South Coast Iceland Tour: Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches

Two waterfalls, a volcano's shadow, black sand and the Atlantic in one day

A private 10-hour tour of Iceland's south coast departing from Reykjavik, with hotel pickup and a professional driver-guide in English. You visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, see the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic landscape, walk Reynisfjara black sand beach, and stop at Dyrholaey's rock formations. The tour runs private after the first booking of five travelers, meaning no shared groups join your vehicle once you've booked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Seljalandsfoss45m
2. Skógafoss45m
3. Eyjafjallajökull Volcano10m
4. Reynisfjara Beach45m

Explore Iceland's South Coast

• Depart from Reykjavik
• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• See Eyjafjallajökull volcano
• Explore Skógafoss waterfall
• Stop at Dyrholaey rock formation
• Walk along Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Return to Reykjavik

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Reykjavik hotel and heads south along the coast, where the volcanic landscape opens up alongside the Atlantic. Seljalandsfoss, a 65-meter waterfall, comes first. You can walk behind the curtain of water or stay back on the path depending on conditions. Skógafoss follows, the most prominent waterfall along the Ring Road and the one that appears in the distance from the highway before you reach it. The spray and scale make a strong impression when you arrive. Between these two sits Dyrholaey, a rock formation and natural arch that juts into the sea, with views that stretch back toward Skógafoss on clear days and access to the southwest beaches below.

The route passes the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic zone: the stratovolcano that erupted in 2010 and disrupted European air traffic for weeks. You see the ice-capped peak and the landscape it shaped, though the actual crater area is not accessible to pedestrians. Reynisfjara black sand beach comes toward the end of the day, where you walk the unique geologic formations and watch seabirds along the cliffs. A professional driver-guide leads the entire route, handles all the driving, and provides commentary in English throughout the 10 hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the starting point.

The tour is structured as private from the moment your booking closes: after five travelers have reserved, no additional passengers join your vehicle. This means the pace, stops and timing stay within your group's rhythm rather than following a fixed itinerary built around a larger group. The roads to some stops like Dyrholaey are unpaved, and the driver navigates these as part of the route.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik.
• professional driver and guide speaking English.
• private vehicle transportation.
• access to all stops on the south coast route including Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara black sand beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 67 years) · Senior (68 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 68

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Mercury Grail

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you speak English comfortably and want a guide's commentary on the landscape and sites as you travel. The driver provides live narration throughout the day. It suits travelers who prefer a private vehicle and flexible pacing over a fixed group schedule, since the tour runs private once your booking closes and no additional passengers join.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, or do I have to stay back?

Seljalandsfoss allows you to walk behind the waterfall on a path, though conditions vary by season and weather. Your guide will advise on the day whether the path is passable and safe. You can choose to go behind or stay on the main viewing area depending on what you're comfortable with.

What is Dyrholaey and can I actually go there?

Dyrholaey is a natural rock formation and arch in southern Iceland between Seljalandsfoss and Vik, with bird nesting areas and expansive views of the coast. The actual rock formation itself is closed to pedestrian traffic, but the roads leading up and down offer different perspectives of the formation and access to the southwest beaches below.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. You'll have time at stops to bring your own snacks or purchase items if available, and Dyrholaey is noted as a good spot for a picnic lunch if you bring supplies.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and transportation by private vehicle is fully accessible. Some of the walking at individual stops (like the path behind Seljalandsfoss or the black sand beach) depends on your mobility and the conditions on the day, which your guide can discuss with you.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

Iceland's south coast weather can change quickly. Your guide will work within conditions on the day and adjust stops or timing if needed to keep the experience safe and worthwhile. Bring waterproof clothing and layers regardless of the forecast.