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

Summary

Skógafoss spray on your face, black sand under your boots, glacier air in your lungs

You’ll feel Iceland’s wild side up close: walking behind Seljalandsfoss’ curtain of water, tasting salt on Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, and hearing Skógafoss thunder right next to you. With hotel pickup and a local guide handling all the driving (and stories), you can just lean into whatever weather Iceland throws at you.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a raincoat before I’d even left the minibus. “You’ll want this,” she grinned — our guide, Sigrún. She was right. The air at Seljalandsfoss was sharp and wet, and somehow the mist crept everywhere. We walked behind the waterfall (yes, actually behind it), and my shoes squelched for hours after. There’s something about seeing water fall from the inside out that makes you feel small but sort of lucky too.

We stopped for coffee in a tiny place near Skógafoss — I can’t remember the name, but there was a faded photo of Björk taped to the fridge. The waterfall itself was roaring so loud you had to shout to be heard. I tried to get close enough for a picture but ended up blinking through spray and laughing instead. Sigrún told us about trolls hiding in the rocks (she swore she believed it). On this south coast day trip from Reykjavik, every stop felt like it had its own little story.

The drive to Sólheimajökull Glacier was quiet for a while; everyone just stared out at these endless mossy fields and sudden cliffs. When we finally got out, there was this cold wind coming off the ice — not painful, just really clean-smelling, almost metallic? I touched the edge of an old chunk of glacier and it felt rougher than I’d expected. After that came Reynisfjara Beach: black sand that stuck to everything and basalt columns that looked like someone had stacked them by hand. A couple tried to pronounce “Reynisfjara” properly — Sigrún laughed and said even locals mess it up sometimes.

By the time we headed back toward Reykjavik, everyone was quiet again but in a different way — tired but kind of wired too. I kept finding bits of black sand in my pockets days later. If you’re thinking about booking this tour, just bring an extra pair of socks and don’t bother trying to stay dry at Seljalandsfoss. That’s half the fun anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Iceland's South Coast highlights

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• See Skógafoss waterfall
• Stop at small fishing village
• View Sólheimajökull Glacier
• Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach

Top questions

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

This is a full-day tour departing from Reykjavik and returning the same evening.

Does this south coast tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, free hotel pickup in Reykjavik is included with your booking.

Which waterfalls do we see on this day trip?

You’ll visit both Seljalandsfoss (the one you can walk behind) and Skógafoss (the tall one with lots of spray).

Is lunch included on this Iceland south coast tour?

No set lunch is included, but there’s a stop for refreshments at a local restaurant or café along the route.

What should I wear for this south coast tour?

Dress warmly with waterproof layers—weather changes fast near waterfalls and glaciers.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day trip.

Do we visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach on this itinerary?

Yes, Reynisfjara Beach with its black sand and basalt columns is one of the main stops.

Can I book this as a private tour?

This listing is for a small-group guided tour; private options may be available separately.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation by minibus from Reykjavik with hotel pickup, guidance throughout by a local expert who shares stories along the way, plus time at each site including Seljalandsfoss waterfall (where you can walk behind), Skógafoss waterfall, Sólheimajökull Glacier viewpoint, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and breaks for food or coffee at local cafés before heading back in the evening.