South Coast Day Trip: Reynisfjara Beach & Waterfalls

Walk behind a towering waterfall, then stand on black sand beneath soaring sea cliffs.

A 10-hour guided tour of Iceland's South Coast from Reykjavik in a small group (max 18 travelers) with a certified English-speaking guide, minibus transport, and visits to Reynisfjara Beach, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss and Sólheimajökull Glacier. Pickup and drop-off from authorized points in Reykjavik are included. Children from age 6 can join. The tour suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Skógafoss25m
2. Seljalandsfoss35m
3. Sólheimajökull Glacier55m
4. Reynisfjara Beach10m

South Coast Waterfalls and Beaches

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Explore Skógafoss waterfall
• Tour Sólheimajökull Glacier
• See Reynisdrangar Sea Cliffs
• Walk on Reynisfjara black sand beach

The experience

Skógafoss opens the day: a waterfall 25 meters wide with a 60-meter drop that throws up enough spray to paint a rainbow on clear mornings. From there the route moves to Seljalandsfoss, where you can actually walk behind the curtain of water (in summer) and see the South Coast from inside the cascade itself. The guide handles the route and timing. You handle the moment.

Reynisfjara Beach is the black sand stretch that photographs make famous, and the sea cliffs, Reynisdrangar, rise 66 meters offshore as basalt stacks. There's a cave carved into the beach by wave action, though the tidal waves here are strong enough that the guide will tell you where to stand. Sólheimajökull Glacier, a tongue of the larger Myrdalsjökull, closes the loop with deep blue ice and crevassed terrain that looks nothing like the beaches or waterfalls an hour behind you.

The minibus holds a small group, no more than 18, so the stops don't feel like a queue. A certified guide leads in English. Pickup happens at authorized points in Reykjavik. The driver knows where to find you and when to bring you back. Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket and pants, sturdy shoes and a packed lunch: the tour runs 10 hours and food isn't included, but the route and the stops are locked in before you leave the city.

What’s included

• Certified English-speaking guide.
• minibus transport in a small group.
• visits to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Sólheimajökull Glacier and Reynisdrangar sea cliffs.
• pickup and drop-off from authorized Reykjavik locations.
• free wi-fi on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 23 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Arctic Adventures

Is this one for you?Most South Coast tours run on a fixed schedule that rushes the stops. This one holds the same four landmarks but keeps the group under 18 so the guide can linger where the light or the moment asks for it. The minibus and certified guide mean you're not navigating the route yourself or timing the waterfalls around crowds. The day is arranged so you can stand still and look.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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 on this tour?

Yes, you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss in summer when water levels allow it. The waterfall drops 60 meters, and stepping behind the cascade gives you a view of the South Coast from inside the water curtain itself.

What is Reynisfjara Beach actually like when I get there?

Reynisfjara is a black sand beach with 66-meter basalt sea cliffs (Reynisdrangar) rising offshore. There's a cave carved into the beach by waves, but tidal waves here are powerful. Your guide will show you where it's safe to walk and photograph.

How many people will be on this tour?

The small-group guarantee keeps the tour to a maximum of 18 travelers with one guide, so the stops don't turn into crowded queues.

What should I bring for a 10-hour South Coast tour?

Bring warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, a hat, gloves and sturdy shoes: South Iceland weather changes fast. Pack your own lunch and snacks. Food and drinks aren't included on the tour.

Does the tour include pickup from my Reykjavik hotel?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from authorized points in Reykjavik. The driver will collect you at your designated pickup location and return you there at the end of the 10-hour tour.