From Reykjavik: South Coast Private Tour with Katla Ice Cave

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a dedicated guide and vehicle
• Visit iconic waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss (with behind-the-waterfall walk) and Skógafoss (climb for views)
• Explore the Katla Ice Cave via a super jeep tour from Vík, with expert guidance and safety gear
• Enjoy a 2-course dinner at the Viking-style Ingólfsskáli restaurant in a cozy, reconstructed longhouse
• Includes all transportation, guide, refreshments, and dinner, with options to customize and a flexible booking policy

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Intimate, Customizable Tour of Iceland’s South Coast

This private tour offers a comprehensive look at Iceland’s spectacular South Coast in a full-day adventure lasting around 12 hours. For up to 4 guests, the $2,627 price provides a tailored experience with a private guide and vehicle, ensuring flexibility and personal attention. The tour departs from Reykjavik, with convenient pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, making logistics straightforward.

What makes this experience stand out is the focus on highlights like waterfalls, ice caves, and volcanic landscapes, combined with personalized commentary. Since it’s private, you get to set the pace, spend more time at preferred spots, and enjoy a relaxing day immersed in Iceland’s natural beauty.

Discovering Iceland’s Iconic Waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

The tour begins with visits to Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall famous for the trail that allows you to walk behind the cascade. This offers a unique perspective and great photo opportunities, especially as the water flows over the cliff’s edge. The guide ensures you have plenty of time here, so you can enjoy the views without feeling rushed.

Shortly after, the journey continues to Gljúfrabúi, a lesser-known waterfall nearby, which is a hidden gem perfect for those seeking a quieter moment. Next, the group explores Skógafoss, another impressive waterfall with a powerful drop. Travelers can either admire from below or ascend the stairs for panoramic views of the coastline, with the guide providing insightful commentary about the area’s geological features.

Visiting the Glaciers and Ice Cave Beneath the Volcano

A highlight of this tour is the super jeep ride from Vík to the Katla Ice Cave. This adventure takes you across rugged terrain, leading to the glacial chamber beneath the Kötlujökull glacier. Inside, the ice formations are strikingly sculpted by volcanic activity, creating an otherworldly environment.

The guide offers a personalized tour, sharing fascinating details about the volcanic and glacial activity that has shaped this landscape. Safety equipment is provided for the exploration, ensuring comfort and security in the icy surroundings. After the ice cave visit, you can warm up with hot drinks and refreshments before continuing the day’s exploration.

Exploring Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Dyrhólaey

Following the ice cave adventure, the tour visits Reynisfjara, renowned for its dramatic basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The private guided walk along the black sand beach offers insights into its natural formation, with plenty of time to capture photos of the striking landscape.

A short drive then takes visitors to Dyrhólaey, where stunning viewpoints overlook the black sand beaches, the iconic arch, and the expansive coastline. The guide shares local stories and geological insights, enriching the experience of these scenic stops.

More Great Tours Nearby

Dinner at Ingólfsskáli: A Viking-Style Feast

As the day winds down, the tour concludes with a 2-course dinner at Ingólfsskáli, a cozy, Viking-style restaurant. The reconstructed longhouse creates an authentic atmosphere where you can enjoy locally sourced Icelandic dishes. The menu includes a two-course meal, with options that can accommodate dietary requests with advance notice.

This dinner provides a fitting end to a day filled with natural wonders, giving you a chance to relax and reflect over hearty, traditional fare in a warm, inviting setting.

Logistics and Practical Tips for the Tour

The tour is designed for comfort and convenience, with private transportation and pick-up/drop-off included. The entire experience is tailored to your pace, with plenty of time at each stop for photos, exploration, and enjoying the scenery.

Travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, a hat, water, and a waterproof camera. Since the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, packing waterproof clothing and shoes is recommended. The tour operates with an English-speaking guide and caters to private groups, which enhances the personalized experience.

While the tour is not suitable for those with back problems or wheelchair users, it’s ideal for travelers prepared for some walking and outdoor conditions.

Important Booking Information and Flexibility

Booking offers a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans. Since the tour is private, it’s possible to customize the experience and enjoy a relaxed pace tailored to your interests.

The 12-hour duration makes it a full-day adventure, with starting times available based on your schedule. This tour is suitable for those seeking an intimate, comprehensive exploration of Iceland’s South Coast, combined with exclusive access to the Katla Ice Cave.

Why Choose This Tour over Others?

What sets this experience apart is the combination of personalized guides, private transportation, and the chance to visit less crowded sites like the Gljúfrabúi waterfall and the Katla Ice Cave. The exclusive dinner at a Viking-style restaurant adds a cultural touch that many other tours do not include.

The 12-hour length allows enough time to explore diverse landscapes while maintaining a comfortable, unhurried pace. The inclusion of refreshments, safety equipment, and customized commentary makes this tour a well-rounded option for travelers wanting an immersive Icelandic adventure.

Final Thoughts on the South Coast Private Tour with Katla Ice Cave

This tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experience, making it ideal for travelers who want a personalized and flexible day exploring Iceland’s iconic sites. The private guide and vehicle ensure a comfortable journey with tailored attention, while the visit to the Katla Ice Cave adds an extraordinary element rarely available in group tours.

The dinner at Ingólfsskáli provides a warm, authentic Icelandic meal to cap off the day. The $2,627 price reflects the exclusivity and personalized service for up to 4 guests, making it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a luxury, all-inclusive experience.

While the tour involves some walking and outdoor exposure, the stunning views and unique sites justify the effort. Travelers who enjoy adventure, scenery, and cultural touches will find this an engaging, memorable day in Iceland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers private guide, transportation, the Katla Ice Cave tour with safety equipment, refreshments, and the dinner at Ingólfsskáli.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting and ending at your Reykjavik accommodation.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is not recommended for people with back problems or wheelchair users due to outdoor walking and uneven terrain.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
It’s advisable to bring comfortable shoes, warm and waterproof clothing, a hat, and a waterproof camera for the best experience.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, the dinner menu can be adjusted for dietary requests if informed in advance.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

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