From Reykjavik: South Coast Small-Group Tour

Exploring the south coast of Iceland becomes a memorable adventure with the From Reykjavik: South Coast Small-Group Tour. Priced at $170 per person, this 10-hour excursion offers an intimate experience with a maximum group size of 19 people, ensuring personalized attention and comfort. Departing from Reykjavik, the tour takes visitors through some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes, from towering waterfalls to black sand beaches and glaciers.

A standout feature of this tour is the small-group format, led by a professional, local guide who provides engaging stories and practical insights. The tour is well-suited for travelers eager to see glaciers and waterfalls up close without the hassle of large crowds. Keep in mind that outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, and the tour operates with a minimum of four participants, which helps maintain a friendly, manageable atmosphere.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $170 per person and lasts 10 hours, making it a full-day exploration of Iceland’s south coast.
• Comfort and Personalization: Conducted with a small group of 4-19 people, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Highlights: Includes visits to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascade; the powerful Skogafoss Waterfall, with views of Eyjafjallajokull glacier; the Reynisfjara black sand beach with its basalt columns; and the glacier Sólheimajokull.
• Stops and Sightseeing: The tour makes strategic stops at Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village, and Dyrhólaey, offering stunning coastal views.
• Expert Guidance: The local guide shares stories and insights, enhancing the experience with practical tips and cultural context.
• Logistics: Pickup is available from numerous Reykjavik hotels and bus stops, starting early in the morning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Begins with Reykjavik Pickup

The journey kicks off with a pickup from multiple specified locations in Reykjavik, including hotels and bus stops, between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. The minibus provides a comfortable space for the group, with a friendly, knowledgeable guide leading the way. Passengers are encouraged to have outdoor clothing and hiking shoes, as the day involves walking and exploring outdoor sites.

The tour’s early start allows plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed, while the small size of the group keeps interactions personal and engaging. The guide’s expertise shines through as they share stories and information about the landscapes encountered along the route.

Visiting Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: Walk Behind a Wonder

One of the most striking highlights is the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which towers over 60 meters. Visitors can walk behind the waterfall when conditions are dry, offering a unique perspective and fantastic photo opportunities. The pathway behind the cascade provides a chance to experience the power of nature up close and capture memorable images.

Since the waterfall’s ground is often icy in colder months, travelers should tread carefully but will find the experience well worth the effort. The guide offers insights into the waterfall’s formation, making this stop both scenic and educational.

Skogafoss Waterfall and Views of Eyjafjallajokull

Next is the Skogafoss Waterfall, notable for its impressive width and force. As tall as Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss’s spray creates a consistent cloud of mist, which energizes the scene. Visitors are free to approach close to the base, feeling the mist and appreciating the sheer scale of the falls.

On clear days, the distant Eyjafjallajokull glacier is visible behind Skogafoss. This glacier, famous for its 2010 eruption, adds an extraordinary backdrop to the waterfall. The guide’s commentary enhances understanding of the geology and volcanic activity in the region.

Exploring the Mighty Sólheimajokull Glacier

A notable stop is Sólheimajokull, a glacier tongue extending from Myrdalsjokull, which covers volcano Katla. The glacier’s surface displays a variety of textures and formations, making it a fascinating subject for sightseeing and photography. Visitors get about 45 minutes here to observe the glacier’s features and learn about its connection to volcanic activity in Iceland.

The glacier serves as a vivid reminder of Iceland’s volcanic and glacial interplay, and the guide explains how eruptions from volcanoes like Katla can produce eruptions larger than those from Eyjafjallajokull.

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The Dramatic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The tour’s journey continues to Reynisfjara, renowned worldwide for its black sand and striking basalt columns. This coastal scene feels both beautiful and eerie, with powerful waves crashing against the shoreline. Summer visitors may spot puffins nesting on the cliffs, adding a touch of wildlife to the scenery.

The basalt columns, formed through cooling volcanic lava, create a mesmerizing landscape. Visitors can walk along the beach or explore the nearby cliffs, capturing photos of the dramatic geological formations.

Time in Vik: The Southernmost Village

Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village, is the furthest stop on the tour. Here, travelers have 45 minutes for lunch and to stroll the beach. The sea stacks rise from the waters, with a legend suggesting they are the frozen figures of trolls turned to stone.

This stop provides a relaxed break, allowing guests to enjoy local scenery, take photos, and absorb the peaceful coastal atmosphere. The guide remains available to answer questions or share more about Vik’s history and legends.

Visiting Dyrhólaey for Coastal Views

Dyrhólaey offers expansive views of the coastline and the iconic arch-shaped rock formation. The 30-minute stop provides opportunities to admire the rugged cliffs, spot puffins in summer, and take in sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a perfect spot for photography and appreciating Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

Final Stops at Seljalandsfoss and Return to Reykjavik

The tour concludes with a 30-minute visit to Seljalandsfoss, allowing for additional photographs or a closer look at this iconic waterfall. Afterwards, the group boards the minibus for the approximately 2-hour drive back to Reykjavik, with a drop-off at the original pickup points.

The guide’s insights and the scenic landscapes make this a fulfilling, well-paced day of sightseeing, highlighting the south coast’s natural beauty.

Practical Details: Logistics, Cancellation, and What to Prepare

The tour includes pickup from designated Reykjavik locations, such as hotels and bus stops. It operates with a minimum of four participants, and travelers are advised to arrive outside their pickup point by 8:30 AM. Due to weather conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify or cancel the tour for safety reasons.

Participants should bring outdoor clothing and hiking shoes to handle walking on uneven terrain and potentially wet conditions. The tour does not include food and drinks, but a 45-minute lunch break in Vik provides ample time for a meal.

The cancellation policy allows for a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for travelers’ plans.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most?

This small-group tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive day of Icelandic scenery without the crowds. The expert guide’s storytelling enriches the experience, making it suitable for those interested in natural features and volcanic landscapes. It offers a good balance of sightseeing, photography, and cultural insights, perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is available from multiple Reykjavik hotels and designated bus stops, starting between 8:30 and 9:00 AM.

What should I bring for this tour?
Participants should bring hiking shoes and outdoor clothing suitable for variable weather conditions.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long is the drive between stops?
Stop durations vary from 15 minutes at Dyrhólaey to 2 hours between Seljalandsfoss and Reykjavik, with most drives lasting under an hour.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there is a 45-minute lunch stop in Vik.

What makes this tour different from others?
The small-group format and local, knowledgeable guide ensure an engaging and personal experience, with unique stops like walking behind Seljalandsfoss and viewing the glacier Sólheimajokull.

This From Reykjavik: South Coast Small-Group Tour offers a well-rounded look at Iceland’s stunning southern landscapes. Its combination of iconic waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and expert storytelling makes it a rewarding choice for anyone eager to see the best of Iceland in a single day.

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