Iceland South Coast: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Lagoon 2-Day Tour

Summary

Blue ice caves, drifting glaciers, black sand and hidden waterfalls

You’ll travel from Reykjavík along Iceland’s wild South Coast with a local guide — walking behind waterfalls, stepping onto black sand beaches, watching icebergs drift at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and exploring deep blue ice caves inside Vatnajokull glacier. Expect warm van rides between stops and stories that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to see this,” our guide Haukur called out, just as I was fumbling with my gloves. We’d only left Reykjavík a couple hours before but it already felt like another world — the air sharper, the sky wider. Seljalandsfoss thundered down in front of us, mist catching in my eyelashes. I actually laughed out loud when someone tried to pronounce Eyjafjallajökull (I didn’t even attempt it). The van was warm and smelled faintly of wool and coffee — you know that cozy Icelandic thing? We stopped again at Gljúfrabúi waterfall, which is half-hidden behind a cliff; you have to squeeze through a crack in the rock and suddenly there’s this quiet roar, water everywhere, boots slipping on wet stones. I still think about that sound.

After Skógafoss (which is massive — don’t stand too close unless you want to get soaked), we hit Reynisfjara beach. The basalt columns look almost fake, like someone stacked them for a movie set. Black sand crunches differently underfoot than regular sand, more gritty somehow. Our group got quiet watching waves slam the shore; even Haukur just stood there for a minute, hands in pockets. He told us about the trolls who supposedly turned to stone out at sea — I can’t say I believed him but it made me smile. That night we stayed somewhere along the South Coast; my room had thick blankets and I slept hard.

The next morning was colder but bright. We passed mossy lava fields that looked soft enough to nap on (don’t do it). Vík village flashed by — tiny houses huddled against the wind — then Hofskirkja church with its turf roof blending right into the ground. At Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, blue icebergs drifted past seals bobbing in the water; it’s quieter than you’d expect except for occasional cracking sounds as ice shifts. Diamond Beach was scattered with clear chunks of ice, some small enough to hold in your hand if you don’t mind freezing fingers.

The highlight? The blue ice cave tour inside Vatnajokull glacier. You ride out in a superjeep with local guides who know exactly where to go (and when not to go — safety first). Inside the cave it’s silent except for drips echoing off walls lit up electric blue by sunlight filtering through meters of ancient ice. It’s slippery and cold but honestly kind of magical, even if your toes are numb by the end. On the way back we stopped again for coffee in Vík; everyone was tired but nobody really wanted to sleep yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — South Coast Waterfalls & Black Beach

• Depart from Reykjavík
• Drive along Route 1 past small towns
• Pass Hveragerði geothermal area
• Pass through Selfoss town
• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Visit hidden Gljufrabui waterfall
• Learn about Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall
• Explore Sólheimajökull Glacier
• View Dyrhólaey sea arches from Reynisfjara
• Visit Reynisfjara black sand beach

Day 2 — Glacier Lagoon & Blue Ice Cave

• Stop in Vík Village for views
• Visit Eldhraun Lava Field
• Visit Hofskirkja turf church
• Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Walk at Diamond Beach
• Blue Ice Cave superjeep expedition
• Return to Jökulsárlón
• Drive back to Reykjavík with stop in Vík

Top questions

How long is the South Coast & Blue Ice Cave tour?

This is a 2-day small group tour departing from Reykjavík with an overnight stay on Iceland’s South Coast.

Is hotel pickup included for this Iceland tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík are included in your booking.

What should I wear for the blue ice cave tour?

Wear warm and waterproof clothes plus sturdy hiking shoes—conditions can be cold and wet inside the caves.

Are meals included during the trip?

Breakfast is included; other meals are at your own expense during stops along the route.

Can children join this glacier lagoon & cave trip?

The minimum age is 8 years old due to safety requirements for activities like caving.

What happens if weather cancels part of the tour?

If weather makes caving unsafe, guides will arrange alternative activities or refund price differences where possible.

How much luggage can I bring on this 2-day trip?

You can bring a small carry-on or backpack; larger luggage should be stored in Reykjavík before departure.

Is WiFi available on board during transfers?

Yes, WiFi is provided on board your minibus throughout both days of travel.

What’s included

Your two-day adventure includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík, all guided activities such as exploring blue ice caves and walking along Glacier Lagoon shores, overnight accommodation with private bathroom on Iceland’s South Coast, breakfast each morning, WiFi onboard your heated minibus, plus all necessary safety gear for caving—so you just need to dress warmly and bring your sense of wonder (and maybe extra socks).