Reykjavik South Shore: Skógafoss, Glacier & Black Sand Beach

A minibus pulls away from Reykjavik at dawn, heading toward waterfalls and glaciers

You're picked up from your Reykjavik hotel and spend the day on a minibus with a driver-guide and up to 18 other travelers, moving between five major sights: two waterfalls you can walk behind or near, a glacier you can approach on foot, a black sand beach with puffins in summer, and a headland with sea stacks. The tour handles transport, commentary, and timing. You bring waterproofs and decide where to eat. Return to Reykjavik by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Seljalandsfossentry included
2. Skógafossentry included
3. Sólheimajökull Glacier30m · entry included
4. Reynisfjara Beach1h · entry included

South Shore waterfalls and black sand beach

• Visit Skogafoss waterfall
• Explore Sólheimajökull Glacier edge
• Stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Drive west to Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Walk behind Seljalandsfoss falls

The experience

The tour leaves Reykjavik and heads east along Route 1, the coastal road that hugs the foot of Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Your first stop is Skógafoss, where a 60-metre waterfall drops with enough force to throw spray across the entire viewing area. On clear days, the sun catches the mist and throws a rainbow across the cliff face. The driver-guide handles the commentary in English throughout the day, mixing facts about the landscape with the kind of detail that sticks: how the waterfall got its name, why the spray reaches so far, what the geology tells you about Iceland's violent past. You'll have time to walk right up to the base if you want, or stand back and let the sound of the water fill the space.

After Skógafoss, the minibus carries the group (capped at 19 passengers, so it never feels crowded), toward Sólheimajökull Glacier. The glacier sits where the ice meets the ocean, a view that pulls most people quiet. You walk to the edge and stand in front of something that moves, that's retreating, that's older than any human story. The stop is brief enough that you're not exhausted, long enough that you feel like you've actually been there. Then it's back to the minibus and farther east to Reynisfjara, the black sand beach near Vik. This is where the tour settles in for about an hour. The beach is lined with basalt columns that look almost architectural, and in summer (May through August) puffins nest on the grassy ledges above the cliffs. There's a café on the beach where you can grab lunch (not included in the tour price, but the option is there), and the walk along the sand is gentle enough that most fitness levels manage it without strain.

The final stop comes on the way back west: Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that lets you walk behind it. The guide saves this for last on purpose: getting soaked at the end of the day beats starting wet. Bring waterproofs if you want to go through the spray, or stay dry and watch from the front. The whole tour runs 10 to 11 hours from pickup in Reykjavik to drop-off, and the driver may add an unscheduled stop or two if time and weather allow. WiFi is on board, restrooms are available at stops, and the minivan is heated and air-conditioned. Lunch isn't included, but you'll pass restaurants and gas stations where you can buy food.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup in Reykjavik, transport by air-conditioned minivan with WiFi on board, a driver-guide providing commentary in English, entry to all five main sights (Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Reynisfjara beach, Dyrholaey headland, and Seljalandsfoss), and drop-off back in Reykjavik by evening.
• Lunch is not included, but stops at restaurants and gas stations allow you to purchase food.
• Restrooms are available at each stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 19

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 30 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Iceland Horizon

Is this one for you?Book this if you want Iceland's South Shore highlights in one day without renting a car or planning the route yourself: the fixed schedule and small-group format mean you see five major sights, get expert commentary, and avoid the logistics of driving unfamiliar roads in changeable weather.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Under 3: they 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 24h before the start.

How long is the South Shore tour from Reykjavik?

10 to 11 hours total, including pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik.

Is lunch included in the tour?

No. The tour stops at restaurants and gas stations where you can buy food. Reynisfjara beach also has a café.

What's the maximum group size?

19 passengers per minibus, plus a driver-guide.

Can I see puffins on this tour?

Yes, but only between May and August. They nest on the grassy ledges above Reynisfjara beach.

Is it possible to walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Yes. You can walk around behind the falls and through the spray, but bring waterproofs as you'll likely get wet.

What should I wear?

Warm, outdoor clothing. Waterproofs are recommended, especially if you plan to walk behind Seljalandsfoss.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. The tour includes free pickup from Reykjavik hotels.

Are there unscheduled stops?

The guide may add one or two extra stops depending on available time and weather conditions.