Reykjavik: South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Tour

Key Points

• Full-day tour from Reykjavik lasting approximately 14 hours for an immersive experience of Iceland’s south coast.
• Visit iconic waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, with stops for photos and walks.
• View the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón, where icebergs drift toward the ocean, with optional boat tours available during summer.
• Marvel at Diamond Beach, where ice blocks wash ashore, creating a surreal landscape.
• Travel comfortably on a climate-controlled bus equipped with free WiFi and a knowledgeable guide.
• Includes visits to Skaftafell National Park, the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, and charming villages like Vik.

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Comprehensive Guide to Iceland’s South Coast Highlights

Starting Point and Transportation

This tour departs from Reykjavik Terminal, Skógarhlíð 10, with a complimentary pickup starting 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure. The journey takes approximately 14 hours, all aboard a climate-controlled bus that ensures comfort throughout the long day. The bus features free WiFi, allowing travelers to stay connected while enjoying the scenery.

The vehicle’s modern design and frequent stops help keep fatigue at bay, making the extensive drive more manageable. The tour’s group size is optimized for comfort, with a live English-speaking guide leading the experience, sharing insights about Iceland’s landscapes and culture.

Scenic Drive Through Iceland’s Charm

On the way from Reykjavik, travelers pass through picturesque villages and Skaftafell National Park. The route offers views of Iceland’s biggest volcano, Öræfajökull, and the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, providing a sense of Iceland’s volcanic activity and geological history.

The drive is segmented into manageable periods, with breaks at various stops for photos and stretching. The overall pacing balances sightseeing with comfort, ensuring that the long trip remains engaging and not overly tiring.

Visiting the Iconic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

The first major stop is Seljalandsfoss, renowned for its unique feature of a pathway behind the waterfall. Travelers have about 20 minutes here to take photos, walk around, and enjoy the scenic views. The waterfall often appears in travel photos and is a favored photo stop thanks to its impressive cascade and the opportunity to see it from behind.

This stop provides a chance to appreciate Iceland’s dramatic nature while enjoying a brief walk and some sightseeing. The guide shares interesting facts about the waterfall’s formation and significance.

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Passing the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano

Next, the tour passes the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, an impressive sight along the drive. Though no stops are scheduled here, its presence adds to the understanding of Iceland’s volcanic landscape. The route offers scenic views and insights into the volcano’s history and impact, especially regarding the 2010 eruption.

Visiting the Magnificent Skógafoss Waterfall

After about 30 minutes of travel, travelers arrive at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls. With 30 minutes allocated for sightseeing, photos, and walking along the river, visitors can appreciate the sheer power and height of the cascade. Many choose to climb the staircase alongside the waterfall for a panoramic view or simply enjoy the thunderous sound from below.

The guide provides commentary about the waterfall’s history, including local legends and geological details, making this an engaging stop for nature lovers.

Scenic Break in Vik

The tour includes a 45-minute stop in Vik, a charming village with black sand beaches and striking coastal scenery. Travelers can explore local shops or simply enjoy the views. This is an ideal opportunity for a quick refresh, buy snacks, or take a short walk along the beach.

Vik’s dramatic landscape, with towering cliffs and ocean views, provides a perfect backdrop for more photos before continuing the journey eastward.

Exploring Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The highlight of the tour is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs from Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, drift slowly toward the Atlantic. Visitors spend about 1.5 hours here, with time allocated for walking along the shore, taking photos, and possibly joining a guided tour.

While the boat tour on the lagoon is not included, it can be added onsite during the summer, at an extra cost. The lagoon’s ever-changing landscape offers breathtaking views of floating ice blocks and seals often seen resting on the ice.

Marveling at Diamond Beach

Just across from Jökulsárlón lies Diamond Beach, where ice fragments wash ashore, glittering against the black sand. The scenic walk along this beach is brief but spectacular, highlighting the contrast between ice and volcanic sand.

Many visitors find Diamond Beach to be a highlight, capturing surreal photos of ice chunks that look like gemstones scattered across the shore.

Return Journey with Scenic Stops

The return trip takes approximately 6 hours, with two major bus segments and breaks at designated stops for rest and refreshments. The journey back provides more opportunities to enjoy Iceland’s landscapes and reflect on the day’s sights.

The tour concludes with drop-offs at Reykjavík, either at Bus Hostel Reykjavik or the VIRTA Charging Station, depending on the chosen option. The long day ends in the evening, yet the memories of waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches make it well worth the effort.

The Experience with Guides and Facilities

Throughout the tour, guides are praised for their knowledgeable explanations and friendly demeanor. They share insights about Iceland’s natural features and history, making each stop more meaningful. Many reviews highlight the entertaining and informative commentary, which enriches the experience.

Travelers appreciate the modern bus with USB charging points and free WiFi, which helps pass the time comfortably. Frequent bathroom stops and cafes along the route also support the long day’s pacing, ensuring travelers stay refreshed.

Reykjavik: South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Tour – An Honest Look

This tour offers an excellent value for its price of $187 per person, especially considering the extensive itinerary and professional guides. The full-day experience covers all key highlights of Iceland’s south coast, including both waterfalls, the glacier lagoon, and the black sand beaches. The 14-hour duration may seem long but is designed to maximize sightseeing while maintaining comfort.

The main limitation is the length of the trip, which can lead to fatigue. The bus seating is comfortable, but the journey demands patience and a readiness for a long day. The tour is most suited for travelers eager to see Iceland’s natural wonders without the hassle of planning logistics or driving long distances themselves.

Overall, this tour provides a balanced mix of scenery, sightseeing, and expert narration. The optional boat ride on Jökulsárlón during the summer adds an extra layer of excitement, but even without it, the lagoon and Diamond Beach alone make the trip worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 14 hours from start to finish.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from Reykjavík Terminal, Skógarhlíð 10, with drop-offs at Bus Hostel Reykjavik or VIRTA Charging Station.

Is food included in the price?
No, food and beverages are not included, but stops at local restaurants and gas stations provide options.

Can I add the boat tour on Jökulsárlón?
Yes, during the summer season, the amphibian boat tour on Jökulsárlón is available at an extra cost and can be arranged onsite.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry during outdoor stops.

How is the guide?
Reviews praise guides for their knowledgeable explanations and friendly manner, making the long day more engaging.

Is WiFi available onboard?
Yes, free WiFi is available on the bus, helping travelers stay connected.

Are bathroom breaks available?
Yes, frequent stops include bathroom facilities and cafes, supporting the long day’s pacing.

What makes this tour unique?
Its combination of waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and the icebergs of Jökulsárlón makes it a comprehensive exploration of Iceland’s south coast in one day.

Who would enjoy this tour most?
Travelers eager to see Iceland’s most iconic natural sights with minimal planning and who are comfortable with a long day of travel will find this tour highly satisfying.

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