stopped at Seljalandsfoss waterfall where you can actually walk behind the falling water. It’s louder than you expect and wetter too; I tried to film but ended up just laughing at how soaked we all got. Still think about that curtain of water with sunlight breaking through—felt like standing inside someone else’s dream for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Iceland's South Coast highlights

• Pickup from downtown Reykjavík
• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Stop at Skógafoss waterfall
• Walk to Sólheimajökull glacier
• Lunch and sightseeing at Reynisfjara Beach
• Photo stop at Vík village and church
• Return to Reykjavík

Top questions

How long is the Iceland South Coast day trip from Reykjavik?

The full tour lasts around 10 hours including travel time and sightseeing stops.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Reykjavik?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included with your booking.

What are the main stops on this South Coast tour?

You’ll visit Skógafoss waterfall, Sólheimajökull glacier, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Vík village for photos, and Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included but there’s time to buy food at Reynisfjara where there’s a café/restaurant.

Are bathrooms available during the South Coast tour?

Yes, restrooms are available at most sightseeing stops including waterfalls and Reynisfjara beach café.

Is this Iceland South Coast tour suitable for kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can cruise ship passengers join this day trip?

Cruise passengers can join if they provide ship details when booking so pickup can be arranged accordingly.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient hotel pickup from Reykjavik (or cruise terminal), all entry fees to sites along Iceland’s south coast like Skógafoss waterfall and Sólheimajökull glacier, WiFi onboard an air-conditioned minibus, plus an English-speaking local guide who shares stories (and some jokes) as you go. Lunch isn’t included but there’s time to grab food at Reynisfjara beach before heading back in the evening.