Reykjavik: Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride & South Coast Day Tour

Summary

South Coast waterfalls, glacier lagoon boat ride and black sand beaches

You’ll feel Iceland’s wild heart on this day trip from Reykjavik: drift past ancient icebergs on a Glacier Lagoon boat ride, wander Diamond Beach’s black sands, eat lunch in Vík village, and get soaked behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall—all with a local guide who brings every stop to life.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes somewhere outside Reykjavik, watching the rain slip sideways across the bus window. Our guide, Hildur, had already started pointing out mossy lava fields — she said they look soft but don’t even try lying down on them (she grinned; I believed her). The drive was long but never boring. Every so often we’d slow for sheep or pass tiny villages with turf-roofed houses huddled against the wind. I could smell wet earth and something like salt in the air.

The first stop was Stjórnarfoss — not huge, but somehow just right. It wasn’t crowded at all. I touched the cold spray and tried to take a photo, but my fingers got numb so fast I gave up and just stood there listening to the water. Later at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, we climbed into these amphibian boats that looked straight out of an old movie. Floating past icebergs—some blue as toothpaste, others streaked with ash—felt unreal. A seal popped up near us and everyone gasped at once (even Hildur laughed). I kept thinking how quiet it was except for the distant cracking of ice.

Diamond Beach was next—black sand scattered with chunks of clear ice that looked like someone had tossed a thousand glass sculptures around. I tried to pick one up for a photo but it slipped right out of my hands, colder than I expected. Lunch happened in Vík where the wind nearly stole my sandwich; I watched locals chatting outside a tiny bakery, coats zipped up to their noses. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks were barely visible through the mist but somehow that made them feel more mysterious.

On the way back we stopped at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You can actually walk behind it if you’re brave (and waterproof). My shoes got soaked and my hair stuck to my face — totally worth it for that weird feeling of being inside a curtain of water looking out at Iceland’s wild green hills. I still think about that view sometimes when it’s raining at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore South Coast and Glacier Lagoon

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Stop at Vík village and explore
• See Reynisdrangar sea stacks
• Visit Stjórnarfoss waterfall
• Take boat tour at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Walk at Diamond Beach

Top questions

How long does the South Coast full day tour from Reykjavik take?

The tour is a full-day experience; transfer times depend on traffic and weather conditions.

Is hotel pickup included for this Glacier Lagoon boat ride tour?

Pickup and drop-off are included from select locations based on your booking option.

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Yes, you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss—bring rain gear as you’ll get wet from the mist.

Is lunch provided during this South Coast tour?

No lunch is provided; you’ll have time to purchase food in Vík village during your stop.

Are children allowed on this day trip from Reykjavik?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear for the Glacier Lagoon & South Coast tour?

Dress in sturdy shoes and bring rain- and wind-proof outdoor clothing; weather can change quickly.

Does this tour operate year-round or only in summer?

The tour operates in all weather conditions throughout the year—just dress appropriately.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from selected Reykjavik locations, a 30-minute boat ride among Jökulsárlón’s floating icebergs, guided stops along Iceland’s south coast including Stjórnarfoss waterfall, Diamond Beach, Vík village for lunch (not included), and Seljalandsfoss—with everything led by a professional driver-guide before returning in the evening.