South Coast Iceland tour: Glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches
Five stops on Iceland's south coast, one minibus, one driver who knows it
A 10-hour small-group tour from Reykjavik along Iceland's south coast, traveling by minibus with a local driver-guide to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Beach, Vik village, and Solheimajokull glacier. The minibus holds a maximum of 17 passengers, and pickup from your hotel or a nearby bus stop is included. The guide provides live commentary throughout the day.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Iceland's South Coast
- Depart from Reykjavik
- Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Visit Skogafoss waterfall
- See Dyrhólaey rock arch and views
- Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Stop for meal in Vik village
- Walk to viewpoint at Sólheimajökull glacier
- Return to Reykjavik
- Skógafoss 30m
- Reynisfjara Beach 25m
- Sólheimajökull Glacier 45m
- Seljalandsfoss 30m
What’s included
- Tour on a minibus with a maximum of 17 passengers.
- pickup and drop-off from your hotel or a designated bus stop in Reykjavik.
- live commentary from a professional local driver-guide throughout the day.
Times
- Wednesday 08:30
Before you book
Operated by Gateway to Iceland
Prices and times updated yesterday
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The experience
The tour leaves Reykjavik heading east along the southern coast, and the first two stops are the waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss drops over 60 metres from a cliff that curves inward, which means you can walk behind it when there's no ice on the ground: the kind of detail a local guide points out. Skógafoss comes next, a waterfall so tall and forceful that spray rises in clouds as the water hits the rocks below. You can walk as close as you dare. Both are stops where the camera matters and the scale hits different in person than in photos.
From there the route turns toward the coast and Reynisfjara Beach, where hexagonal basalt columns rise from black sand and the dramatic geology is what makes the place photogenic and eerie at once. In summer, puffins nest on the cliffs above. The tour also includes Dyrhólaey, a viewpoint framed by an iconic rock arch that opens onto panoramic views of the coastline. Vik, Iceland's southernmost village, is the lunch stop: the itinerary notes the famous black dough pizza and lamb soup are available there, though food is not included in the price. The village sits among basalt sea stacks, and local legend says they're frozen trolls turned to stone while playing in the sea.
The final stop is Solheimajokull glacier, a tongue of ice stretching from the larger Myrdalsjokull ice cap that covers the volcano Katla. It's about a 15-minute walk from the parking lot to a viewpoint where you can stand in front of it. After that, the minibus returns to Reykjavik and drops you at your original departure point. The whole day runs 10 hours, and the driver provides live commentary on board: the kind of context that turns a route into a story.
Is this one for you?At 10 hours, the tour fills most of a day but leaves the morning or evening free for Reykjavik itself: useful if you're splitting your time between the city and the south coast, or if you want to rest after a long drive. The fixed schedule and included transport mean the five stops stay coordinated without you building the route yourself.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 12 years); Child (under 6).
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 waterfall on this tour?
Yes, Seljalandsfoss has a cliff that curves inward, so when there's no ice on the ground you can walk behind the waterfall itself, which is why it's one of the stops on this tour and a popular spot for photographs.
What is Reynisfjara Beach like, and will I see puffins?
Reynisfjara is a black sand beach on Iceland's south coast known for its dramatic hexagonal basalt columns and eerie beauty. In summer months, puffins nest on the cliffs above the beach, so you may spot them during the tour.
How long is the walk to see Solheimajokull glacier?
The glacier viewpoint is about a 15-minute walk from the parking lot, so it's a short walk to reach a good vantage point to see the glacier tongue stretching from the Myrdalsjokull ice cap.
Is pickup from my hotel included?
Pickup is included from designated bus stops and hotels in Reykjavik. If your hotel is in a restricted driving area, you'll meet the minibus at a nearby bus stop, never more than a few minutes' walk away.
What should I wear on this tour?
Solid, warm waterproof shoes and warm, waterproof rain and wind-proof outdoor clothing are recommended. The operator also suggests mittens and a hat even in summer for comfort on the south coast.
How many people travel on the minibus?
The minibus holds a maximum of 17 passengers, which keeps the group small and the experience more personal than a large coach tour.
South Coast Iceland tour: Glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches
10h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 193 per person
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