South Coast Iceland from Reykjavik with Guide & Touchscreen Audio

Discover the South Coast of Iceland with a Full-Day Excursion from Reykjavik

This South Coast Iceland tour offers an immersive experience of some of Iceland’s most iconic sights for $115.86 per person. Lasting approximately 11 hours, it includes visits to waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic islands, and black sand beaches. Starting at the Reykjavik Terminal, the tour provides a climate-controlled coach equipped with touchscreen audio guides available in 10 languages and free WiFi with USB charging ports. For those who prefer a door-to-door experience, an upgrade for hotel pickup is available, making the journey even more convenient.

A highlight is the expert guide, who shares insights and fun facts about each stop, enhancing the journey through Iceland’s rugged landscape. With an average booking window of 50 days in advance, this tour attracts visitors eager to see diverse scenery with minimal hassle. While the tour is long, the well-organized schedule ensures ample time at each location, with some reviews noting the quality of the coach as an area for improvement.

Key Points

• Full-day tour covering Iceland’s south coast, lasting around 11 hours
• Includes transport, guide, touchscreen audio, WiFi, and USB chargers
• Visit Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and the volcanic Vestmannaeyjar Islands
• Optional hotel pickup available for added convenience
• Learn about Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches with a multilingual audio guide
• Good for those wanting a comprehensive yet compact Icelandic experience in one day

Meeting Point and Departure Details in Reykjavik

This tour starts at the Reykjavik Terminal at Skógarhlíð 10 at 9:00 am. Travelers are advised to arrive 15 minutes early with either a printed or digital ticket. For guests who select hotel pickup, the SmartBus service offers pickup 30 minutes before departure from designated locations, with the green SmartBus waiting outside your accommodation. The group size is limited to 65 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Iceland’s Volcanic Landscape: Hekla and Eyjafjalljökull

Your journey passes through volcanic regions, including the Hekla stratovolcano, known as the “Gateway to Hell” during the Middle Ages. Standing at 1,491 meters, Hekla has erupted over 20 times since 874. The tour also offers views of Eyjafjalljökull, the volcano that caused widespread disruption in 2010 with its ash eruption.

While Hekla and Eyjafjalljökull are viewed from the coach, their presence underscores Iceland’s active volcanic landscape, shaping the scenery along the south coast.

Exploring the Power of Waterfalls: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss

The Skógafoss Waterfall is a major highlight. Towering 65 meters (about 213 feet), it offers spectacular photo opportunities from viewpoints both at the top and at the base. A short flight of stairs leads to a lookout point, providing a panoramic view of glaciers and volcanic terrain.

Next, the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall provides a unique perspective as visitors can walk behind the cascade, offering a memorable photo opportunity. Its 196-foot (60-meter) drop makes it one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls. Visitors should consider bringing a rain jacket due to the spray from the waterfall, especially during windy conditions or winter months when the site is lit up at night.

The Iconic Black Sand Beach at Reynisfjara

A major stop is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, renowned for its dark volcanic sands and remarkable basalt columns. The massive sea stacks and the large basalt stone cave create a striking, almost otherworldly setting. The ocean here is powerful, generating heavy waves that can unexpectedly surge onto the beach, so visitors are advised to keep an eye on the ocean and stay away from the water’s edge.

This site combines natural beauty with a sense of awe at Iceland’s volcanic forces. It is also a dangerous spot if visitors ignore safety warnings about rogue waves, which have been known to catch travelers off guard.

Vík and the Black Sand Beach Village

The town of Vík marks the southernmost point of the tour. Its traditional Icelandic church overlooks the ocean, providing a scenic backdrop. In Vík, visitors have the chance to grab lunch, explore the town, or shop at Icewear’s outlet store.

This one-hour stop offers a chance to stretch, enjoy local snacks, or take photographs of the famous black sand beach from a different vantage point. After Vík, the tour heads back toward Reykjavik, with scenic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and volcanic formations.

Sólheimajökull Glacier and its Spectacular Ice Fields

The Sólheimajökull Glacier is a highlight for photography lovers. Its otherworldly ice fields provide a stark contrast to the black volcanic sands. Visitors can expect fantastic photo opportunities of the glacier’s icy surface, which reveals Iceland’s ongoing volcanic activity beneath the ice.

While the tour does not include guided glacier walks, the stop allows for close-up views that showcase Iceland’s dynamic ice formations and volcanic activity. The photos taken here capture the raw power of nature in this icy landscape.

The Charm of Reynisfjara’s Ocean and Basalt Columns

Reynisfjara’s jagged basalt sea stacks and columns are among the most photographed sights in Iceland. The crashing ocean waves against the basalt create a mesmerizing scene, but they also warn visitors to stay careful of rogue waves.

The large basalt cave and the volcanic formations are both impressive and dangerous, making it essential to respect safety signs and avoid getting too close to the water’s edge. The natural landscape here feels both magnificent and formidable.

The Comfort and Technology of the Coach

The coach used for this tour offers a climate-controlled environment to keep everyone comfortable in Iceland’s variable weather. Passengers benefit from free WiFi and USB charging ports at every seat, which help make the long day more enjoyable.

An audio guide, available in 10 languages (including English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Finnish), enhances understanding of the sights and their significance. Some reviews note that the coach quality could be improved, but overall, the amenities contribute positively to the experience.

The Expertise of the Guides and Overall Experience

The guides are praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills. They share details about volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and local culture, making the day both informative and engaging. Many reviews highlight the friendly and humorous manner of the guides, which helps pass the long hours comfortably.

Despite some minor issues like coach quality or WiFi reliability, the general consensus is that the tour delivers excellent value with well-managed stops and ample time at each location. The long finish back to Reykjavik** is balanced by the stunning scenery and the quality of the stops.

Suitability and Practical Tips for Tour Participants

This tour suits travelers with a full day to explore and those interested in diverse Icelandic landscapes without the hassle of self-driving. The 11-hour schedule means some physical activity, especially at waterfalls and the glacier stop, but wearing waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes will enhance the experience.

For travelers who prefer more comfort and less rushing, the optional hotel pickup simplifies logistics. The tour operates rain or shine, so appropriate weather attire is essential — rain jackets, warm layers, and sturdy shoes are recommended.

Final Thoughts on the South Coast Iceland Tour

This full-day tour from Reykjavik provides a comprehensive glimpse of Iceland’s scenic south coast, emphasizing waterfalls, volcanic islands, glaciers, and black sand beaches. The inclusion of touchscreen audio guides and free WiFi enhances convenience, while the expert guides bring the landscape to life with stories and insights.

While the coach quality may vary and some stops are long, the value for money remains high given the number of iconic sights covered. The tour is ideal for first-time visitors or anyone seeking an efficient way to see Iceland’s natural wonders in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup is available as an upgrade through the SmartBus service, which picks up 30 minutes before departure from designated locations.

What should I bring for the stops at waterfalls and glaciers?
It’s best to wear waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes for walking near waterfalls and glaciers, especially since some sites like Seljalandsfoss and Sólheimajökull can be wet and windy.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included. The Vík stop provides an opportunity to buy lunch or snacks.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops vary from 30 minutes at Seljalandsfoss, 45 minutes at Reynisfjara, 1 hour at Vík, to 45 minutes at Skógafoss and 30 minutes at the glacier.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can participate, but everyone must be accompanied by an adult. The long day and walking may be best suited for those who are comfortable with physical activity.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior will not be refunded.