From Reykjavík: South Coast Waterfall, Black Sand & Ice tour

Taking a trip along Iceland’s southern shoreline offers a stunning variety of natural sights, and this From Reykjavík: South Coast Waterfall, Black Sand & Ice tour makes it easy to see the highlights in just one day. Priced at $138 per person and lasting about 10 hours, this guided journey from Reykjavík is perfect for travelers eager to experience waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic beaches, and charming villages without the hassle of planning. The tour is led by professional guides, with Beggi, Siggi, Helgi, and others praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills in reviews.

What makes this tour stand out is the wide array of locations visited, including iconic Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, the Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the Sólheimajökull glacier. The route covers the most photogenic spots along the south coast, offering plenty of chances for memorable photos. While the tour’s pace is efficient for a full day, some stops are brief—meaning travelers should be prepared for a busy schedule. This tour is ideal for those who want a rundown of southern Iceland’s natural beauty with expert guidance.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $138 per person and lasts approximately 10 hours.
• Departure and Return: It starts in Reykjavík with multiple pickup points, and the trip includes pickup and drop-off.
• Diverse Stops: Highlights include Skógafoss, Vík, Reynisfjara, Sólheimajökull, and Seljalandsfoss.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Beggi, Siggi, and others are highly praised for their knowledge and storytelling.
• Photogenic Locations: Plenty of photo stops at waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches.
• Food and Drinks: Meals are not included, but there are stops at Vík for lunch and snack options.
• Comfort and Convenience: Travel is in comfortable buses, with scheduled restroom stops.
• Limited for Young Children: Not suitable for children under 8 years old.
• Flexible Cancellation: Full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Iceland’s South Coast Natural Wonders

This tour provides a comprehensive look at some of Iceland’s most celebrated natural sites. Starting with an early morning pickup from one of 23 different locations in Reykjavík, you’ll be transported via bus or coach towards the south coast. The journey takes about 1.5 hours to reach the first major stop, offering travelers a chance to settle in and prepare for the day ahead.

The route emphasizes the geographical diversity of Iceland, with panoramic views of glacier-covered peaks like Eyjafjallajökull. The scenery along the way is striking, and the guides take care to point out interesting details about the landscape and local geology. The tour efficiently combines sightseeing with safety and comfort, making it an excellent option for travelers wanting to maximize their day.

Visiting the Spectacular Skógafoss Waterfall

One of the first major stops is Skógafoss, a powerful waterfall known for its impressive width and height. Visitors get approximately 30 minutes here to take photos, walk close to the falls, and admire the surrounding landscape. The waterfall’s mist often creates rainbows on sunny days, adding to the photo opportunities. The proximity of this waterfall to the road makes it a quick but memorable visit.

This location is perfect for snapping pictures and feeling the raw power of Iceland’s waterfalls. The short walk around the area offers multiple vantage points, and many visitors enjoy just standing in awe of the cascading water. The quick stop allows enough time to enjoy the beauty without feeling rushed.

Exploring Vík and Its Surroundings

The tour includes about 50 minutes in the village of Vík, Iceland’s southernmost settlement. Here, travelers can enjoy a lunch break, with options to purchase from local cafes or bring packed food. Vík’s charming streets and scenic views make it a great spot to stretch legs and soak in the local atmosphere before heading to the beach.

Vík is also known for the Reynisfjara black sand beach, which is just a short walk from the village. The beach features columnar basalt formations and Reynisdrangar sea stacks, creating an almost surreal setting. This stop is especially popular for its unearthly landscape and photogenic scenery, with about 30 minutes allocated for sightseeing.

The Unique Beauty of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is renowned for its striking black sand and basalt columns that rise dramatically from the shoreline. Visitors can walk along the beach, taking in the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean and the distant sea stacks that legends say are trolls turned to stone.

The tour guide provides insights into the geological formations and safety tips, as the waves at Reynisfjara can be unpredictable and dangerous. The 30-minute stop is ideal for photographs and exploring the unique landscape, but visitors should remain cautious of the strong surf.

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Sólheimajökull Glacier: An Icy Wonder

After Vík, the tour heads to the Sólheimajökull glacier, where a 45-minute stop allows visitors to admire the icy landscape. The glacier’s ice formations and scenic views are highlights of the trip, offering a chance to see Iceland’s glacial environment up close.

Photographers and nature lovers appreciate this stop for its unearthly beauty and the opportunity to observe the glacial surface and ice formations. Although the stop isn’t a glacier hike, the views alone make it worth the visit.

Waterfalls Along the South Coast: Seljalandsfoss

The iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall receives about 30 minutes for sightseeing and pictures. Known for the path that allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall, it offers a unique perspective of Iceland’s waterfalls. The setting is especially captivating at sunset, providing memorable photographic moments.

The guided stop ensures visitors have enough time to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. The short duration keeps the tour moving efficiently but still allows for a full appreciation of this natural wonder.

The Long Drive Back to Reykjavík

Following the stops at Seljalandsfoss, the group boards the bus for about 105 minutes of travel back to Reykjavík. The guide offers a chance for reflection, sharing stories, or enjoying the scenery on the return trip. The tour concludes with drop-offs at the original pickup points, making the entire day seamless and straightforward.

Logistics, Guides, and Customer Experience

The pickup process includes 23 different locations across Reykjavík, making it convenient for travelers staying in various parts of the city. The bus or coach transportation is described as comfortable, with scheduled restroom stops and enough breaks for snacks and photos.

The guides are a major highlight, with Beggi, Siggi, Helgi, and others frequently praised for their knowledge, storytelling, and friendly demeanor. Many reviewers mention the guides’ ability to share interesting facts and ensure safety, making the tour both informative and enjoyable.

Value for Money and Booking Flexibility

At $138 per person, the tour offers a full day of sightseeing at a reasonable price considering the number of stops and guide expertise. The activity includes pickup, transportation, guide, and views of major sites but does not include meals or drinks.

Travelers benefit from free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip and the option to reserve now and pay later, adding flexibility to travel plans. This makes it accessible and low-pressure for those uncertain of their schedules.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience of Iceland’s South Coast without the hassle of organizing transportation or logistics. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want to see famous waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic beaches, and villages in a single day.

It is less suitable for children under 8 years old, and those who prefer longer stops or more adventurous activities like glacier hikes might want to look for specialized options. Still, the expert guides and spectacular scenery ensure a memorable day for most.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Exploration of Iceland’s South Coast

This 10-hour guided tour from Reykjavík offers an excellent way to see Iceland’s most iconic natural sights for a reasonable price. The route covers waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and a charming village, providing a diverse and photogenic experience.

While the stops are sometimes brief, the expert guides like Beggi and Siggi make each location come alive with stories and insights. The comfortable transport, flexible booking, and positive reviews about value for money make this tour a smart choice for travelers eager to maximize their Iceland adventure in one day.

This tour is especially suited for those who want a full, scenic overview of the south coast with guidance and convenience. It offers enough stunning views and memorable moments to satisfy even seasoned travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $138?
The tour includes bus transportation, guided tour, and views of Eyjafjallajökull and Sólheimajökull glacier. Pickup and drop-off are also part of the package.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there are stops at Vík where food can be purchased.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops vary from 30 to 50 minutes, with the longest being the 45-minute stop at Sólheimajökull.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Who are the guides, and what are they like?
Guides such as Beggi, Siggi, Helgi, and others are highly praised for their knowledge, storytelling, and friendly approach.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby